Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and device, and the method comprises the steps: receiving a first request which carries business demand information; determining at least one first reader-writer, wherein the at least one first reader-writer meets the business demand information; and configuring the at least one first reader-writer. Through the technical scheme provided by the invention, the AIoT service can be realized without a core network, so that the implementation complexity is reduced, and the service efficiency is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of communication, and in particular to a communication method and device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, ambient internet of things (AIoT) services are implemented through a core network. AIoT service instructions are issued to a base station through the core network, and the selection of the base station by the core network elements (such as a network exposure function element (NEF), an access and mobility management function element (AMF), and a tag management function element (TMF)) and the AMF / TMF involves a complex topology path, and the path selection of the core network elements causes additional signaling transmission time, thereby affecting the efficiency of AIoT services. How to implement AIoT services without going through the core network is a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application provides a communication method and device, which can implement AIoT services without going through the core network, thereby reducing the implementation complexity and improving the service efficiency.

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a first communication device, and includes the following steps.

[0005] Receiving a first request, wherein the first request carries service requirement information;

[0006] Determining at least one first reader, wherein the at least one first reader meets the service requirement information;

[0007] Configuring the at least one first reader.

[0008] Optionally, the first communication device can be a network management system or a module in the network management system. For example, the first communication device can be an operator network management system or an entity for providing AIoT services in the operator network management system, such as an AIoT service producer.

[0009] Specifically, the first communication device receives a first request from a demander (or a third party, or a consumer, or a customer), and the first request can be understood as a request for subscribing to AIoT services. The service requirement information can be understood as information related to the AIoT services to be subscribed by the demander.

[0010] Through the above embodiments, AIoT management services can be added to the network management system, including the configuration of readers. The network management system can determine the readers used to implement AIoT services without having to select the readers to implement AIoT services through interaction between core network elements. This can reduce signaling overhead, improve the efficiency of AIoT services, reduce the implementation complexity of AIoT services, and also reduce the exposure of access network capabilities to the core network.

[0011] In one possible implementation, configuring the at least one first reader / writer includes:

[0012] Send a first configuration request, the first configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first reader / writer;

[0013] A first configuration response is received, which indicates that the configuration of the at least one first reader / writer is complete.

[0014] Specifically, the first communication device sends a first configuration request to the second communication device and receives a first configuration response from the second communication device.

[0015] Optionally, the second communication device may be a network management system (or network element management system), or a module within the network management system. For example, the second communication device may be an equipment vendor network management system, or a functional module within the equipment vendor network management system used to provide AIoT services, such as configuration management or performance management functions.

[0016] The above implementation method allows for the configuration of readers using a network management system, enabling the system to identify readers for AIoT services and thus improving reader search efficiency.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first reader, the activation status, the associated demander identifier or the device identifier of the service, wherein the activation status is used to indicate that the reader capability of the first reader is enabled.

[0018] Through the above implementation method, the reader identifier, reader status, the demand party associated with the reader, and the AIoT device (or AIoT tag) served by the reader can be configured so that the reader used to implement AIoT services can be determined according to the reader configuration information.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0020] Identify at least one first device, wherein the at least one first device satisfies the business requirement information;

[0021] Configure the at least one first device.

[0022] Through the above implementation methods, the network management system can add management services for AIoT devices, including the configuration of AIoT devices, to support AIoT services.

[0023] In one possible implementation, determining at least one first device includes:

[0024] Send a query request to query available devices that are idle and meet the business requirements.

[0025] Receive a query response, the query response including the available devices, and the at least one first device including the available devices.

[0026] Specifically, the first communication device sends a query request to the second communication device and receives a query response from the second communication device.

[0027] Through the above implementation method, the first communication device can reuse existing AIoT devices and provide them to users, thus saving on device manufacturing costs.

[0028] In one possible implementation, configuring the at least one first device includes:

[0029] Send a second configuration request, the second configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first device;

[0030] A second configuration response is received, which indicates that the configuration of the at least one first device is complete.

[0031] Specifically, the first communication device sends a second configuration request to the second communication device and receives a second configuration response from the second communication device.

[0032] Through the above implementation methods, the network management system can be used to configure AIoT devices to support the subsequent implementation of AIoT services through the network management system.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first device, activation status, validity period, memory, or associated demander identifier, wherein the activation status is used to indicate the activation of the first device.

[0034] Through the above implementation methods, the device identifier, device status, validity period, memory, and the demand side associated with the AIoT device can be configured to provide AIoT devices that can meet business needs.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the business requirement information includes one or more of the following: demander identifier, business type, number of devices, target memory, service validity period, or target scope.

[0036] The demand party identifier indicates the demand party. The service type refers to the type of AIoT service required by the demand party, or the type of AIoT service that the network management system needs to open to the demand party. For example, the AIoT service type may include one or more of the following: inventory, read device information, write device information, or disable device information. Reading device information, writing device information, and disabling device information can also be collectively referred to as command services, command instructions, or command indications. The number of devices refers to the number of AIoT devices required by the demand party. The target memory refers to the memory of the AIoT devices required by the demand party; target memory can also be understood as the storage capacity of the AIoT devices, i.e., the memory size of a single AIoT device. The service validity period refers to the validity period of the AIoT service required by the demand party, or the effective time of the AIoT devices. The target scope refers to the service scope required by the demand party, i.e., the geographical scope of the AIoT service.

[0037] Through the above implementation methods, the demand side can determine the required AIoT service type, number of AIoT devices, AIoT device memory, service validity period, and service scope based on its own needs (such as business needs, product needs, etc.), thereby determining the business demand information.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the at least one first reader / writer satisfies the business requirement information by including: the service range of the at least one first reader / writer includes the target range.

[0039] Through the above implementation methods, the reader / writer that meets the business needs can be determined based on the service scope of the reader / writer.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the at least one first device satisfies the business requirement information, including one or more of the following: the number of the first devices satisfies the number of devices, and the memory of the first devices satisfies the target memory.

[0041] Through the above implementation method, the AIoT devices that meet the business requirements can be determined based on the number of AIoT devices and memory.

[0042] In one possible implementation, after determining at least one first device, the method further includes:

[0043] Send a first response, the first response including the identifier of the at least one first device.

[0044] Specifically, the first communication device sends a first response to the requester.

[0045] Through the above implementation method, the first communication device sends a first response to the demand party. The first response includes the identifier of at least one first device. After receiving the first response, the demand party can obtain the identifier of the at least one first device from it. In other words, the first communication device provides the at least one first device to the demand party.

[0046] In one possible implementation, after determining at least one first device, the method further includes:

[0047] Receive a second request, which is used to activate the service and carries the demander identifier.

[0048] Specifically, the first communication device receives a second request from the demander. This second request can be understood as a request to activate the AIoT service.

[0049] Through the above implementation method, the demander can send a second request to the first communication device to activate the AIoT service, thereby triggering the first communication device to configure the reader and AIoT device.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0051] Receive a third request, the third request carrying filtering conditions and information for indicating the target service;

[0052] A target reader is determined, wherein the target reader is included in the at least one first reader;

[0053] A fourth request is sent, the fourth request carrying the filtering conditions and information for instructing the target reader / writer, the fourth request being used to request the target reader / writer to perform the target service on the target device that meets the filtering conditions.

[0054] Specifically, the first communication device receives a third request from the demander. The third request can be understood as a request to perform a target service on an AIoT device (denoted as the target device) that meets the screening criteria, or it can be understood as a request or trigger for the first communication device to determine a reader (denoted as the target reader) for performing the target service on the target device.

[0055] The first communication device sends a fourth request to the second communication device. The fourth request can be understood as requesting the target reader to perform the aforementioned target service on the target device that meets the screening criteria.

[0056] Through the above implementation methods, the network management system can open AIoT services to demanders without having to complete the AIoT services through the core network. This reduces the complexity of implementing AIoT services, improves service quality, and reduces the exposure of access network capabilities to the core network.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the target service includes inventory management, reading device information, modifying device information, or deactivating device information; the fourth request is used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices that meet the filtering conditions, read the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions, modify the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions, or deactivate the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions.

[0058] Through the above implementation methods, the network management system can provide inventory services to demanders to count the number of AIoT devices that meet the screening criteria. The network management system can also provide read and write services to demanders to collect the storage information of AIoT devices that meet the screening criteria.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the filtering criteria include one or more of the following: information indicating the target location, information indicating the target device, or the demander identifier;

[0060] Determining the target reader / writer includes:

[0061] The target reader is determined based on one or more of the target location, the target device, and the demander identifier, wherein the service range of the target reader includes the target location, and / or the device served by the target reader includes the target device, and / or the target reader is associated with the demander identifier.

[0062] Through the above implementation methods, target readers that meet the screening criteria can be determined based on the service scope of the reader, and / or the AIoT devices served by the reader, and / or the demanders associated with the reader.

[0063] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be applied to a second communication device, including:

[0064] Receive a first configuration request, the first configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first reader / writer, the at least one first reader / writer meeting business requirement information;

[0065] Configure the at least one first reader / writer.

[0066] Optionally, the second communication device may be a network management system (or network element management system), or a module within the network management system. For example, the second communication device may be an equipment vendor network management system, or a functional module within the equipment vendor network management system used to provide AIoT services, such as configuration management or performance management functions.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first reader, the activation status, the associated demander identifier or the device identifier of the service, wherein the activation status is used to indicate that the reader capability of the first reader is enabled.

[0068] In one possible implementation, configuring the at least one first reader / writer includes:

[0069] Send a first configuration instruction to the at least one first reader / writer;

[0070] A first configuration response is received, which indicates that the configuration of the at least one first reader / writer is complete.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0072] Receive a second configuration request, the second configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first device, the at least one first device satisfying the service requirement information;

[0073] Configure the at least one first device.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first device, activation status, validity period, memory, or associated demander identifier, wherein the activation status is used to indicate the activation of the first device.

[0075] In one possible implementation, configuring the at least one first device includes:

[0076] Send a second configuration command to the at least one first device;

[0077] A second configuration response is received, which indicates that the configuration of the at least one first device is complete.

[0078] In one possible implementation, prior to receiving the second configuration request, the method further includes:

[0079] Receive a query request, the query request being used to query available devices, the available devices being in an idle state, and the available devices meeting the business requirement information;

[0080] Send a query response, the query response including the available devices, and the at least one first device including the available devices.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the business requirement information includes one or more of the following: demander identifier, business type, number of devices, target memory, service validity period, or target scope.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the at least one first reader / writer satisfying business requirement information includes: the service range of the at least one first reader / writer encompasses the target range; and / or,

[0083] The at least one first device satisfies the business requirement information, including one or more of the following: the number of the first devices satisfies the number of devices, and the memory of the first devices satisfies the target memory.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0085] A fourth request is received, the fourth request carrying filtering conditions and information for instructing a target reader / writer, the fourth request being used to request the target reader / writer to perform a target service on a target device that meets the filtering conditions, the target reader / writer being included in the at least one first reader / writer.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the target service includes inventory management, reading device information, modifying device information, or deactivating device information; the fourth request is used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices that meet the filtering conditions, read the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions, modify the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions, or deactivate the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the filtering criteria include one or more of the following: information indicating the target location, information indicating the target device, or the demander identifier;

[0088] The service range of the target reader includes the target location, and / or the devices served by the target reader include the target device, and / or the target reader is associated with the demander identifier.

[0089] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that includes modules or units for performing the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the device includes:

[0091] The transceiver unit is used to receive a first request, which carries business requirement information.

[0092] A processing unit is configured to determine at least one first reader / writer, wherein the at least one first reader / writer satisfies the business requirement information;

[0093] The transceiver unit is also used to configure the at least one first reader / writer.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit, when configuring the at least one first reader / writer, specifically performs the following functions:

[0095] Send a first configuration request, the first configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first reader / writer;

[0096] A first configuration response is received, which indicates that the configuration of the at least one first reader / writer is complete.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first reader, the activation status, the associated demander identifier or the device identifier of the service, wherein the activation status is used to indicate that the reader capability of the first reader is enabled.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to: determine at least one first device, the at least one first device satisfying the business requirement information;

[0099] The transceiver unit is also used to configure the at least one first device.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0101] Send a query request to query available devices that are idle and meet the business requirements.

[0102] Receive a query response, the query response including the available devices, and the at least one first device including the available devices.

[0103] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit, when configuring the at least one first device, specifically performs the following functions:

[0104] Send a second configuration request, the second configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first device;

[0105] A second configuration response is received, which indicates that the configuration of the at least one first device is complete.

[0106] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first device, activation status, validity period, memory, or associated demander identifier, wherein the activation status is used to indicate the activation of the first device.

[0107] In one possible implementation, the business requirement information includes one or more of the following: demander identifier, business type, number of devices, target memory, service validity period, or target scope.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the at least one first reader / writer fulfilling the business requirement information includes: the service range of the at least one first reader / writer includes the target range; and / or,

[0109] The at least one first device satisfies the business requirement information, including one or more of the following: the number of first devices satisfies the number of devices, and the memory of the first devices satisfies the target memory.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0111] Send a first response, the first response including the identifier of the at least one first device; and / or,

[0112] Receive a second request, which is used to activate the service and carries the demander identifier.

[0113] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive a third request, the third request carrying filtering conditions and information for indicating a target service;

[0114] The processing unit is further configured to: determine a target reader, wherein the target reader is included in the at least one first reader;

[0115] The transceiver unit is further configured to: send a fourth request, the fourth request carrying the filtering conditions and information for instructing the target reader / writer, the fourth request being used to request the target reader / writer to perform the target service on the target device that meets the filtering conditions.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the target service includes inventory management, reading device information, modifying device information, or deactivating device information;

[0117] The fourth request is used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices that meet the filtering conditions, read the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions, modify the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions, or deactivate the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions.

[0118] In one possible implementation, the filtering criteria include one or more of the following: information indicating the target location, information indicating the target device, or the demander identifier;

[0119] When determining the target reader / writer, the processing unit is specifically used for:

[0120] The target reader is determined based on one or more of the target location, the target device, and the demander identifier, wherein the service range of the target reader includes the target location, and / or the device served by the target reader includes the target device, and / or the target reader is associated with the demander identifier.

[0121] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that includes modules or units for performing the methods described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0122] In one possible implementation, the device includes:

[0123] A transceiver unit is configured to receive a first configuration request, the first configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first reader / writer, wherein the at least one first reader / writer satisfies business requirement information; and...

[0124] Configure the at least one first reader / writer.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first reader, the activation status, the associated demander identifier or the device identifier of the service, wherein the activation status is used to indicate that the reader capability of the first reader is enabled.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit, when configuring the at least one first reader / writer, specifically performs the following functions:

[0127] Send a first configuration instruction to the at least one first reader / writer;

[0128] A first configuration response is received, which indicates that the configuration of the at least one first reader / writer is complete.

[0129] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0130] Receive a second configuration request, the second configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first device, the at least one first device satisfying the service requirement information; and

[0131] Configure the at least one first device.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first device, activation status, validity period, memory, or associated demander identifier, wherein the activation status is used to indicate the activation of the first device.

[0133] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit, when configuring the at least one first device, specifically performs the following functions:

[0134] Send a second configuration command to the at least one first device;

[0135] A second configuration response is received, which indicates that the configuration of the at least one first device is complete.

[0136] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0137] Receive a query request, the query request being used to query available devices, the available devices being in an idle state, and the available devices meeting the business requirement information;

[0138] Send a query response, the query response including the available devices, and the at least one first device including the available devices.

[0139] In one possible implementation, the business requirement information includes one or more of the following: demander identifier, business type, number of devices, target memory, service validity period, or target scope.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the at least one first reader / writer satisfying business requirement information includes: the service range of the at least one first reader / writer encompasses the target range; and / or,

[0141] The at least one first device satisfies the business requirement information, including one or more of the following: the number of the first devices satisfies the number of devices, and the memory of the first devices satisfies the target memory.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0143] A fourth request is received, the fourth request carrying filtering conditions and information for instructing a target reader / writer, the fourth request being used to request the target reader / writer to perform a target service on a target device that meets the filtering conditions, the target reader / writer being included in the at least one first reader / writer.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the target service includes inventory management, reading device information, modifying device information, or deactivating device information; the fourth request is used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices that meet the filtering conditions, read the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions, modify the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions, or deactivate the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions.

[0145] In one possible implementation, the filtering criteria include one or more of the following: information indicating the target location, information indicating the target device, or the demander identifier;

[0146] The service range of the target reader includes the target location, and / or the devices served by the target reader include the target device, and / or the target reader is associated with the demander identifier.

[0147] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor for executing computer programs or instructions. When the processor executes the computer programs or instructions, the methods described in any of the first to second aspects or any possible implementations described above are implemented. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0148] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method described in any of the first to second aspects or any possible implementations to be implemented.

[0149] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method described in any of the first to second aspects or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0150] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip including a processor for executing computer programs or instructions. When the processor executes the computer programs or instructions, the chip causes it to perform the methods described in any one of the first to second aspects or any possible implementations described above. Optionally, the chip further includes a communication interface for receiving or transmitting signals.

[0151] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip including logic circuitry and an input / output interface. The logic circuitry is coupled to the input / output interface and transmits data through the input / output interface to perform the method described in any of the first to second aspects or any possible implementations described above.

[0152] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system that includes communication devices as described in any of the third to fourth aspects or any possible implementations described above.

[0153] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the second communication device is used to perform the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0154] The beneficial effects of the second to eleventh aspects mentioned above can be referred to the description of the beneficial effects in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0155] Furthermore, in the process of implementing the methods described in any of the first to second aspects and any possible implementations thereof, the processes related to sending and / or receiving information in the above methods can be understood as the process of the processor outputting information, and / or the process of the processor receiving input information. When outputting information, the processor can output the information to a transceiver (or communication interface, or transmitting module) for transmission. After the information is output by the processor, it may require further processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives input information, the transceiver (or communication interface, or transmitting module) receives the information and inputs it to the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the information, it may require further processing before being input to the processor.

[0156] Based on the above principles, for example, the information sent mentioned in the aforementioned method can be understood as information output by the processor. Similarly, the information received can be understood as information received by the processor from input.

[0157] Alternatively, unless otherwise specified, the operations of transmitting, sending, and receiving involved by the processor can be more generally understood as processor output and receiving, input, and other operations, unless they contradict their actual function or internal logic in the relevant description.

[0158] Optionally, in the process of executing the method described in any of the first to second aspects and any possible implementation thereof, the processor may be a processor specifically designed to execute these methods, or it may be a processor that executes these methods by executing computer instructions stored in memory, such as a general-purpose processor. The memory may be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which may be integrated with the processor on the same chip or disposed on different chips. This application embodiment does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor. Attached Figure Description

[0159] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly described below.

[0160] Figure 1 This is a possible diagram illustrating the issuance of AIoT service commands.

[0161] Figure 2 This is a possible schematic diagram of an AIoT business process;

[0162] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0163] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0164] Figure 5 This is another system architecture diagram provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0165] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0166] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0167] Figure 8This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0168] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0169] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0170] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0171] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0172] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0173] In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0174] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this application do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and "first," "second," etc., are not necessarily different. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0175] The term "embodiment" as used in this application means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various locations throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the various embodiments of this application are consistent and can be mutually referenced, and technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0176] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0177] In the description of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed. For example, the information to be instructed can be directly instructed, such as by instructing the information itself or its index. Alternatively, the information to be instructed can be indirectly indicated by instructing other information, where there is a relationship between the indicated other information and the information to be instructed. Another example is that only a part of the information to be instructed can be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. Furthermore, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent.

[0178] To open up new markets and opportunities for 3GPP systems with local device densities orders of magnitude higher than existing 3GPP IoT technologies, new IoT technologies are designed to offer lower complexity and power consumption than existing 3GPP IoT technologies (such as Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and Enhanced Machine-Type Communication (eMTC)), while still meeting the use cases, scenarios, and AIoT services (or AIoT businesses) supported by AIoT devices. AIoT devices offer significantly lower power consumption and cost compared to NB-IoT devices.

[0179] AIoT devices can also be called AIoT tags. AIoT devices include passive devices and active devices. Passive devices, also known as passive terminals or passive tags, can include semi-passive devices. Passive or semi-passive devices cannot proactively initiate information reporting; they require passive triggering to do so. Active devices, also known as active terminals or active tags, can proactively initiate information reporting, with a process similar to that of user equipment (UE) access.

[0180] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a possible AIoT service command issuance. Wherein:

[0181] AF stands for application function, which is used to issue AIoT business instructions, such as inventorying the number of AIoT tags and reading and writing the record information of AIoT tags.

[0182] NEF stands for Network Exposure Function, which is used to enable the exposure of core network capabilities.

[0183] AMF stands for Access and Mobility Management Function, which is used to send AIoT service commands to the base station and to send information reported by the base station to NEF.

[0184] TMF stands for Tag Management Function, which is used to manage AIoT tags. Optionally, TMF and AMF can be combined and referred to as AMF / TMF.

[0185] BS stands for base station in a new radio (NR) system, or a fifth-generation (5G) base station. It can integrate reader functionality for operations such as counting or reading and writing AIoT tags.

[0186] AIoT tag refers to an AIoT label, or an AIoT device.

[0187] When the AF issues a service command, how the AMF / TMF selects the base station so that the AIoT device that the AF wants to receive the service command can receive the service command forwarded by the base station becomes a problem that needs to be solved to ensure the process runs smoothly.

[0188] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a possible AIoT business process. The process is illustrated using the interaction between AF, NEF, AMF / TMF, reader (e.g., radio access network (RAN) equipment), and AIoT device (e.g., passive device) as an example, and includes the following steps:

[0189] 1. AF initiates an AIoT service request to NEF. The AIoT service request carries AF identifier (ID), inventory instructions, location information, etc. The inventory instructions are used to instruct the AIoT device (i.e., the passive device in the figure) to report the device identifier.

[0190] 2. NEF selects AMF / TMF based on location information.

[0191] 3. NEF forwards AIoT service requests to AMF / TMF.

[0192] 4. The AMF / TMF selects the RAN based on location information and generates MASK information. The MASK information includes network identifiers, such as the public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier (PLMN ID), and group identifiers (group ID), which can be mapped to the AF ID. The MASK information can be used by the RAN to broadcast AIoT service requests, and AIoT devices belonging to this AF will respond.

[0193] 5. AMF / TMF sends AIoT service commands and MASK information to RAN through the N2 message interface.

[0194] 6. RAN broadcasts MASK information (e.g., through a select mechanism).

[0195] 7. AIoT devices that meet the MASK requirements are randomly connected to the RAN.

[0196] 8. The AIoT device sends a registration request to the AMF / TMF, and the registration request carries the device identifier (deviceID).

[0197] 9. The AMF / TMF sends an AIoT service response to the NEF, which includes the device identifier. Optionally, if the device identifier includes a tag serial number or electronic product code (EPC), the AMF / TMF can remove the PLMN ID and group ID from the device identifier and only return the EPC.

[0198] 10. NEF forwards the AIoT service response to AF.

[0199] For example, suppose AF (Automatic Inventory Management) is used in the inventory management system of a warehousing company. Each product in this company is equipped with an AIoT tag, which can be considered an AIoT device. When it is necessary to inventory a warehouse, an inventory command can be sent through the NEF-AMF / TMF-RAN network path. After receiving the inventory command, the products still in the warehouse can report their product codes as part of their device identification. Ultimately, AF can count or identify the products in the warehouse. This achieves inventory counting through a wireless network.

[0200] Currently, AIoT service commands are sent to base stations through the core network, involving core network elements (such as NEF, AMF / TMF) and the selection of base stations by the AMF / TMF. This results in a complex topology path, and the path selection by core network elements introduces additional signaling transmission time, thus affecting the efficiency of AIoT services. How to implement AIoT services without going through the core network is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0201] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a communication method and apparatus that opens AIoT services to demanders (or third parties, consumers, or management service consumers) through a network management system (or simply network management system), eliminating the need to go through the core network to implement AIoT services. This reduces implementation complexity and improves service efficiency.

[0202] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) systems. The technical solutions of this application can also be applied to other communication systems, such as Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) systems, LTE Advanced (LTE-A) systems, the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, new radio (NR) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, or other future evolutionary communication systems, etc. This application does not limit these applications.

[0203] For ease of description, the embodiments of this application are illustrated using a 5G mobile communication system as an example.

[0204] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 3 As shown, this application scenario involves third parties, operator network management systems, equipment vendor network management systems, readers, and AIoT devices. Third parties can order AIoT devices and invoke AIoT services. Operator network management systems can provide AIoT devices to third parties and open up AIoT management service capabilities. Equipment vendor network management systems can open up AIoT management service capabilities and implement AIoT device lifecycle management. Readers can be deployed in access network equipment (such as base stations), meaning that the base station can implement the reader function.

[0205] Specifically, operators order AIoT devices as their own assets, sell or lease them to third parties, and provide AIoT device management services. Third parties can determine the number of devices, storage capacity, and usage time according to their own product needs, and sign commercial contracts with operators. Operators manage and maintain the AIoT devices on behalf of third parties, such as counting devices and reading / writing device information. Third parties use the AIoT device management capabilities provided by their network management system to issue AIoT service commands, such as inventory commands and read / write commands. The device vendor's network management system sends AIoT service commands to the readers via a southbound interface. After collecting AIoT device information, the readers can report the AIoT device information to the device vendor's network management system through an interface (e.g., a southbound interface, the interface between the network management system and network elements). The device vendor's network management system can then further report the AIoT device information to the operator's network management system.

[0206] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. The system architecture includes a management service consumer (MnS consumer), an operation administration and maintenance (OAM) system, a radio access network (RAN) device, and an AIoT device. Wherein:

[0207] MnS consumers can be third parties, such as a logistics center or a warehouse management system.

[0208] OAM comprises a network management system (NMS) and an element management system (EMS). The NMS, also known as cross-domain management, is responsible for the unified management of multiple element management systems. The NMS includes AIoT service producers, which can be understood as entities that provide AIoT services.

[0209] EMS, also known as Domain Management, is a single-domain management system responsible for managing the network (e.g., access network or core network). EMS-RAN refers to a single-domain management system that manages the RAN. EMS-RAN includes configuration management (CM) and / or performance management (PM) functions. CM manages the configuration of network elements, while PM manages their performance. Optionally, the AIoT service producer can also be deployed within the EMS.

[0210] RAN can be a base station (BS), and the reader is deployed in the BS. The reader can be understood as a specific function under the AIoT service, responsible for reading and writing AIoT device information.

[0211] AIoT devices, also known as AIoT tags, can be embedded in third-party products for easy tracking.

[0212] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 Compared to the system architecture shown, Figure 5 The system architecture shown also includes user equipment (UE). Figure 4 The readers shown are deployed in different BS environments. Figure 5 The reader is deployed in the UE.

[0213] It should be understood that the network elements involved in the embodiments of this application are exemplified using names from 5G mobile communication systems. In future communication systems or other communication systems, such as the 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, the network elements involved in the embodiments of this application may have other names. Alternatively, in future communication systems or other communication systems, such as the 6G mobile communication system, the network elements involved in the embodiments of this application may be replaced by other entities or devices with the same function, and this application does not limit them in this regard. This is a unified explanation here and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0214] In this embodiment, the AIoT device can be a passive device, which can be a passive tag, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth, or Zigbee tag. The AIoT device can also be a semi-passive device or an active device.

[0215] Radio access network equipment (RAN) can also be called access network equipment. The access network equipment includes, but is not limited to: base stations, Node Bs (NBs), next-generation Node Bs (gNBs), evolved Node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home evolved Node Bs (HeNBs, or home Node Bs (HNBs)), base band units (BBUs), servers, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted equipment, access points (APs), wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, transmission points (TPs), or transmission and reception points (TRPs) in wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems. It can also be a gNB, TRP, or TP in 5G systems, a base station antenna panel or a group of antennas in 5G systems, or a network node constituting a gNB or TP, such as a base band unit or a distributed unit. Units (DUs), etc. Base stations can be macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small stations, relay stations, or balloon stations, etc.

[0216] User equipment (UE) can also be referred to as: terminal, terminal device, terminal equipment, access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user equipment. For example, the user equipment can be a mobile phone, tablet, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, train, airplane, mobile internet device (MID), virtual reality (VR) terminal, augmented reality (AR) terminal, wireless terminal in industrial control (e.g., robots), wireless terminal in vehicle networking (e.g., in-vehicle equipment, vehicle equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles), wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, machine type communication (MTC) terminal, cellular phone, smartphone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless data card, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA) PDA (Power Assistant), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, etc.

[0217] It should be understood that Figure 4 and Figure 5 The system architecture shown is merely illustrative, and the system architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any system architecture capable of implementing some or all of the functions of the above-described devices is applicable to the embodiments of this application. The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application may only involve... Figure 4 or Figure 5 Some of the devices shown may also involve Figure 4 or Figure 5 The device not shown in the figure is not limited in this application.

[0218] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is described below.

[0219] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment uses the interaction process between the demander, the first communication device, the second communication device, the reader, and the AIoT device as an example to illustrate the method.

[0220] The first communication device and / or the second communication device may also be referred to as a network management system (or simply network management system). This is a general explanation here and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0221] For example, in this embodiment of the application, the demand side can be... Figure 3 The third party in the middle can also be Figures 4-5 The MnS consumer in the context. The first communication device can be... Figure 3 The operator's network management in the middle can also be Figures 4-5 The NMS or a module within the NMS (e.g., an AIoT service producer). The second communication device can be... Figure 3 The equipment vendor's network management system can also be Figures 4-5 The EMS or the Configuration Management (CM) module within the EMS. The reader / writer can be... Figure 3 The reader / writer in the middle can also be Figure 4 RAN or Figure 5 The UE in the AIoT device. Figure 3 AIoT devices in the middle can also be Figure 4 or Figure 5 AIoT devices in the middle.

[0222] like Figure 6 As shown, the communication method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps S601 to S613.

[0223] S601, the demand side sends a first request to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first request from the demand side.

[0224] The first request may carry business requirement information for requesting to subscribe to AIoT services. This business requirement information can be understood as information related to the AIoT services the requesting party wishes to subscribe to. It should be understood that the name of the first request is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the first request may also be called an AIoT service subscription request.

[0225] Specifically, the requesting party can determine its business requirement information based on its own needs (such as business requirements, product requirements, etc.) and send a first request to the first communication device. After receiving the first request, the first communication device can obtain the business requirement information from it.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the business requirement information may include one or more of the following: demander identifier, business type, number of devices, target memory, service validity period, or target scope.

[0227] The demand-side identifier is used to identify the demand party (i.e., a third party, consumer, or customer that needs AIoT services). This demand-side identifier can also be called a third-party identifier, a consumer identifier, or a customer identifier. Different demand parties have different demand-side identifiers.

[0228] The service type refers to the type of AIoT service required by the demander, or the type of AIoT service that the network management system needs to open to the demander. This service type can also be called an AIoT service type or AIoT service capability. For example, an AIoT service type may include one or more of the following: inventory, read device information, write device information, or disable device information.

[0229] The number of devices refers to the number of AIoT devices required by the demander. This number can also be referred to as the AIoT device quantity. The number of AIoT devices can be one or more.

[0230] Target memory refers to the memory required by the user for the AIoT devices. This target memory can also be understood as the storage capacity of the AIoT devices, i.e., the memory size of a single AIoT device. For example, the target memory could be 5GB or 128GB, etc.

[0231] The service validity period refers to the validity period of the AIoT service required by the client, or the effective time of the AIoT device. For example, the service validity period can be from time t1 to time t2.

[0232] The target scope refers to the service area required by the client, i.e., the geographical scope of the AIoT business. For example, the target scope could be the location of a warehouse, or the area where the warehouse is located.

[0233] Through the above implementation methods, the demand side can determine the required AIoT service type, number of AIoT devices, AIoT device memory, service validity period, and service scope based on its own needs (such as business needs, product needs, etc.), thereby determining the business demand information.

[0234] S602, the first communication device determines at least one first reader / writer that satisfies the service requirement information.

[0235] The first reader / writer refers to a reader / writer used to perform the AIoT services required by the demand side, such as counting the number of AIoT devices or reading and writing information about AIoT devices. There can be one or more first readers / writers.

[0236] In one possible implementation, the at least one first reader / writer satisfying the business requirement information may include: the service range of the at least one first reader / writer includes the target range in the business requirement information.

[0237] For example, if the at least one first reader includes a first reader, then the service range of the first reader includes the target range, which can also be understood as the target range being covered by the service range of the first reader.

[0238] For example, if the at least one first reader / writer includes multiple first readers / writers, then the service range of the multiple first readers / writers includes the aforementioned target range, which can also be understood as the target range being covered by the service range of the multiple first readers / writers. For instance, assuming the target range includes region A1 and region A2, the service range of first reader / writer R1 includes region A1, and the service range of first reader / writer R2 includes region A2, then the at least one first reader / writer may include first reader / writer R1 and first reader / writer R2.

[0239] Through the above implementation methods, the reader / writer that meets the business needs can be determined based on the service scope of the reader / writer.

[0240] S603, the first communication device sends a first configuration request to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first configuration request from the first communication device.

[0241] The first configuration request may carry configuration information of at least one of the first readers / writers, and is used to request configuration of the at least one of the first readers / writers. It should be understood that the name of the first configuration request is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the first configuration request may also be called a reader / writer configuration request.

[0242] Optionally, when the at least one first reader includes multiple first readers, for each first reader, the first communication device sends a first configuration request to the second communication device. The first configuration request carries the configuration information of the first reader and is used to request configuration of the first reader.

[0243] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the first reader, its on / off status, the identifier of the associated demander, or the device identifier of the service.

[0244] The reader identifier is used to indicate the reader; different readers have different reader identifiers. The identifier of the first reader is used to indicate this first reader. This configuration information includes the identifier of the first reader, which can be understood as indicating how to configure this first reader.

[0245] The reader / writer capability of the reader / writer may be in an on or off state. This configuration information includes the on state, which can be understood as indicating that the reader / writer capability of the first reader / writer is configured to be on, or in other words, enabling the reader / writer capability of the first reader / writer.

[0246] The reader can also be associated with (or correspond to, or map to) a demander identifier. This configuration information includes the demander identifier associated with the first reader, which can be understood as indicating how to configure the association (or correspondence, or mapping) between the first reader and the demander identifier.

[0247] Device identifiers are used to indicate AIoT devices; they can also be called AIoT device identifiers. Different AIoT devices have different device identifiers. A reader / writer can serve one or more AIoT devices, or in other words, a reader / writer can be associated with (or correspond to, or map to) one or more device identifiers. The device identifier served by the first reader / writer can also be understood as the AIoT device identifier that the first reader / writer is responsible for broadcasting, used to indicate the AIoT device that the first reader / writer is responsible for broadcasting to (here, the AIoT device can be understood as the AIoT device that meets the aforementioned business requirement information). This configuration information includes the device identifier served by the first reader / writer, which can be understood as indicating the configuration of the association (or correspondence, or mapping) between the first reader / writer and this device identifier, or in other words, indicating the configuration of the device identifier that the first reader / writer is responsible for broadcasting to.

[0248] Through the above implementation method, the reader identifier, reader status, the demand side associated with the reader, and the AIoT devices served by the reader can be configured so that the reader used to implement AIoT services can be determined according to the reader configuration information.

[0249] S604, the second communication device sends a first configuration instruction to the at least one first reader / writer, and correspondingly, the at least one first reader / writer receives the first configuration instruction from the second communication device.

[0250] The first configuration instruction may include configuration information of at least one first reader / writer, and is used to instruct the at least one first reader / writer to perform corresponding configurations according to the configuration information. It should be understood that the name of the first configuration instruction is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the first configuration instruction may also be called a reader / writer configuration instruction.

[0251] Optionally, when the at least one first reader includes multiple first readers, for each first reader, the second communication device sends a configuration instruction to that first reader. The configuration instruction may include the configuration information of that first reader, and is used to instruct that reader to perform corresponding configuration according to the configuration information.

[0252] Optionally, the second communication device sends configuration commands to at least one of the first readers via a southbound interface.

[0253] S605, the at least one first reader sends a first configuration response to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first configuration response from the at least one first reader.

[0254] For each first reader / writer, upon receiving the first configuration instruction, the first reader / writer performs corresponding configuration (e.g., enabling reader / writer capabilities, setting the AIoT device identifier responsible for broadcasting, etc.), generates a first configuration response, and sends the first configuration response to the second communication device. The first configuration response is used to indicate that the first reader / writer has been successfully configured (or configured successfully). It should be understood that the name of the first configuration response is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, the first configuration response can also be called the reader / writer configuration response.

[0255] S606, the second communication device forwards the first configuration response to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first configuration response forwarded by the second communication device.

[0256] For each first reader / writer, after receiving the first configuration response from the first reader / writer, the second communication device forwards the first configuration response to the first communication device so that the first communication device knows that the configuration of the first reader / writer is complete.

[0257] Optionally, the first communication device may also forward the first configuration response to the requester to notify the requester that the first reader / writer configuration is complete.

[0258] Optionally, after step S601, the steps S607 to S613 may also be included.

[0259] S607, the first communication device determines at least one first device that satisfies the service requirement information.

[0260] The first device refers to the AIoT device required by the demander. The number of first devices can be one or more.

[0261] In one possible implementation, the at least one first device satisfying the business requirement information may include one or more of the following: the number of first devices satisfies the number of devices in the business requirement information, and the memory of the first devices satisfies the target memory in the business requirement information.

[0262] For example, if the number of devices is N, where N is a positive integer, then the at least one first device is N first devices. As another example, if the target memory is 5GB, then each first device has 5GB of memory.

[0263] Optionally, the aforementioned first device may include: an existing compliant AIoT device, and / or a newly customized compliant AIoT device.

[0264] Through the above implementation method, the AIoT devices that meet the business requirements can be determined based on the number of AIoT devices and memory.

[0265] As one possible implementation, step S607 may include steps S607a to S607b.

[0266] S607a, the first communication device sends a query request to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the query request from the first communication device.

[0267] The query request can carry the aforementioned business requirement information to query available devices. Available devices refer to AIoT devices that are idle and meet the business requirement information.

[0268] In some situations, an AIoT device may be in one of the following states: active (or active), idle, or deactivated (or deregistered, or inactive). An active (or active) AIoT device is essentially working. An idle (or idle) AIoT device is paused but can be reactivated to resume operation. A deactivated (or deregistered, or inactive) AIoT device has stopped working and cannot be reactivated to resume operation.

[0269] In one possible implementation, the availability of devices to meet the business requirement information may include one or more of the following: the number of available devices meets the number of devices in the business requirement information, and the memory of the available devices meets the target memory in the business requirement information.

[0270] For example, if the number of devices mentioned above is N, where N is a positive integer, then the number of available devices can be less than or equal to N. As another example, if the target memory is 5GB, then each available device has 5GB of memory.

[0271] S607b, the second communication device sends a query response to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the query response from the second communication device.

[0272] After receiving the query request, the second communication device can query AIoT devices (i.e., available devices) that are idle and meet the business requirements, generate a query response, and send the query response to the first communication device. The query response may include information about available devices, and the first communication device can obtain this information after receiving the query response.

[0273] The first device mentioned above includes the available device mentioned above, that is, the first communication device can reuse existing AIoT devices and provide them to the demand side, thus saving the cost of device manufacturing.

[0274] Optionally, when the number of available devices is less than the number of devices, the at least one first device may include available devices and newly customized devices (i.e., newly customized AIoT devices that meet the requirements), and the sum of the number of available devices and the number of newly customized devices is equal to the number of devices.

[0275] S608, the first communication device sends a first response to the demander, and correspondingly, the demander receives the first response from the first communication device.

[0276] After identifying at least one first device, the first communication device can send a first response to the requester. The first response includes the identifier of the at least one first device, and the requester can obtain the identifier of the at least one first device from the first response. In other words, the first communication device provides the at least one first device to the requester. It should be understood that the name of the first response is not limited in this application embodiment. For example, the first response can also be called an AIoT device order response.

[0277] S609, the demander sends a second request to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the second request from the demander.

[0278] The second request may carry a demander identifier. The second request can be understood as a request to activate an AIoT service, or as a request to or trigger the first communication device to configure the aforementioned at least one first reader / writer and at least one first device. It should be understood that the name of the second request is not limited in this application embodiment. For example, the second request may also be called an AIoT service activation request.

[0279] S610, the first communication device sends a second configuration request to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the second configuration request from the first communication device.

[0280] The second configuration request may carry configuration information of at least one of the first devices, and is used to request configuration of the at least one first device. It should be understood that the name of the second configuration request is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the second configuration request may also be called an AIoT device configuration request.

[0281] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the first device, its activation status, validity period, memory, or the identifier of the associated demander.

[0282] Device identifiers are used to identify AIoT devices, and different AIoT devices have different device identifiers. The identifier of the first device is used to identify this first device. This configuration information includes the identifier of the first device, which can be understood as an instruction to configure this first device.

[0283] AIoT devices may be in a working (or active) state, an idle state, or a deactivated (or deregistered, or inactive) state. This configuration information includes the active state, which can be understood as indicating that the first device should be configured to a working (or active) state, or in other words, activating the first device.

[0284] The validity period of the first device meets the service validity period in the aforementioned business requirement information. This configuration information includes the validity period of the first device, which can be understood as an instruction to configure the validity period of the first device. For example, assuming the aforementioned service validity period is from time t1 to time t2, the validity period of the first device can be configured to be from time t1 to time t2.

[0285] The memory of the first device meets the target memory requirement in the aforementioned business requirements information. This configuration information includes the memory of the first device, which can be understood as an instruction to configure the memory of the first device. For example, assuming the target memory is 5GB, the memory of the first device can be configured to be 5GB.

[0286] AIoT devices can also be associated with (or correspond to, or map to) a demand-side identifier. This configuration information includes the demand-side identifier associated with the first device, which can be understood as indicating how to configure the association (or correspondence, or mapping) between the first device and the demand-side identifier.

[0287] S611, the second communication device sends a second configuration instruction to the at least one first device through the at least one reader / writer, and correspondingly, the at least one first device receives the second configuration instruction forwarded by the at least one reader / writer.

[0288] The second configuration instruction may include configuration information of at least one of the first devices, and is used to instruct the at least one first device to perform corresponding configurations based on the configuration information. It should be understood that the name of the second configuration instruction is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the second configuration instruction may also be called an AIoT device configuration instruction.

[0289] Optionally, the second communication device broadcasts the second configuration command to the at least one first device via the at least one first reader / writer through the southbound interface.

[0290] S612, the at least one first device sends a second configuration response to the second communication device through the at least one first reader / writer, and accordingly, the second communication device receives the second configuration response forwarded by the at least one first reader / writer.

[0291] For each first device, upon receiving the second configuration instruction, the first device performs corresponding configuration (e.g., setting the device status to active state, setting the effective time and memory of the first device, etc.), generates a second configuration response, and sends the second configuration response to the second communication device through the first reader / writer serving the first device. The second configuration response is used to indicate that the first device has been successfully configured (or configured successfully). It should be understood that the name of the second configuration response is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, the second configuration response can also be called the AIoT device configuration response.

[0292] S613, the second communication device forwards the second configuration response to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the second configuration response forwarded by the second communication device.

[0293] For each first device, after receiving the second configuration response sent by the first device through the first reader / writer serving the first device, the second communication device forwards the second configuration response to the first communication device so that the first communication device knows that the configuration of the first device is complete.

[0294] Optionally, the first communication device may also forward the second configuration response to the requester to notify the requester that the configuration of the first device is complete.

[0295] S614, the first communication device sends a second response to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the requester receives the second response from the first communication device.

[0296] After at least one first reader and at least one first device are configured, the first communication device can send a second response to the requester to notify the requester that the reader and AIoT device are configured successfully, or to notify the requester that the AIoT service has been successfully activated. Optionally, the second response may include a configured reader identifier and an AIoT device identifier. It should be understood that the name of the second response is not limited in this application embodiment. For example, the second response may also be called an AIoT service activation response.

[0297] Through the above embodiments, AIoT management services can be added to the network management system, including the configuration of readers and AIoT devices. The network management system can determine the readers used to implement AIoT services without having to select the readers to implement AIoT services through interaction between core network elements. This can reduce signaling overhead, improve the efficiency of AIoT services, reduce the implementation complexity of AIoT services, and also reduce the exposure of access network capabilities to the core network.

[0298] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment uses the interaction process between the demander, the first communication device, the second communication device, the reader, and the AIoT device as an example to illustrate the method.

[0299] For example, in this embodiment of the application, the demand side can be... Figure 3 The third party in the middle can also be Figures 4-5 The MnS consumer in the context. The first communication device can be... Figure 3 The operator's network management in the middle can also be Figures 4-5 The NMS or a module within the NMS (e.g., an AIoT service producer). The second communication device can be... Figure 3 The equipment vendor's network management system can also be Figures 4-5 The EMS or the performance management module (PM) within the EMS. The reader / writer can be... Figure 3 The reader / writer in the middle can also be Figure 4 RAN or Figure 5 The UE in the AIoT device. Figure 3 AIoT devices in the middle can also be Figure 4 or Figure 5 AIoT devices in the middle.

[0300] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps S701 to S708.

[0301] S701, the demander sends a third request to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the third request from the demander.

[0302] The third request may carry filtering conditions and information indicating the target service. The third request can be understood as a request to execute the target service on an AIoT device (denoted as the target device) that meets the filtering conditions, or it can be understood as a request to or triggering the first communication device to determine a reader / writer (denoted as the target reader / writer) for executing the target service on the target device. It should be understood that the name of the third request is not limited in this application embodiment. For example, the third request may also be called an AIoT service request.

[0303] Specifically, the requester can determine the filtering criteria and target services based on its own needs (such as business needs, product needs, etc.) and send a third request to the first communication device. After receiving the third request, the first communication device can obtain the filtering criteria and information used to indicate the target services.

[0304] The target service refers to the AIoT service required by the demander, or the AIoT service that the network management system needs to provide to the demander. For example, the target service may include inventory and command services. Command services can instruct the reading of device information, modification of device information, or disabling of device information. Inventory refers to taking stock of AIoT devices, or can be understood as counting the number of AIoT devices. Reading device information refers to reading the information (or stored information) of the AIoT device, such as product characteristics (e.g., size, color), placement location (e.g., which shelf), or surrounding environment information (e.g., temperature, humidity). Modifying device information refers to modifying the stored information of the AIoT device, such as adding new product entry or exit records. Disabling device information refers to deactivating the stored information of the AIoT device, which can be understood as stopping the AIoT device from working.

[0305] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the target business is the inventory business as an example.

[0306] The filtering criteria can be conditions met by the AIoT devices targeted by the target service (or AIoT devices related to the target service, i.e., target devices), or conditions met by the readers / writers used to execute the target service (or readers / writers related to the target service, i.e., target readers / writers). Filtering criteria can also be understood as indicating target devices and / or target readers / writers. The number of target devices can be one or more. The number of target readers / writers can be one or more.

[0307] Optionally, the target device is included in the at least one first device, and the target reader is included in the at least one first reader. That is, the AIoT devices and readers ordered by the demander are first configured to obtain at least one configured first device and at least one first reader. When the AIoT service is activated, AIoT devices that meet the above filtering conditions can be selected from the at least one configured first device as target devices, and readers that meet the above filtering conditions can be selected from the at least one configured first reader as target readers to implement the AIoT service.

[0308] S702, the first communication device identifies the target reader / writer.

[0309] A target reader / writer refers to a reader / writer used to perform target services on a target device. The first communication device can determine the target reader / writer based on the above screening criteria.

[0310] In one possible implementation, the filtering criteria may include information indicating the target location.

[0311] Here, the target location refers to the location of the target device. For example, the information used to indicate the target location may be the geographical area where the target device is located, the warehouse identifier where the target device is located, or the tracking area (TA) where the target device is located, etc.

[0312] Optionally, the first communication device may select an AIoT device located at the target location from the at least one first device as the target device based on the information used to indicate the target location.

[0313] Optionally, after determining the target device based on the information used to indicate the target location, the first communication device may select the reader associated with the target device from the at least one first reader as the target reader based on the pre-configured association between the first device and the first reader.

[0314] Optionally, the first communication device may select a reader / writer whose service range includes the target location from the at least one first reader / writer, based on the information used to indicate the target location, as the target reader / writer. That is, the service range of the target reader / writer includes the target location.

[0315] Optionally, after determining the target reader based on the information used to indicate the target location, the first communication device may select an AIoT device associated with the target reader from at least one first device as the target device, based on the pre-configured association between the first device and the first reader.

[0316] In other words, the AIoT devices served by the target reader include the target device, or the AIoT devices broadcast by the target reader include the target device. This is a general explanation and will not be repeated here.

[0317] In another possible implementation, the filtering criteria may include information used to indicate the target device.

[0318] For example, the information used to indicate the target device may be the device identifier of the target device.

[0319] Optionally, the first communication device may determine the target device based on the information described above used to indicate the target device.

[0320] Optionally, after determining the target device based on the information used to indicate the target device, the first communication device may select the reader associated with the target device from the at least one first reader as the target reader based on the pre-configured association relationship between the first device and the first reader.

[0321] In another possible implementation, the filtering criteria may include demander identifiers.

[0322] Optionally, the first communication device can select an AIoT device associated with the demander identifier from the at least one first device, based on a pre-configured association between the first device and the demander identifier, as the target device. In other words, the target device is associated with the demander identifier in the filtering criteria.

[0323] Optionally, after determining the target device based on the aforementioned demander identifier, the first communication device may select the reader associated with the target device from the at least one first reader as the target reader based on the pre-configured association relationship between the first device and the first reader.

[0324] Optionally, the first communication device may select a reader associated with the demander identifier from among at least one first reader, based on a pre-configured association between the first reader and the demander identifier, as the target reader. In other words, the target reader is associated with the demander identifier in the filtering criteria.

[0325] Optionally, after determining the target reader based on the aforementioned demander identifier, the first communication device may select an AIoT device associated with the target reader from at least one of the aforementioned first devices as the target device, based on the pre-configured association between the first device and the first reader.

[0326] It should be understood that the filtering criteria may also include multiple items from the information used to indicate the target location, the information used to indicate the target device, and the demander identifier. For example, assuming the filtering criteria include the information used to indicate the target location and the demander identifier, then the service range of the target reader / writer includes the target location, and the target reader / writer is associated with the demander identifier.

[0327] S703, the first communication device sends a fourth request to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the fourth request from the first communication device.

[0328] The fourth request may carry the aforementioned filtering conditions and information for instructing the target reader / writer. The fourth request can be understood as requesting the target reader / writer to perform the aforementioned target service on a target device that meets the aforementioned filtering conditions, or it can be understood as requesting or triggering the second communication device to send a fifth request to the target reader / writer. It should be understood that the names of the fourth and fifth requests are not limited in this application embodiment.

[0329] S704, the second communication device sends a fifth request to the target reader / writer, and the target reader / writer receives the fifth request from the second communication device accordingly.

[0330] The fifth request can carry the above filtering conditions. The fifth request can be understood as a request or trigger for the target reader / writer to perform the above target service on the target device that meets the above filtering conditions.

[0331] Optionally, the second communication device sends a fifth request to the target reader via the southbound interface.

[0332] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the target service is an inventory service. The first communication device can convert the inventory service into an AIoT device count task. Thus, the fourth request is specifically used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices that meet the above filtering conditions. Correspondingly, the fifth request is specifically used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices that meet the above filtering conditions.

[0333] S705, the target reader broadcasts the filtering conditions, and AIoT devices that meet the filtering conditions respond to the target reader. The target reader obtains the number of AIoT devices based on the number of responses.

[0334] S706, the target reader sends the number of AIoT devices to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the number of AIoT devices from the target reader.

[0335] S707, the second communication device sends the number of AIoT devices to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the number of AIoT devices from the second communication device.

[0336] S708, the first communication device sends the number of AIoT devices to the demander, and the demander receives the number of AIoT devices from the first communication device.

[0337] Through the above embodiments, the network management system opens AIoT services (such as inventory services) to the demand side. It can add AIoT device quantity statistics under specified filtering conditions to the performance management service interface of the network management system to support inventory services, without having to complete AIoT services through the core network. This can reduce the implementation complexity of AIoT services, improve service quality, and reduce the exposure of access network capabilities to the core network.

[0338] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 The illustrated embodiment uses the interaction process between the demander, the first communication device, the second communication device, the reader, and the AIoT device as an example to illustrate the method.

[0339] For example, in this embodiment of the application, the demand side can be... Figure 3 The third party in the middle can also be Figures 4-5 The MnS consumer in the context. The first communication device can be... Figure 3 The operator's network management in the middle can also be Figures 4-5 The NMS or a module within the NMS (e.g., an AIoT service producer). The second communication device can be... Figure 3 The equipment vendor's network management system can also be Figures 4-5 The EMS or the Configuration Management (CM) module within the EMS. The reader / writer can be... Figure 3 The reader / writer in the middle can also be Figure 4 RAN or Figure 5 The UE in the AIoT device. Figure 3 AIoT devices in the middle can also be Figure 4 or Figure 5 AIoT devices in the middle.

[0340] like Figure 8 As shown, the communication method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps S801 to S808.

[0341] S801, the demand side sends a third request to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the third request from the demand side.

[0342] S802, the first communication device identifies the target reader / writer.

[0343] S803, the first communication device sends a fourth request to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the fourth request from the first communication device.

[0344] S804, the second communication device sends a fifth request to the target reader / writer, and the target reader / writer receives the fifth request from the second communication device accordingly.

[0345] For a detailed description of steps S801 to S804, please refer to the relevant descriptions of steps S701 to S704 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0346] and Figure 7 The embodiment shown differs from the one described above in that... Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the target service is a command service as an example. The first communication device can convert the command service into an AIoT device storage information collection task.

[0347] For example, the command indicates to read device information, so the fourth request is specifically used to request the target reader to read the storage information of the target device, and correspondingly, the fifth request is specifically used to request the target reader to read the storage information of the target device.

[0348] For example, the command instruction indicates to modify device information (write), thus the fourth request is specifically used to request the target reader to modify the storage information of the target device, and correspondingly, the fifth request is specifically used to request the target reader to modify the storage information of the target device. In this case, the third, fourth, and fifth requests may also carry modification information (i.e., information that needs to be written to the target device).

[0349] For example, the command indicates the deactivation of device information (disable), so the fourth request is specifically used to request the target reader to deactivate the storage information of the target device, and correspondingly, the fifth request is specifically used to request the target reader to deactivate the storage information of the target device.

[0350] S805, the target reader broadcasts the filtering conditions, and AIoT devices that meet the filtering conditions report storage information.

[0351] S806, the target reader sends AIoT device storage information to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the AIoT device storage information from the target reader.

[0352] The AIoT device storage information may include the device identifier and storage information of the AIoT device.

[0353] S807, the second communication device sends AIoT device storage information to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the AIoT device storage information from the second communication device.

[0354] S808, the first communication device sends AIoT device storage information to the demand party, and correspondingly, the demand party receives the AIoT device storage information from the first communication device.

[0355] Through the above embodiments, the network management system opens AIoT services (such as read / write services for collecting storage information of AIoT devices) to the demand side. It can add management services for AIoT devices (including management of the AIoT device's owner, device status, device identifier, device storage information, memory, etc.) to the configuration management service interface of the network management system to support read / write services without having to complete AIoT services through the core network. This can reduce the implementation complexity of AIoT services, improve service quality, and reduce the exposure of access network capabilities to the core network.

[0356] It should be understood that Figures 6-8 The illustrated embodiment uses separate configurations of the first and second communication devices as examples. In other possible embodiments, the first and second communication devices can be combined into a single device (referred to as the third communication device). For example, the third communication device might respond to an AIoT service subscription request from a client by configuring the reader and AIoT device; or, the third communication device might respond to an AIoT service activation request from a client by instructing the reader to perform the AIoT service. This eliminates the need for interaction between the first and second communication devices. The third communication device can also be referred to as a network management system (or simply network manager). For example, the third communication device could be... Figure 4 or Figures 5 OAM in.

[0357] It should be understood that, unless otherwise expressly stated in this document, Figures 6-8 The execution order of the steps in the flowchart shown is not strictly limited; these steps can be executed in other orders, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0358] The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. The following provides an apparatus for implementing any one of the methods in the embodiments of this application. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes a unit (or means) for implementing the steps performed by the network element / device in any of the above methods.

[0359] Please see Figure 9 ,Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0360] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 900 may include a transceiver unit 901 and a processing unit 902. The transceiver unit 901 and the processing unit 902 may be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0361] The transceiver unit 901 can implement sending and / or receiving functions, and can also be described as a communication unit. The transceiver unit 901 can also be a unit integrating an acquisition unit and a sending unit, wherein the acquisition unit is used to implement the receiving function, and the sending unit is used to implement the sending function. Optionally, the transceiver unit 901 can be used to receive information sent by other devices, and can also be used to send information to other devices.

[0362] In one possible design, the communication device 900 may correspond to the first communication device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 900 may be the first communication device in the above method embodiments, or it may be a chip in the first communication device. The communication device 900 may include units for performing the operations performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiments, and each unit in the communication device 900 is for implementing the operations performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiments. The descriptions of each unit are as follows:

[0363] Transceiver unit 901 is used to receive a first request, the first request carrying business requirement information;

[0364] Processing unit 902 is used to determine at least one first reader / writer, wherein the at least one first reader / writer satisfies the business requirement information;

[0365] The transceiver unit 901 is also used to configure the at least one first reader / writer.

[0366] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901, when configuring the at least one first reader / writer, is specifically used for:

[0367] Send a first configuration request, the first configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first reader / writer;

[0368] A first configuration response is received, which indicates that the configuration of the at least one first reader / writer is complete.

[0369] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first reader, the activation status, the associated demander identifier or the device identifier of the service, wherein the activation status is used to indicate that the reader capability of the first reader is enabled.

[0370] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 902 is further configured to: determine at least one first device, the at least one first device satisfying the business requirement information;

[0371] The transceiver unit 901 is also used to configure the at least one first device.

[0372] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is further configured to:

[0373] Send a query request to query available devices that are idle and meet the business requirements.

[0374] Receive a query response, the query response including the available devices, and the at least one first device including the available devices.

[0375] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901, when configuring the at least one first device, is specifically used for:

[0376] Send a second configuration request, the second configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first device;

[0377] A second configuration response is received, which indicates that the configuration of the at least one first device is complete.

[0378] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first device, activation status, validity period, memory, or associated demander identifier, wherein the activation status is used to indicate the activation of the first device.

[0379] In one possible implementation, the business requirement information includes one or more of the following: demander identifier, business type, number of devices, target memory, service validity period, or target scope.

[0380] In one possible implementation, the at least one first reader / writer fulfilling the business requirement information includes: the service range of the at least one first reader / writer includes the target range; and / or,

[0381] The at least one first device satisfies the business requirement information, including one or more of the following: the number of first devices satisfies the number of devices, and the memory of the first devices satisfies the target memory.

[0382] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is further configured to:

[0383] Send a first response, the first response including the identifier of the at least one first device; and / or,

[0384] Receive a second request, which is used to activate the service and carries the demander identifier.

[0385] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is further configured to: receive a third request, the third request carrying filtering conditions and information for indicating a target service;

[0386] The processing unit 902 is further configured to: determine a target reader, wherein the target reader is included in the at least one first reader;

[0387] The transceiver unit 901 is further configured to: send a fourth request, the fourth request carrying the filtering conditions and information for instructing the target reader / writer, the fourth request being used to request the target reader / writer to perform the target service on the target device that meets the filtering conditions.

[0388] In one possible implementation, the target service includes inventory management, reading device information, modifying device information, or deactivating device information;

[0389] The fourth request is used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices that meet the filtering conditions, read the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions, modify the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions, or deactivate the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions.

[0390] In one possible implementation, the filtering criteria include one or more of the following: information indicating the target location, information indicating the target device, or the demander identifier;

[0391] When determining the target reader, the processing unit 902 is specifically used for:

[0392] The target reader is determined based on one or more of the target location, the target device, and the demander identifier, wherein the service range of the target reader includes the target location, and / or the device served by the target reader includes the target device, and / or the target reader is associated with the demander identifier.

[0393] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0394] like Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 1000 may include a transceiver unit 1001. The transceiver unit 1001 may be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0395] The transceiver unit 1001 can implement sending and / or receiving functions, and can also be described as a communication unit. The transceiver unit 1001 can also be a unit integrating an acquisition unit and a sending unit, wherein the acquisition unit is used to implement the receiving function, and the sending unit is used to implement the sending function. Optionally, the transceiver unit 1001 can be used to receive information sent by other devices, and can also be used to send information to other devices.

[0396] In one possible design, the communication device 1000 may correspond to the second communication device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1000 may be the second communication device in the above method embodiments, or it may be a chip in the second communication device. The communication device 1000 may include units for performing the operations performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiments, and each unit in the communication device 1000 is for implementing the operations performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiments. The descriptions of each unit are as follows:

[0397] Transceiver unit 1001 is configured to receive a first configuration request, the first configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first reader / writer, wherein the at least one first reader / writer satisfies service requirement information; and,

[0398] Configure the at least one first reader / writer.

[0399] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first reader, the activation status, the associated demander identifier or the device identifier of the service, wherein the activation status is used to indicate that the reader capability of the first reader is enabled.

[0400] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1001, when configuring the at least one first reader / writer, is specifically used for:

[0401] Send a first configuration instruction to the at least one first reader / writer;

[0402] A first configuration response is received, which indicates that the configuration of the at least one first reader / writer is complete.

[0403] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1001 is further configured to:

[0404] Receive a second configuration request, the second configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first device, the at least one first device satisfying the service requirement information; and

[0405] Configure the at least one first device.

[0406] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first device, activation status, validity period, memory, or associated demander identifier, wherein the activation status is used to indicate the activation of the first device.

[0407] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1001, when configuring the at least one first device, is specifically used for:

[0408] Send a second configuration command to the at least one first device;

[0409] A second configuration response is received, which indicates that the configuration of the at least one first device is complete.

[0410] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1001 is further configured to:

[0411] Receive a query request, the query request being used to query available devices, the available devices being in an idle state, and the available devices meeting the business requirement information;

[0412] Send a query response, the query response including the available devices, and the at least one first device including the available devices.

[0413] In one possible implementation, the business requirement information includes one or more of the following: demander identifier, business type, number of devices, target memory, service validity period, or target scope.

[0414] In one possible implementation, the at least one first reader / writer satisfying business requirement information includes: the service range of the at least one first reader / writer encompasses the target range; and / or,

[0415] The at least one first device satisfies the business requirement information, including one or more of the following: the number of the first devices satisfies the number of devices, and the memory of the first devices satisfies the target memory.

[0416] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1001 is further configured to:

[0417] A fourth request is received, the fourth request carrying filtering conditions and information for instructing a target reader / writer, the fourth request being used to request the target reader / writer to perform a target service on a target device that meets the filtering conditions, the target reader / writer being included in the at least one first reader / writer.

[0418] In one possible implementation, the target service includes inventory management, reading device information, modifying device information, or deactivating device information; the fourth request is used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices that meet the filtering conditions, read the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions, modify the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions, or deactivate the information of the target devices that meet the filtering conditions.

[0419] In one possible implementation, the filtering criteria include one or more of the following: information indicating the target location, information indicating the target device, or the demander identifier;

[0420] The service range of the target reader includes the target location, and / or the devices served by the target reader include the target device, and / or the target reader is associated with the demander identifier.

[0421] According to the embodiments of this application, Figure 9 or Figure 10 The various units in the illustrated device can be individually or entirely combined into one or more other units, or some of the units can be further divided into multiple functionally smaller units. This achieves the same operation without affecting the technical effects of the embodiments of this application. The above units are based on logical function division. In practical applications, the function of one unit can be implemented by multiple units, or the function of multiple units can be implemented by one unit. In other embodiments of this application, the above device may also include other units. In practical applications, these functions can also be implemented with the assistance of other units, and can be implemented collaboratively by multiple units.

[0422] It should be noted that the implementation of each unit can also refer to the corresponding description in the above method embodiments.

[0423] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1100 may include a processor 1101. Optionally, the communication device 1100 may also include a memory 1102. Further optionally, the communication device 1100 may also include a communication interface 1103 and a bus 1104. The processor 1101, memory 1102, and communication interface 1103 are interconnected via the bus 1104. The communication interface 1103 is used for data interaction with other devices.

[0424] The processor 1101 is a module that performs arithmetic and logical operations. It can be one or a combination of processing modules such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a microprocessor unit (MPU). The processor 1101 can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0425] The memory 1102 is used to provide storage space, in which data such as the operating system and computer programs can be stored. The memory 1102 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM).

[0426] In one possible design, the communication device 1100 may correspond to the first communication device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1100 may be the first communication device in the above method embodiments, or it may be a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system in the first communication device. The communication device 1100 may include components for performing the operations performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiments. Furthermore, each component in the communication device 1100 is configured to implement the operations performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiments. The processor 1101 calls a computer program stored in the memory 1102 to execute the method shown in the above method embodiments.

[0427] In another possible design, the communication device 1100 may correspond to the second communication device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1100 may be the second communication device in the above method embodiments, or it may be a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system in the second communication device. The communication device 1100 may include components for performing the operations performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiments. Furthermore, each component in the communication device 1100 is configured to implement the operations performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiments. The processor 1101 calls a computer program stored in the memory 1102 to execute the method shown in the above method embodiments.

[0428] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may be a chip or a chip system. For the case where the communication device 1100 is a chip or a chip system, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12 The diagram shows the structure of the chip.

[0429] like Figure 12 As shown, chip 1200 includes processor 1201 and interface 1202. The number of processors 1201 can be one or more, and the number of interfaces 1202 can be multiple. It should be noted that the functions of processor 1201 and interface 1202 can be implemented through hardware design, software design, or a combination of both; no restrictions are placed here.

[0430] Optionally, chip 1200 may also include memory 1203 for storing necessary program instructions and data.

[0431] In this application, processor 1201 can be used to call an implementation program of the communication method in an electronic device provided by one or more embodiments of this application from memory 1203, and execute the instructions contained in the program. Interface 1202 can be used to output the execution result of processor 1201. In this application, interface 1202 can be specifically used to output various messages or information of processor 1201.

[0432] The communication methods provided by one or more embodiments of this application can be referred to the above-described method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0433] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, which can implement the method shown in the above-described method embodiments when the computer program or instructions are run on a processor.

[0434] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run on a processor, they can implement the method shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0435] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes at least one of the above-described communication devices 900, 1000, 1100, or 1200.

[0436] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device is used to perform the steps performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiments, and the second communication device is used to perform the steps performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0437] It should be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DRRAM). It should be noted that the memories described herein are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0438] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0439] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments provided herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0440] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0441] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0442] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0443] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0444] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the technology, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0445] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving a first request carrying service requirement information; determining at least one first reader / writer satisfying the service requirement information; configuring the at least one first reader / writer.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The configuring the at least one first reader / writer comprises: sending a first configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first reader / writer; receiving a first configuration response indicating that the configuration of the at least one first reader / writer is completed.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The configuration information of the first reader / writer comprises one or more of the following: an identifier of the first reader / writer, an on state indicating to turn on the reader / writer capability of the first reader / writer, an associated demander identifier, or a device identifier of a service.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further comprises: determining at least one first device satisfying the service requirement information; configuring the at least one first device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The determining the at least one first device comprises: sending a query request for querying available devices, the available devices being in an idle state and satisfying the service requirement information; receiving a query response comprising the available devices, the at least one first device comprising the available devices.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The configuring the at least one first device comprises: sending a second configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first device; receiving a second configuration response indicating that the configuration of the at least one first device is completed.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The configuration information of the first device comprises one or more of the following: an identifier of the first device, an activation state indicating to activate the first device, a valid time, a memory, or an associated demander identifier.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The service requirement information comprises one or more of the following: a demander identifier, a service type, a device quantity, a target memory, a service valid period, or a target range.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The at least one first reader / writer satisfying the service requirement information comprises that a service range of the at least one first reader / writer contains the target range; and / or, The at least one first device satisfying the service requirement information comprises one or more of the following: the quantity of the first devices satisfies the device quantity, and the memory of the first devices satisfies the target memory.

10. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that, After the determining the at least one first device, the method further comprises: sending a first response comprising an identifier of the at least one first device; and / or, receiving a second request for activating a service, the second request carrying a demander identifier.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving a third request carrying a filtering condition and information indicating a target service; determining a target reader / writer contained in the at least one first reader / writer; sending a fourth request carrying the filtering condition and information indicating the target reader / writer, the fourth request being used for requesting the target reader / writer to perform the target service on a target device satisfying the filtering condition.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The target service includes an inventory service, reading device information, modifying device information, or deactivating device information. The fourth request is used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices meeting the screening condition, read information of the target devices meeting the screening condition, modify information of the target devices meeting the screening condition, or deactivate the target devices meeting the screening condition.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The screening condition includes one or more of the following: information indicating a target location, information indicating the target device, or a demand side identifier. The target reader is determined by: The target reader is determined according to one or more of the target location, the target device, and the demand side identifier, the service range of the target reader containing the target location, and / or the device served by the target reader containing the target device, and / or the target reader being associated with the demand side identifier.

14. A communication method, comprising: It includes: Receiving a first configuration request, the first configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first reader, the at least one first reader meeting service demand information; Configuring the at least one first reader.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The configuration information of the first reader includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first reader, an on state, an associated demand side identifier, or a device identifier served, the on state being used to indicate turning on the reader capability of the first reader.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The configuration of the at least one first reader includes: Sending a first configuration instruction to the at least one first reader; Receiving a first configuration response, the first configuration response being used to indicate that the configuration of the at least one first reader is completed.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, It also includes: Receiving a second configuration request, the second configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first device, the at least one first device meeting the service demand information; Configuring the at least one first device.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The configuration information of the first device includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first device, an activation state, a valid time, a memory, or an associated demand side identifier, the activation state being used to indicate activating the first device.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The configuration of the at least one first device includes: Sending a second configuration instruction to the at least one first device; Receiving a second configuration response, the second configuration response being used to indicate that the configuration of the at least one first device is completed.

20. The method of any one of claims 17-19, wherein, Before the second configuration request is received, it also includes: Receiving a query request, the query request being used to query available devices, the available devices being in an idle state, and the available devices meeting the service demand information; Sending a query response, the query response including the available devices, the at least one first device including the available devices.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that, The service demand information includes one or more of the following: a demand side identifier, a service type, a device quantity, a target memory, a service valid period, or a target range.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The at least one first reader meeting the service demand information includes: the service range of the at least one first reader containing the target range; and / or, The at least one first device satisfies the business requirement information, including one or more of: the number of the first devices satisfies the device number, the memory of the first devices satisfies the target memory.

23. The method of any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein, Further comprising: receiving a fourth request, the fourth request carrying a filtering condition and information for indicating a target reader, the fourth request being used to request the target reader to perform a target business on a target device satisfying the filtering condition, the target reader being included in the at least one first reader.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The target business includes an inventory business, reading device information, modifying device information, or deactivating device information. The fourth request is used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices satisfying the filtering condition, read information of target devices satisfying the filtering condition, modify information of target devices satisfying the filtering condition, or deactivate target devices satisfying the filtering condition.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, wherein, The filtering condition includes one or more of: information for indicating a target location, information for indicating the target device, or a demander identifier. The service range of the target reader contains the target location, and / or the devices served by the target reader contain the target device, and / or the target reader is associated with the demander identifier.

26. A communications device, characterized by Comprising: comprising units for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, or the method of any one of claims 14 to 25.

27. A communications device, characterized by comprising a processor for executing a computer program or instructions, when the processor executes the computer program or instructions, causing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be implemented, or the method of any one of claims 14 to 25 to be implemented.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, when the computer program or instructions are executed, causing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be implemented, or the method of any one of claims 14 to 25 to be implemented.

29. A computer program product, characterised in that, comprising a computer program or instructions, when the computer program or instructions are executed, causing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be implemented, or the method of any one of claims 14 to 25 to be implemented.

30. A communication system, characterized by Comprising: a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, and the second communication device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 14 to 25.

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