Intermediate node authorization method, apparatus and device, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of communication, in particular to an authorization method and device of an intermediate node, equipment, a communication system and a storage medium. The authorization method of the intermediate node comprises the following steps: a first device determines whether to authorize a terminal device as the intermediate node of an AIoT device according to first information, and the intermediate node is used for executing an operation related to the AIoT device. According to the present disclosure, in a network topology in which the AIoT device needs to communicate with the base station through the intermediate node, the first device can authorize the terminal device, so that the authorized terminal device works as the intermediate node, which is beneficial for the terminal device to apply for resources of the base station and execute operations related to the AIoT device under network control, thereby improving the user experience. Therefore, the network performance of the AIoT is improved.

Description

Intermediate node authorization method, device, equipment, communication system and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an authorization method, apparatus, device, communication system, and storage medium for an intermediate node. Background Art

[0002] Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices do not rely on internal batteries or external power supplies. They can operate by harvesting energy from the surrounding environment (such as light energy, thermal energy, radio frequency energy, etc.) to achieve self-powering.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an authorization method, apparatus, device, communication system, and storage medium for an intermediate node to solve technical problems in related technologies.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for authorizing an intermediate node is proposed, which is executed by a first device. The method includes: determining whether to authorize a terminal device as an intermediate node of a passive Internet of Things (AIoT) device based on first information, and the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0006] According to the second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for authorizing an intermediate node is proposed, which is executed by a second device. The method includes: sending first information to a first device, wherein the first information is used to determine whether to authorize the terminal device as an intermediate node of an AIoT device, and the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0007] According to the third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first device is proposed, including: a first processing module, used to determine whether to authorize a terminal device as an intermediate node of an AIoT device based on first information, and the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0008] According to the fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second device is proposed, including: a second transceiver module, used to send first information to the first device, the first information is used to determine whether to authorize the terminal device as an intermediate node of the AIoT device, and the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the first device to execute the intermediate node authorization method of the first aspect above.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the second device to execute the intermediate node authorization method of the second aspect above.

[0011] According to the seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions so that the communication device executes the authorization method of the intermediate node of the above-mentioned first aspect, and / or the authorization method of the intermediate node of the above-mentioned second aspect.

[0012] According to the eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, comprising a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is configured to implement the authorization method of the intermediate node of the above-mentioned first aspect, and the second device is configured to implement the authorization method of the intermediate node of the above-mentioned second aspect.

[0013] According to the ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the authorization method of the intermediate node of the first aspect above and / or the authorization method of the intermediate node of the second aspect above.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device can determine whether to authorize the terminal device to serve as an intermediate node of the AIoT device based on the first information, that is, it can determine whether to select the terminal device to perform operations related to the AIoT device. Accordingly, in a network topology where the AIoT device needs to communicate with the base station through an intermediate node, the first device can authorize the terminal device to enable the authorized terminal device to work as an intermediate node, which is beneficial for the terminal device to apply for base station resources under network control and perform operations related to the AIoT device, thereby improving the network performance of the AIoT. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0016] FIG1A is a schematic diagram of a network topology supporting AIoT according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG1B is a schematic diagram of a network topology supporting AIoT according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG3 is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for authorizing an intermediate node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG4 is a schematic flowchart showing a method for authorizing an intermediate node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing an interaction between processing authorization information and request information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG6 is a schematic diagram showing an interaction for processing authorization information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing an interaction for processing authorization information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG8 is a schematic flowchart showing a method for authorizing an intermediate node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG9 is a schematic block diagram of a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG10 is a schematic block diagram showing a second device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an intermediate node authorization method, apparatus, terminal, network device, communication device, and storage medium.

[0030] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an authorization method for an intermediate node, which is executed by a first device. The method includes: determining whether to authorize a terminal device as an intermediate node of a passive Internet of Things AIoT device based on first information, and the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0031] In the above embodiment, the first device can determine whether to authorize the terminal device to act as an intermediate node for the AIoT device based on the first information, that is, it can determine whether to select the terminal device to perform operations related to the AIoT device. Accordingly, in a network topology where the AIoT device needs to communicate with the base station through an intermediate node, the first device can authorize the terminal device to enable the authorized terminal device to operate as an intermediate node. This is beneficial for the terminal device to apply for base station resources under network control and perform operations related to the AIoT device, thereby improving the network performance of the AIoT.

[0032] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node; and request information of the AIoT operation.

[0033] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect. In some embodiments, the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node includes at least one of the following: second information, the second information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is authorized to act as an intermediate node; third information, the third information is used to indicate the services for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; fourth information, the fourth information is used to indicate the resources for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; fifth information, the fifth information is used to indicate the effective time information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; sixth information, the sixth information is used to indicate the effective location information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node.

[0034] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the authorized service includes at least one of the following: inventory service; positioning service; perception service; and command service.

[0035] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate an authorized inventory device type.

[0036] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate an authorized positioning type.

[0037] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect. In some embodiments, the request information for the AIoT operation includes at least one of the following: seventh information, the seventh information is used to indicate the reason for the AIoT operation; eighth information, the eighth information is used to indicate the resources required for the AIoT operation; and ninth information, the ninth information is used to indicate the terminal device that performs the AIoT operation.

[0038] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving the first information from a second device.

[0039] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect. In some embodiments, the first device includes an access network device, and the second device includes a core network device; or, the first device includes an access network device, and the second device includes the terminal device; or, the first device includes a destination base station, and the second device includes a source base station; or, the first device includes the current serving base station of the terminal device, and the second device includes the last serving base station of the terminal device; or, the first device includes an access network device, and the second device includes an AIoT server.

[0040] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving AIoT-related information sent by the terminal device, where the AIoT-related information is used to select a core network device.

[0041] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect. In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining that the AIoT-related information indicates that the terminal device supports serving as an intermediate node, selecting a core network device that supports performing operations related to the AIoT device; and sending the AIoT-related information to the selected core network device, where the AIoT-related information is used to obtain authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node.

[0042] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect. In some embodiments, the AIoT-related information includes at least one of the following: tenth information, the tenth information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports serving as an intermediate node; eleventh information, the eleventh information is used to indicate the services supported by the terminal device as an intermediate node.

[0043] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect. In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining to authorize the terminal device to serve as an intermediate node of the AIoT device, allocating resources to the terminal device according to the first information, and using the resources allocated to the terminal device to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0044] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an authorization method for an intermediate node, which is executed by a second device. The method includes: sending first information to a first device, the first information is used to determine whether to authorize the terminal device as an intermediate node of an AIoT device, and the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the first information is sent to the first device by the second device, so that the first device can determine whether to authorize the terminal device to act as an intermediate node of the AIoT device based on the first information, that is, to determine whether to select the terminal device to perform operations related to the AIoT device. Accordingly, in a network topology where the AIoT device needs to communicate with the base station through an intermediate node, the first device can authorize the terminal device so that the authorized terminal device can work as an intermediate node, which is beneficial for the terminal device to apply for base station resources under network control and perform operations related to the AIoT device, thereby improving the network performance of the AIoT.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node; and request information for an AIoT operation.

[0047] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect. In some embodiments, the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node includes at least one of the following: second information, the second information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is authorized to act as an intermediate node; third information, the third information is used to indicate the services for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; fourth information, the fourth information is used to indicate the resources for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; fifth information, the fifth information is used to indicate the effective time information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; sixth information, the sixth information is used to indicate the effective location information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the authorized service includes at least one of the following: inventory service; positioning service; perception service; and command service.

[0049] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate an authorized inventory device type.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate an authorized positioning type.

[0051] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect. In some embodiments, the request information for the AIoT operation includes at least one of the following: seventh information, the seventh information is used to indicate the reason for the AIoT operation; eighth information, the eighth information is used to indicate the resources required for the AIoT operation; and ninth information, the ninth information is used to indicate the terminal device that performs the AIoT operation.

[0052] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect. In some embodiments, the first device includes an access network device, and the second device includes a core network device; or, the first device includes an access network device, and the second device includes the terminal device; or, the first device includes a destination base station, and the second device includes a source base station; or, the first device includes the current serving base station of the terminal device, and the second device includes the last serving base station of the terminal device; or, the first device includes an access network device, and the second device includes an AIoT server.

[0053] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first device includes an access network device, the second device includes a terminal device, and the method further includes: sending AIoT-related information to the first device, where the AIoT-related information is used to select a core network device.

[0054] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect. In some embodiments, the first device includes an access network device, the second device includes a core network device, the core network device supports executing operations related to the AIoT device, and the method further includes: receiving AIoT-related information sent by the first device; and obtaining authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node based on the AIoT-related information.

[0055] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node to the terminal device.

[0056] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect. In some embodiments, the AIoT-related information includes at least one of the following: tenth information, the tenth information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports serving as an intermediate node; eleventh information, the eleventh information is used to indicate the services supported by the terminal device as an intermediate node.

[0057] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect. In some embodiments, the first device includes an access network device, the second device includes a terminal device, and the method further includes: performing operations related to the AIoT device based on resources allocated by the access network device to the terminal device.

[0058] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a first device, comprising: a first processing module, for determining whether to authorize a terminal device as an intermediate node of an AIoT device based on first information, wherein the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0059] In the fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a second device, including: a second transceiver module, used to send first information to the first device, the first information is used to determine whether to authorize the terminal device as an intermediate node of the AIoT device, and the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0060] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication device, which includes: one or more processors; one or more memories for storing instructions; wherein the processor is used to call the instructions so that the communication device executes the method described in the first and second aspects, and the optional embodiments of the first and second aspects.

[0061] In the sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, which includes: a first device and a second device; wherein the first device is configured to execute the method described in the first aspect and the optional embodiment of the first aspect, and the second device is configured to execute the method described in the second aspect and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0062] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first and second aspects, and the optional embodiments of the first and second aspects.

[0063] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first and second aspects, and the optional embodiments of the first and second aspects.

[0064] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the methods described in the first and second aspects, and the optional embodiments of the first and second aspects.

[0065] It is understandable that the above-mentioned terminals, network devices, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, and computer programs are all used to execute 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.

[0066] The present disclosure provides an intermediate node authorization method, apparatus, device, communication system, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "intermediate node authorization method" and "device authorization method," "information processing method," and "communication method" are interchangeable; the terms "first device," "second device," "first device," and "second device" are interchangeable with the intermediate node authorization device and communication device; and the terms "intermediate node authorization system" and "communication system" are interchangeable.

[0067] 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 embodiments 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 embodiments of other embodiments.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "aforementioned", "this", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc.

[0071] For example, when using articles such as “a”, “an”, and “the” in English in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0072] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0073] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description objects, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restrictions should be constituted due to the use of prefixes.

[0077] For example, if the description object is "field," the ordinal number preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" does not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the modified "fields" are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of the "first field" and "second field." For another example, if the description object is "level," the ordinal number preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" does not restrict the priority of the "levels." For another example, the number of description objects is not restricted by the ordinal number and can be one or more. For example, in the case of "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device," "first device" and "second device" can be the same or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. For another example, if the description object is "information," "first information" and "second information" can be the same or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] In some embodiments, devices and the like can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those in the embodiments.

[0082] The recorded names, "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject" and other terms can be used interchangeably.

[0083] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

[0084] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / 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)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0085] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "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. can be used interchangeably.

[0086] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it is also possible to set the structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0087] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0088] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0089] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0090] 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.

[0091] In today's IoT networks, traditional IoT devices are often powered by conventional batteries with limited lifespans, negatively impacting the user experience. The astronomical growth of IoT networks, coupled with the proliferation of IoT devices, has pushed maintenance expenses, including labor and battery costs, to new levels. Billions of conventional batteries are potentially discarded annually, with only a small fraction effectively recycled, resulting in detrimental impacts on Earth's ecosystems. Maintaining IoT network operations and replacing batteries in IoT devices can be challenging in extreme environmental conditions.

[0092] In some implementations, battery-free IoT communication is proposed, which will improve network performance and sustainability, and expand application scenarios. Furthermore, battery-free IoT communication is more environmentally friendly and safer for children and the elderly. By removing traditional batteries, device size and cost can be significantly reduced, paving the way for a variety of new applications.

[0093] Various low power wide area (LPWA) technologies, such as machine type communication (MTC), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), reduced capability (RedCap), etc., have been developed to meet the growing needs of vertical fields. These LPWA technologies achieve low cost, low power consumption and large-scale connectivity, which can meet the requirements of many applications. However, there are still many use cases and applications that cannot be solved in the following situations. First, devices driven by traditional batteries are not applicable, such as in extreme environmental conditions (such as high voltage, extremely high / low temperature, humid environment). Second, maintenance-free devices are required (such as traditional batteries that do not require replacement of the device). Finally, ultra-low complexity, very small device size / form factor (such as millimeter-level thickness), longer life cycle, etc. are required.

[0094] In some embodiments, the Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) is a promising technology that can meet the above-mentioned unmet needs. An AIoT device is an IoT device powered by energy harvesting, without a battery or with limited energy storage capacity (e.g., using a capacitor), and is powered by collecting radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source. Compared with previously defined 3GPP IoT devices (e.g., NB-IoT devices, eMTC devices), AIoT devices have lower complexity, smaller size, weaker functionality, and lower power consumption, with a focus on improving network efficiency. AIoT devices can be maintenance-free and have a long lifespan (e.g., more than 10 years). Therefore, by combining AIoT with cellular networks, a new type of IoT service will be provided to vertical industries, greatly benefiting the 3GPP ecosystem.

[0095] It should be noted that the passive Internet of Things involved in the present disclosure can also be described as an Internet of Things that supports ambient power, an environmental Internet of Things, an Ambient power-enabled IoT, an Ambient powered IoT, etc., and the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0096] In some embodiments, AIoT use cases may include, but are not limited to, inventory, positioning, sensor, command, and other services.

[0097] The following briefly describes the network topology that supports AIoT in conjunction with Figures 1A and 1B.

[0098] In some embodiments, the AIoT device can communicate bidirectionally directly with the network device. Please refer to Figure 1A, which is a schematic diagram of a network topology supporting AIoT shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the AIoT device can communicate directly with the base station, that is, the AIoT device can directly receive downlink data and / or downlink signaling sent by the base station, and can also directly send uplink data and / or uplink signaling to the base station. In some possible implementations, the downlink data and / or downlink signaling can be carried by a physical downlink shared channel (Physical Downlink Shared Channel, PDSCH), etc., and the uplink data and / or uplink signaling can be carried by a physical uplink shared channel (Physical Uplink Shared Channel, PUSCH), etc.

[0099] In some embodiments, in order to enhance coverage, the AIoT device can communicate with the network device through an intermediate node. Please refer to Figure 1B, Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a network topology supporting AIoT shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1B, the AIoT device can communicate with the base station through an intermediate node, that is, the intermediate node can receive downlink data and / or downlink signaling sent by the base station and forward it to the AIoT device, and the intermediate node can also receive uplink data and / or uplink signaling sent by the AIoT device and forward it to the base station. In some possible implementations, the intermediate node may include but is not limited to a relay node, an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) node, a UE node, a repeater, etc., and have the capabilities of AIoT.

[0100] In some embodiments, AIoT devices can be divided into two types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 AIoT devices have no energy storage, independent signal generation, or signal amplification, and rely on backscattering for uplink transmission. Type 2 AIoT devices have energy storage and independent signal amplification, and uplink transmission can be generated internally by the device or rely on backscattering.

[0101] In other embodiments, AIoT can be divided into three types: Device A, Device B, and Device C. Device A has no energy storage, no independent signal generation, and no signal amplification, and relies on backscattering technology to achieve data transmission; Device B has energy storage, but no independent signal generation, and relies on backscattering technology to achieve data transmission. The stored energy can be used to amplify the reflected signal; Device C has energy storage and independent signal generation, that is, Device C has an active radio frequency (RF) component for transmission, and can achieve data transmission through active transmission.

[0102] In some embodiments, to support data transmission of AIoT devices, devices in the network need to support at least one of the following functions:

[0103] —The function as an Energy Source (ES) is only used by Device B and Device C.

[0104] —Downlink Transmission (DT) function, which is used to send indication information to AIoT devices, thereby triggering uplink transmission of AIoT devices.

[0105] —As an excitation (Continuous Wave, CW) function, it is only used by Device A and Device B. A-IoT devices can achieve uplink transmission by backscattering CW. CW is actually a type of ES, and AIoT devices can receive CW and store energy.

[0106] —Uplink Reception (UR) function, which is used to receive uplink information backscattered by AIoT devices, or receive uplink information actively transmitted by AIoT devices.

[0107] In the above embodiments, the device that performs the ES, DT, CW, or UR functions may be a terminal device, a repeater, a base station, etc. In some possible implementations, a device in the network may support only one of the above functions. In other possible implementations, a device in the network may support multiple of the above functions simultaneously.

[0108] In some embodiments, in the network topology shown in FIG. 1B , how to authorize a terminal device so that the authorized terminal device works as an intermediate node is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0109] Please refer to FIG2 , which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] As shown in FIG2 , the communication system 200 includes a core network device 201 , an access network device 202 , a terminal device 203 and an AIoT device 204 .

[0111] In some embodiments, the core network device 201 may be a device including one or more network elements, or may be multiple devices or device groups, each including all or part of the one or more network elements. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0112] In one possible implementation, the core network device may be, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF), but is not limited thereto.

[0113] In some embodiments, the access network device 202 is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal device to a wireless network. The access network device may include 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 (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0114] 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 the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0115] In some embodiments, 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.

[0116] In some embodiments, the terminal device 203 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, 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.

[0117] In some embodiments, the terminal device 203 is, for example, a terminal part in a relay node, a terminal part in an IAB node, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0118] In some embodiments, the AIoT device 204 may be, for example, a tag device in the AIoT, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] In some embodiments, the communication system 200 may further include an AIoT server. In some possible implementations, the AIoT server may communicate with the core network device 201 and / or the access network device 202.

[0120] In some embodiments, the AIoT server can be a service device or a computing platform for managing, processing and storing AIoT business data collected from the surrounding environment. The AIoT server can be a physical server or a virtual server. The AIoT server can be deployed locally (for example, in a smart home system) or in the cloud. The AIoT server can provide data processing and storage services, as well as possible other functions such as user interface, data visualization, remote access and integration of third-party services or applications.

[0121] In some embodiments, the core network device 201 and / or the access network device 202 can authorize the terminal device 203, that is, select (select) whether to use the terminal device 203 as an intermediate node of the AIoT device 204, or decide (decide) whether to use the terminal device 203 as an intermediate node of the AIoT device 204.

[0122] In some embodiments, the terminal device 203 may be authorized to serve as an intermediate node of the AIoT device 204 and may also perform operations related to the AIoT device 204. In some possible implementations, the terminal device 203 may assist the access network device 202 in communicating with the AIoT device 204.

[0123] In some possible implementations, the combination of the first device and the second device may include at least one of the following: the first device is an access network device, and the second device is a core network device; the first device is an access network device, and the second device is a terminal device; the first device is a destination base station, and the second device is a source base station; the first device is the current serving base station of the terminal device, and the second device is the previous serving base station of the terminal device; the first device is an access network device, and the second device is an AIoT server. In the above implementations, the first device may be an access network device (such as a base station) serving the terminal device.

[0124] 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 proposed in 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 proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0125] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 200 shown in FIG2 , or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG2 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in FIG2 , or may include other entities outside of FIG2 . The number and form of the entities are arbitrary. Each entity may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0126] The embodiments of the present disclosure may 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 802.17 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.18 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.19 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.21 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.22 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.23 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.24 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.25 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.26 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.27 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.28 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.29 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.30 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.31 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.32 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.33 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), 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 methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0127] FIG3 is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for authorizing an intermediate node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] As shown in Figure 3, the authorization method for the intermediate node includes:

[0129] Step S301: The second device sends first information to the first device.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first information is used to determine whether to authorize the terminal device to serve as an intermediate node for the AIoT device. In some possible implementations, the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device. In some possible implementations, the intermediate node is used to assist the AIoT device in communicating with the access network device, that is, the AIoT device can communicate with the access network device through the intermediate node.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node; and request information for an AIoT operation. The authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node indicates whether the terminal device is authorized to serve as an intermediate node for the AIoT device, and the request information for the AIoT operation indicates a request for authorization for the terminal device to serve as an intermediate node for the AIoT device to perform the AIoT operation.

[0132] It should be noted that the "AIoT operations" and "AIoT device-related operations" involved in this disclosure are interchangeable. In some embodiments, the operations related to AIoT devices may include at least one of the following: sending AIoT data and / or signaling to the AIoT device; receiving AIoT data and / or signaling from the AIoT device; receiving AIoT data and / or signaling related to the AIoT device from the access network device; sending AIoT data and / or signaling related to the AIoT device to the access network device; and storing, calculating, or otherwise processing the received AIoT data.

[0133] In some embodiments, the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node includes at least one of the following: second information; third information; fourth information; fifth information; sixth information.

[0134] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is authorized to act as an intermediate node. The second information can be, for example, an indication message, i.e., {authorized, not-authorized}. It should be noted that the second information involved in the present disclosure can also be described as AIoT intermediate node authorization indication information.

[0135] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the services for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node. Authorized services may include, but are not limited to, at least one of inventory services, positioning services, perception services, and command services. It should be noted that the third information referred to in this disclosure may also be described as authorized service information.

[0136] In some possible implementations, the third information includes at least one of the following: a first information unit; a second information unit; a third information unit; and a fourth information unit. The first information unit is used to indicate whether the inventory service is authorized. The second information unit is used to indicate whether the positioning service is authorized. The third information unit is used to indicate whether the perception service is authorized. The fourth information unit is used to indicate whether the command service is authorized. In other possible implementations, the third information may also include preset bits, and different bit values ​​may indicate whether different services are authorized. For example, the third information may include four bits, each of which is used to indicate whether the inventory service is authorized, whether the positioning service is authorized, whether the perception service is authorized, and whether the command service is authorized.

[0137] In some possible implementations, the third information indicates the authorized inventory device type. For example, the authorized inventory device type may include at least one of device A, device B, and device C, or the authorized inventory device type may include at least one of type 1 and type 2. In one possible implementation, the third information indicates that the inventory service is authorized and the authorized inventory type. In one possible implementation, the third information indicates the authorized inventory device type, meaning that the third information by default indicates that the inventory service is authorized, and no additional indication is required.

[0138] In some possible implementations, the third information is used to indicate the authorized positioning type. For example, the authorized positioning type may include at least one of uplink (UL) positioning, air interface (Uu) positioning, sidelink (SL) positioning, and ranging. In one possible implementation, the third information indicates that the positioning service is authorized and the authorized positioning type. In one possible implementation, the third information indicates the authorized positioning type, that is, the third information indicates by default that the positioning service is authorized, and no additional indication is required.

[0139] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate the resources that the terminal device is authorized to use as an intermediate node. For example, the authorized resources may include at least one of bandwidth resources and spectrum resources, but are not limited thereto. For another example, the authorized resources may include at least one of authorized CW resources and authorized communication resources. For another example, the authorized resources may include at least one of authorized CW bandwidth resources and spectrum resources, or the authorized resources may include at least one of authorized communication bandwidth resources and spectrum resources. It should be noted that the fourth information involved in the present disclosure can be described as an authorized resource configuration.

[0140] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to indicate the valid time information of the terminal device being authorized as an intermediate node. The terminal device can only operate as an intermediate node within the authorized valid period; outside this valid period, the terminal device is not authorized to act as an intermediate node. For example, the authorized valid time information can be a Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) time interval. It should be noted that the fifth information involved in the present disclosure can be described as authorized time information.

[0141] In some embodiments, the sixth information is used to indicate the valid location information of the terminal device authorized as an intermediate node. In particular, considering that the terminal device may have mobility, the terminal device can only work as an intermediate node within the authorized valid location area (such as the geographical location area where a smart factory is located); outside the authorized valid location area, the terminal device is not authorized to act as an intermediate node. For example, the authorized valid location information can be a cell list, a tracking area (TA) list, a public land mobile network (PLMN) list, a specific geographical coordinate area, etc., but is not limited to this. It should be noted that the sixth information involved in the present disclosure can be described as an authorized location area.

[0142] In some embodiments, the request information for the AIoT operation includes at least one of the following: seventh information; eighth information; ninth information.

[0143] In some embodiments, the seventh information is used to indicate the reason for the AIoT operation. For example, the reason for the AIoT operation can be an inventory service, a positioning service, etc., but is not limited to this. The reason for the AIoT operation is not necessarily the type of service. It should be noted that the reason for the AIoT operation involved in this disclosure can also be described as the purpose information of the request.

[0144] In some embodiments, the eighth information is used to indicate the resources required for the AIoT operation. For example, the resources required for the AIoT operation may be frequency resources and / or bandwidth resources for sending CW signals, resources for communicating with AIoT devices, etc., but is not limited thereto. It should be noted that the resources required for the AIoT operation involved in this disclosure may also be described as requested resource information.

[0145] In some embodiments, the ninth information is used to indicate the terminal device that performs the AIoT operation. In some possible implementations, the core network device has selected the terminal device, and the ninth information may be included in the request information for the AIoT operation sent by the core network device to the access network device, to indicate the terminal device selected by the core network device. In other possible implementations, the core network device has not selected the terminal device, and the ninth information may not be included in the request information for the AIoT operation sent by the core network device to the access network device, and the access network device may select the terminal device that performs the AIoT operation based on the first information. In other possible implementations, the ninth information may not be included in the request information for the AIoT operation sent by the terminal device to the access network device. In this case, the access network device may default to determining the terminal device that sends the request information for the AIoT operation as the terminal device requesting to perform the AIoT operation.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first device comprises an access network device, and the second device comprises a core network device. Alternatively, the first device comprises an access network device, and the second device comprises a terminal device. Alternatively, the first device comprises a destination base station, and the second device comprises a source base station. Alternatively, the first device comprises the terminal device's current serving base station, and the second device comprises the terminal device's previous serving base station. Alternatively, the first device comprises an access network device, and the second device comprises an AIoT server.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first device is a base station serving a terminal device, and the second device is an AMF. The AMF can send an NGAP message to the base station, and the NGAP message can include the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node. In some possible implementations, the NGAP message may include but is not limited to: an initial UE context request message, a UE context modification request message, a path conversion confirmation message, a switching request message, etc. In the above implementation, the AMF can, for example, obtain the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node during the initial access process. For details on how the AMF obtains the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node, please refer to the embodiments shown later, which will not be elaborated here.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first device is the destination base station serving the terminal device, and the second device is the source base station. The source base station can send an XnAP handover request message to the destination base station. The XnAP handover request message can include the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node. In the above implementation, the source base station can obtain the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node from the AMF.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first device is the current serving base station of the terminal device, and the second device is the previous serving base station of the terminal device. The previous serving base station can send an XnAP retrieval UE context feedback message to the current serving base station. The XnAP retrieval UE context feedback message may include the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node. In the above implementation, the previous serving base station can obtain the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node from the AMF.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the first device can obtain authorization information from at least one of the following nodes: core network node (during initial access, context modification, path conversion, NG switching); source base station (during switching process); last serving base station (during resume process from inactive state).

[0151] In some embodiments, the first device is a base station serving a terminal device, and the second device is a terminal device. The terminal device can send an AIoT-related resource request (resource request for AIoT operation) to the base station, and the AIoT-related resource request may include request information for the AIoT operation.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first device is a base station serving a terminal device, and the second device is an AMF. The AMF may send an AIoT-related task request (task request for AIoT operation) to the base station. The AIoT-related task request may include request information for the AIoT operation. In some possible implementations, the AIoT-related task request sent by the AMF may come from an AIoT server.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first device is a base station, and the second device is an AIoT server. The AIoT server can send a request related to an AIoT operation to the base station, and the request related to the AIoT operation can include request information for the AIoT operation.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the AIoT operation request information received by the first device may be initiated by the terminal device, the core network device, or the AIoT server.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first device may receive the first information from the second device.

[0156] In step S302, the first device determines whether to authorize the terminal device as an intermediate node of the AIoT device based on the first information.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first device determines whether to authorize the terminal device to serve as an intermediate node of the AIoT device based on the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node and / or the request information of the AIoT operation.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first device determines whether the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node based on the second information. And / or, the first device determines the services for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node based on the third information. And / or, the first device determines the resources for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node based on the fourth information. And / or, the first device determines the effective time information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node based on the fifth information. And / or, the first device determines the effective location information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node based on the sixth information. And / or, the first device determines the reason for the AIoT operation based on the seventh information. And / or, the first device determines the resources required for the AIoT operation based on the eighth information. And / or, the first device determines the terminal device that performs the AIoT operation based on the ninth information. And / or, the first device selects the terminal device that performs the AIoT operation based on the fact that the request information for the AIoT operation does not include the ninth information.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first device determines whether the inventory service is authorized based on the third information. Furthermore, the first device determines the authorized inventory device type based on the third information. Furthermore, the first device determines whether the positioning service is authorized based on the third information. Furthermore, the first device determines the authorized positioning type based on the third information. Furthermore, the first device determines whether the awareness service is authorized based on the third information. Furthermore, the first device determines whether the inventory service is authorized based on the third information.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first device determines whether to allocate resources to the terminal device based on the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node and / or the request information of the AIoT operation. And / or, the first device determines how to allocate resources to the terminal device based on the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node and / or the request information of the AIoT operation.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first device determines to authorize the terminal device as an intermediate node of the AIoT device, and allocates resources to the terminal device according to the first information, wherein the resources allocated to the terminal device are used to perform operations related to the AIoT device. In one possible implementation, the first device may allocate resources to the terminal device according to the third information. In one possible implementation, the first device may allocate resources to the terminal device according to the fourth information. In one possible implementation, the first device may allocate resources to the terminal device only within a valid period according to the fifth information. In one possible implementation, the first device may select the terminal device as an intermediate node of the AIoT device and perform operations related to the AIoT device according to the sixth information only when the terminal device is located within the valid location area.

[0162] In some possible implementations, because different types of AIoT devices require different wireless resources, the first device may allocate resources to the terminal device based on the authorized inventory device type indicated by the third information. In some possible implementations, because different types of positioning processes for AIoT devices require different wireless resources, the first device may allocate resources to the terminal device based on the authorized positioning type indicated by the third information.

[0163] In a further embodiment, the first device may send the resources and / or tasks allocated to the terminal device to the terminal device.

[0164] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive resources and / or tasks allocated to the terminal device by the first device.

[0165] In a further embodiment, the terminal device may perform operations related to the AIoT device based on the resources and / or tasks allocated to it by the first device.

[0166] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S301 to 3202. For example, step S301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0167] In some embodiments, steps S301 and S302 may be executed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0168] In some embodiments, step S301 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0169] In some embodiments, step S302 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0170] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional embodiments described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3 .

[0171] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an authorization method for an intermediate node. Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart illustrating an authorization method for an intermediate node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The authorization method for an intermediate node shown in this embodiment can be executed by a first device.

[0172] As shown in FIG4 , the authorization method of the intermediate node may include the following steps:

[0173] In step S401, based on the first information, it is determined whether the terminal device is authorized to serve as an intermediate node of the AIoT device, where the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0174] For example, the base station serving the UE can determine whether to authorize the UE as an intermediate node of the AIoT device based on the first information, that is, determine whether to select the UE to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0175] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 can be implemented independently or in combination with at least one other embodiment in the present disclosure. The specific selection can be made as needed and the present disclosure does not limit it.

[0176] Optionally, the second device may send the first information to the first device.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first device may receive the first information from the second device.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node; request information of the AIoT operation.

[0179] In some embodiments, the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node includes at least one of the following: second information, the second information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is authorized to act as an intermediate node; third information, the third information is used to indicate the business for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; fourth information, the fourth information is used to indicate the resources for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; fifth information, the fifth information is used to indicate the effective time information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; sixth information, the sixth information is used to indicate the effective location information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node.

[0180] In some embodiments, the authorized service includes at least one of the following: inventory service; positioning service; sensing service; command service.

[0181] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the type of device that is authorized for inventory.

[0182] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the authorized positioning type.

[0183] In some embodiments, the request information for the AIoT operation includes at least one of the following: seventh information, the seventh information is used to indicate the reason for the AIoT operation; eighth information, the eighth information is used to indicate the resources required for the AIoT operation; and ninth information, the ninth information is used to indicate the terminal device that performs the AIoT operation.

[0184] In the above embodiment, for the specific embodiment of the first information, reference can be made to the description of the first information in the foregoing text, which will not be repeated here.

[0185] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device can determine whether to authorize the terminal device to serve as an intermediate node of the AIoT device based on the first information, that is, it can determine whether to select the terminal device to perform operations related to the AIoT device. Accordingly, in a network topology where the AIoT device needs to communicate with the base station through an intermediate node (i.e., Topology 2 as shown in FIG1B ), the first device can authorize the terminal device so that the authorized terminal device works as an intermediate node, which is beneficial for the terminal device to apply for the resources of the base station under network control and perform operations related to the AIoT device, thereby improving the network performance of the AIoT.

[0186] In a further embodiment, the terminal device is determined to be authorized as an intermediate node for the AIoT device, and the first device allocates resources to the terminal device based on the first information, and the resources allocated to the terminal device are used to perform operations related to the AIoT device. Optionally, based on the resources allocated to the terminal device by the first device, the terminal device can perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0187] In some embodiments, the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node may be generated during the initial access process. One or more devices in the network may obtain the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node during the initial access process. The first device may obtain the request information for the AIoT operation from the terminal device, the core network device, and / or the AIoT server after the AIoT-related task is activated (or triggered). This will be explained below in conjunction with Figure 5.

[0188] Optionally, the terminal device can send AIoT-related information to the first device, and the AIoT-related information can be used to select a core network device.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first device may receive AIoT-related information sent by the terminal device. In one possible implementation, the first device may receive a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message sent by the terminal device, where the RRC message includes AIoT-related information. The RRC message may be, for example, an RRC setup complete message.

[0190] In some embodiments, the AIoT-related information may include at least one of the following: tenth information; eleventh information. In some possible implementations, the tenth information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports serving as an intermediate node. For example, the tenth information may be an indication information, i.e., {supported, not-supported}. In some possible implementations, the eleventh information is used to indicate the services supported by the terminal device as an intermediate node. The services supported by the terminal device as an intermediate node may include at least one of an inventory service, a positioning service, a perception service, and a command service, but are not limited thereto.

[0191] In a further embodiment, the first device may indicate to the terminal device that it supports serving as an intermediate node based on the AIoT-related information, and select a core network device that supports performing operations related to the AIoT device. In a further embodiment, the first device may send AIoT-related information to the selected core network device, and the AIoT-related information is used to obtain authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node. In one possible implementation, the first device may send a first NGAP message to the selected core network device, and the first NGAP message includes AIoT-related information. The first NGAP message may, for example, be an initial UE message (i.e., an initial UE message).

[0192] Optionally, the core network device (such as AMF) can receive AIoT-related information from the first device. Optionally, the core network device can initiate a corresponding authentication process or authorization process based on the AIoT-related information to obtain authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node.

[0193] Optionally, the core network device may send authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node to the first device. Also, the core network device may send authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node to the terminal device.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first device may receive authorization information for the AIoT intermediate node from a core network device. In some possible implementations, the first device may receive a second NGAP message from the core network device, the second NGAP message including the authorization information for the AIoT intermediate node. The second NGAP message may, for example, be an initial UE context request message, a UE context modification request message, a path switch confirmation message, a handover request message, or the like.

[0195] Optionally, the terminal device may receive authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node from the core network device. In some possible implementations, the terminal device may receive a non-access stratum (NAS) message from the core network device, where the NAS message includes authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node. Optionally, the terminal device may determine whether it can serve as an intermediate node of the AIoT device based on the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first device may receive AIoT operation request information from a terminal device, and / or the first device may receive AIoT operation request information from a core network device.

[0197] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing an interaction between processing authorization information and request information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0198] In step S501, the UE sends an RRC message to the base station when accessing the network, where the RRC message may include AIoT related information (ie, AIoT related info).

[0199] In step S502, the base station may receive the RRC message and select an appropriate AMF based on the AIoT-related information. For example, if the AIoT-related information indicates that the UE supports acting as an intermediate node, the base station selects an AMF that supports AIoT-related operations (such as AIoT-related registration and authorization procedures).

[0200] In step S503, the base station sends a first NGAP message to the selected AMF, where the first NGAP message may include the AIoT-related information obtained in step S502.

[0201] In step S504, the AMF may receive the first NGAP message and initiate a corresponding authentication or authorization process based on the AIoT-related information to obtain the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node (ie, obtain authorization info).

[0202] In step S505, the AMF may send a second NGAP message to the base station, where the second NGAP message may include authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node.

[0203] In step S506, the AMF may send a NAS message to the UE, where the NAS message may include authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node.

[0204] In some embodiments, steps S505 and S506 may be executed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0205] In step S507, in response to the AIoT-related task being activated (i.e., the AIoT-related task is triggered), the UE may send a request message for an AIoT operation (e.g., a resource request for an AIoT operation) to the base station. The request message for the AIoT operation may include information such as the reason for the AIoT operation and the resources required for the AIoT operation.

[0206] In step S508, in response to the AIoT-related task being activated, the AMF may send an AIoT operation request message (e.g., a task request for AIoT operation) to the base station. The AIoT operation request message may include information such as the terminal device performing the AIoT operation (i.e., the core network has selected the UE), the reason for the AIoT operation, and the resources required for the AIoT operation.

[0207] In some embodiments, steps S507 and S508 may be executed in an interchanged order or simultaneously. In some embodiments, steps S507, S508, and S507+S508 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0208] In step S509, the base station may receive the request information for the AIoT operation, and may also decide whether to allocate the requested resources to the UE and / or how to allocate the resources (i.e., resource allocation) based on the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node and / or the request information for the AIoT operation. Optionally, the base station may also decide whether to select the UE to perform operations related to the AIoT device (i.e., the base station performs UE selection) based on the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node and / or the request information for the AIoT operation.

[0209] In step S510, the base station may send resources and / or tasks allocated to the UE to the UE.

[0210] In step S511, the UE may perform operations related to the AIoT device according to the resources and / or tasks allocated to it by the base station.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first device may obtain authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node during the Xn switching process. This will be described below in conjunction with FIG6 . FIG6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an interaction for processing authorization information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0212] In step S601, the source base station (i.e., source NG-RAN node) may send a handover request message (i.e., HANDOVER REQUEST) to the target base station (i.e., target NG-RAN node), wherein the handover request message may include authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node. In some embodiments, the target base station may receive the handover request message. In a further embodiment, if the target base station supports AIoT-related operations, the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node may be saved. In a further embodiment, the target base station may select a UE when necessary and allocate appropriate resources to the UE for AIoT-related operations based on the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node.

[0213] In step S602, the target base station may send a handover request confirmation message (ie, HANDOVER REQUEST ACKNOWLEAGE) to the source base station.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first device can obtain the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node during the Xn retrieval of the UE context. This is explained below in conjunction with Figure 7. Figure 7 is an interactive diagram illustrating a method of processing authorization information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0215] In step S701, the UE's current serving base station (ie, new NG-RAN node) may send a retrieve UE context request message (ie, RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT REQUEST) to the UE's previous serving base station (ie, old NG-RAN node).

[0216] In step S702, the UE's last serving base station may send a retrieve UE context feedback message (i.e., RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT RESPONSE) to the UE's current serving base station, wherein the retrieve UE context feedback message may include the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node. In some embodiments, if the UE's current serving base station supports AIoT-related operations, the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node may be saved. In a further embodiment, the target base station may select the UE when necessary and allocate appropriate resources to the UE for AIoT-related operations based on the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node.

[0217] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an authorization method for an intermediate node. Figure 8 is a schematic flow chart illustrating an authorization method for an intermediate node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The authorization method for an intermediate node shown in this embodiment can be executed by a second device.

[0218] As shown in FIG8 , the authorization method of the intermediate node may include the following steps:

[0219] In step S801, first information is sent to a first device, where the first information is used to determine whether to authorize the terminal device to serve as an intermediate node of the AIoT device, where the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0220] For example, the UE can send first information to the base station it is currently connected to. The first information can be used by the base station to determine whether to authorize the UE as an intermediate node of the AIoT device, that is, the first information can be used by the base station to determine whether to select the UE to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0221] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIG8 can be implemented independently or in combination with at least one other embodiment in the present disclosure. The specific selection can be made as needed and the present disclosure does not limit it.

[0222] Optionally, the first device may receive the first information.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node; request information of the AIoT operation.

[0224] In some embodiments, the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node includes at least one of the following: second information, the second information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is authorized to act as an intermediate node; third information, the third information is used to indicate the business for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; fourth information, the fourth information is used to indicate the resources for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; fifth information, the fifth information is used to indicate the effective time information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; sixth information, the sixth information is used to indicate the effective location information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node.

[0225] In some embodiments, the authorized service includes at least one of the following: inventory service; positioning service; sensing service; command service.

[0226] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the type of device that is authorized for inventory.

[0227] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the authorized positioning type.

[0228] In some embodiments, the request information for the AIoT operation includes at least one of the following: seventh information, the seventh information is used to indicate the reason for the AIoT operation; eighth information, the eighth information is used to indicate the resources required for the AIoT operation; and ninth information, the ninth information is used to indicate the terminal device that performs the AIoT operation.

[0229] In the above embodiment, for the specific embodiment of the first information, reference can be made to the description of the first information in the foregoing text, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first message is sent to a first device via a second device, so that the first device can determine whether to authorize the terminal device as an intermediate node of the AIoT device based on the first message, that is, whether to select the terminal device to perform operations related to the AIoT device. Accordingly, in a network topology where the AIoT device needs to communicate with the base station through an intermediate node (i.e., Topology 2 as shown in FIG1B ), the first device can authorize the terminal device so that the authorized terminal device works as an intermediate node, which is beneficial for the terminal device to apply for the resources of the base station under network control and perform operations related to the AIoT device, thereby improving the network performance of the AIoT.

[0231] In some embodiments, the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node may be generated during the initial access process. One or more devices in the network may obtain the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node during the initial access process. The first device may obtain the request information for the AIoT operation from the terminal device and / or the core network device after the AIoT-related task is activated (or triggered). For the specific implementation method, please refer to the embodiment related to Figure 5, which will not be repeated here.

[0232] In some embodiments, the terminal device can send AIoT-related information to the access network device, and the AIoT-related information is used to select the core network device.

[0233] In some embodiments, the AIoT-related information may include at least one of the following: tenth information; eleventh information. In some possible implementations, the tenth information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports serving as an intermediate node. In some possible implementations, the eleventh information is used to indicate the services supported by the terminal device as an intermediate node.

[0234] Optionally, the access network device may receive AIoT-related information sent by the terminal device. In a further embodiment, the access network device indicates to the terminal device based on the AIoT-related information that it supports serving as an intermediate node, and may select a core network device that supports performing operations related to the AIoT device. In a further embodiment, the access network device may send AIoT-related information to the selected core network device, and the AIoT-related information is used to obtain authorization information for the AIoT intermediate node.

[0235] In some embodiments, the core network device can receive AIoT-related information sent by the access network device; the core network device can obtain authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node based on the AIoT-related information.

[0236] In a further embodiment, the core network device may send the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node to the access network device. And / or, the core network device may send the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node to the terminal device.

[0237] In some embodiments, the terminal device can perform operations related to the AIoT device based on the resources allocated to the terminal device by the access network device.

[0238] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0239] 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.

[0240] In some embodiments, the terms "component carrier (CC)", "cell", "frequency carrier", "carrier frequency" and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0241] 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.

[0242] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0243] Corresponding to the aforementioned embodiment of the authorization method for an intermediate node, the present disclosure also provides an embodiment of an authorization device for an intermediate node.

[0244] FIG9 is a schematic block diagram of a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG9 , the first device 900 includes a first processing module 901 .

[0245] In some embodiments, the first processing module is used to determine whether to authorize the terminal device as an intermediate node of the AIoT device based on the first information, and the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node; request information of the AIoT operation.

[0247] In some embodiments, the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node includes at least one of the following: second information, the second information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; third information, the third information is used to indicate the business for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; fourth information, the fourth information is used to indicate the resources for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; fifth information, the fifth information is used to indicate the effective time information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; sixth information, the sixth information is used to indicate the effective location information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node.

[0248] In some embodiments, the authorized service includes at least one of the following: inventory service; positioning service; perception service; command service.

[0249] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the authorized inventory device type.

[0250] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate an authorized positioning type.

[0251] In some embodiments, the request information for the AIoT operation includes at least one of the following: seventh information, which is used to indicate the reason for the AIoT operation; eighth information, which is used to indicate the resources required for the AIoT operation; and ninth information, which is used to indicate the terminal device that performs the AIoT operation.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first device further includes: a first transceiver module, configured to receive the first information from a second device.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first transceiver module is further used to receive AIoT-related information sent by the terminal device, and the AIoT-related information is used to select a core network device.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first processing module is further used to determine that the AIoT-related information indicates that the terminal device supports serving as an intermediate node, and selects a core network device that supports executing operations related to the AIoT device; the first transceiver module is also used to send the AIoT-related information to the selected core network device, and the AIoT-related information is used to obtain authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node.

[0255] In some embodiments, the AIoT-related information includes at least one of the following: tenth information, the tenth information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports serving as an intermediate node; eleventh information, the eleventh information is used to indicate the services supported by the terminal device as an intermediate node.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first processing module is further used to determine the authorization of the terminal device as an intermediate node of the AIoT device, allocate resources to the terminal device according to the first information, and use the resources allocated to the terminal device to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0257] FIG10 is a schematic block diagram of a second device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG10 , the second device 1000 includes a second transceiver module 1001 .

[0258] In some embodiments, the second transceiver module is used to send first information to the first device, and the first information is used to determine whether to authorize the terminal device to serve as an intermediate node of the AIoT device, and the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

[0259] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node; request information of the AIoT operation.

[0260] In some embodiments, the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node includes at least one of the following: second information, the second information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; third information, the third information is used to indicate the business for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; fourth information, the fourth information is used to indicate the resources for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; fifth information, the fifth information is used to indicate the effective time information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; sixth information, the sixth information is used to indicate the effective location information for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node.

[0261] In some embodiments, the authorized service includes at least one of the following: inventory service; positioning service; perception service; command service.

[0262] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the authorized inventory device type.

[0263] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate an authorized positioning type.

[0264] In some embodiments, the request information for the AIoT operation includes at least one of the following seventh information, wherein the seventh information is used to indicate the reason for the AIoT operation; eighth information, wherein the eighth information is used to indicate the resources required for the AIoT operation; and ninth information, wherein the ninth information is used to indicate the terminal device that performs the AIoT operation.

[0265] In some embodiments, the second transceiver module is further used to send AIoT-related information to the first device, and the AIoT-related information is used to select a core network device.

[0266] In some embodiments, the second transceiver module is further used to receive AIoT-related information sent by the first device; the second device also includes a second processing module; the second processing module is used to obtain authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node based on the AIoT-related information.

[0267] In some embodiments, the second transceiver module is further used to send authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node to the terminal device.

[0268] In some embodiments, the AIoT-related information includes at least one of the following: tenth information, the tenth information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports serving as an intermediate node; eleventh information, the eleventh information is used to indicate the services supported by the terminal device as an intermediate node.

[0269] In some embodiments, the second processing module is further used to perform operations related to the AIoT device based on resources allocated by the access network device to the terminal device.

[0270] It should be noted that the modules included in the first device 900 and / or the second device 1000 are not limited to the modules described in the above embodiments, and may also include other modules, such as a storage module, a display module, etc.

[0271] For the device embodiment, since it basically corresponds to the method embodiment, the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the method embodiment. The device embodiment described above is merely illustrative, wherein the modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed on multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the scheme of this embodiment. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement it without paying any creative work.

[0272] An embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes a first device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the first device to execute the authorization method of the intermediate node described in the first aspect and the optional embodiment of the first aspect.

[0273] An embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes a second device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the second device to execute the authorization method of the intermediate node described in the second aspect and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0274] An embodiment of the present disclosure also proposes a communication device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the communication device to execute the authorization method of the intermediate node described in the first aspect and the optional embodiment of the first aspect, and / or the authorization method of the intermediate node described in the second aspect and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0275] An embodiment of the present disclosure also proposes a communication system, including a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is configured to implement the authorization method of the intermediate node described in the first aspect and the optional embodiment of the first aspect, and the second device is configured to implement the authorization method of the intermediate node described in the second aspect and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0276] An embodiment of the present disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the authorization method for the intermediate node described in the first aspect and the optional embodiment of the first aspect, and / or the authorization method for the intermediate node described in the second aspect and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0277] 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.

[0278] 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), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules 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 rest by hardware circuits.

[0279] 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.

[0280] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 11100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 11100 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 11100 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.

[0281] As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 11100 includes one or more processors 11101. The processor 11101 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 communication protocols 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. The processor 11101 is used to call instructions to enable the communication device 11100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0282] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more memories 11102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 11102 may be located outside the communication device 11100.

[0283] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more transceivers 11103. When the communication device 11100 includes one or more transceivers 11103, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceiver 11103, and the other steps are performed by the processor 11101.

[0284] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit 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.

[0285] Optionally, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more interface circuits 11104, which are connected to the memory 11102. The interface circuits 11104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 11102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 11102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 11104 may read instructions stored in the memory 11102 and send the instructions to the processor 11101.

[0286] The communication device 11100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 11100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 11100 may not be limited by FIG. 11 . The communication device may be an independent device or may be 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 or 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.

[0287] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 12200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 11100 can be a chip or a chip system, reference can be made to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 12200 shown in FIG12 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0288] The chip 12200 includes one or more processors 12201 , and the processor 12201 is used to call instructions so that the chip 12200 executes any of the above methods.

[0289] In some embodiments, the chip 12200 further includes one or more interface circuits 12202, which are connected to the memory 12203. The interface circuit 12202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 12203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory.

[0290] 12203 or other devices to send signals. For example, the interface circuit 12202 can read the instructions stored in the memory 12203 and send the instructions to the processor 12201. Optionally, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0291] In some embodiments, chip 12200 further includes one or more memories 12203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of memory 12203 may be located outside chip 12200.

[0292] The present disclosure also provides a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 11100, the communication device 11100 is caused to execute 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.

[0293] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 11100, enables the communication device 11100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0294] 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.

Claims

1. A method for authorizing an intermediate node, characterized in that: Executed by a first device, the method includes: Based on the first information, determine whether to authorize the terminal device to serve as an intermediate node of a passive Internet of Things AIoT device, where the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information includes at least one of the following: Authorization information of AIoT intermediate nodes; AIoT operation request information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node includes at least one of the following: second information, where the second information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is authorized to serve as an intermediate node; third information, where the third information is used to indicate a service for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; Fourth information, where the fourth information is used to indicate resources that the terminal device is authorized to use as an intermediate node; Fifth information, the fifth information is used to indicate valid time information during which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; The sixth information is used to indicate the valid location information of the terminal device authorized as an intermediate node.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The authorized services include at least one of the following: Inventory operations; Positioning services; Perception business; Command business.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The third information is used to indicate the authorized inventory device type.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The third information is used to indicate the authorized positioning type.

7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The request information for the AIoT operation includes at least one of the following: Seventh information, the seventh information is used to indicate the reason for the AIoT operation; Eighth information, the eighth information is used to indicate resources required for AIoT operations; Ninth information, the ninth information is used to indicate the terminal device that performs the AIoT operation.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first information is received from a second device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The first device includes an access network device, and the second device includes a core network device; or, The first device includes an access network device, and the second device includes the terminal device; or The first device includes a destination base station, and the second device includes a source base station; or, The first device includes the current serving base station of the terminal device, and the second device includes the last serving base station of the terminal device; or, The first device includes an access network device, and the second device includes an AIoT server.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive AIoT-related information sent by the terminal device, where the AIoT-related information is used to select a core network device.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determining that the AIoT-related information indicates that the terminal device supports serving as an intermediate node, and selecting a core network device that supports performing operations related to the AIoT device; Send the AIoT related information to the selected core network device, and the AIoT related information is used to obtain AIoT Authorization information of the intermediate node.

12. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that The AIoT-related information includes at least one of the following: Tenth information, the tenth information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports serving as an intermediate node; The eleventh information is used to indicate the services supported by the terminal device as an intermediate node.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determine to authorize the terminal device to serve as an intermediate node of the AIoT device, allocate resources to the terminal device according to the first information, and use the resources allocated to the terminal device to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

14. A method for authorizing an intermediate node, characterized in that: Executed by a second device, the method includes: First information is sent to a first device, where the first information is used to determine whether to authorize the terminal device to serve as an intermediate node of an AIoT device, where the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The first information includes at least one of the following: Authorization information of AIoT intermediate nodes; AIoT operation request information.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node includes at least one of the following: second information, where the second information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is authorized to serve as an intermediate node; third information, where the third information is used to indicate a service for which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; Fourth information, where the fourth information is used to indicate resources that the terminal device is authorized to use as an intermediate node; Fifth information, the fifth information is used to indicate valid time information during which the terminal device is authorized as an intermediate node; The sixth information is used to indicate the valid location information of the terminal device authorized as an intermediate node.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The authorized services include at least one of the following: Inventory operations; Positioning services; Perception business; Command business.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The third information is used to indicate the authorized inventory device type.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein The third information is used to indicate the authorized positioning type.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein The request information for the AIoT operation includes at least one of the following: Seventh information, the seventh information is used to indicate the reason for the AIoT operation; Eighth information, the eighth information is used to indicate resources required for AIoT operations; Ninth information, the ninth information is used to indicate the terminal device that performs the AIoT operation.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that The first device includes an access network device, and the second device includes a core network device; or, The first device includes an access network device, and the second device includes the terminal device; or The first device includes a destination base station, and the second device includes a source base station; or, The first device includes the current serving base station of the terminal device, and the second device includes the last serving base station of the terminal device; or, The first device includes an access network device, and the second device includes an AIoT server.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The first device includes an access network device, the second device includes a terminal device, and the method further includes: Send AIoT-related information to the first device, where the AIoT-related information is used to select a core network device.

23. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The first device includes an access network device, the second device includes a core network device, the core network device supports executing operations related to the AIoT device, and the method further includes: Receive AIoT-related information sent by the first device; According to the AIoT related information, the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node is obtained.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The method further comprises: Send the authorization information of the AIoT intermediate node to the terminal device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that The AIoT-related information includes at least one of the following: Tenth information, the tenth information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports serving as an intermediate node; The eleventh information is used to indicate the services supported by the terminal device as an intermediate node.

26. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that The first device includes an access network device, the second device includes a terminal device, and the method further includes: Based on the resources allocated by the access network device to the terminal device, perform operations related to the AIoT device.

27. A first device, characterized in that: include: The first processing module is used to determine whether to authorize the terminal device as an intermediate node of the AIoT device based on the first information, and the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

28. A second device, characterized in that: include: The second transceiver module is used to send first information to the first device, where the first information is used to determine whether to authorize the terminal device to serve as an intermediate node of the AIoT device, and the intermediate node is used to perform operations related to the AIoT device.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The processor is configured to call instructions to enable the communication device to execute the intermediate node authorization method according to any one of claims 1-13 or 14-26.

30. A communication system, characterized in that: The method comprises a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is configured to implement the method for authorizing an intermediate node according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and the second device is configured to implement the method for authorizing an intermediate node according to any one of claims 14 to 26.

31. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is enabled to execute the intermediate node authorization method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or 14 to 26.

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