Method for sending and receiving response information, network equipment, terminal and medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for sending and receiving response information, network equipment, a terminal and a medium. The method comprises the following steps: sending acknowledgement ACK information at the first time, wherein the ACK information comprises response information corresponding to a plurality of terminals in an inventory process; in the method disclosed by the invention, the network equipment can send the ACK information at one time, and the ACK information comprises the response information of the plurality of terminals, so that the network equipment responds to the plurality of terminals through one piece of ACK information, the quantity of sent ACK information is reduced, and the expense of the ACK information is reduced.

Description

Methods, network devices, terminals, and media for sending and receiving response information Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, network device, terminal and medium for sending and receiving response information. Background Technology

[0002] Ambient Internet of Things (Ambient-IoT) terminals are less complex and less expensive to maintain compared to cellular-based Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) terminals. Ambient-IoT terminals are either environmentally powered or passive, requiring energy from the external environment.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] In warehouse inventory scenarios, there is a problem of significant overhead in network-side response information.

[0005] This disclosure provides a method, network device, terminal, and medium for sending and receiving response information.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for sending response information, executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0007] An acknowledgment (ACK) message is sent immediately, which includes response information from multiple terminals during the inventory process.

[0008] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for receiving response information, executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0009] The system receives acknowledgment (ACK) messages immediately, which include response information from multiple terminals during the inventory process.

[0010] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, including:

[0011] The transceiver module is used to send acknowledgment (ACK) information as soon as possible. The ACK information includes the response information of multiple terminals during the inventory process.

[0012] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including:

[0013] The transceiver module is used to receive acknowledgment (ACK) information in a timely manner. The ACK information includes response information from multiple terminals during the inventory process.

[0014] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, including:

[0015] One or more processors;

[0016] The communication device is configured to implement the method of the first aspect.

[0017] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including:

[0018] One or more processors;

[0019] The communication device is configured to implement the method of the second aspect.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including a terminal and a network device, wherein,

[0021] The network device is configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect;

[0022] The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0023] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0024] When the instruction is executed on the communication device, it causes the communication device to perform the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0025] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product, wherein,

[0026] When the program product is executed by the communication device, it causes the communication device to perform the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0027] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the network device can send ACK information at one time. The ACK information includes response information from multiple terminals, so that the network device responds to multiple terminals with one ACK information, reducing the number of ACK information sent and thus reducing the overhead of ACK information. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0029] Figures 1a to 1b are exemplary schematic diagrams of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 1c is a schematic diagram of the response in an inventory scenario.

[0031] Figure 2a is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of the response in an inventory scenario provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2c is a schematic diagram of the ACK information structure provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figures 3a to 3b are exemplary flowcharts of a method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figures 4a to 4b are exemplary flowcharts of a method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] This disclosure provides a method, network device, terminal, and medium for sending and receiving response information.

[0041] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for sending response information, executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0042] An acknowledgment (ACK) message is sent immediately, which includes response information from multiple terminals during the inventory process.

[0043] In the above embodiments, the network device can send ACK information at one time. The ACK information includes response information from multiple terminals, so that the network device responds to multiple terminals with one ACK information, reducing the number of ACK information sent and thus reducing the overhead of ACK information.

[0044] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first time is after the network device receives uplink information sent by multiple terminals, and the first time is less than or equal to the time when any of the multiple terminals sends uplink information.

[0045] In the above embodiments, after receiving the uplink information from the terminal, the network device can respond in batches to multiple terminals within the first time delay, thereby saving the overhead of ACK information.

[0046] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first duration is greater than the time interval between two adjacent downlink commands during the inventory process.

[0047] In the above embodiments, different terminals may send uplink information after different downlink commands. The first duration is longer than the interval between adjacent downlink commands, which allows the network device to respond to multiple terminals in the first instance, saving the overhead of ACK information.

[0048] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, two adjacent downlink commands include: a query command and the most recent repeat query (QueryRep) command following the query command; or,

[0049] Two consecutive downlink commands include two consecutive duplicate query commands.

[0050] In the above embodiments, during the inventory process, the terminal may send uplink information based on the triggering of a query command or a repeat query command. This embodiment illustrates the possible situations of two adjacent downlink commands, which facilitates the network device to respond at the appropriate time.

[0051] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first time is after N downlink commands during the inventory process, where N is an integer and the downlink command is a query command or a repeat query command.

[0052] In the above embodiments, the network device can respond to multiple terminals in a single ACK message after sending N downlink commands, thereby saving ACK message overhead.

[0053] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending an acknowledgment (ACK) message at the first moment includes:

[0054] Send an ACK message immediately after every N downlink commands.

[0055] In the above embodiments, the network device can send a unified response after sending N downlink commands, thereby responding to multiple terminals involved in the N downlink commands at once, saving ACK information overhead.

[0056] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the multiple terminals include: a terminal that executes uplink transmission triggered by each downlink command in N downlink commands.

[0057] In the above embodiments, up to N terminals send uplink commands in N downlink commands, and the network device can respond to the involved terminals in one ACK message.

[0058] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the ACK information includes: response information of multiple terminals corresponding to N downlink commands, and response information of multiple terminals corresponding to the N downlink commands preceding the N downlink commands.

[0059] In the above embodiments, the network device can retransmit the response information of the previous N downlink commands in the current ACK response, thereby improving reliability.

[0060] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, N is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the random number generated by the terminal during the inventory process.

[0061] In the above embodiments, when N is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the random number, the network device can respond to the terminal in the inventory process once at the end of the inventory process, saving ACK information overhead.

[0062] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the network device is determined first.

[0063] In the above embodiments, the network device can determine the time for batch response based on the product implementation, and the terminal side obtains ACK information by listening.

[0064] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the structure of the ACK information, from front to back according to its time domain position, includes: a preamble, response information corresponding to multiple terminals, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC).

[0065] In the above embodiments, the network device can respond to multiple terminals in batches with a single ACK message, which can save the overhead of ACK messages due to the redundancy of preamble and CRC in multiple ACK messages.

[0066] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the response information corresponding to each terminal is the identifier of the terminal.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the network device may carry the terminal's identifier in the ACK information to indicate the corresponding terminal's ACK response information.

[0068] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the number of bits of the response information corresponding to multiple terminals is greater than or equal to a first value, and the response information corresponding to the multiple terminals is split, wherein the ACK information includes: a first part carrying the response information corresponding to some of the multiple terminals and a second part carrying the response information corresponding to the remaining terminals.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the network device can adjust the way it sends ACK information based on the capacity of ACK information in order to meet the capacity limit of ACK information.

[0070] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for receiving response information, executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0071] The system receives acknowledgment (ACK) messages immediately, which include response information from multiple terminals during the inventory process.

[0072] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the time after which uplink information is sent by multiple terminals at the first moment, and the interval between the first moment and the time when any of the multiple terminals sends uplink information, is less than or equal to the first duration.

[0073] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the time when the terminal sends uplink information is before the first time, and the interval between the first time and the first time is less than or equal to the first duration.

[0074] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first duration is greater than the time interval between two adjacent downlink commands during the inventory process.

[0075] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, two adjacent downlink commands include: a query command and the most recent repeating query command after the query command; or,

[0076] Two consecutive downlink commands include two consecutive duplicate query commands.

[0077] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first time is after N downlink commands during the inventory process, where N is an integer and the downlink command is a query command or a repeat query command.

[0078] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, receiving an acknowledgment (ACK) response information at the first moment includes:

[0079] Receive ACK information immediately after receiving N downlink commands.

[0080] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the multiple terminals include: a terminal that executes uplink transmission triggered by each downlink command in N downlink commands.

[0081] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the ACK information includes: response information of multiple terminals corresponding to N downlink commands, and response information of multiple terminals corresponding to the N downlink commands preceding the N downlink commands.

[0082] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, N is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the random number generated by the terminal during the inventory process.

[0083] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0084] After sending uplink information, listen for ACK information, the first of which is determined by the network device.

[0085] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the structure of the ACK information, from front to back according to its time domain position, includes: a preamble, response information corresponding to multiple terminals, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code.

[0086] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the response information corresponding to each terminal is the identifier of the terminal.

[0087] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the number of bits of the response information corresponding to multiple terminals is greater than or equal to a first value, and the response information corresponding to the multiple terminals is split, wherein the ACK information includes: a first part carrying the response information corresponding to some of the multiple terminals and a second part carrying the response information corresponding to the remaining terminals.

[0088] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, including:

[0089] The transceiver module is used to send acknowledgment (ACK) information as soon as possible. The ACK information includes the response information of multiple terminals during the inventory process.

[0090] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including:

[0091] The transceiver module is used to receive acknowledgment (ACK) information in a timely manner. The ACK information includes response information from multiple terminals during the inventory process.

[0092] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, including:

[0093] One or more processors;

[0094] The communication device is configured to implement the method of the first aspect.

[0095] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including:

[0096] One or more processors;

[0097] The communication device is configured to implement the method of the second aspect.

[0098] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including a terminal and a network device, wherein,

[0099] The network device is configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect;

[0100] The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0101] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0102] When the instruction is executed on the communication device, it causes the communication device to perform the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0103] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product, wherein,

[0104] When the program product is executed by the communication device, it causes the communication device to perform the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0105] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in optional implementations of the first, second, or third aspects.

[0106] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to optional implementations of the first, second, or third aspects above.

[0107] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0108] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0109] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0110] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0111] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0112] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0113] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0114] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0115] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0116] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0117] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0119] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0120] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0121] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0122] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0123] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," etc.

[0124] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0125] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0126] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0127] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] As shown in Figure 1a, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0129] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may be an Ambient-IoT terminal, an Ambient-IoT device, or simply a device. Terminal 101 may not be equipped with a battery and may be powered by receiving electromagnetic signals; or it may be equipped with a battery with a small amount of electrical storage capacity and obtain energy from the battery by acquiring external electromagnetic waves, heat energy, kinetic energy, etc.

[0130] In some embodiments, the power acquisition and storage capabilities of terminal 101 vary depending on its type and operating mode. For example, the types of terminal 101 may include the following:

[0131] Device 1: Cannot perform independent signal generation or amplification. For example, Device 1 uses backscattering operation or backscatter communication.

[0132] Device 2a: It has energy storage capabilities but cannot generate signals independently. For example, device 2a uses backscattering and can use the stored energy to amplify reflected signals.

[0133] Device 2b: It has energy storage capabilities and can generate signals independently, such as a radio frequency (RF) module that actively transmits signals.

[0134] Among the terminal types 101 described above, device 2b has the strongest capability but the highest terminal cost. Device 1 has the weakest capability but the lowest terminal cost. Furthermore, devices 1 and 2a, due to their backscattering operation, cannot actively transmit signals and require continuous wave (CW) energy input from other nodes. Device 2b, however, can actively generate signals within its own circuitry using stored energy, thus eliminating the need for CW.

[0135] In some embodiments, in the Ambient-IoT scenario, referring to FIG1b, the communication system 100 may further include at least one of the following: a Continuous Wave Node (CWN) 103, an Energy Source Node (ESN) 104, a Downlink Signal Node (DSN) 105, and an Uplink Receiver (UR) 106.

[0136] CWN103 is used to transmit CW, and terminal 101 can use CW to transmit uplink information based on backscatter. CWN103 can realize the excitation function for device 1 and device 2a to perform uplink transmission based on backscatter; in addition, CW can be used as an energy source (ES) to provide energy to terminal 101, and terminal 101 can receive CW and store energy.

[0137] ESN104 is used to power terminal 101. For example, ESN104 functions for devices 2a and 2b. Since device 2a has limited energy storage capacity, ES signals other than CW may not be defined for device 2a. Alternatively, ES can also be used for device 2a.

[0138] DSN105 is used to send downlink information or indication information. DSN105 can send signaling to terminal 101 to trigger uplink transmission of terminal 101.

[0139] UR106 is used to receive uplink information sent by Ambient-IoT terminal 101. For example, it receives uplink information sent by terminal 101 based on backscatter communication, or it receives uplink information actively transmitted by terminal 101.

[0140] In some embodiments, the functions of the different nodes can be implemented or supported by a single device. For example, a single device may support the functions of multiple nodes or all of the nodes. Alternatively, a single device may correspond to a node with only one of the aforementioned functions. The network can coordinate the behavior of the different nodes, such as CWN103, ESN104, and UR106, to support effective communication with terminal 101.

[0141] In some embodiments, based on the above nodes, the Ambient-IoT communication system may include four types of links, such as: link 1 for transmitting downlink information, link 2 for receiving uplink information, link 3 for transmitting CW signals, and link 4 for transmitting charging signals.

[0142] Link 4 may be network-controlled, for example, the network can control ESN104 to turn on or off charging terminal 101. The energy supplied by ESN104 can come from electromagnetic waves or non-electromagnetic waves; in this case, ESN104 can better coordinate with network scheduling and other functions to ensure that terminal 101 is charged while minimizing the impact on terminal 101's communication. Alternatively, ESN104 may not be network-controlled, or in other words, terminal 101 can flexibly collect energy on its own based on its capabilities and the energy sources in the actual environment, such as collecting electromagnetic or non-electromagnetic wave energy that is not controlled by the network, without a specific ESN104 node; in this case, link 4 can be considered non-existent.

[0143] For terminal 101 using backscattering, while transmitting data, terminal 101 requires an energy source CWN103 to provide electromagnetic waves for reflection (i.e., link 3 is required). CW is generally of constant amplitude. CWN103 can be a standalone node, or it can be a base station or intermediate node (e.g., UE) communicating with terminal 101.

[0144] In the above embodiments, the nodes involved in the four links, such as DSN105, CWN103, ESN104, and UR106, can be set independently, or they can be the same node or device, or two, three, or four of them can be set as one node or device. For example, in some embodiments, link 4 can be omitted or not exist. As another example, in some embodiments, network device 102 serves as DSN105; or, network device 102 can implement the functions of DSN105 and UR106, or network device 102 can implement at least one of the functions of CWN103, ESN104, DSN105, and UR106.

[0145] The network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0146] The access network equipment includes, for example, nodes or devices that connect terminals to the wireless network. The access network equipment may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul equipment, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system.

[0147] The access network equipment can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network equipment. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only option.

[0148] Core network equipment can be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or multiple devices or groups of devices, each comprising all or part of one or more network elements. Network elements can be virtual or physical. For example, the core network includes at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC). Alternatively, core network equipment refers to network elements with specific functions, such as Access Management Function (AMF) and Service Management Function (SMF).

[0149] In some embodiments, DSN105 may be a network device 102 such as a base station, or DSN105 may be a relay device such as a relay user equipment (UE).

[0150] In some embodiments, the UE includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0151] In some embodiments, the number of devices or nodes in FIG1a and FIG1b is only illustrative, and in actual applications, multiple devices or nodes may be used.

[0152] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0153] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0154] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1a or FIG1b, or to a part thereof, but are not limited thereto.

[0155] The entities shown in Figure 1a or Figure 1b are illustrative. The communication system may include all or part of the entities in Figure 1a or Figure 1b, or other entities other than those in Figure 1a or Figure 1b. The number and form of each entity are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative. The entities may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, such as direct connection or indirect connection, wired connection or wireless connection.

[0156] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication processing methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0157] In warehouse inventory scenarios using Ambient IoT or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), terminal 101 may include RFID tags.

[0158] During the inventory process, based on each downlink command such as a query command or a query repetition (QueryRep) command, one or more terminals 101 may send uplink information. Network device 102 can respond to the terminals 101 that receive the uplink information. Referring to Figure 1c, taking terminals 101 including Tag1, Tag2, and Tag3 as an example, the initial counters of the three devices are different, and the uplink transmission timing is different. After each Tag sends uplink information, network device 102 immediately sends its corresponding response information for that Tag. However, in order for terminals 101 to receive downlink information normally, each response information sent by network device 102, such as ACK information, includes a prefix and a suffix, resulting in a relatively large overhead for ACK information.

[0159] The embodiments disclosed herein aim to provide a method for transmitting ACK information that can reduce ACK information overhead.

[0160] Figure 2a is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a method for sending and receiving response information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2a, the present disclosure relates to a method for sending and receiving response information, the method including:

[0161] In step S2101, network device 102 sends a downlink command to terminal 101.

[0162] In some embodiments, taking the inventory process as an example, the downlink command can be a Query command. Taking terminal 101 as a Tag as an example, after receiving a Query command, the Tag can set a random number (counter) based on the Q value in the Query command, where counter <= a value determined based on existing parameters. For example, counter <= 2. Q -1.

[0163] If counter = 0, it indicates the timing of the uplink transmission of the tag. The tag can start backscattering and transmitting uplink information, such as sending RN16, which is a 16-bit random number, to temporarily represent the tag identifier (tag ID).

[0164] If counter≠0, it indicates that the uplink transmission time for the tag has not arrived. The tag will not send uplink information and will wait to receive the QueryRep command.

[0165] In some embodiments, the downlink command can also be the QueryRep command in the inventory process. Each time the Tag receives a QueryRep command, the counter value is decremented by 1. When the counter value is reduced to 0, it is time for the Tag to send uplink information. The Tag will then switch to the reply state and backscatter uplink information.

[0166] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives downlink commands and can determine whether to send uplink information, such as whether to execute step S2102, based on downlink commands such as Query commands or QueryRep commands.

[0167] In step S2102, terminal 101 sends uplink information to network device 102.

[0168] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may refer to any terminal or any tag in the inventory process.

[0169] For example, referring to Figure 2b, among multiple terminals 101 such as Device1, Device2, Device3 and Device4, each terminal 101 generates a different initial random number (initial counter) based on the Query command, and the corresponding uplink transmission timing is different. Each terminal 101 can send uplink information to the network device 102 at its own corresponding uplink transmission timing.

[0170] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the description of the foregoing embodiments, when the random number of the terminal 101 is 0, the terminal 101 can send uplink information.

[0171] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may actively send uplink information or send uplink information based on backscattering.

[0172] In one example, terminal 101 can communicate based on backscattering. Backscattering is an extremely low-power modulation and transmission technology that utilizes the principle of backscattering radio frequency signals, and it is a means to realize the Internet of Things. In backscattering communication, radio frequency signals, such as electromagnetic waves, are received by terminal 101. The internal circuitry of terminal 101 modulates the information to be transmitted on the incident electromagnetic wave through methods such as load impedance modulation, and then sends out the modulated electromagnetic wave carrying the information. There are various methods for modulating information, such as amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequency shift keying (FSK), or phase shift keying (PSK).

[0173] In this example, for terminal 101 using backscatter, the workflow may include: the network device sending downlink signaling (such as a Query command or QueryRep command) to terminal 101; and after receiving the downlink command, terminal 101 sending a corresponding response to the network device or performing a corresponding operation.

[0174] In one example, while transmitting uplink information or data, terminal 101 requires an energy source such as CWN103 to provide a reflective electromagnetic wave (CW) for transmission (i.e., link 3 is required). The CW is generally of constant amplitude. The frequency of the electromagnetic wave reflected by terminal 101 can be exactly the same as the CW frequency or it can have some offset. The magnitude of the offset depends on the hardware characteristics of terminal 101. For example, the offset may be a fixed value, or, if the terminal 101 hardware supports it, the offset may support multiple fixed values, or it may be a dynamically adjustable value.

[0175] In some embodiments, for the Ambient-IoT terminal 101, one way to utilize frequency resources is to divide the available spectrum into multiple sub-channels, each occupying a fixed bandwidth, with the sub-channels being frequency-orthogonal. The terminal 101 can be instructed by the network to use one or more of these sub-channels to transmit data, or it can select one or more sub-channels to transmit data using a certain algorithm. For the terminal 101 using backscattering, its antenna has a relatively wide operating bandwidth, for example, tens of megahertz (MHz). If the CWN 103 transmits CWs at multiple frequency points within the operating bandwidth of the terminal 101, then the terminal 101 will receive CWs at multiple frequency points and backscatter these multiple CWs; that is, the terminal 101 does not have the ability to reflect only the CWs of its selected specific sub-channel. Which uplink sub-channel the terminal 101 can use for uplink transmission actually depends on the frequency and offset capability of the CW.

[0176] In some embodiments, network device 102 receives uplink information from terminal 101 and responds after successfully receiving the uplink information, such as by executing step S2103.

[0177] In step S2103, network device 102 sends ACK information to terminal 101 at the first time.

[0178] In some embodiments, the ACK information includes response information corresponding to multiple terminals 101 during the inventory process.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first time is determined automatically by the network device 102, or determined according to a protocol definition, or determined based on communication with the terminal 101. See the descriptions of the following implementation methods.

[0180] In a first possible implementation, the first time is after the network device 102 receives uplink information sent by multiple terminals, and the interval between the first time and the time when any of the multiple terminals 101 sends uplink information is less than or equal to a first duration.

[0181] Optionally, the first duration can be denoted as T. In this embodiment, the first duration T is the maximum waiting delay after the terminal 101 sends uplink information, that is, after each terminal 101 sends uplink information, it expects the network device 102 to respond within the first duration.

[0182] Optionally, if the time when terminal 101 sends uplink information is before the first time and the interval between the first time and the first time is less than or equal to T, then the response information of the uplink information of terminal 101 is sent at the first time.

[0183] Optionally, each time network device 102 receives an uplink message, it can determine a reasonable first time based on a first duration to ensure that an ACK message is sent within a first duration T after receiving the uplink message. This ACK message may include response information corresponding to different terminals 101.

[0184] In one example, referring to Figure 2b, terminal 101 includes Device1, Device2, Device3, and Device4. Each terminal 101 has a different initial random number (initial counter) generated based on the Query command, and the corresponding uplink transmission timing is different. After receiving uplink information from any terminal 101, network device 102 can send ACK information at the first time t1.

[0185] Specifically, the interval between the first time t1 and the time t2 when network device 101 receives the uplink information sent by Device 1 is less than or equal to the first duration T. The interval between the first time t1 and the time t3 when network device 101 receives the uplink information sent by Device 2 is less than or equal to the first duration T. The interval between the first time t1 and the time t4 when network device 101 receives the uplink information sent by Device 3 is less than or equal to the first duration T. The time t5 when network device 101 receives the uplink information sent by Device 4 is after the first time t1. Therefore, in this example, the ACK information includes the corresponding response information for Device 1, Device 2, and Device 3.

[0186] In this example, after each terminal 101 sends uplink information, it expects to receive ACK information within a first duration T. Network device 102, based on the duration T, sends the corresponding response information for Device1, Device2, and Device3 in a single ACK message. However, the response information for Device4 cannot be included in this ACK message; otherwise, Device1's waiting time for the ACK message would exceed the maximum waiting delay.

[0187] The response information for Device 4 can be sent individually or in batches with the response information of devices after Device 4.

[0188] Optionally, the first duration is longer than the time interval between two consecutive downlink commands during the inventory process.

[0189] For example, the first duration T is several times the time interval.

[0190] Referring to the description of the foregoing embodiments, two adjacent downlink commands include: a query command and the most recent repeated query command following the query command; or, two adjacent downlink commands include: two adjacent repeated query commands. The most recent repeated query command following the query command refers to a command that is located after the query command in the time domain and is the most recent in the time domain of that query command. In the inventory process, the first command can be a query command, and multiple repeated query commands can be included after the query command.

[0191] For example, the time interval is the interval between the Query command and the Queryrep command when the network device 102 is performing an inventory, or the interval between two adjacent Queryrep commands.

[0192] In the second possible implementation, the first time is after N downlink commands during the inventory process, where N is an integer and the downlink command is a query command or a repeat query command.

[0193] In this embodiment, network device 102 can send an ACK message immediately after every N downlink commands.

[0194] Optionally, N is a value configured for network device 102, a value defined by the protocol, or N less than the maximum value of the random number. The maximum value of the random number can be K or 2. Q -1, where K is the value configured for the network device.

[0195] Optionally, N can be configured via the Query command.

[0196] In one example, network device 102 can be configured with N=4. In this example, network device 102 sends an ACK message after sending four downlink commands. The downlink commands can be either Query commands or Queryrep commands. Four downlink commands refer to either four Query commands or four Queryrep commands.

[0197] Optionally, the ACK information sent by network device 102 after every N downlink commands includes response information corresponding to multiple terminals 101, including: the terminal 101 that executes uplink transmission triggered by each downlink command in the N downlink commands.

[0198] Specifically, uplink transmission means sending uplink information. Referring to the description in the preceding embodiments, based on the Query command or Queryrep command, terminal 101 determines whether to send uplink information based on whether the random number is 0.

[0199] For example, in the N=4 example above, network device 102 can send an ACK message after every four downlink commands. Each ACK message can include the response information corresponding to the device that triggered the uplink transmission for those four downlink commands. If each of the four Queryrep commands triggers one terminal to transmit uplink information, and a total of four terminals are triggered to transmit uplink information, then the ACK message corresponding to those four Queryrep commands includes the response information corresponding to those four terminals.

[0200] In the N downlink commands, it is possible that each downlink command triggers terminal 101 to send an uplink transmission, or that a certain downlink command does not trigger any terminal 101 to send an uplink transmission. Therefore, a single ACK message can contain at most N response messages corresponding to terminal 101.

[0201] Optionally, if N downlink commands fail to trigger any terminal 101 to transmit uplink information, network device 102 may not send ACK information.

[0202] Optionally, the ACK information includes: the response information of multiple terminals corresponding to the N downlink commands, and the response information of multiple terminals corresponding to the N downlink commands preceding the N downlink commands.

[0203] For example, in the aforementioned example where N=4, network device 102 sends an ACK message after every four downlink commands. After sending four downlink commands in the first round, network device 102 sends a first-round ACK message, which includes the response information corresponding to terminal 101 involved in the four downlink commands. After sending four downlink commands in the second round, network device 102 sends a second-round ACK message, which includes the response information corresponding to terminal 101 involved in the second-round four downlink commands, as well as the response information corresponding to terminal 101 involved in the first-round four downlink commands. This effectively retransmits the previous round of ACK messages to improve reliability and is applicable to unlicensed spectrum.

[0204] In a third possible implementation, N is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the random number generated by terminal 101 during the inventory process.

[0205] Optionally, the maximum value of the random number can be determined based on the Q value in the Query command, such as a maximum value of 2. Q -1.

[0206] Optionally, N is greater than or equal to K, where K is a network configuration value and can be greater than or equal to the maximum value of a random number.

[0207] Optionally, when N equals the maximum value of the random number, for different terminals 101, an uplink transmission opportunity can be obtained after a maximum of N downlink commands. Alternatively, when N is greater than the maximum value of the random number, for example, N = the maximum value of the random number + 1, where "1" corresponds to the first Query command in the inventory process, and commands after the first Query command can all be QueryRep commands, an uplink transmission opportunity can be obtained for different terminals 101 after a maximum of N downlink commands.

[0208] Therefore, in this embodiment, the network device 102 responds after N downlink commands, which means that the random number of all terminals 101 can be reduced to 0 and all terminals can obtain uplink transmission opportunities. In other words, the network device 102 responds after the inventory process is completed.

[0209] In the fourth possible implementation, the first time is determined by network device 102.

[0210] In this implementation, network device 102 determines the initial time, i.e., the time for batch response, based on its product implementation. The multiple terminals 101 involved may not know their initial location and need to monitor the ACK.

[0211] In some embodiments, the ACK information involved in the above embodiments or implementations includes, from front to back, a preamble, response information corresponding to multiple terminals 101, and CRC in terms of time domain position.

[0212] The response information corresponding to each terminal 101 is the terminal identifier (DEVICE ID). For example, taking the inventory process as an example, the terminal identifier could be RN16.

[0213] Therefore, referring to Figure 2c, the structure of the ACK information can be:

[0214] Preamble + Device 1's response information + Device 2's response information + ... + Device X's response information + CRC, where X is an integer representing the number of terminals.

[0215] Optionally, the response information of Device X can be the ID of Device X, such as RN16 of Device X, which occupies 16 bits.

[0216] Optionally, the preamble is used to achieve symbol-level synchronization so that the terminal 101 can continue to receive the accompanying downlink signals. To achieve good synchronization, the preamble needs to last for several symbols.

[0217] Optionally, CRC is used for error detection, where CRC can occupy 8 bits.

[0218] Optionally, the CRC in this information structure can be generated based on a protocol definition or based on the configuration of network device 102. For example, network device 102 is configured with a common CRC generation method, and different terminals 101 decode ACK information based on the common CRC.

[0219] In some embodiments, the number of bits of the response information corresponding to multiple terminals is greater than or equal to a first value, and the response information corresponding to multiple terminals is split. The ACK information includes: a first part carrying the response information corresponding to some of the multiple terminals and a second part carrying the response information corresponding to the remaining terminals.

[0220] The first value can be the maximum number of bits in the response information part of the ACK message. If the number of bits in the response information corresponding to multiple terminals is greater than or equal to the first value, it indicates that the ACK message may be overloaded, so the response information can be split.

[0221] Alternatively, a maximum number of bits can be set for the entire information structure. If the total number of bits occupied by the preamble, the response information corresponding to multiple terminals 101, and the CRC is greater than or equal to the maximum number, the response information is split.

[0222] Optionally, a first value can be configured through protocol definition or network device 102, or a maximum number of bits, or simply maximum number, occupied by an ACK message can be configured through protocol definition or network device 102. If there are many terminals 101 making batch responses in an ACK message, the synthesized ACK message may exceed the maximum number of bits. Network device 102 can split the terminal response information to obtain two or more ACK messages, or different parts of the ACK message. Each part or each ACK message conforms to the aforementioned information structure, as shown in the following example.

[0223] Optionally, the network device 102 can send the split response information once at the first moment.

[0224] In one example, N=4. Referring to the previous example, network device 102 sends an ACK message after every four downlink commands. Terminal 101 includes Device 1, Device 2, Device 3, and Device 4. If it is necessary to carry the response information of all four terminals 101, and if the response information of these four terminals 101 is greater than or equal to a first value, the response information of these four terminals 101 can be divided into two or more parts. Taking two parts as an example, this ACK message can include the following two parts:

[0225] Part 1: Preamble + Device 1's response information + Device 2's response information + CRC;

[0226] Part Two: Preamble + Device 3 response information + Device 4 response information + CRC.

[0227] When splitting the response information of different terminals, it can be done according to the time domain order in which the terminals send uplink information. For example, in this example, Device 1, Device 2, Device 3 and Device 4 send uplink information in sequence in the time domain.

[0228] Step S2104: Terminal 101 listens for ACK information.

[0229] In some embodiments, the time for terminal 101 to listen for ACK information may vary depending on the different implementation methods described above. For example:

[0230] In the first possible implementation described above, after sending uplink information, terminal 101 listens for ACK information within a first duration T.

[0231] In the second possible implementation described above, terminal 101 listens for and receives ACK information after receiving N downlink commands.

[0232] In the third possible implementation described above, terminal 101 can listen for and receive ACK information after the inventory process is completed.

[0233] In the fourth possible implementation described above, terminal 101 does not know when the network side will send an ACK response, so it can listen for ACK information continuously after sending uplink information until it receives a response.

[0234] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives ACK information.

[0235] Optionally, during the inventory process, if terminal 101 receives an ACK message, it confirms that terminal 101 or Tag has successfully accessed the network. If an invalid ACK message is received, or an ACK with erroneous RN16 is received, or no corresponding response is received within a set time period, then terminal 101 or Tag considers the access unsuccessful.

[0236] In some embodiments, the names of signals, etc., are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", and "field" can be used interchangeably.

[0237] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0238] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0239] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0240] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0241] In some embodiments, the terms "component carrier (CC)," "cell," "frequency carrier," and "carrier frequency" can be used interchangeably.

[0242] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0243] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0244] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0245] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2104. For example, the method includes step S2103.

[0246] In some embodiments, at least one of steps S2101, S2102, and S2104 may be omitted, and may be replaced by one or more steps in different embodiments.

[0247] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2a.

[0248] Figure 3a is a flowchart illustrating a method for sending response information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3a, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for sending response information, which is executed by a network device 102. The method includes:

[0249] Step S3101: Send downlink command.

[0250] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3101 can be found in the implementation of step S2101 in FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0251] Step S3102: Receive uplink information.

[0252] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3102 can be found in the implementation of step S2102 in FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0253] Step S3103: Send ACK information immediately.

[0254] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3103 can be found in the implementation of step S2103 in FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0255] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3103.

[0256] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG3a.

[0257] Figure 3b is a flowchart illustrating a method for sending response information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3b, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for sending response information, which is executed by a network device 102. The method includes:

[0258] Step S3201: Send ACK information immediately.

[0259] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3201 can be found in the implementation of step S2103 in FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0260] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG3b.

[0261] Figure 4a is a flowchart illustrating a method for receiving response information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4a, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for receiving response information, which is executed by a terminal 101. The method includes:

[0262] Step S4101: Receive downlink command.

[0263] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4101 can be found in the implementation of step S2101 in FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0264] Step S4102: Send uplink information.

[0265] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4102 can be found in the implementation of step S2102 in FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0266] Step S4103: Listen for ACK information.

[0267] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4103 can be found in the implementation of steps S2103 to S2104 in FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0268] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4103.

[0269] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG4a.

[0270] Figure 4b is a flowchart illustrating a method for receiving response information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4b, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for receiving response information, which is executed by terminal 101. The method includes:

[0271] Step S4201: Receive ACK information immediately.

[0272] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S4201 can be found in the implementation of steps S2103 to S2104 in FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0273] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG4b.

[0274] This disclosure provides a method for transmitting ACK response information during inventory in an Ambient IoT network. This method can solve the problem that the overhead of ACK response information is relatively large because the network side needs to send ACK information immediately for each device, and each ACK information needs to be prefixed with a preamble and suffixed with a CRC.

[0275] In this embodiment, batch ACK responses are performed on uplink information transmitted by multiple devices during N (N>1) uplink transmission opportunities. Compared to performing ACK responses separately for uplink information in each uplink transmission opportunity, resource overhead can be reduced. Here, "device" corresponds to the terminal 101 in the aforementioned embodiment, and "network side" corresponds to the aforementioned network device 102.

[0276] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure, some examples are provided below:

[0277] Example 1:

[0278] Define the maximum waiting time T after a device sends uplink information. The device expects the network to respond with an ACK within T. The network needs to guarantee that it will send an ACK response within time T after receiving the uplink information from the device. This ACK response may also contain responses from other devices.

[0279] As shown in Figure 2b, after sending uplink information, Device 1 expects to receive an ACK response within a duration of T. Based on the duration of T, the network can send the ACK responses from Device 1, Device 2, and Device 3 in batches, but it cannot send the ACK response from Device 4 together, otherwise it will cause Device 1 to time out while waiting for the response. The response from Device 4 can be sent separately or together with the response responses from subsequent devices.

[0280] In order to provide batch feedback of response information from other devices, the T value generally needs to be several times the interval duration. The interval duration is the time interval between Query and Queryrep when the network is storing data, or the time interval between two adjacent Queryrep.

[0281] Example 2:

[0282] The network side sends a batch ACK response after every N Query / Queryrep commands. N can be configured by the network or defined by the protocol. For example, N can be configured within the Query command. Here, " / " represents OR.

[0283] For example, the network side can set N=4. This way, after the network sends four Query / Queryrep commands, an ACK response will be sent after the fourth QueryRep command. The ACK response can be the response information corresponding to the device that triggered the uplink information transmission in this four Query / Queryrep commands. Furthermore, the ACK response can also include the response information corresponding to the device that triggered the uplink information transmission in the previous four Query / Queryrep commands, effectively retransmitting the previous ACK response (this can improve reliability and is suitable for unlicensed spectrum).

[0284] Optionally, the ACK response message can contain response information from up to N devices. If any of the N Query / Queryrep commands fail to trigger uplink transmission on any device, the network side may not need to send an ACK response message.

[0285] Example 3:

[0286] The network side sends K Queryrep commands before responding with an ACK, where K is the maximum value that the device counter can take. Alternatively, K is a network configuration value, where K > the maximum value that the device counter can take.

[0287] In this example, the ACK response information is transmitted after the inventory process is completed.

[0288] Example 4:

[0289] The device does not know when the network will send an ACK response. The network determines when to send an ACK response to the device that has already sent an uplink based on the product implementation. The device will wait for the ACK response until it receives it.

[0290] In the four examples above, the ACK response information can include the DEVICE ID being responded to, such as the RN 16 information sent by the device to the network side.

[0291] In the four examples above, the format of the batch ACK response information can be seen in Figure 2c, that is:

[0292] Preamble + response information from device 1 + response information from device 2 + ... + response information from device X + CRC;

[0293] The response information for Device i can be the ID of Device i, such as the RN16 of Device i.

[0294] In the four examples above, the maximum number of bits for the ACK response message can also be defined. When there are many devices performing batch ACK responses, the synthesized ACK response message may exceed the maximum number of bits. In this case, the batch ACK response message can be split into two or more ACK response messages.

[0295] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0296] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0297] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0298] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5a, the terminal 5100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5101, a processing module 5102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 5101 is used to receive acknowledgment (ACK) information in a first time, the ACK information including response information corresponding to multiple terminals during the inventory process.

[0299] Optionally, the transceiver module 5101 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 5102 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0300] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5b, the network device 5200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5201, a processing module 5202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 5201 is used to send acknowledgment (ACK) information at a first time, the ACK information including response information corresponding to multiple terminals during the inventory process.

[0301] Optionally, the transceiver module 5201 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 5202 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0302] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0303] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0304] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0305] As shown in Figure 6a, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0306] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 6101 performs at least one of the other steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0307] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6103 may be located outside the communication device 6100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuits 6104 are connected to the memories 6103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 6103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 6104 can read data stored in the memories 6103 and send that data to the processor 6101.

[0308] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6a. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0309] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 6200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 6200 shown in Figure 6b, but it is not limited thereto.

[0310] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0311] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data stored in memory 6203 and send the data to processor 6201.

[0312] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 6202 performs data interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0313] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0314] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0315] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 6100, causes the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0316] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods. Industrial applicability

[0317] Network devices can send ACK messages at the same time, which include response information from multiple terminals. This allows network devices to respond to multiple terminals with a single ACK message, reducing the number of ACK messages sent and thus reducing the overhead of ACK messages.

Claims

1. A method for sending a response message, performed by a network device, the method comprising: An acknowledgment (ACK) message is sent immediately, and the ACK message includes response information from multiple terminals during the inventory process.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The first time is after the network device receives the uplink information sent by the plurality of terminals, and the interval between the first time and the time when any of the plurality of terminals sends the uplink information is less than or equal to the first duration.

3. The method as described in claim 2, wherein, The first duration is greater than the time interval between two consecutive downlink commands during the inventory process.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The two adjacent downlink commands include: a query command and the most recent repeating query command after the query command; or, The two adjacent downlink commands include: two adjacent repeated query commands.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first time is after N downlink commands during the inventory process, where N is an integer and the downlink command is a query command or a repeat query command.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The step of sending an acknowledgment (ACK) response at the first opportunity includes: The ACK message is sent once at the first time after every N downlink commands.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The plurality of terminals includes: the terminal that executes the uplink transmission triggered by each downlink command in the N downlink commands.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The ACK information includes: the response information of multiple terminals corresponding to the N downlink commands, and the response information of multiple terminals corresponding to the N downlink commands preceding the N downlink commands.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein, The N is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the random number generated by the terminal during the inventory process.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first time is determined by the network device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The structure of the ACK information, from front to back according to its time domain position, includes: a preamble, response information corresponding to the multiple terminals, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The response information corresponding to each terminal is the identifier of that terminal.

13. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, If the number of bits in the response information corresponding to the multiple terminals is greater than or equal to a first value, the response information corresponding to the multiple terminals is split. The ACK information includes: a first part carrying the response information corresponding to some of the multiple terminals and a second part carrying the response information corresponding to the remaining terminals.

14. A method for receiving response information, executed by a terminal, the method comprising: The system receives acknowledgment (ACK) messages immediately, which include response information from multiple terminals during the inventory process.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first time is after the time when the multiple terminals send uplink information, and the interval between the first time and the time when any of the multiple terminals sends uplink information is less than or equal to the first duration.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein, The time when the terminal sends uplink information is before the first time, and the interval between the first time and the first time is less than or equal to the first duration.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first duration is greater than the time interval between two consecutive downlink commands during the inventory process.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The two adjacent downlink commands include: a query command and the most recent repeating query command after the query command; or, The two adjacent downlink commands include: two adjacent repeated query commands.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first time is after N downlink commands during the inventory process, where N is an integer and the downlink command is a query command or a repeat query command.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The step of receiving the acknowledgment (ACK) response information at the first moment includes: The ACK information is received at the first time after every N downlink commands are received.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The plurality of terminals includes: the terminal that executes the uplink transmission triggered by each downlink command in the N downlink commands.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The ACK information includes: the response information of multiple terminals corresponding to the N downlink commands, and the response information of multiple terminals corresponding to the N downlink commands preceding the N downlink commands.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein, The N is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the random number generated by the terminal during the inventory process.

24. The method of claim 14, wherein, The method further includes: After sending uplink information, the ACK information is listened to, wherein the first time is determined by the network device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein, The structure of the ACK information, from front to back according to its time domain position, includes: a preamble, response information corresponding to the multiple terminals, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The response information corresponding to each terminal is the identifier of that terminal.

27. The method of any one of claims 14 to 26, wherein, If the number of bits in the response information corresponding to the multiple terminals is greater than or equal to a first value, the response information corresponding to the multiple terminals is split. The ACK information includes: a first part carrying the response information corresponding to a portion of the multiple terminals and a second part carrying the response information of the remaining terminals. The second part of the response information.

28. A network device, comprising: The transceiver module is used to send acknowledgment (ACK) information in the first instance. The ACK information includes response information corresponding to multiple terminals during the inventory process.

29. A terminal, comprising: The transceiver module is used to receive acknowledgment (ACK) information in a timely manner. The ACK information includes response information corresponding to multiple terminals during the inventory process.

30. A network device, comprising: One or more processors; The network device is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

31. A terminal, comprising: One or more processors; The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 27.

32. A communication system, comprising a terminal and network equipment, wherein, The network device is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13; The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 27.

33. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or any one of claims 14 to 27.

34. A program product, wherein, When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or any one of claims 14 to 27.

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