Communication method, terminal, network device and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method, a terminal, network equipment and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: receiving first indication information sent by network equipment, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating a terminal which fails in inventory to join the inventory again. In the method disclosed by the invention, the terminal obtains the re-inventory indication issued by the network equipment to the terminal which fails in inventory by receiving the first indication information, so that the terminal can timely re-inventory based on the first indication information when the inventory fails, thereby improving the communication efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, a terminal, a network device, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Traditional IoT devices are typically powered by batteries with limited lifespans. With the proliferation of IoT networks and the proliferation of IoT devices, battery maintenance, recycling, and replacement are becoming increasingly challenging. Unrecyclable batteries can also have detrimental impacts on the ecosystem and the environment. This has led to the emergence of environmentally friendly and secure battery-free communications, which can improve network performance and sustainability, expand application scenarios, and significantly reduce device size and cost.

[0003] IoT devices that support ambient power or obtain energy from the environment are called ambient Internet of Things devices (Ambient-IoT Device or A-IoT Device), ambient Internet of Things terminals or passive devices. They can obtain energy by collecting radio waves, light, motion, heat or any other suitable power source in the environment, with lower complexity, cost and maintenance cost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Compared with the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system, the AmbientIOT system needs to support a larger total number of devices. There may be devices with communication failures, and a method for handling communication failures needs to be provided.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a network device, and a storage medium.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising: receiving first indication information sent by a network device, the first indication information being used to instruct a terminal that has failed an inventory to rejoin the inventory.

[0007] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is executed by a network device. The method includes: sending first indication information to a terminal, where the indication information is used to instruct the terminal that failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory.

[0008] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal, including: a transceiver module, configured to receive first indication information sent by a network device, wherein the first indication information is configured to instruct a terminal that has failed an inventory to rejoin the inventory.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network device, including: a transceiver module, configured to send first indication information to a terminal, wherein the first indication information is configured to instruct a terminal that has failed an inventory to rejoin the inventory.

[0010] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the terminal is configured to implement the method described in the first aspect.

[0011] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is configured to implement the method described in the second aspect.

[0012] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system, comprising a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the method described in the first aspect; and the network device is configured to implement the method described in the second aspect.

[0013] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0014] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program product, wherein when the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0015] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the terminal receives the first indication information and obtains the re-inventory instruction issued by the network device to the terminal that failed the inventory, so that the terminal can re-inventory in time based on the first indication information when the inventory fails, thereby improving communication efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figures 1a to 1g is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 is an exemplary interactive diagram of a method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figures 3a to 3d is an exemplary flow chart of a method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figures 4a to 4c is an exemplary flow chart of a method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 5a is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 5b is a structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6b It is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a network device, and a storage medium.

[0026] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising: receiving first indication information sent by a network device, the first indication information being used to instruct a terminal that has failed an inventory to rejoin the inventory.

[0027] In the above embodiment, the terminal receives the first indication information and learns the re-inventory instruction issued by the network device to the terminal that failed to perform inventory, so that the terminal can perform re-inventory in time based on the first indication information when inventory fails, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0028] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information is used to indicate a first inventory opportunity and / or an opportunity for a terminal that failed inventory to rejoin the inventory, wherein the terminal that failed inventory is a terminal that failed inventory in the first inventory opportunity.

[0029] In the above embodiment, the first indication information can indicate the first inventory opportunity, indicating that the terminal that failed the inventory at a specific opportunity can rejoin the inventory, and can selectively instruct the terminals that failed the inventory at different opportunities to re-inventory in turn, thereby improving the inventory efficiency; or, by indicating the opportunity to rejoin the inventory, the terminal that failed the inventory can be instructed to re-inventory in time, thereby improving the communication efficiency.

[0030] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information is used to instruct a terminal that has failed in the inventory to rejoin the inventory at a second inventory opportunity.

[0031] In the above embodiment, according to the first indication information, the terminal that fails to perform inventory in the first inventory opportunity can promptly perform inventory again in the second inventory opportunity, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0032] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information includes numbers of one or more first inventory opportunities.

[0033] In the above embodiment, the first indication information indicates the number of the first inventory opportunity, so that the terminal that fails to perform inventory in the first inventory opportunity can perform inventory again, thereby improving the inventory success rate.

[0034] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information includes one or more offsets, where the offset is an offset of the first inventory opportunity relative to the second inventory opportunity.

[0035] In the above embodiment, the terminal can determine the corresponding first inventory opportunity through the offset in the first indication information, so that the terminal that fails to perform inventory in the first inventory opportunity can re-perform inventory in a timely manner.

[0036] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information includes a bit map, and multiple bits in the bit map correspond to different inventory opportunities respectively; wherein the inventory opportunity corresponding to the bit with the first value in the bit map is the first inventory opportunity.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the terminal can obtain the first inventory opportunity through the value of each bit in the bitmap in the first indication information, so that the terminal that fails to perform inventory in the first inventory opportunity can re-perform inventory in time.

[0038] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information is used to indicate whether a terminal that failed inventory in a first inventory opportunity rejoins the inventory in a second inventory opportunity, wherein the first inventory opportunity is an inventory opportunity before the second inventory opportunity.

[0039] In the above embodiment, based on the first indication information, the terminal that fails to perform inventory in the first opportunity can determine whether to rejoin the inventory in the designated second inventory opportunity, thereby re-inventorying at an appropriate time based on the network's indication to ensure communication performance.

[0040] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second inventory timing is one of the following: determined according to the time domain location of the first indication information; determined by the terminal; configured by the network device.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the time domain position of the second inventory opportunity can be determined based on multiple methods, so that the time domain position of the first inventory opportunity can be accurately determined.

[0042] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: receiving second indication information sent by the network device, the second indication information is used to indicate an integer value; generating multiple indexes based on the integer value, wherein the first inventory opportunity corresponds to one of the multiple indexes, and the second inventory opportunity corresponds to another of the multiple indexes.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the terminal may generate an index based on the second indication information, and use different indexes to perform inventory at different inventory opportunities.

[0044] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: setting a first parameter to a second value when the inventory is successful, the first parameter being used to indicate whether the inventory is successful.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the terminal can adjust the value of the first parameter in time when the inventory is successful, so as to avoid repeated inventory and improve the inventory efficiency.

[0046] In combination with the embodiment of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first parameter corresponds to the inventory identifier or the task identifier.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the terminal may adjust the first parameter corresponding to the inventory task to the second value based on the inventory identifier or task identifier of the inventory task when the inventory is successful, so as to avoid repeated inventory of the same inventory task.

[0048] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving third indication information sent by the network device, the third indication information being used to indicate a new inventory task; when the task identifier of the new inventory task corresponds to the inventory task associated with the first parameter, ignoring the third indication information.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the terminal learns of a new inventory task based on the third indication information. When the new inventory task corresponds to the first parameter, it indicates that the terminal has successfully performed the inventory task. Therefore, the terminal can ignore the indication information to avoid repeated inventory.

[0050] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the terminal that failed the inventory rejoins the inventory in a second inventory opportunity according to a random number, wherein the random number is the first index or is determined according to the first index.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the terminal that fails in the inventory can be re-added to the inventory based on the first indication information, and the random number in the inventory can be determined according to the first index.

[0052] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first index is one of the following: an index used at the first inventory opportunity; an index not used in the first inventory opportunity among the generated multiple indexes; a network device configuration; or an index used at the second inventory opportunity.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the terminal may determine the first index based on different methods, thereby determining the random number used for re-inventory.

[0054] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the type of the terminal is a set device type; or, the device identifier of the terminal is a specified identifier; or, the priority of the terminal is a set priority.

[0055] In the above embodiment, terminals that meet certain conditions may be re-inventored based on the instructions of the network device, or terminals that meet certain conditions may be re-inventored based on the instructions of the network device, thereby re-inventoring necessary terminals to ensure necessary communication performance.

[0056] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving fourth indication information sent by the network device, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate a condition that the terminal rejoining the inventory meets.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the terminal may learn the conditions for re-inventorying the device based on the fourth indication information, so that the terminal may determine whether to re-join the inventory based on its own information.

[0058] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending uplink information to the network device, where the uplink information is used to indicate that the terminal cannot participate in the inventory corresponding to the first inventory opportunity.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the terminal may report to the network device through uplink information that the inventory may fail in the first inventory opportunity, so that the network device can promptly instruct the relevant terminal to re-inventory as needed.

[0060] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, an interval between the first inventory opportunity and the second inventory opportunity is smaller than a threshold.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the terminal that fails in the inventory can be re-added to the inventory as soon as possible, thereby improving the inventory efficiency.

[0062] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is executed by a network device. The method includes: sending first indication information to a terminal, where the indication information is used to instruct the terminal that failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory.

[0063] In combination with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information is used to indicate the first inventory opportunity and / or the opportunity for the terminal that failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory, wherein the terminal that failed the inventory is the terminal that failed the inventory in the first inventory opportunity.

[0064] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information is used to instruct a terminal that has failed in the inventory to rejoin the inventory at a second inventory opportunity.

[0065] In combination with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information includes numbers of one or more first inventory opportunities.

[0066] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information includes one or more offsets, where the offset is an offset of the first inventory opportunity relative to the second inventory opportunity.

[0067] In combination with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information includes a bit map, and multiple bits in the bit map correspond to different inventory opportunities respectively; wherein the inventory opportunity corresponding to the bit of the first value in the bit map is the first inventory opportunity.

[0068] In combination with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information is used to indicate whether a terminal that failed inventory in a first inventory opportunity rejoins the inventory in a second inventory opportunity, wherein the first inventory opportunity is an inventory opportunity before the second inventory opportunity.

[0069] In combination with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second inventory timing is one of the following: determined according to the time domain location of the first indication information; determined by the terminal; configured by the network device.

[0070] In combination with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: sending second indication information to the terminal, the second indication information is used to indicate an integer value, and the integer value is used by the terminal to generate multiple indexes, wherein one of the multiple indexes is used at the first inventory opportunity, and another one of the multiple index numbers is used at the second inventory opportunity.

[0071] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the inventory identifier or task identifier of the inventory has a corresponding relationship with the first parameter of the terminal.

[0072] In combination with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending third indication information to the terminal, where the third indication information is used to indicate a new inventory task.

[0073] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the random number is determined according to the first index or according to the first index, and the random number is used for the terminal that failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory in the second inventory opportunity.

[0074] In combination with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first index is one of the following: an index used at the first inventory opportunity; an index not used in the first inventory opportunity among the multiple indexes generated; a network device configuration; or an index used at the second inventory opportunity.

[0075] In combination with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the type of the terminal is a set device type; or, the device identifier of the terminal is a specified identifier; or, the priority of the terminal is a set priority.

[0076] In combination with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending fourth indication information to the terminal, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate a condition that the terminal that rejoins the inventory satisfies.

[0077] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving uplink information sent by the terminal, where the uplink information is used to indicate that the terminal cannot participate in the inventory corresponding to the first inventory opportunity.

[0078] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, an interval between the first inventory opportunity and the second inventory opportunity is smaller than a threshold.

[0079] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal, including: a transceiver module, configured to receive first indication information sent by a network device, wherein the first indication information is configured to instruct a terminal that has failed an inventory to rejoin the inventory.

[0080] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network device, including: a transceiver module, configured to send first indication information to a terminal, wherein the first indication information is configured to instruct a terminal that has failed an inventory to rejoin the inventory.

[0081] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the terminal is configured to implement the method described in the first aspect.

[0082] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is configured to implement the method described in the second aspect.

[0083] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system, comprising a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the method described in the first aspect; and the network device is configured to implement the method described in the second aspect.

[0084] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0085] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program product, wherein when the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0086] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0087] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system, wherein the chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0088] It is understandable that the above-mentioned terminals, devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0089] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0090] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0091] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0092] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0093] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0094] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0095] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0096] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0097] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0098] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0099] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0100] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0101] In some embodiments, devices and equipment can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

[0102] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as network equipment, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0103] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and / or reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)", etc.

[0104] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal" "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc.

[0105] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0106] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0107] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0108] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figures 1b to 1f It is a schematic diagram of the topology structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] like Figure 1a or Figure 1b As shown, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102 .

[0110] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may be an ambient-IoT device, or an ambient-IoT terminal, or simply a device. Terminal 101 supports ambient power and is powered by energy harvesting, without a battery or with limited energy storage capability (e.g., using a capacitor).

[0111] Among them, the terminal 101 can have the characteristics of low memory, low processing power, low power, small data transmission and massive deployment, etc., can be maintenance-free and have a long service life. For example, the service life of the terminal 101 can exceed 10 years.

[0112] In some embodiments, the power acquisition and storage capabilities of the terminal 101 vary depending on the type and operating mode of the terminal 101. For example, the types of the terminal 101 may include the following:

[0113] Device 1 or device A: cannot perform independent signal generation or amplification. Device 1 can communicate using backscattering and does not have the ability to amplify downlink (DL) signals and / or uplink (UL) signals.

[0114] Device 2a (Device 2a) or Device B: has energy storage capability but cannot generate independent signals. Device 2a can communicate using backscattering, and its stored energy can be used to amplify reflected signals, DL signals, or UL signals.

[0115] Device 2b or Device C: has energy storage capability and can independently generate signals, such as a radio frequency (RF) component that actively transmits signals.

[0116] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may meet the following characteristics:

[0117] The device has a peak power consumption of approximately 1 microwatt (μW) and includes energy storage capabilities. Its initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) is as high as 10X ppm. It does not support either downlink or uplink signal amplification; its uplink signal transmission requires backscattering on an externally provided carrier.

[0118] The device has a peak power consumption of ≤ several hundred μW, energy storage capability, a SFO of up to 10X ppm, and DL and / or UL signal amplification capabilities. The UL signal transmission of the device can be generated internally or backscattered on an externally provided carrier. X can be determined by the protocol.

[0119] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include one or more network nodes. To support data transmission between Ambient-IoT devices, the network device 102 may implement one or more of the following functions:

[0120] Energy Source (ES) function: provides energy to the terminal 101 and can be used for device 2a and device 2b;

[0121] Downlink transmission (DT) function: triggering uplink transmission of the terminal 101 by sending indication information.

[0122] Continuous Wave (CW) excitation: This function provides terminal 101 with the electromagnetic waves required for backscattering. This allows device 1 and device 2a to achieve uplink transmission by backscattering CW. CW is actually a type of ES, and terminal 101 can receive and store CW energy.

[0123] Uplink Receiver (UR) function: receiving uplink information backscattered by the terminal 101, or receiving uplink information actively transmitted by the terminal 101.

[0124] In some embodiments, a single network device 102 can simultaneously implement multiple or all of the aforementioned functions. Alternatively, the network device 102 includes multiple network nodes, each of which is configured to implement one of the functions. The network node that implements each function can be a user equipment (UE), a repeater, or a base station. When each network node implements a function, the network can coordinate the behavior of different nodes.

[0125] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0126] Optionally, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses the terminal to the wireless network. The access network device may include a base station in a 5G communication system, an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (CloudRAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, but is not limited thereto.

[0127] Optionally, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0128] Optionally, the core network device can be a device including one or more network elements, or it can be multiple devices or device groups, each including all or part of one or more network elements. The network element can be virtual or physical. The core network includes, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), the 5G Core Network (5GCN), and the Next Generation Core (NGC). Alternatively, the core network device refers to a network element with a specific function, such as the Access Management Function (AMF), the Service Management Function (SMF), etc.

[0129] like Figure 1c As shown, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 , a network device 102 and an intermediate node 103 .

[0130] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 and the network device 102 can refer to the description of the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here. The terminal 101 and the network device 102 can be directly connected, and the terminal 101 and the network device 102 can directly receive and transmit data on the downlink and uplink, such as transmitting ambient IoT data or signaling.

[0131] Alternatively, the terminal 101 and the network device 102 transmit environmental IoT data or signaling via the intermediate node 103. The terminal 101 and the network device 102 indirectly receive and transmit DL and UL data, and the intermediate node 103 forwards the data.

[0132] In some embodiments, the intermediate node 103 may be a relay, a repeater, an integrated access backhaul (IAB), or a UE.

[0133] In some embodiments, the UE includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] like Figure 1d to Figure 1e As shown, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 , a network device 102 and an assisting node 104 .

[0135] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 and the network device 102 can refer to the description of the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0136] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 and the network device 102 directly receive or transmit data in DL or UL; then an auxiliary node 104 exists on the UL or DL, and the auxiliary node 104 is responsible for receiving or sending UL or receiving DL data.

[0137] In some embodiments, the auxiliary node 104 may be a relay, a repeater, an IAB, or a UE. The UE may refer to the description of the above embodiments and will not be described again here.

[0138] like Figure 1f As shown, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a UE 105 .

[0139] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 and the UE 105 can refer to the description of the aforementioned embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0140] In some embodiments, DL and UL data reception and transmission are performed directly between the terminal 101 and the UE 105 ; the UE 105 is responsible for collecting data and forwarding the collected data to the network side, such as the network device 102 .

[0141] In some embodiments, the communication between the terminal 101 and the network device 102 is based on Figures 1a to 1c The spectrum resources that can be used for the two topological structures of communication include three forms: In-Band, Guard Band and Stand-alone. Among them, In-band uses the normal NR communication DL and / or UL spectrum resources, such as the DL / UL communication between the base station and other UEs ( Figure 1b ) spectrum resources, or DL / UL communication between UE and base station ( Figure 1c ) spectrum resources. Guard-band refers to the spectrum resources of the guard band of normal NR communication DL and / or UL spectrum, and standalone refers to the spectrum resources unrelated to NR communication.

[0142] In some embodiments, Figures 1a to 1f The number of devices or nodes is for illustration only. In actual applications, multiple devices or nodes may be used.

[0143] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0144] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0145] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Figures 1a to 1f The communication system 100, or a portion thereof, is shown but is not limited thereto.

[0146] Figures 1a to 1f The various entities shown are examples, and the communication system may include Figures 1a to 1f All or part of the subject, and may also include Figures 1a to 1f For other entities other than the above, the number and form of each entity are arbitrary, and the connection relationship between each entity is an example. The entities may be connected or not connected, and the connection may be in any way, which may be direct or indirect, and may be wired or wireless.

[0147] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication processing methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0148] To meet the growing demands of vertical sectors, existing Low Power Wide Area (LPMA) technologies, such as Machine Type Communication (MTC), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), and Reduced Capability (RedCap), can achieve low cost, low power consumption, and large-scale connectivity. However, they still cannot address the following requirements: First, devices powered by traditional batteries are not suitable, for example, in extreme environmental conditions (such as high voltage, extremely high / low temperatures, and humid environments); second, maintenance-free devices are required (for example, traditional batteries that do not require replacement); and finally, ultra-low complexity, very small device size or form factor (such as mm thickness), and longer life cycle are required. The Internet of Things that supports ambient power or ambient energy can meet the above requirements.

[0149] Low-power IoT communication chips, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Long Range Radio (LoRa), or NB-IoT, consume tens or even hundreds of milliwatts of power for both transmission and reception. However, as described in the preceding embodiments, ambient energy harvesting captures only microwatts of energy. Harvesting energy from the environment can power sensor nodes, such as Terminal 101, for data transmission and wireless communication. Wireless communication technologies are needed that can reduce communication energy consumption to tens or even below ten microwatts.

[0150] Backscatter Communications is an extremely low-power modulation and transmission technology that utilizes the principle of backscattering of radio frequency signals. It is a means to realize the intelligent connection of all things. In backscatter communications, since a portion of radio frequency signals, such as electromagnetic waves, will be reflected when they reach the surface of an object, a passive node such as terminal 101, which acts as a sending node, adjusts the matching between the receiving antenna and the impedance according to the information to be sent, enhances the reflection of the incident radio frequency signal, and modulates the perception data acquired by itself onto the reflected signal to complete the transmission of the data. Compared with other communication technologies, backscatter communications do not require a complex radio frequency structure, reduce the use of devices such as power amplifiers, high-precision crystal oscillators, duplexers, and high-precision filters, and do not require complex baseband processing. Therefore, it can simplify terminal design and significantly reduce the cost of terminal nodes.

[0151] In a radio frequency identification (RFID) system using backscatter communication, such as Figure 1gAs shown, the receiver sends a radio frequency excitation signal to activate the passive node. Among them, if the receiver is an RFID reader, it corresponds to the network device 102, the intermediate node 103, the auxiliary node 104 or the UE 105; if the passive node is an RFID electronic tag, it corresponds to the terminal 101. The electronic tag uses backscatter communication to modulate its own information onto the radio frequency signal. The reader receives the reflected signal of the passive electronic tag and demodulates it to achieve information transmission. The RFID communication process has the following disadvantages: the wireless signal will experience double path fading in the round trip, the path loss is large, the effective communication distance is short, and therefore the coverage distance is small; and single-channel transmission is required; the tag needs to be strictly aligned; there is no power control, etc. It is necessary to integrate 3GPP communication technology to improve the wireless communication performance of RFID technology in the passive Internet of Things.

[0152] In RFID communication systems, commands are divided into three categories based on their functions: tag selection (Select), inventory (Inventory), and access (Access). Among them:

[0153] The selection commands include: Select command and Challenge command.

[0154] The inventory commands include: query (Query) command, query adjustment (QueryAdjust) command, repeat query (QueryRep) command, confirm (ACK) command, and deny (NAK) command.

[0155] The access commands include: random number request (Req_RN) command, read (Read) command, write (Write) command, kill (Kill) command, lock (Lock) command; optionally, they may also include: access (Access) command, block write (BlockWrite) command, block erase (BlockErase) command.

[0156] In some embodiments, examples of command applications in inventory and access may include:

[0157] (1) After receiving a valid Query command, each tag selected by the selected tag that meets the set criteria generates a random number. Each tag whose random number is zero will respond, such as sending back a temporary password RN16, which is a 16-bit random number, and transition to the Reply state. Other tags can change certain attributes and flags and exit the tag group with a zero random number, which helps reduce duplicate identification.

[0158] (2) After receiving a valid QueryAdjust command, each tag generates a new random number. Other actions are the same as those for the Query command.

[0159] (3) After receiving a valid QueryRep command, the tag will reduce the original random number of each tag in the tag group by one. Other actions are the same as the Query command.

[0160] (4) Only a single tag can receive a valid ACK command. After receiving it, it sends back the contents of the EPC area according to the Electronic Product Code (EPC) communication protocol. The ACK command can use the above-mentioned RN16 or handle. The handle is a 16-bit random number that temporarily represents the tag's identity.

[0161] (5) After a tag receives a valid NAK command, tags in the Ready or Killed states remain in their original states, and tags in other states transition to the Arbitrate state.

[0162] In the inventory command described above, combined with the relevant protocol definitions, the command descriptions can be found in Tables 1-1 through 1-4. Table 1-1 illustrates the Query command, Table 1-2 illustrates the QueryAdjust command, Table 1-3 illustrates the QueryRep command, and Table 1-4 illustrates the response information, i.e., the returned RN16. For relevant parameters, refer to the protocol definitions. For example, for tags, Sel generates a random number for tags that match the target.

[0163] Table 1-1

[0164]

[0165]

[0166] Table 1-2

[0167]

[0168] Table 1-3

[0169]

[0170] Table 1-4

[0171] Reply Bit number 16 describe RN16

[0172] In some embodiments, data can be read from and written to RFID tags, as well as communicate with them, according to the RFID EPC protocol. The RFID system operates in the 860-960 MHz frequency band. RFID communication conforms to half-duplex communication, meaning only one reader or tag is allowed to transmit a signal during a transmission, so the reader and tag cannot transmit simultaneously.

[0173] In combination with the description of the above embodiment, during the inventory process, based on the Query command, the reader will configure a Q value for the tag. Based on the Q value, the tag randomly Q –1) selects a random value and saves it. If the tag selects zero, it responds immediately; if it selects a non-zero value, it waits for a QueryAdjust command or QueryRep command. Upon receiving a QueryRep command, the random value is decremented by 1, and so on until the random value reaches 0, at which point the tag can report data. In this mode, if the tag does not receive a QueryRep command, it misses the decrement of the random number. Furthermore, the network cannot request data reports from this tag repeatedly.

[0174] During this process, tags whose random numbers decrease to 0 can communicate and respond to the inventory process, indicating a successful inventory. If the inventory process is unsuccessful, the tag can change the random number value from 000h to 7FFFh when it receives the next QueryRep command, indicating that the tag cannot return to the inventory process again during this inventory. It must wait for the QueryAdjust command sent by the network to re-obtain Q and regenerate a new random number, where h represents hexadecimal.

[0175] In the embodiments of this disclosure, compared to RFID systems, ambient IoT systems must support more reliable communication, a larger number of tags, more flexible data request reporting, and multi-user coexistence. Therefore, it is necessary to resolve potential conflicts or failures during communication. The embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method to enable devices that have failed inventory to re-enter the inventory.

[0176] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0177] Step S2101 , the network device 102 sends second indication information to the terminal 101 .

[0178] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may implement the functions of a reader, an intermediate node 103, or an auxiliary node 104. Alternatively, the network device 102 is configured to implement one or more functions of ES, DT, CW, or UR.

[0179] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may be an environmental IoT device or a tag.

[0180] In some embodiments, the second indication information is used to indicate an integer value Q.

[0181] In some embodiments, the second indication information may be a Query command in an inventory process.

[0182] Optionally, the network device 102 may send a Query command to multiple terminals 101 .

[0183] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 receives the Query command, and the terminal 101 that meets the criteria in the command may execute step S2103.

[0184] Step S2102 , the terminal 101 sends uplink information to the network device 102 .

[0185] In some embodiments, the uplink information may be used to indicate that the terminal 101 cannot participate in this inventory.

[0186] Optionally, the uplink information may indicate an inventory opportunity corresponding to the inventory that cannot be participated in, such as indicating the first inventory opportunity, which means that the inventory corresponding to the first inventory opportunity cannot be participated in.

[0187] Optionally, the uplink information may indicate the reason why the device cannot participate in the inventory, such as insufficient power, need to charge, or poor channel, etc.

[0188] In some embodiments, the uplink information is an inventory delay indication, that is, after receiving the uplink information, the network device 102 can know that the terminal 101 cannot participate in the inventory and needs to delay the inventory until later.

[0189] In some embodiments, step S2102 may be omitted, such as when the terminal 101 does not have the aforementioned delay reason.

[0190] In some embodiments, if terminal 101 executes step S2102, it indicates that terminal 101 has failed the inventory. The order of step S2102 is for illustration only. For example, the order of executing steps S2101 and S2102 can be interchanged or the sending time can be determined by terminal 101. For example, terminal 101 can report the uplink information when it determines that charging is required.

[0191] In some embodiments, the network device 102 receives the uplink information.

[0192] Step S2103: The terminal 101 determines a random number (first random number) according to the second indication information.

[0193] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may generate one or more indexes (slot indexes) according to the integer value Q of the second indication information, wherein each index may be used for a random access or an inventory process.

[0194] In one example, the index generated according to the Q value can be used as a random number (counter or slot-counter), that is, the random number is the same as the index, such as the index is RN16.

[0195] In another example, an index generated according to the Q value may be used to calculate a random number, that is, a random number such as RN16 is calculated according to the index.

[0196] In step S2104, the terminal 101 sends RN16 to the network device 102 at the inventory opportunity.

[0197] Optionally, terminal 101 may send RN16 as a response to the Query command when the random number is 0. RN16 is a 16-bit random number. For a terminal 101, the generated random number, index, RN16, and inventory slot correspond to each other, or the random number, index, and RN16 are the same.

[0198] In some embodiments, the inventory timing may be, for example, a certain time slot, and the inventory timing of each terminal 101 may be determined according to a random number.

[0199] In an example, the random number generated by the terminal 101 based on the second indication information is 0, and the inventory timing of the terminal 101 may be the most recent inventory timing after the second indication information.

[0200] In another example, network device 102 indicates an inventory timing of terminal 101 based on the received RN16. For example, multiple terminals 101 indicating the same random number, such as RN16, have the same inventory timing. For example, if terminals 101 include Device 1, Device 2, and Device 3, and the three devices have the same random number, the inventory timing may be slot K, where K is an integer. In this case, Device 1, Device 2, and Device 3 send an uplink transmission in slot K, i.e., send RN16.

[0201] In some embodiments, the embodiments of the present disclosure are described by taking the inventory opportunity of one or more terminals 101 as the first inventory opportunity as an example.

[0202] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may reply ACK to the terminal 101 after receiving the RN16 sent by the terminal 101.

[0203] Optionally, if the terminal 101 receives the ACK, it may report its own EPC to the network device 102 .

[0204] Optionally, after the network device 102 receives the EPC sent by the terminal 101, it may reply ACK to the terminal 101 or send other instructions, such as a command requesting RN16.

[0205] Step S2105: Determine whether the inventory fails.

[0206] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 or the network device 102 may determine whether the current inventory has failed in a variety of ways. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the inventory corresponding to the first inventory opportunity is used as an example for description.

[0207] In some embodiments, for the terminal 101, the terminal 101 may determine that the inventory fails by:

[0208] In the first example, if terminal 101 does not receive the Query command in step S2101 and misses the inventory, the inventory is considered to have failed. For example, some terminals 101 may be charging or in the process of charging and not receive the Query command. In this case, terminal 101 may determine that the inventory has failed and wait for the following first indication information.

[0209] In the second example, if the terminal 101 executes step S2102, it is determined that the inventory has failed. Detailed descriptions of step S2102 are available and will not be repeated here.

[0210] In the third example, referring to step S2104, if terminal 101 does not receive an ACK from network device 102 after sending RN16 in step S2104 and after a specified timer, the inventory is determined to have failed. Alternatively, if terminal 101 does not receive an ACK or other instruction from network device 102 after sending EPC in step S2104, the inventory is determined to have failed.

[0211] In some embodiments, for the network device 102, the network device 102 may determine that the inventory failed by:

[0212] In the first example, if the network device 102 receives the uplink information of step S2102 , it determines that an inventory failure occurs in the first inventory opportunity.

[0213] In the second example, if network device 102 receives RN16 and sends an ACK in step S2104, but does not receive any further acknowledgment or response signaling from terminal 101, network device 102 determines that an inventory failure occurred in the first inventory opportunity. Alternatively, if network device 102 receives EPC and sends an ACK or other instruction in step S2104, but does not receive any further acknowledgment or response signaling from terminal 101, network device 102 determines that an inventory failure occurred in the first inventory opportunity.

[0214] In some embodiments, network device 102 may determine that some or all of the inventory opportunities have inventory failures.

[0215] Step S2106 , the network device 102 sends first indication information to the terminal 101 .

[0216] In some embodiments, the first indication information is used to instruct a terminal that has failed in inventory to rejoin the inventory.

[0217] In some embodiments, in combination with the description of step S2105 , the network device 102 may be aware of all inventory failures, or may be aware of only some inventory failures.

[0218] In one example, when the network device 102 determines that an inventory failure occurs as described in step S2105 , it may execute step S2106 to instruct the terminal that failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory.

[0219] In another example, the network device 102 may execute step S2106 at a certain period to instruct the possible inventory-failed terminals 101 to rejoin the inventory.

[0220] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may send the first indication information via a downlink (DL) command, for example, by sending the first indication information via a Query command or a QueryRep command.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first indication information is used to indicate a first inventory opportunity and / or an opportunity for a terminal that failed an inventory to rejoin the inventory. A terminal that failed an inventory is one that failed the first inventory opportunity. In this embodiment, after receiving the first indication information, terminal 101 can learn the first inventory opportunity or the opportunity to rejoin the inventory. Based on whether the terminal itself failed an inventory and whether the corresponding inventory opportunity is the first inventory opportunity, the terminal rejoins the inventory according to the first indication information.

[0222] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may determine the terminal that failed the inventory and the inventory opportunity corresponding to the inventory failure by various methods described in the above embodiments. The first inventory opportunity indicated by the first indication information may be part of the inventory opportunities corresponding to the inventory failure.

[0223] The following scenario is used as an example to describe the content indicated by the first indication information or the function of the first indication. In this scenario, the terminals that failed inventory at inventory opportunity 1 are Terminal 1 and Terminal 2; and the terminal that failed inventory at inventory opportunity 2 is Terminal 3. The first inventory opportunity can refer to inventory opportunity 1 and / or inventory opportunity 2.

[0224] For example, the first indication information may indicate inventory opportunity 1, and further indicate that terminal 1 and terminal 2 in inventory opportunity 1 need to re-participate in the inventory or re-join the inventory.

[0225] Alternatively, the first indication information may instruct a terminal that failed to take inventory at inventory opportunity 1 to rejoin the inventory, thereby instructing Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to participate in or rejoin the inventory. How Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 determine the next inventory opportunity is not limited herein; for example, it may be the next most recent inventory opportunity, a rule-defined inventory opportunity, or an inventory opportunity indicated by other information.

[0226] Alternatively, the first indication information may indicate inventory opportunity 1 and inventory opportunity 3, thereby indicating that Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 need to participate in or rejoin the inventory during inventory opportunity 3. In this case, network device 102 may determine the terminals that failed inventory during inventory opportunity 1, or may not determine the terminals that failed inventory during inventory opportunity 1. For example, after step S2105 is executed, network device 102 may determine that the terminals that failed inventory during inventory opportunity 1 include Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

[0227] For another example, the first indication information may indicate inventory opportunity 1 and inventory opportunity, and further indicate that terminal 1 and terminal 2 need to participate in the inventory or rejoin the inventory in inventory opportunity 3.

[0228] Alternatively, the first indication information may indicate inventory opportunity 1 and inventory opportunity 2, and further indicate that terminal 1, terminal 2, and terminal 3 need to participate in the inventory or rejoin the inventory.

[0229] Alternatively, the first indication information may instruct terminals that failed inventory at inventory opportunity 1 and inventory opportunity 2 to rejoin the inventory, thereby instructing terminals 1, 2, and 3 to participate in or rejoin the inventory. The manner in which terminals 1, 2, and 3 determine the inventory opportunity to rejoin can be referenced to the description of the preceding embodiment.

[0230] Alternatively, the first indication information may indicate inventory opportunity 1, inventory opportunity 2, and inventory opportunity 3, and further indicate that terminal 1, terminal 2, and terminal 3 need to participate in the inventory or rejoin the inventory in inventory opportunity 3.

[0231] For another example, the first indication information may indicate inventory opportunity 2, or inventory opportunity 2 and inventory opportunity 3, thereby indicating that terminal 3 needs to re-participate in the inventory or re-join the inventory, or instructing terminal 3 to re-join the inventory during inventory opportunity 3. These two methods can be implemented in the aforementioned implementation of inventory opportunity 1 and will not be further described here.

[0232] In the above example, inventory opportunity 3 can be used as an example of the second inventory opportunity in the following embodiments.

[0233] The following embodiment uses the first indication information indicating the first inventory opportunity as an example to describe how the first indication information indicates the inventory opportunity. It should be understood that the first indication information can be configured in a similar manner so that the first indication information is used to indicate the first inventory opportunity and / or the second inventory opportunity.

[0234] It is worth noting that the first indication information may indicate the second inventory timing or may not be used to indicate the second inventory timing. For example, the second inventory timing is determined by the terminal or configured by the network device 102.

[0235] Optionally, the first indication information may explicitly or implicitly indicate a first inventory opportunity, that is, an inventory opportunity where an inventory failure occurs or may occur, such as indicating a slot where an inventory failure occurs.

[0236] Optionally, the first indication information or the downlink command carrying the first indication information may explicitly or implicitly indicate the start of a re-inventory, that is, indicate the start of a new opportunity for the terminal that failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory.

[0237] In one example, the first indication information is used to instruct a terminal that failed an inventory to rejoin the inventory at a second inventory opportunity. In this example, the first indication information may indicate the second inventory opportunity, i.e., a new inventory opportunity, at which the terminal 101 that failed the inventory can rejoin the inventory. In the disclosed embodiments, the second inventory opportunity may be recorded as the current inventory opportunity, such as the current slot or slot N, where N is an integer.

[0238] In some embodiments, the second inventory opportunity is one of the following:

[0239] Determined according to the time domain position of the first indication information;

[0240] Terminal determined;

[0241] Network device configuration.

[0242] Optionally, the inventory timing where the first indication information is located or the most recent inventory timing after the first indication information is the current inventory timing, that is, the second inventory timing such as slotN.

[0243] Optionally, the second inventory opportunity, such as slot N, may be obtained by the terminal 101 through calculation based on the downlink command, such as calculation based on the time domain position of the first indication information.

[0244] Optionally, the network device 102 may configure the second inventory opportunity, such as slot N, or a method for determining the second inventory opportunity through a downlink command.

[0245] In some embodiments, the first indication information includes numbers of one or more first inventory opportunities.

[0246] In this embodiment, the first indication information explicitly indicates the first inventory opportunity by indicating the numbers or codes of one or more first inventory opportunities. Different inventory opportunities may have corresponding numbers in chronological order. For example, the inventory opportunities include slot 0, slot 1, slot 2, slot 3, slot 4, and slot N. The first indication information may indicate the numbers of one or more first inventory opportunities. For example, if the first indication information indicates slot 1 and slot 3, terminals 101 that failed the inventory in slots 1 and 3 may rejoin the inventory. Each terminal 101 may determine the corresponding inventory opportunity based on a random number generated by it, as described in the previous embodiment for details.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first indication information includes one or more offsets, where the offset is an offset of the first inventory opportunity relative to the second inventory opportunity.

[0248] In this embodiment, the first indication information can implicitly indicate the first inventory opportunity by indicating one or more offsets. In conjunction with the description of the previous embodiment, still taking the second inventory opportunity as slot N as an example, terminal 101 can determine the first inventory opportunity as slot (N-offset) based on the offset in the first indication information.

[0249] In other embodiments, the first indication information may not indicate the first inventory opportunity. In other words, the first indication information is used to instruct a terminal that failed the inventory to join or rejoin the inventory at an inventory opportunity after a specified interval. The first indication information is applicable to any terminal that failed the inventory. The specified interval can be one or more slots, and the first and second inventory opportunities are not specified.

[0250] For example, the network device 102 sends a first indication message, which instructs the terminal 101 that failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory at an inventory opportunity after a specified interval (e.g., denoted as p). Each terminal 101 that receives the first indication message can determine, based on the inventory opportunity at which its own inventory failed, denoted as slot M, an inventory opportunity that meets the specified interval with the inventory opportunity at which the inventory failed, i.e., slot ((M+p),) and join the inventory or rejoin the inventory within the inventory opportunity slot ((M+p). For the network side, the network device 102 only needs to send the first indication message, without having to determine the specific terminal that failed the inventory or the inventory opportunity at which the inventory failure occurred, thereby simplifying network operations.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first indication information includes a bitmap, wherein a plurality of bits in the bitmap correspond to different inventory opportunities respectively; wherein the inventory opportunity corresponding to the bit with the first value in the bitmap is the first inventory opportunity.

[0252] Optionally, the first value may be 0 or 1. In this embodiment, the first value is 1.

[0253] Optionally, still taking the current inventory opportunity, i.e., the second inventory opportunity, as slot N as an example, the inventory opportunity indicated in the bitmap may be a different inventory opportunity before the second inventory opportunity, such as slot N. The method for determining slot N may refer to the description of the above embodiment.

[0254] In this embodiment, the bitmap may include multiple bits, where each bit corresponds to an inventory opportunity, such as a slot. If the value of a bit is set to 1, it indicates that the slot corresponding to the bit is the first inventory opportunity. That is, the terminal 101 that failed to be inventoried in the slot of the first inventory opportunity can re-enter the inventory based on the first indication information.

[0255] In this embodiment, the correspondence between each bit in the bitmap and different inventory timings may conform to a time sequence. For example, the bits in the bitmap may correspond one-to-one with each slot in the time sequence in descending order; or the bits in the bitmap may correspond one-to-one with each slot in the time sequence in descending order.

[0256] In one example, if the length of the bitmap is L, the slot corresponding to the first bit is slot (N-1), the slot corresponding to the second bit is slot (N-2), and so on, and the slot corresponding to the last bit is slot (NL).

[0257] In some embodiments, the first indication information is used to indicate whether a terminal that failed to be inventoried in a first inventory opportunity should rejoin the inventory in a second inventory opportunity, wherein the first inventory opportunity is an inventory opportunity before the second inventory opportunity.

[0258] In this embodiment, if the second inventory opportunity is slot N and the first inventory opportunity is slot (N-1), the first indication information is for the inventory opportunity slot (N-1) before the current inventory opportunity slot N, and is used to indicate whether the terminal 101 that failed the inventory in slot (N-1) should rejoin the inventory in slot N.

[0259] In this embodiment, in conjunction with step S2103, when the terminal 101 generates multiple indexes according to Q, the indexes used in the first inventory opportunity, such as slot(N-1), and the indexes used in the second inventory opportunity, such as slotN, may be different.

[0260] Optionally, using the index in the inventory opportunity may refer to: sending RN16 based on the index as shown in steps S2103 and S2104.

[0261] For example, one of the plurality of indexes is used at a first inventory opportunity, and another of the plurality of indexes is used at a second inventory opportunity.

[0262] For example, a smaller index is used during the first inventory opportunity. If the terminal 101 fails to perform the inventory during the first inventory opportunity, a larger index is used during the second inventory opportunity. Alternatively, the indexes are used sequentially in descending order of value during different inventory opportunities. If an inventory fails, the next smallest index is added to the inventory again when it is triggered.

[0263] In step S2107 , the terminal 101 that failed the inventory rejoins the inventory in the second inventory opportunity according to the random number (the second random number).

[0264] In some embodiments, the random number (second random number) is the first index or is determined based on the first index.

[0265] In some embodiments, the first index is:

[0266] The index used in the first inventory opportunity. That is, the terminal 101 that failed in the first inventory opportunity can continue to use the index in the first inventory opportunity and rejoin the inventory in the second inventory opportunity.

[0267] Alternatively, among the generated multiple indexes, the index not used in the first inventory opportunity, that is, the index used in the second inventory opportunity is different from the index in the first inventory opportunity.

[0268] Alternatively, the network device may configure the index to be used in the second inventory opportunity. For example, the network device 102 may explicitly configure the index to be used in the second inventory opportunity based on a downlink command, such as by configuring the index in the first indication information.

[0269] The index used in the second inventory opportunity. That is, terminals 101 that failed the first inventory opportunity are re-inventored using the index corresponding to the second inventory opportunity. It is worth noting that if the second inventory opportunity has corresponding terminals 101, that is, the inventory opportunity for some terminals 101 is the second inventory opportunity, then the terminals 101 that failed the first inventory opportunity can be inventoried in the second inventory opportunity along with these terminals 101.

[0270] In some embodiments, the interval between the first inventory opportunity and the second inventory opportunity is less than a threshold.

[0271] Optionally, the threshold can be defined by the protocol or configured by the network device 102. For example, the threshold can be one or more slots. For example, the threshold value range can be 1-1024. Furthermore, the threshold value range can be 1-128. Furthermore, the threshold value range can be 16-128. Thus, based on different threshold ranges, the first inventory opportunity and the second inventory opportunity may have different intervals, adapting to re-inventory in different scenarios. Terminals that failed to be inventoried during the first inventory opportunity can be re-inventoried as quickly as possible, improving inventory efficiency and ensuring communication performance.

[0272] Optionally, the interval between the first inventory opportunity and the second inventory opportunity is at most one slot, or several slots.

[0273] In this embodiment, the terminal 101 that failed to be inventoried in the first inventory opportunity can be re-inventoried as soon as possible, thereby improving inventory efficiency.

[0274] In some embodiments, the inventory process can still refer to the description of the aforementioned embodiments, that is, the terminal 101 sends RN16 based on the random number at the corresponding inventory timing (such as the second inventory timing), and receives further instructions from the network device 102, and performs corresponding operations based on the further instructions.

[0275] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 that rejoins the inventory may meet any of the following conditions:

[0276] The type of the terminal is a set device type, where the set device type is, for example, one or more of device 1, device 2a, or device 2b.

[0277] Alternatively, the device identifier of the terminal is a designated identifier, wherein the designated identifier may be part or all of the EPC, such as by screening through a mask.

[0278] Alternatively, the priority of the terminal is a set priority, wherein each terminal can be configured with a priority, and the terminal 101 with the set priority can re-enter the inventory at this time.

[0279] In this embodiment, the terminal 101 that failed the inventory can execute step S2107 and re-enter the inventory only when any of the above conditions are met.

[0280] In this embodiment, the network device 102 can indicate one or more of the above conditions through the first indication information, so that when the terminal 101 that failed the inventory is instructed to re-inventory, the terminals 101 that re-participate in the inventory can be screened. Among the terminals 101 that receive the first indication information, those that meet the above conditions will re-join the inventory, while terminals 101 that do not meet the conditions will not re-join the inventory at this time even if the inventory failed.

[0281] Alternatively, the network device 102 indicates one or more of the above conditions through separate information.

[0282] For example, the network device 102 may send fourth indication information to indicate the conditions that the terminals 101 must meet to rejoin the inventory. Among the terminals 101 that receive the fourth indication information, those that meet the conditions will rejoin the inventory, while those that do not meet the conditions will not rejoin the inventory at this time even if the inventory fails.

[0283] Optionally, the network device 102 may send the fourth indication information via a Query command.

[0284] Alternatively, the network device 102 sends the first indication information and the second indication information through the same signaling.

[0285] In this embodiment, the above conditions can filter devices that are re-added to the inventory.

[0286] In this embodiment, the network device 102 may configure the priority of each terminal 101 through the first indication information, the fourth indication information or the Query command.

[0287] Step S2108: When the inventory is successful, the terminal 101 sets the first parameter to the second value.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first parameter is used to indicate whether the inventory is successful. The first parameter may be a variable set within the terminal 101.

[0289] In some embodiments, the first parameter may occupy 1 bit, and the second value may be 0 or 1. Taking the second value being 1 as an example, the terminal 101 sets the first parameter to 1 when the inventory is successful, indicating that the inventory is successful, and sets the first parameter to 0 otherwise.

[0290] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 successfully inventories the system in the first inventory opportunity. In this embodiment, the terminal 101 adjusts the value of the first parameter to avoid repeated inventory in the second inventory opportunity. Therefore, the terminal 101 in this example does not need to perform steps S2106 and S2107.

[0291] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 fails to inventory in a first inventory opportunity and succeeds in a second inventory opportunity. In this embodiment, the terminal 101 adjusts the value of the first parameter to avoid repeated inventory in subsequent inventory opportunities.

[0292] In some embodiments, the first parameter corresponds to an inventory identification (ID) or a task ID.

[0293] Optionally, a corresponding inventory identifier or task identifier is configured for the first parameter or the variable, so that the terminal 101 can set the value of the corresponding first parameter based on the successful inventory task to avoid missing the inventory or re-inventory of other tasks.

[0294] Step S2109 : The network device 102 sends third indication information to the terminal 101 .

[0295] In some embodiments, the third indication information is used to indicate a new inventory task.

[0296] In some embodiments, when the task identifier of the new inventory task corresponds to the inventory task associated with the first parameter, the third indication information is ignored.

[0297] In one example, if terminal 101 successfully completed an inventory in the first inventory opportunity, the third indication information and the first indication information can be the same or sent via the same signaling, i.e., the first indication information corresponds to a new inventory task. If the new inventory task corresponds to the first parameter set to 1 by terminal 101, it indicates that terminal 101 has successfully completed an inventory in the inventory task, and terminal 101 can ignore the instruction.

[0298] In another example, if the terminal 101 is a terminal that fails to be inventoried in the first inventory opportunity but succeeds in the second inventory opportunity, the third indication information may be sent after the first indication information. If the new inventory task in the third indication information corresponds to the first parameter set to 1 by the terminal 101, it indicates that the terminal 101 has been successfully inventoried in the inventory task, such as success in the second inventory opportunity, so that the terminal 101 can ignore the instruction.

[0299] In some embodiments, the names of information and the like are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "signal", "message", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", and "field" can be used interchangeably.

[0300] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0301] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0302] In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0303] In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0304] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0305] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2109.

[0306] In some embodiments, at least one of steps S2101 to S2105 and S2107 to S2109 may be omitted, and may be replaced by one or more steps in different embodiments.

[0307] For example, the method includes step S2106. Alternatively, the method includes steps S2105 to S2106. Alternatively, the method includes steps S2106 to S2107.

[0308] In some embodiments, the method includes steps S2101 to S2106.

[0309] In some embodiments, the method includes steps S2105 and S2108, or the method includes steps S2105 and S2108 to S2109.

[0310] In some embodiments, the method includes steps S2101 to S2105 and S2108, or the method includes steps S2101 to S2105 and S2108 to S2109.

[0311] In some embodiments, the method includes steps S2106 to S2108, or the method includes steps S2106 to S2109.

[0312] In some embodiments, the execution order between steps is only for illustration, for example, step S2102 can be executed before step S2101.

[0313] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 Other optional implementations recorded before or after the corresponding description.

[0314] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the terminal 101 that failed the inventory can be provided with an opportunity to rejoin the inventory, thereby improving the success rate of the inventory. In addition, this embodiment can enable the terminal 101 that failed the inventory to be re-inventoryed as soon as possible, thereby improving communication efficiency. For example, the terminal 101 with a high priority can complete the inventory and data reporting as soon as possible to ensure the performance of necessary communications.

[0315] Figure 3a FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3a As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a terminal 101 and includes:

[0316] Step S3101: Receive second indication information.

[0317] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3101 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2101 will not be repeated here.

[0318] Step S3102, sending uplink information.

[0319] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3102 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2102 will not be repeated here.

[0320] Step S3103: Determine a random number (first random number) according to the second indication information.

[0321] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3103 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2103 will not be repeated here.

[0322] Step S3104, send RN16 at the inventory timing.

[0323] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3104 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2104 will not be repeated here.

[0324] Step S3105, determine whether the inventory fails.

[0325] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3105 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2105 will not be repeated here.

[0326] Step S3106: Receive first indication information.

[0327] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3106 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2106 will not be repeated here.

[0328] Step S3107: If the inventory fails, re-enter the inventory at the second inventory opportunity according to the random number (second random number).

[0329] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3107 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2107 will not be repeated here.

[0330] Step S3108: When the inventory is successful, the first parameter is set to the second value.

[0331] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3108 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2108 will not be repeated here.

[0332] Step S3109: receive third indication information.

[0333] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3109 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2109 will not be repeated here.

[0334] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3109.

[0335] In some embodiments, see Figure 3a Other optional implementations recorded before or after the corresponding description.

[0336] Figure 3b FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3b As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a terminal 101 and includes:

[0337] Step S3201, determine whether the inventory fails.

[0338] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3201 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2105 will not be repeated here.

[0339] Step S3202: Receive first indication information.

[0340] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3202 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2106 will not be repeated here.

[0341] Step S3203: If the inventory fails, re-join the inventory at the second inventory opportunity according to the random number.

[0342] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3203 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2107 will not be repeated here.

[0343] Step S3204: When the inventory is successful, the first parameter is set to the second value.

[0344] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3204 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2108 will not be repeated here.

[0345] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3204.

[0346] In some embodiments, see Figure 3b Other optional implementations recorded before or after the corresponding description.

[0347] Figure 3c FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3c As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a terminal 101 and includes:

[0348] Step S3301: Receive first indication information.

[0349] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3301 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2106 will not be repeated here.

[0350] Step S3302: If the inventory fails, re-join the inventory at the second inventory opportunity according to the random number.

[0351] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3302 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2107 will not be repeated here.

[0352] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3301 to S3302.

[0353] In some embodiments, see Figure 3c Other optional implementations recorded before or after the corresponding description.

[0354] Figure 3d FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3d As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a terminal 101 and includes:

[0355] Step S3401: Receive first indication information sent by the network device 102.

[0356] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3401 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2106 will not be repeated here.

[0357] In some embodiments, see Figure 3d Other optional implementations recorded before or after the corresponding description.

[0358] Figure 4a FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4a As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a terminal 101 and includes:

[0359] Step S4101: Send the second indication information.

[0360] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4101 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2101 will not be repeated here.

[0361] Step S4102, receiving uplink information.

[0362] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4102 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2102 will not be repeated here.

[0363] Step S4103, receive RN16.

[0364] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4103 can be found in Figure 2The implementation of step S2104 will not be repeated here.

[0365] Step S4104, determine whether the inventory fails.

[0366] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4104 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2105 will not be repeated here.

[0367] Step S4105: Send the first indication information.

[0368] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4105 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2106 will not be repeated here.

[0369] Step S4106: Send third indication information.

[0370] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4106 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2109 will not be repeated here.

[0371] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4106.

[0372] In some embodiments, see Figure 4a Other optional implementations recorded before or after the corresponding description.

[0373] Figure 4b FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4b As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a terminal 101 and includes:

[0374] Step S4201, determine whether the inventory fails.

[0375] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4201 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2105 will not be repeated here.

[0376] Step S4202: Send first indication information.

[0377] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4202 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2106 will not be repeated here.

[0378] The method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 to S4202.

[0379] In some embodiments, see Figure 4b Other optional implementations recorded before or after the corresponding description.

[0380] Figure 4c FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4c As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a terminal 101 and includes:

[0381] Step S4301: Send first indication information.

[0382] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4301 can be found in Figure 2 The implementation of step S2106 will not be repeated here.

[0383] In some embodiments, see Figure 4c Other optional implementations recorded before or after the corresponding description.

[0384] The method of the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for enabling a tag that failed an inventory to participate in the inventory again, or for certain high-priority tags to complete the inventory and data reporting as quickly as possible. The tag corresponds to the terminal 101 in the aforementioned embodiment. To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, some examples are listed below:

[0385] Example 1:

[0386] In this embodiment, re-inventory is achieved based on network-side control.

[0387] In this embodiment, if the tag inventory fails, for example, if no ACK is received from the network side after RN16 transmission (for example, the confirmation that no ACK is received is based on not receiving ACK after a system-specified timer), or if no command requesting RN16 or ACK or confirmation from the network side is received after EPC transmission, the network side considers the failure to be based on the failure to receive further signaling or response signaling for the tag.

[0388] Alternatively, if the tag is unable to participate in the inventory due to insufficient battery, but can send a device-to-reader D2R command, a delay indication will be sent, and this situation is also considered an inventory failure. The next participation will need to be delayed, and the reason for the delay can be optionally provided, such as insufficient battery, needing to charge, poor channel, etc.

[0389] Or, some tags are in the process of charging and do not receive the DL command from the network to trigger the inventory, thus missing the inventory. This is also considered an inventory failure.

[0390] In this embodiment, the network sends a DL instruction that implicitly indicates the start of a new slot. The DL instruction also includes an indication that explicitly indicates the slot number of the tag that failed the inventory. The slot number is the slot number for re-inventorying the tag in the current slot. The slot number corresponds to the number in the previous embodiment.

[0391] There are several ways to indicate a slot that failed to be inventoried:

[0392] Option 1: Explicitly indicate the slot number, which can be one or more.

[0393] Option 2: The offset relative to the current slot, which can be one or more. For example, if the current slot is N, the tag corresponding to the slot N-offset that failed to be inventoried needs to be re-included in the inventory. The current slot number can be inferred based on the tag or determined based on the signaling configuration displayed on the network side.

[0394] Option 3: A bitmap, where each bit corresponds to a slot. If a bit is set to 1, the corresponding slot's tag must be re-included in the inventory if the inventory fails. If the bitmap length is L, then, from lowest to highest bit, or vice versa, the first bit corresponds to slot N-1, the second bit corresponds to slot N-2, and so on. The last bit corresponds to slot NL. N is the current slot number. The current slot number can be inferred based on the tag or the signaling configuration displayed on the network side.

[0395] Option 4: An indication message indicating whether the previous slot of the current slot should be included in the inventory. In other words, it indicates whether the tag that failed the inventory in slot N-1 should be included in the inventory of the current slot, for example, if the current slot is N.

[0396] Option 5: Overlaying Option 4, this method generates a slot index based on a network-side instruction and an integer value configured on the network. For example, similar to the Q-generated RN16.tags configured on the network side in RFID, multiple RN16.tags are generated. The smallest value is used in the first inventory. If that fails, the larger value is used. Alternatively, the values ​​are used in ascending order. If the inventory fails, the next smallest slot is added to the inventory when it is triggered.

[0397] Example 2:

[0398] Based on embodiment 1, for tags that have been successfully inventoried, this embodiment can re-inventory the tags that have been successfully inventoried.

[0399] In this embodiment, a variable is set within the tag to indicate whether the inventory was successful. For example, if the inventory was successful, the variable is set to 1; otherwise, it is set to 0. Optionally, an inventory ID or task ID can be configured with this variable. If a new inventory task is received, and the inventory ID and task ID are the same, and the variable indicates a successful inventory, the inventory instruction is ignored.

[0400] In this embodiment, the following method can be used to set the random value of the tag that failed to be recorded after it is re-added to the inventory:

[0401] Option 1: After the failed tag is added back to the current slot inventory, the previously used slot index is used again. This is a slot index generated based on an integer value configured on the network side, such as RN16 generated by the Q configured on the network side in RFID.

[0402] Option 2: Generate a slot index based on an integer value configured on the network side. For example, similar to the Q generated by the network side configuration in RFID, multiple RN16.tags are generated, and an unused slot index is used this time.

[0403] Option 3: Based on the slot index configured on the network side.

[0404] Option 4: Use the current slot index.

[0405] Optionally, based on the slot index, the slot may be directly used as a random value for random access, ie, RN16, or used as a calculation output parameter for generating a random value used for random access.

[0406] Example 3:

[0407] Based on Example 1 and Example 2, for the tags in Example 1 and Example 2, not every tag is applied, but only tags that meet the conditions. For example:

[0408] Option 1: The reader uses DL signaling to configure filtering conditions for tags returned in Option 1. Only tags that meet the conditions are considered. These conditions can be configured in the Query command. Conditions can be based on the type (e.g., device 1 / 2a / 2b) or the tag identifier (e.g., EPC), or all or part of the tag, for example, by using a mask.

[0409] Option 2: Each tag has a priority. The network side specifies which tags with the same priority can be used to return to the inventory process using Option 1. The priority value can be configured using the Query command.

[0410] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the tag can be returned to the inventory and a random value for re-entering the inventory can be determined based on network-side control. The tag can be returned to the inventory based on the tag priority.

[0411] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0412] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of some or all of the above units or modules are realized by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the remaining part by the form of hardware circuits.

[0413] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0414] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5a As shown, the terminal 5100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5101 and a processing module 5102. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 5101 is configured to receive first indication information sent by a network device, where the first indication information is configured to instruct a terminal that has failed inventory to rejoin the inventory.

[0415] Optionally, the transceiver module 5101 is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps of sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 5102 is configured to execute at least one of the other steps performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0416] Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network device proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5bAs shown, the network device 5200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5201 and a processing module 5202. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 5201 is configured to send first indication information to a terminal, wherein the first indication information is configured to instruct a terminal that has failed inventory to rejoin the inventory.

[0417] Optionally, the transceiver module 5201 is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps of sending and / or receiving performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 5202 is configured to execute at least one of the other steps performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0418] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0419] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules respectively execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0420] Figure 6a 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 6100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0421] like Figure 6a As shown, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 is used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to call instructions to enable the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0422] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method, and the processor 6101 performs at least one of the other steps. In an optional embodiment, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0423] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 6103 may be located outside the communication device 6100. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuits 6104 are connected to the memories 6103 and may be configured to receive data from the memories 6103 or other devices, or to send data to the memories 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 6104 may read data stored in the memories 6103 and send the data to the processor 6101.

[0424] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited thereto. Figure 6a The communication device may be an independent device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0425] Figure 6b 6200 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 6200 proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to Figure 6b The structure diagram of the chip 6200 is shown, but is not limited to this.

[0426] The chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. The chip 6200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0427] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pins may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of memory 6203 may be located external to chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203 and may be used to receive data from memory 6203 or other devices, or may be used to send data to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 may read data stored in memory 6203 and send the data to processor 6201.

[0428] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 6202 performs data exchange between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0429] The modules and / or devices described in various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be arbitrarily combined or separated according to circumstances. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0430] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 6100, the communication device 6100 executes any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a transient storage medium.

[0431] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 6100, enables the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0432] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

[0433] Industrial Applicability

[0434] By receiving the first indication information, the terminal learns the re-inventory instruction issued by the network device to the terminal that failed the inventory, so that the terminal can re-inventory in time based on the first indication information when the inventory fails, thereby improving communication efficiency.

Claims

1. A communication method, performed by a terminal, comprising: First indication information sent by a network device is received, where the first indication information is used to instruct a terminal that has failed in inventory to rejoin the inventory.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first indication information is used to indicate a first inventory opportunity and / or an opportunity for the terminal that failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory, wherein the terminal that failed the inventory is a terminal that failed the inventory in the first inventory opportunity.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The first indication information is used to instruct the terminal that failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory at a second inventory opportunity.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first indication information includes one or more numbers of the first inventory opportunities.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The first indication information includes one or more offsets, where the offset is an offset of the first inventory opportunity relative to the second inventory opportunity.

6. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first indication information includes a bitmap, wherein a plurality of bits in the bitmap correspond to different inventory opportunities respectively; wherein the inventory opportunity corresponding to the bit with the first value in the bitmap is the first inventory opportunity.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein: The first indication information is used to indicate whether a terminal that fails to be inventoried in the first inventory opportunity should rejoin the inventory in a second inventory opportunity, wherein the first inventory opportunity is an inventory opportunity before the second inventory opportunity.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3, 5 or 7, wherein: The second inventory timing is one of the following: determined according to the time domain position of the first indication information; determined by the terminal; or configured by the network device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 3, 5, 7 or 8, wherein: The method also includes: receiving second indication information sent by the network device, the second indication information is used to indicate an integer value; generating multiple indexes based on the integer value, wherein one of the multiple indexes is used at the first inventory opportunity and another one of the multiple indexes is used at the second inventory opportunity.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The method further includes: setting a first parameter to a second value when the inventory is successful, wherein the first parameter is used to indicate whether the inventory is successful.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The first parameter corresponds to the inventory identifier or the task identifier.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein: The method further includes: receiving third indication information sent by the network device, the third indication information being used to indicate a new inventory task; and ignoring the third indication information when the task identifier of the new inventory task corresponds to the inventory task associated with the first parameter.

13. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein: The method further includes: the terminal that failed the inventory rejoins the inventory in a second inventory opportunity according to a random number, wherein the random number is the first index or is determined according to the first index.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein: The first index is one of the following: an index used in the first inventory opportunity; an index not used in the first inventory opportunity among the generated multiple indexes; an index configured by the network device; or an index used in the second inventory opportunity.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The type of the terminal is a set device type; or the device identifier of the terminal is a specified identifier; or the priority of the terminal is a set priority.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: The method further includes: receiving fourth indication information sent by the network device, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate a condition satisfied by the terminal to rejoin the inventory.

17. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein: The method further includes: sending uplink information to the network device, where the uplink information is used to indicate that the terminal cannot participate in the inventory corresponding to the first inventory opportunity.

18. The method of any one of claims 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 13 or 14, wherein An interval between the first inventory opportunity and the second inventory opportunity is smaller than a threshold.

19. A communication method, performed by a network device, the method comprising: First indication information is sent to the terminal, where the indication information is used to instruct the terminal that failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: The first indication information is used to indicate a first inventory opportunity and / or an opportunity for the terminal that failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory, wherein the terminal that failed the inventory is a terminal that failed the inventory in the first inventory opportunity.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein: The first indication information is used to instruct the terminal that failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory at a second inventory opportunity.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein The first indication information includes one or more numbers of the first inventory opportunities.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein: The first indication information includes one or more offsets, where the offset is an offset of the first inventory opportunity relative to the second inventory opportunity.

24. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein: The first indication information includes a bitmap, wherein a plurality of bits in the bitmap correspond to different inventory timings respectively; wherein the inventory timing corresponding to the bit with the first value in the bitmap is the first inventory timing.

25. The method of claim 20, wherein: The first indication information is used to indicate whether a terminal that fails to be inventoried in the first inventory opportunity should rejoin the inventory in a second inventory opportunity, wherein the first inventory opportunity is an inventory opportunity before the second inventory opportunity.

26. The method of any one of claims 21, 23 or 25, wherein: The second inventory timing is one of the following: determined according to the time domain position of the first indication information; determined by the terminal; or configured by the network device.

27. The method of any one of claims 21, 23, 25 or 26, wherein The method also includes: sending second indication information to the terminal, where the second indication information is used to indicate an integer value, and the integer value is used by the terminal to generate multiple indexes, wherein one of the multiple indexes is used at the first inventory opportunity and another one of the multiple indexes is used at the second inventory opportunity.

28. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein The inventory identifier or task identifier of the inventory has a corresponding relationship with the first parameter of the terminal.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein: The method further includes: sending third indication information to the terminal, where the third indication information is used to indicate a new inventory task.

30. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 29, wherein The random number is determined according to the first index or according to the first index, and the random number is used for the terminal that failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory in the second inventory opportunity.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein: The first index is one of the following: an index used in the first inventory opportunity; an index not used in the first inventory opportunity among the generated multiple indexes; an index configured by the network device; or an index used in the second inventory opportunity.

32. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 31, wherein The type of the terminal is a set device type; or the device identifier of the terminal is a specified identifier; or the priority of the terminal is a set priority.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein: The method further includes: sending fourth indication information to the terminal, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate a condition satisfied by the terminal to re-join the inventory.

34. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 33, wherein The method further includes: receiving uplink information sent by the terminal, where the uplink information is used to indicate that the terminal cannot participate in the inventory corresponding to the first inventory opportunity.

35. The method of any one of claims 21, 23, 25, 26, 27, 31 or 32, wherein An interval between the first inventory opportunity and the second inventory opportunity is smaller than a threshold.

36. A terminal comprising: The transceiver module is configured to receive first indication information sent by a network device, where the first indication information is used to instruct a terminal that has failed in inventory to rejoin the inventory.

37. A network device comprising: The transceiver module is configured to send first indication information to the terminal, where the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal that has failed the inventory to rejoin the inventory.

38. A terminal comprising: One or more processors; wherein the terminal is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

39. A network device comprising: One or more processors; wherein the network device is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 19 to 35.

40. A communication system comprising a terminal and a network device, wherein: The terminal is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18; the network device is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 19 to 35.

41. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or any one of claims 19 to 35.

42. A program product, wherein When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or any one of claims 19 to 35.

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