Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and a communication device, relating to the field of communication. The method includes: receiving a first request, the first request being used to request the initiation of a wireless power transfer service, the first request including a first identifier, the first identifier being an identifier of a terminal device and / or an identifier of wireless power transfer configuration information; and determining first wireless power transfer configuration information based on the first identifier. In this embodiment, by carrying the first identifier in the request to initiate the wireless power transfer service, such as in the first request, the wireless power transfer configuration information used in this wireless power transfer service can be indicated from historical energy storage configuration information, thereby reducing the number of wireless power transfer measurements and helping to reduce the latency caused by wireless power transfer measurements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to communication methods and communication devices. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless power transfer (WPT) is a technology that uses electromagnetic waves to transmit electrical energy through the air, such as through electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic radiation, or electromagnetic resonance, transferring energy from a transmitter to a receiver. WPT has broad application prospects in fields such as the Internet of Things, wearable devices, and sensor networks.

[0003] The initiation process of wireless power transfer services will affect the performance of WPT services. Therefore, how to optimize the initiation process of WPT services and improve power transfer performance is a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that optimizes the initiation process of WPT service from multiple aspects, such as the initiation conditions of WPT service, the method of determining WPT configuration, and the object that initiates WPT service, so as to improve power transmission performance.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: receiving a first request, the first request being used to request the initiation of a wireless power transmission service, the first request including a first identifier, the first identifier being an identifier of a terminal device and / or an identifier of wireless power transmission configuration information; and determining first wireless power transmission configuration information based on the first identifier.

[0006] For example, the communication method can be implemented by a network device or by components within the network device, such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system.

[0007] For example, the first identifier can be used to indicate to the network device the wireless power configuration information that the terminal device expects to use.

[0008] The identifier of a terminal device can be, for example, a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI), a next-generation application protocol (NGAP) terminal device identifier, or an E2 application protocol (E2AP) identifier. When the terminal device initiates the first request through an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, the terminal device identifier can be the NGAP terminal device identifier; when the terminal device initiates the first request through a radio access network intelligent controller (RIC) network element, the terminal device identifier can be the E2AP identifier.

[0009] In related technologies, after receiving a request to initiate a wireless power transfer service, a wireless power transfer measurement is triggered. The wireless power transfer configuration information is determined based on the wireless power transfer measurement results, and then wireless power transfer is performed based on the wireless power transfer configuration information.

[0010] In this embodiment, by including a first identifier in the initiation request for the wireless power transfer service, such as in the first request, the wireless power transfer configuration information used in this wireless power transfer service can be indicated from historical energy storage configuration information. This eliminates the need for a wireless power transfer measurement process and helps reduce the latency caused by wireless power transfer measurement. Based on this scheme, the wireless power transfer service can be started quickly, which helps optimize the initiation process and improve power transfer efficiency, providing users with efficient wireless power transfer services. Especially for scenarios where the terminal device is in a fixed location, by using historical wireless power transfer configuration information, the number of wireless power transfer measurements and configurations can be reduced. While maintaining power transfer performance, this helps improve the efficiency of the wireless power transfer service and contributes to energy saving of the terminal device.

[0011] In some embodiments, determining the first wireless power transmission configuration information based on the first identifier includes: retrieving wireless power transmission configuration information stored in the network device based on the first identifier, wherein the first wireless power transmission configuration information is the wireless power transmission configuration information corresponding to the first identifier in the wireless power transmission configuration information stored in the network device.

[0012] By retrieving the wireless power transmission configuration information (which can be understood as historical power transmission configuration information) stored in the network device based on the first identifier, the wireless power transmission configuration information that the terminal device intends to use can be determined.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first wireless power transmission configuration information becomes invalid if the first timer expires.

[0014] The duration of the first timer can be used to indicate the validity period of the first wireless power transfer configuration information. Within this validity period, wireless power transfer measurement can be performed without triggering the first wireless power transfer configuration information. After the validity period expires, the first wireless power transfer configuration information becomes invalid, i.e., the first wireless power transfer configuration information is unavailable.

[0015] For example, when determining the first wireless power transmission configuration information based on the wireless power transmission measurement results, or when issuing the first wireless power transmission configuration information for the first time, a first timer can be started. It should be understood that the timer mentioned in the embodiments of this application can also be replaced by a timer, etc., and this application does not limit it in this way.

[0016] Configuring the aforementioned first timer helps prevent situations where the wireless power transmission configuration cannot match the current status of the terminal device, leading to a decrease in power transmission performance. In other words, configuring the first timer helps the system update the wireless power transmission configuration information promptly based on the terminal device's status, thereby improving power transmission performance.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further includes: if the first timer expires, or if the first request is initiated for the first time by the terminal device, then triggering the transmission of wireless power transmission measurement and second wireless power transmission configuration information, wherein the second wireless power transmission configuration information is determined based on the result of the wireless power transmission measurement.

[0018] Triggering a wireless power transfer measurement when the first timer expires helps to update the wireless power transfer configuration information in a timely manner, ensuring the power transfer performance of the terminal device. However, when a terminal device is accessing the network for the first time, the network device does not store the power transfer configuration information associated with that terminal device. Therefore, it is necessary to trigger a wireless power transfer measurement to determine the wireless power transfer configuration information of the terminal device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the network device storing the second wireless power transmission configuration information based on the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the second wireless power transmission configuration information.

[0020] For example, the wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored in association with an identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information, so as to determine the corresponding wireless power transmission configuration information based on the identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information. Alternatively, the wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored in association with an identifier of the terminal device.

[0021] For example, wireless power transfer configuration information can be stored in association with both the identifier of the terminal device and the identifier of the wireless power transfer configuration. In this case, a terminal device can be associated with multiple sets of wireless power transfer configuration information.

[0022] It should be understood that the first identifier is consistent with the identifier stored in association with the wireless power transmission configuration information. That is to say, if the wireless power transmission configuration information is stored in association with the identifier of the terminal device, then the first identifier can be the identifier of the terminal device; if the wireless power transmission configuration information is stored in association with the identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information, then the first identifier can be the identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information.

[0023] Wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored in network devices and / or terminal devices. For example, the wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored on the network side to save storage resources on terminal devices. Alternatively, the wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored in both network devices and terminal devices, thereby helping to avoid the transmission overhead of sending the wireless power transmission configuration information to terminal devices.

[0024] In some embodiments, receiving the first request includes: receiving the first request from the terminal device; or receiving the first request from a first network element, wherein the first request is triggered by the terminal device. The terminal device can proactively initiate wireless power transfer services in various ways to improve the flexibility of initiating power transfer services.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first network element is a Radio Access Network Intelligent Control (RIC) network element or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element.

[0026] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device can initiate a wireless charging service through RIC, providing a method for initiating a wireless power transfer service based on the O-RAN structure.

[0027] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: sending a first request, the first request being used to request the initiation of a wireless power transmission service, the first request including a first identifier, the first identifier being an identifier of a terminal device and / or an identifier of wireless power transmission configuration information; and determining first wireless power transmission configuration information based on the first identifier.

[0028] For example, the communication method can be implemented by a terminal device or by components inside the terminal device, such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system.

[0029] For example, the first identifier can be used to indicate to the network device the wireless power configuration information that the terminal device expects to use.

[0030] The identifier of the terminal device can be, for example, a C-RNTI, an NGAP terminal device identifier, or an E2AP identifier. When the terminal device initiates the first request through an AMF network element, the identifier of the terminal device can be an NGAP terminal device identifier; when the terminal device initiates the first request through a RIC network element, the identifier of the terminal device can be an E2AP identifier.

[0031] In related technologies, after receiving a request to initiate a wireless power transfer service, a wireless power transfer measurement is triggered. The wireless power transfer configuration information is determined based on the wireless power transfer measurement results, and then wireless power transfer is performed based on the wireless power transfer configuration information.

[0032] In this embodiment, by including a first identifier in the initiation request for the wireless power transfer service, such as in the first request, the wireless power transfer configuration information used in this wireless power transfer service can be indicated from historical energy storage configuration information. This eliminates the need for a wireless power transfer measurement process and helps reduce the latency caused by wireless power transfer measurement. Based on this scheme, the wireless power transfer service can be started quickly, which helps optimize the initiation process and improve power transfer efficiency, providing users with efficient wireless power transfer services. Especially for scenarios where the terminal device is in a fixed location, by using historical wireless power transfer configuration information, the number of wireless power transfer measurements and configurations can be reduced. While maintaining power transfer performance, this helps improve the efficiency of the wireless power transfer service and contributes to energy saving of the terminal device.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first wireless power transmission configuration information becomes invalid if the first timer expires.

[0034] The duration of the first timer can be used to indicate the validity period of the first wireless power transfer configuration information. Within this validity period, wireless power transfer measurement can be performed without triggering the first wireless power transfer configuration information. After the validity period expires, the first wireless power transfer configuration information becomes invalid, i.e., the first wireless power transfer configuration information is unavailable.

[0035] For example, when determining the first wireless power transmission configuration information based on the wireless power transmission measurement results, or when issuing the first wireless power transmission configuration information for the first time, a first timer can be started. It should be understood that the timer mentioned in the embodiments of this application can also be replaced by a timer, etc., and this application does not limit it in this way.

[0036] Configuring the aforementioned first timer helps prevent situations where the wireless power transmission configuration cannot match the current status of the terminal device, leading to a decrease in power transmission performance. In other words, configuring the first timer helps the system update the wireless power transmission configuration information promptly based on the terminal device's status, thereby improving power transmission performance.

[0037] In some embodiments, the method further includes: if the first timer expires, or if the first request is initiated for the first time by the terminal device, then performing a wireless power transfer measurement and receiving second wireless power transfer configuration information, wherein the second wireless power transfer configuration information is determined based on the result of the wireless power transfer measurement.

[0038] Triggering a wireless power transfer measurement when the first timer expires helps to update the wireless power transfer configuration information in a timely manner, ensuring the power transfer performance of the terminal device. However, when a terminal device is accessing the network for the first time, the network device does not store the power transfer configuration information associated with that terminal device. Therefore, it is necessary to trigger a wireless power transfer measurement to determine the wireless power transfer configuration information of the terminal device.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the terminal device storing the second wireless power transmission configuration information based on the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the second wireless power transmission configuration information.

[0040] For example, the wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored in association with an identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information, so as to determine the corresponding wireless power transmission configuration information based on the identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information. Alternatively, the wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored in association with an identifier of the terminal device.

[0041] For example, wireless power transfer configuration information can be stored in association with both the identifier of the terminal device and the identifier of the wireless power transfer configuration. In this case, a terminal device can be associated with multiple sets of wireless power transfer configuration information.

[0042] It should be understood that the first identifier is consistent with the identifier stored in association with the wireless power transmission configuration information. That is to say, if the wireless power transmission configuration information is stored in association with the identifier of the terminal device, then the first identifier can be the identifier of the terminal device; if the wireless power transmission configuration information is stored in association with the identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information, then the first identifier can be the identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information.

[0043] Wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored in network devices and / or terminal devices. For example, the wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored on the network side to save storage resources on terminal devices. Alternatively, the wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored in both network devices and terminal devices, thereby helping to avoid the transmission overhead of sending the wireless power transmission configuration information to terminal devices.

[0044] In some embodiments, sending the first request includes: sending the first request to a network device; or sending the first request to the network device through a first network element. Terminal devices can proactively initiate wireless power transfer services in various ways to improve the flexibility of initiating power transfer services.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first network element is a Radio Access Network Intelligent Control (RIC) network element or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element.

[0046] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device can initiate a wireless charging service through RIC, providing a method for initiating a wireless power transfer service based on the O-RAN structure.

[0047] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: triggering a wireless power transmission measurement if a second request is received or a first condition is met, wherein the second request is used to request the initiation of a wireless power transmission service, and the first condition includes: the expiration of a first timer and / or the first terminal device accessing the network device for the first time, wherein the first timer is used to indicate the validity period of wireless power transmission configuration information, and the first terminal device is a terminal device that supports wireless power transmission service; and sending third wireless power transmission configuration information based on the result of the wireless power transmission measurement.

[0048] For example, the communication method can be implemented by a network device or by components within the network device, such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system.

[0049] For example, the first condition may include the expiration of a second timer, which is used to indicate the period for initiating a wireless power transfer service.

[0050] In this embodiment, on the one hand, historical wireless power transfer configuration information can be used before the first timer expires, which helps improve the efficiency of the power transfer service; on the other hand, wireless power transfer measurement is triggered when the first timer expires or when the terminal device initiates the power transfer service for the first time, which helps improve power transfer performance. In other words, by optimizing the triggering conditions for power transfer measurement in the passive power transfer service, the performance of wireless power transfer can be improved.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second request is used to request one of the following: initiating a wireless power transfer service for a second terminal device; initiating a wireless power transfer service for a terminal device in a first cell; or initiating a wireless power transfer service for a terminal device providing services to the network device.

[0052] In other words, the second request can be used to request the initiation of wireless power transfer services to different ranges of objects, or the second request can be used to initiate wireless power transfer services at different granularities. For example, the second request can be used to initiate wireless power transfer services at the granularity of terminal devices, cells, or network devices, thereby helping to improve the flexibility of wireless power transfer services.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second request is initiated by a first network element, or the second request is initiated by a server through one or more network elements, wherein the server supports data transmission with the first terminal device.

[0054] In other words, passive energy transfer can be initiated by the core network or by the server, which helps to improve the flexibility of initiating passive energy transfer services.

[0055] In some embodiments, receiving the second request includes: if a second condition is met, receiving the second request initiated by the server through one or more network elements; wherein the second condition includes: the remaining battery power of the first terminal device is less than or equal to a preset value, and / or, a second timer expires, the second timer being used to indicate the period for initiating the wireless power transmission service. The preset value can be based on an implementation or configured by the terminal device, core network, or network device for the server.

[0056] This method helps ensure that terminal devices receive timely charging, thereby avoiding the adverse effects of power depletion and shutdown.

[0057] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which includes units for performing various steps in any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects above.

[0058] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, the communication device including at least one processor and a memory, the memory storing program instructions, which, when executed by the processor, perform the methods in any possible implementations of the first to third aspects above.

[0059] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including at least one processor and interface circuitry, the at least one processor being configured to perform the methods in any possible implementations of any of the first to third aspects above.

[0060] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, performs a method in any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects.

[0061] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program that, when part or all of the computer program is executed, is used to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects above.

[0062] Ninthly, a chip is provided, comprising: a processor for calling and running part or all of a computer program from a memory, such that a communication device having the chip installed performs a method for performing any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects above. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of wireless power transmission;

[0065] Figure 3A A schematic diagram of a wireless power transmission architecture for base station power transmission;

[0066] Figure 3B A schematic diagram of a wireless power transmission architecture for independent network elements.

[0067] Figure 3C A schematic diagram of a wireless power transmission architecture for terminal power transmission.

[0068] Figure 4 An example diagram of a wireless power transmission architecture for base station power transmission;

[0069] Figure 5 An example diagram of another wireless power transmission architecture for base station power transmission;

[0070] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a wireless communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the process of a terminal device proactively initiating an energy transfer service;

[0073] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the process of passively initiating energy transfer services for terminal devices;

[0074] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the initiation process of wireless power transfer services based on the ORAN architecture.

[0075] Figure 11 A schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 12 A schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0077] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in the embodiments of this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or the order of execution, and that the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0079] In the various method embodiments of this application, the order of the sequence numbers does not imply the order of execution. The execution order should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0080] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "under the circumstances," "if," "when," and "if..." can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, these descriptions all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require any judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0081] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0082] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined according to their inherent logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches. The embodiments of this application described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0083] This application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) systems or New Radio (NR) systems, satellite communication systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, and future communication systems. Exemplarily, this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0084] For ease of understanding, the following will use... Figure 1 Taking the communication system 10 shown as an example, the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be described.

[0085] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 10 used in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 1 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal (such as...). Figure 1 RAN100, denoted as RAN100, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN120. RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1(Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Communication system 10 may also include core network 200. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 via wireless or wired means. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of core network equipment and RAN node. Communication system 10 may also include Internet 300.

[0086] RAN 100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radioaccess (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0087] RAN node 110 (also known as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, etc.) is used to help terminals access the communication system wirelessly. In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. The RAN node can also be a macro base station (such as...) Figure 1 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1 In CRAN scenarios, RAN nodes can be 110b), relay nodes or donor nodes, or wireless controllers. Optionally, RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the access network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0088] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), or radio units (RUs). Here, the CU can perform the functions of the base station's radio resource control protocol and PDCP, as well as the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU can perform the functions of the base station's radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes, or they can be integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). CUs can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane (CP) and CU-user plane (UP).

[0089] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). Similarly, a CU-CP can be called an O-CU-CP, a CU-UP can be called an O-CU-UP, and an RU can be called an O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples in its embodiments.

[0090] All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node may also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node may also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form used in the RAN node.

[0091] Terminal 120 is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. The terminal can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile terminal (MT), user terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, user device, and terminal device, etc. Terminal 120 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0092] For example, terminal 120 can be an Internet of Things (IoT) device (e.g., a sensor, electricity meter, water meter, etc.), a V2X device, a station (ST) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device (also known as a wearable smart device), a tablet computer or a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, or a wireless terminal in a smart home. Wireless terminals in the home, vehicle terminals, vehicles with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication capabilities, intelligent connected vehicles, drones with drone-to-drone (UAV-to-UAV, U2U) communication capabilities, etc.

[0093] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1 The 120i network element can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 via the 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0094] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0095] With the development of wireless networks and the evolution of business needs, there are massive numbers of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the network. These IoT devices are low-cost and small in size, and cannot carry large-capacity batteries. Regularly replacing the batteries of these IoT devices would consume significant manpower and time costs. Providing a continuous power supply to IoT devices through WPT can avoid frequent battery replacements, thereby effectively reducing the manpower and time costs associated with battery replacements and extending the standby life of these IoT devices.

[0096] Wireless power transmission (WPT) is a technology that uses electromagnetic waves to transmit electrical energy through the air. Specifically, WPT can transfer energy from a transmitter to a receiver through electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic radiation, or electromagnetic resonance. Cellular-based WPT typically uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves, such as microwaves or radio frequency signals, to achieve long-distance energy transmission. WPT has broad application prospects in fields such as the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable devices, and sensor networks.

[0097] In the WPT process, the device providing energy is typically called a transmitter, while the device requiring power or being charged usually integrates a receiver. Generally, a transmitter can consist of a base station or a dedicated energy transmission device, responsible for converting electrical energy into electromagnetic waves and transmitting them through an antenna. The transmitter can then receive electromagnetic waves and convert them back into electrical energy for use by the charged device.

[0098] During WPT (Wireless Transmission Platform) operations, electromagnetic waves can be transmitted and received via an antenna, and efficient antenna design is key to improving transmission efficiency. In some embodiments, the WPT system may also include an energy management system to ensure the effective allocation and management of transmitted energy in a multi-device environment, avoiding interference and energy waste.

[0099] Wireless charging devices can be used for smartphones, sensors, wearable devices, and more. In the future, smartphones may integrate wireless charging receivers, enabling true wireless charging. This would allow smartphones to remain charged even while on the move. Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and smart glasses, can draw power from surrounding base stations or transmitters, thus extending battery life.

[0100] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of wireless power transmission. Figure 2The diagram illustrates network device 210, high-power device 220, and low-power device 230. A signal flow exists between network device 210 and high-power device 220, and a signal flow also exists between network device 210 and low-power device 230. Figure 2 The unlabeled components represent signal flow, and there is also energy flow. Signal flow can be used to carry communication signals (such as data transmission), while energy flow can be used to carry wireless charging signals. It can be seen that network device 210 can function as the transmitter mentioned earlier, while the receiver mentioned earlier can be integrated into low-power device 230. It should be understood that the device integrating the receiver can also be called a receiver.

[0101] Depending on the deployment configuration of the wireless power transfer nodes (also known as energy source nodes or energy-providing nodes), the wireless power transfer architecture on the radio access network (RAN) side varies. Figures 3A-3C This is an example diagram of a wireless power transmission architecture.

[0102] Figure 3A A schematic diagram of a wireless power transmission architecture for base station power transmission. See also... Figure 3A Wireless power transmission nodes are integrated with network nodes. For example, wireless power transmission nodes can be base station type nodes or relay network elements, such as next-generation NodeB (gNB), integrated access and backhaul (IAB), wireless access and backhaul (WAB), or small base station equipment (femto), etc.

[0103] Figure 3B A schematic diagram of a wireless power transfer architecture for independent network elements. See also... Figure 3B Wireless power transfer nodes are deployed as independent network elements to provide radio frequency power to passive devices. Typically, passive devices can communicate with the base station via data. Optionally, wireless power transfer nodes can also communicate with passive devices. For example, power sources can be deployed on network controlled repeaters (NCRs), which can extend the communication coverage of the base station while simultaneously transferring power to passive devices.

[0104] Figure 3C This is a schematic diagram of a wireless power transfer architecture for terminal power transfer. (See also...) Figure 3CThe wireless power transfer node is integrated with the terminal device, allowing the passive device to obtain energy from other nearby device nodes. Optionally, the wireless power transfer node can be deployed in conjunction with a UE to network relay (U2N relay).

[0105] Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are example diagrams of wireless power transmission architectures for base station power transmission.

[0106] Figure 4 The architecture shown involves network exposure function (NEF) network elements, servers, access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, network devices, user plane function (UPF) network elements, and terminal devices.

[0107] Network devices can consist of CUs and DUs, the functions of which are described above. AMF (Active Network Module) elements can be used for mobility management, connection management, lawful interception, transparent proxy, access authentication, and authorization. NEF (Network Element) elements are used for capability exposure; that is, based on NEF elements, network capabilities can be output to external networks. External untrusted applications can access core network data through NEF elements to ensure network security. UPF (User Element) elements can be used to forward and receive terminal data. For example, a UPF element can receive service data from the data network and transmit it to the terminal through access network equipment; a UPF element can also receive user data from the terminal through access network equipment and forward it to the data network.

[0108] pass Figure 4 The power transmission link shown in the diagram allows DU to wirelessly transmit power to terminal devices.

[0109] Figure 5 The diagram shows a wireless power transmission architecture based on the O-RAN architecture. Figure 5 The architecture shown involves NEF network elements, servers, AMF network elements, network devices, UPF network elements, Radio Access Network Intelligent Controller (RIC) network elements, and terminal devices. The network devices can consist of O-CUs and O-DUs.

[0110] As one possible implementation, the control functions of WPT services can be integrated into RIC network elements.

[0111] pass Figure 5 The power transfer link shown in the diagram allows the O-DU to wirelessly transfer power to terminal devices.

[0112] The initiation process of wireless power transfer services will affect the performance of WPT services. Therefore, optimizing the WPT service initiation process and improving power transfer performance is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0113] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a communication method that optimizes the WPT service initiation process from multiple aspects, including the initiation conditions, the method for determining WPT configuration, and the object initiating the WPT service, thereby improving power transmission performance. The method provided in this application is described in detail below.

[0114] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a wireless communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 The method described can involve the interaction between a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device can be any of the terminal devices mentioned above, or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of this method on the terminal device. The network device can be any of the network devices mentioned above, or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of this method on the network device.

[0115] For example, Figure 6 The method shown can be applied to active power transfer scenarios, that is, scenarios in which wireless power transfer is initiated by energy receiving nodes, such as terminal devices.

[0116] The method provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described from the perspective of the interaction between terminal devices and network devices. Figure 6 The method shown includes steps S610 and S620.

[0117] S610, the network device receives the first request. Correspondingly, the terminal device sends the first request.

[0118] For example, the network device may receive a first request from a terminal device; or receive a first request from a first network element, which is triggered by the terminal device. The first network element may be, for example, a RIC network element or an AMF network element.

[0119] It should be understood that the terminal device sending the first request mentioned here can be either the terminal device sending the first request directly to the network device, or the terminal device sending the first request to the network device through other network elements, such as the first network element.

[0120] In some embodiments, the terminal device may periodically initiate a first request, i.e., initiate a wireless charging service, or it may determine whether to initiate a first request based on the current battery level. For example, the terminal device may initiate a first request when the current battery level is below a preset value. The aforementioned initiation period and preset value may be based on the implementation or configured for the terminal device by the network device or the core network.

[0121] For example, the first request may be carried in a radio resource control (RRC) message or in a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

[0122] The first request can be used to request the initiation of WPT services. In some embodiments, the first request may include a first identifier, which may be an identifier of the terminal device and / or an identifier of wireless power transmission configuration information. For example, the first identifier can be used to indicate to the network device the wireless power transmission configuration information that the terminal device expects to use.

[0123] The terminal device identifier can be, for example, a C-RNTI, an NGAP UE identifier, or an E2AP identifier. When the terminal device initiates the first request via the AMF, the terminal device identifier can be the NGAP UE identifier; when the terminal device initiates the first request via the RIC, the terminal device identifier can be the E2AP identifier. The E2 application protocol can be used for communication between the DU / CU and the RIC.

[0124] The identifier for wireless power transmission configuration information can indicate a set or a group of wireless power transmission configuration information. For example, the identifier for wireless power transmission configuration information can indicate the wireless power transmission configuration information used when the terminal device last performed a wireless power transmission service, or it can indicate one of the wireless power transmission configuration information used by the terminal device when it performed a wireless power transmission service before the current time (which can be called historical wireless power transmission configuration information).

[0125] S620 determines the first wireless power transmission configuration information based on the first identifier.

[0126] If the first identifier is the identifier of the terminal device, then the historical wireless power transmission configuration information of the terminal device is retrieved based on the first identifier. The first wireless power transmission configuration information may be the wireless power transmission configuration information used on the terminal device last time, or it may be one of the historical wireless power transmission configuration information of the terminal device.

[0127] Considering that in related technologies, the identifier of the terminal device is usually carried when initiating a wireless power transfer request, using the identifier of the terminal device as the first identifier helps to reduce the degree of modification to the related technologies.

[0128] If the first identifier is an identifier for wireless power transmission configuration information, then the wireless power transmission configuration information is retrieved based on the first identifier, thereby determining the wireless power transmission configuration information indicated by the first identifier (or the wireless power transmission configuration information corresponding to the first identifier), i.e., the first wireless power transmission configuration information.

[0129] The first identifier is the identifier for the wireless power transmission configuration information. On one hand, this facilitates the reuse of wireless power transmission configuration information, meaning different terminal devices can use the same configuration. On the other hand, the wireless power transmission configuration information used by a terminal device may differ depending on its surrounding environment, such as its location. In this case, the wireless power transmission configuration information corresponding to the terminal device can include multiple types. The identifier within this configuration information can determine the wireless power transmission configuration that the terminal device intends to use for this particular wireless power transmission service.

[0130] The first wireless power transfer configuration information may include, for example, the time and frequency resources occupied by the wireless power transfer signal and the power level of the wireless power transfer signal. Generally, terminal equipment and network equipment need to reach a consensus on the wireless power transfer configuration in order to better complete the wireless power transfer service.

[0131] In related technologies, after receiving a request to initiate a wireless power transfer service, a wireless power transfer measurement is triggered. The wireless power transfer configuration information is determined based on the wireless power transfer measurement results, and then wireless power transfer is performed based on the wireless power transfer configuration information.

[0132] In this embodiment, by including a first identifier in the initiation request for the wireless power transfer service, such as in the first request, the wireless power transfer configuration information used in this wireless power transfer service can be indicated from historical energy storage configuration information. This eliminates the need for a wireless power transfer measurement process and helps reduce the latency caused by wireless power transfer measurement. Based on this scheme, the wireless power transfer service can be started quickly, which helps optimize the initiation process and improve power transfer efficiency, providing users with efficient wireless power transfer services. Especially for scenarios where the terminal device is in a fixed location, by using historical wireless power transfer configuration information, the number of wireless power transfer measurements and configurations can be reduced. While maintaining power transfer performance, this helps improve the efficiency of the wireless power transfer service and contributes to energy saving of the terminal device.

[0133] In some embodiments, wireless power transfer configuration information may be stored to facilitate the determination of the first wireless power transfer configuration information based on the first identifier.

[0134] Wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored in network devices and / or terminal devices. For example, the wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored on the network side to save storage resources on terminal devices. Alternatively, the wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored in both network devices and terminal devices, thereby helping to avoid the transmission overhead of sending the wireless power transmission configuration information to terminal devices.

[0135] For example, the wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored in association with an identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information, so as to determine the corresponding wireless power transmission configuration information based on the identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information. Alternatively, the wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored in association with an identifier of the terminal device.

[0136] For example, wireless power transfer configuration information can be stored in association with both the identifier of the terminal device and the identifier of the wireless power transfer configuration. In this case, a terminal device can be associated with multiple sets of wireless power transfer configuration information.

[0137] It should be understood that the first identifier is consistent with the identifier stored in association with the wireless power transmission configuration information. That is to say, if the wireless power transmission configuration information is stored in association with the identifier of the terminal device, then the first identifier can be the identifier of the terminal device; if the wireless power transmission configuration information is stored in association with the identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information, then the first identifier can be the identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information.

[0138] In some embodiments, the network device and the terminal device can each determine the first wireless power transmission configuration information based on the first identifier. This scheme allows the network side and the terminal side to determine their respective wireless power transmission configuration information, which helps to avoid power transmission delays caused by the transmission of power transmission configuration information.

[0139] In other words, step S620 can be replaced by: retrieving wireless power transmission configuration information stored in the network device based on the first identifier, wherein the first wireless power transmission configuration information is the wireless power transmission configuration information corresponding to the first identifier in the wireless power transmission configuration information stored in the network device; and retrieving wireless power transmission configuration information stored in the terminal device based on the first identifier, wherein the first wireless power transmission configuration information is the wireless power transmission configuration information corresponding to the first identifier in the wireless power transmission configuration information stored in the terminal device.

[0140] In other embodiments, the network device may determine the first wireless power transmission configuration information based on the first identifier and send the first wireless power transmission configuration information to the terminal device. This scheme helps to save storage and processing resources on the terminal device side, thereby helping to save the terminal device's power consumption.

[0141] The above methods can be used to quickly launch wireless power transfer services and improve power transfer efficiency. However, the environment around the terminal device may vary, and different wireless power transfer configuration information may be needed for different environments to improve power transfer performance.

[0142] Therefore, in some embodiments, if the first timer expires, the first wireless power transmission configuration information becomes invalid. The duration of the first timer can be used to indicate the validity period of the first wireless power transmission configuration information. Within this validity period, wireless power transmission measurement can be performed without triggering the first wireless power transmission configuration information, and the first wireless power transmission configuration information becomes invalid after the validity period expires, i.e., the first wireless power transmission configuration information is unavailable.

[0143] For example, when determining the first wireless power transmission configuration information based on the wireless power transmission measurement results, or when issuing the first wireless power transmission configuration information for the first time, a first timer can be started. It should be understood that the timer mentioned in the embodiments of this application can also be replaced by a timer, etc., and this application does not limit it in this way.

[0144] For example, different wireless power transmission configuration information can be associated with different timers, and the duration of these different timers can be the same or different.

[0145] The timer duration can be preconfigured or predefined for ease of implementation, or it can be determined based on usage requirements to improve flexibility. For example, when the terminal device is mobile, the timer duration can be set shorter; the faster the movement, the shorter the duration. Similarly, when the environment around the terminal device changes significantly, such as when the wireless link quality fluctuates greatly, the timer duration can be shorter. The reverse is also true.

[0146] Configuring the aforementioned first timer helps prevent situations where the wireless power transmission configuration cannot match the current status of the terminal device, leading to a decrease in power transmission performance. In other words, configuring the first timer helps the system update the wireless power transmission configuration information promptly based on the terminal device's status, thereby improving power transmission performance.

[0147] The conditions that trigger wireless power measurement can include a variety of factors.

[0148] In some embodiments, wireless power transfer measurement can be triggered when the terminal device first initiates a wireless power transfer service, i.e., when the terminal device first sends a first request. For example, wireless power transfer measurement can be triggered when the terminal device first initiates a wireless power transfer service to a network device (which may be referred to as the first network device for ease of distinction). This is because the first network device does not store power transfer configuration information associated with the terminal device; therefore, wireless power transfer measurement needs to be triggered to determine the wireless power transfer configuration information of the terminal device.

[0149] In some embodiments, a wireless power transfer measurement can be triggered if the first timer expires. That is, a wireless power transfer measurement is triggered when the wireless power transfer configuration information fails.

[0150] After triggering the wireless power transfer measurement, the network device can send a second wireless power transfer configuration information to the terminal device, wherein the second wireless power transfer configuration information is determined based on the results of the aforementioned wireless power transfer measurement.

[0151] As mentioned above, the terminal device and / or network device may store the second wireless power transmission configuration information based on the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the second wireless power transmission configuration information.

[0152] It should be understood that the second wireless power transmission configuration information can be the same as or different from the first wireless power transmission configuration information. For example, if the second wireless power transmission configuration information is the power transmission configuration information issued when the terminal device first initiates the wireless power transmission service, then the first wireless power transmission configuration information can be the second wireless power transmission configuration information. As another example, if the second wireless power transmission configuration information is issued after the timer associated with the first wireless power transmission configuration information expires, then the first and second wireless power transmission configuration information can be different.

[0153] In some embodiments, a network device may broadcast whether it supports wireless power transfer services, such as by indicating support via a system information block (SIB). Exemplarily, whether a network device supports wireless power transfer services can be explicitly indicated by indication information or implicitly indicated by other information. This other information may include, for example, unified access control (UAC) and / or network slicing information. For instance, a network device may broadcast network slices that support wireless power transfer services, or specific access classes.

[0154] Before a terminal device initiates its first request, it can determine whether the network device supports the wireless power transfer service based on the network device's broadcast message, and then initiate the first request to the network device that supports the wireless power transfer service. For terminal devices in idle or inactive states, if the network device has configured UAC parameters related to wireless power transfer, the terminal device can perform a UAC check before initiating an RRC connection or restoring an RRC connection, thereby deciding whether to initiate the first request or roll back a fixed amount of time before initiating the first request.

[0155] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 The method shown can be applied to passive energy transfer scenarios. The following section will combine... Figure 7 The embodiments of this application will be described.

[0156] Figure 7 The method shown may include steps S710 and S720.

[0157] In the S710, if a second request is received, or if the first condition is met, the network device triggers a wireless power measurement.

[0158] In some embodiments, the second request described above can be used to request the initiation of a wireless power transfer service. Exemplarily, the second request can be initiated by a first network element, or by a server through one or more network elements, wherein the server supports data transmission with the first terminal device. For example, the second request can be initiated by the server through NEF and AMF, or by the server through NEF and RIC. The first network element can be, for example, AMF or RIC. Multiple initiation methods for wireless power transfer services help improve the flexibility of passive power transfer service initiation.

[0159] For example, if the second condition is met, the server receives a second request initiated through one or more network elements. The second condition may include: the remaining battery power of the first terminal device is less than or equal to a preset value, and / or, a second timer expires, the second timer indicating the period for initiating the wireless power transfer service. The preset value may be based on an implementation or configured by the terminal device, core network, or network equipment and given to the server. This method helps ensure that the terminal device receives timely charging, thereby avoiding the adverse effects of power depletion and shutdown.

[0160] For example, if the second timer expires, the first network element initiates a second request.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first condition may include at least one of the following: a first timer expires, the first terminal device accesses the network device for the first time, and a second timer expires, wherein the first timer is used to indicate the validity period of the wireless power transmission configuration information, and the first terminal device is a terminal device that supports the wireless power transmission service. That is, when the wireless power transmission configuration information expires, the wireless power transmission measurement is triggered.

[0162] For example, when the wireless power transmission configuration information has not expired, or the first timer has not expired, the network device can perform wireless power transmission to the terminal device based on the historical wireless power transmission configuration information, thereby helping to improve the efficiency of the power transmission service. Furthermore, configuring the first timer helps the system update the wireless power transmission configuration information in a timely manner according to the status of the terminal device, thus improving power transmission performance.

[0163] It can be seen that network devices, servers, and the first network element can all periodically trigger the wireless charging service. The triggering period can be based on the implementation, or it can be configured by the terminal device or the core network to the network device, or the terminal device can be configured by the core network or the server.

[0164] In the S720, third wireless power transfer configuration information is sent based on the results of wireless power transfer measurements.

[0165] In some embodiments, for terminal devices that are currently inactive and need to perform wireless power transfer services, such as terminal devices whose second timer has expired or whose first timer has expired (i.e., wireless power transfer configuration has failed), wireless power transfer measurement and the distribution of third wireless power transfer configuration information can be performed on the terminal device through RAN / CN paging.

[0166] In this embodiment, on the one hand, historical wireless power transfer configuration information can be used before the first timer expires, which helps improve the efficiency of the power transfer service; on the other hand, wireless power transfer measurement is triggered when the first timer expires or when the terminal device initiates the power transfer service for the first time, which helps improve power transfer performance. In other words, by optimizing the triggering conditions for power transfer measurement in the passive power transfer service, the performance of wireless power transfer can be improved.

[0167] In some embodiments, the second request may be used to request one of the following: initiating a wireless power transfer service for a second terminal device; initiating a wireless power transfer service for a terminal device in a first cell; or initiating a wireless power transfer service for a terminal device providing services to a network device.

[0168] In other words, the second request can be used to request the initiation of wireless power transfer services to different ranges of objects, or the second request can be used to initiate wireless power transfer services at different granularities, thereby helping to improve the flexibility of wireless power transfer services.

[0169] The second request is used to initiate a wireless power transfer service for a second terminal device. That is, the second request can be used to initiate a wireless power transfer service at the terminal device level, such as to initiate a wireless power transfer service to one or more specific terminal devices. In this case, the second request may, for example, carry the identifier of the second terminal device. The second terminal device mentioned here may be the same as or different from the first terminal device mentioned earlier.

[0170] The second request is used to initiate a wireless power transfer service for the first cell. That is, the second request can be used to initiate a wireless power transfer service at the cell level, such as initiating a wireless power transfer service to terminal devices in one or more specific cells. For example, the second request can be used to initiate a wireless power transfer service to all terminal devices in the first cell that support wireless power transfer services. In this case, the second request may, for example, carry the identifier of the first cell.

[0171] The second request is used to initiate a wireless power transfer service for terminal devices providing services to the network device; that is, the second request can be used to initiate a wireless power transfer service at the network device level. For example, the second request can be used to initiate a wireless power transfer service for all terminal devices among those providing services to the network device that support wireless power transfer. In this case, the second request may, for example, carry the identifier of the network device. Alternatively, if the second request does not carry the cell identifier or the identifier of the terminal device, it is used to request the initiation of a wireless power transfer service at the network device level. In other words, without additional instructions, a wireless power transfer service at the network device level is initiated by default, thereby helping to save on instruction overhead.

[0172] As mentioned earlier, the server can determine when to initiate wireless power measurement based on the remaining battery power of the terminal device. In some embodiments, the terminal device can report its remaining battery power to the server during data transmission.

[0173] The following is combined Figures 8 to 10 The methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described by way of example.

[0174] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the process of a terminal device proactively initiating an energy transfer service. Figure 8 The method of initiating a wireless power transfer service directly from a terminal device to a network device (i.e., steps 1 to 6a) and the method of initiating a wireless power transfer service from a terminal device through an AMF (i.e., steps 1 to 7b) are shown.

[0175] Step 1: Network devices broadcast support for wireless power transmission services.

[0176] For example, a network device may display an indication that it supports wireless power transfer services, such as by indicating support for wireless power transfer services through a specific value of 1 bit.

[0177] For example, network devices may implicitly indicate support for wireless power transfer services, such as by broadcasting a specific access class or slice identifier.

[0178] Step 2: The terminal device determines whether to initiate a wireless power transfer service.

[0179] For example, the terminal device can periodically initiate a wireless power transfer service. When the trigger period is reached, the terminal device initiates the wireless power transfer service; when the trigger period is not reached, the terminal device does not initiate the wireless power transfer service.

[0180] For example, the terminal device can determine whether to initiate a wireless power transfer service based on the relationship between the current battery level and a preset value. For instance, if the current battery level is less than or equal to the preset value (or battery threshold), the wireless power transfer service is initiated; if the current battery level is greater than the preset value, the wireless power transfer service is not initiated.

[0181] The aforementioned cycle and power threshold can be implemented or configured by the RAN / CN for the terminal equipment.

[0182] If the judgment result is that the terminal device initiates a wireless power transmission service, then proceed to step 4a or step 4b.

[0183] For idle or inactive terminal devices, if UAC parameters related to the wireless power transfer service are configured, then the terminal device executes step 3 before initiating RRC connection establishment or resume establishment for the wireless power transfer service. Alternatively, step 3 is executed before executing step 4a or step 4b.

[0184] Step 3: The terminal device performs a UAC check.

[0185] Based on the UAC check results, the timing of when the terminal device initiates the wireless power transmission service access can be determined, such as directly initiating the wireless power transmission service access request, or reverting to a fixed time before initiating the wireless power transmission service access request.

[0186] Step 4a: The terminal device initiates a wireless power transfer service request to the network device, which is the first request mentioned above.

[0187] The request may carry a wireless power transfer configuration identifier or the identifier of the terminal device, i.e., the first identifier mentioned above. For terminal devices that are not initiating wireless power transfer services for the first time, the first identifier can indicate which wireless power transfer configuration the network device should use.

[0188] For example, historical wireless power transmission configuration information can be stored, such as by storing it indexed by a first identifier, thereby enabling terminal devices to instruct network devices which wireless power transmission configuration to use based on the first identifier. In this way, historical power transmission configurations can be used directly without performing power transmission measurements again, reducing the number of wireless power transmission measurements and configurations, which helps to improve the efficiency of wireless power transmission services and the energy saving of terminal devices.

[0189] Especially for scenarios where the terminal device is a fixed sensor, the environment of the terminal device and the quality of the wireless link do not change much. Using the historical power transmission configuration can balance power transmission performance and power transmission service efficiency.

[0190] Step 5a: The network device retrieves historical power transmission configuration information based on the first identifier to determine the wireless power transmission configuration used for this power transmission service. Then, the wireless power transmission service can be executed based on the aforementioned wireless power transmission service configuration information, as in step 8. The identifier of the terminal device can be, for example, C-RNTI.

[0191] If the wireless power transmission configuration information used by the terminal device fails, or if the terminal device is initiating a request for wireless power transmission service for the first time, the network device initiates a new round of wireless power transmission measurement and configuration distribution, i.e., executes step 6a.

[0192] Step 6a: The network device initiates a new round of wireless power transmission measurement and configuration distribution.

[0193] The distributed wireless power transmission configuration information may carry an identifier for the power transmission configuration information. For example, the distributed wireless power transmission configuration information may be stored on the terminal side and the network side using a first identifier as an index.

[0194] Optionally, the wireless power transmission configuration information can be associated with a first timer, the duration of which indicates the validity period of the wireless power transmission configuration information. For example, the first timer is started when the wireless power transmission configuration information is first issued; when the first timer expires, the wireless power transmission configuration information is considered invalid. The validity period of the wireless power transmission configuration information, or the duration of the first timer, can be configured by the terminal device, core network, or server for the network device.

[0195] Step 4b: The terminal device sends a wireless power transfer service request to the AMF, such as via a NAS message, i.e., the first request mentioned above. This first request may carry a first identifier, which can be the identifier of the terminal device, such as the NGAP identifier, or the identifier of the wireless power transfer configuration information.

[0196] Step 5b: AMF forwards the first request mentioned above to the network device.

[0197] Step 6b: The network device retrieves historical power transmission configuration information based on the first identifier. Based on the retrieval results, the wireless power transmission configuration information used for this power transmission service can be determined.

[0198] Step 7b is the same as step 6a above.

[0199] It should be understood that the method by which a terminal device initiates a wireless power transfer request through the AMF is similar to the method by which a terminal device directly initiates a wireless power transfer request to a network device. For the parts not described in detail, please refer to the introduction above.

[0200] It should be understood that the AMF is provided as an example only, and network devices may also initiate wireless power transfer requests to network devices through other network elements, such as newly defined network elements in the future.

[0201] In this embodiment of the application, by using historical power transmission configuration information, the number of power transmission measurements and configurations can be reduced, the service initiation process can be optimized and power transmission efficiency can be improved, which helps to provide users with stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0202] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the process of passively initiating energy transfer services for terminal devices. Figure 9 The methods for initiating wireless power transfer services by network devices (i.e., steps 1a to 2a), by AMF (i.e., steps 1b to 3b), and by server (i.e., steps 1c to 4c) are illustrated.

[0203] Step 1a: Based on the first condition, the network device determines whether to initiate a wireless power transmission service.

[0204] For example, the first condition may include at least one of the following: a first timer expires, a first terminal device accesses the network device for the first time, and a second timer expires, wherein the second timer is used to indicate the period for initiating a wireless power transmission service.

[0205] The first timer indicates the validity period of the wireless power transfer configuration information, and the first terminal device is a terminal device that supports the wireless power transfer service. In other words, wireless power transfer measurement is triggered when the wireless power transfer configuration information expires.

[0206] The duration of the first timer and the duration of the second timer (or period) can be determined by the implementation or configured by the terminal device or the core network for the network device.

[0207] For example, when the wireless power transmission configuration information has not expired, or the first timer has not expired, the network device can perform wireless power transmission to the terminal device based on the historical wireless power transmission configuration information, thereby helping to improve the efficiency of the power transmission service. Furthermore, configuring the first timer helps the system update the wireless power transmission configuration information in a timely manner according to the status of the terminal device, thus improving power transmission performance.

[0208] If one or more of the first conditions are met, and the network device initiates a wireless power transmission service, then step 2a is executed.

[0209] Step 2a: The network device triggers the transmission of wireless power transfer measurement and power transfer configuration information. The transmitted power transfer configuration information is determined based on the wireless power transfer measurement results.

[0210] For example, for a terminal device that is currently inactive and needs to perform wireless power transfer services, such as a terminal device whose second timer has expired or whose first timer has expired (i.e., the wireless power transfer configuration has failed), wireless power transfer measurement and wireless power transfer configuration information can be sent to the terminal device through RAN / CN paging.

[0211] Step 1b: AMF periodically initiates wireless power transfer services.

[0212] When the period for initiating wireless power transfer service is reached, the AMF executes step 2b.

[0213] Step 2b: AMF sends a wireless power transfer service request to the network device.

[0214] The wireless power transfer service request can request wireless power transfer for a specific UE, a UE in a specific cell, or a UE in the entire base station. In other words, the wireless power transfer service request can be at the terminal device level, the cell level, or the site (or network device) level.

[0215] It should be understood that the initiator of wireless power transmission services can also be other network elements besides AMF, and this application does not limit this.

[0216] Step 3b: The network device triggers the measurement and configuration distribution for the wireless power transmission service. This step is similar to step 2a above, and will not be described again for the sake of brevity.

[0217] Step 1c: The server determines whether to initiate a wireless power transfer service.

[0218] For example, the server can periodically initiate a wireless power transfer service, or it can determine whether to initiate a wireless power transfer service based on the remaining battery power of the terminal device. In other words, the server can determine whether to initiate a wireless power transfer service based on a second condition, which includes the expiration of a second timer and the remaining battery power of the terminal device being less than or equal to a preset value. The second timer is used to indicate the period for initiating the wireless power transfer service.

[0219] If the second timer expires or the remaining battery power of the terminal device is less than or equal to the preset value, then the server initiates the wireless power transfer service, as in step 2c.

[0220] Optionally, when transmitting data with the server, the terminal device may report its remaining battery power to the server. For example, step 0 may be included before step 1c, in which the terminal device may report its remaining battery power to the server.

[0221] In step 2c, the server can send a wireless power transfer service request to the AMF via the NEF.

[0222] In step 3c, the AMF can send the wireless power transfer request from the server to the network device.

[0223] The wireless power transfer service request can request wireless power transfer for a specific UE, a UE in a specific cell, or a UE in the entire base station. In other words, the wireless power transfer service request can be at the terminal device level, the cell level, or the site (or network device) level.

[0224] Step 4c: The network device triggers the measurement and configuration distribution for the wireless power transmission service. This step is similar to step 2a above, and will not be described again for the sake of brevity.

[0225] After completing the measurement and configuration of the wireless power transfer service, wireless power can be transferred to the terminal equipment.

[0226] In this embodiment of the application, by modifying the conditions for network devices to initiate wireless power transmission services, the service initiation process can be optimized; at the same time, by initiating wireless power transmission services of different granularities, the flexibility of wireless power transmission services can be improved.

[0227] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the initiation process for wireless power transfer services based on the ORAN architecture. Figure 10 The method shown may include steps 1 through 7.

[0228] Step 1: Network devices broadcast support for wireless power transmission services.

[0229] For example, a network device may display an indication that it supports wireless power transfer services, such as by indicating support for wireless power transfer services through a specific value of 1 bit.

[0230] For example, network devices may implicitly indicate support for wireless power transfer services, such as by broadcasting a specific access class or slice identifier.

[0231] Step 2: The terminal device determines whether to initiate a wireless power transfer service.

[0232] For example, the terminal device can periodically initiate a wireless power transfer service. When the trigger period is reached, the terminal device initiates the wireless power transfer service; when the trigger period is not reached, the terminal device does not initiate the wireless power transfer service.

[0233] For example, the terminal device can determine whether to initiate a wireless power transfer service based on the relationship between the current battery level and a preset value. For instance, if the current battery level is less than or equal to the preset value (or battery threshold), the wireless power transfer service is initiated; if the current battery level is greater than the preset value, the wireless power transfer service is not initiated.

[0234] The aforementioned cycle and power threshold can be implemented or configured by the RAN / CN for the terminal equipment.

[0235] If the determination result indicates that the terminal device has initiated a wireless power transfer service, then proceed to step 4. Optionally, for idle or inactive terminal devices, if UAC parameters related to the wireless power transfer service are configured, then the terminal device shall execute step 3 before initiating RRC connection establishment or connection restoration for the wireless power transfer service. In other words, step 3 shall be executed before step 4.

[0236] Step 3: The terminal device performs a UAC check.

[0237] Based on the UAC check results, the timing of when the terminal device initiates the wireless power transmission service access can be determined, such as directly initiating the wireless power transmission service access request, or reverting to a fixed time before initiating the wireless power transmission service access request.

[0238] Step 4: The terminal device initiates a wireless power transfer service request to the RIC, which is the first request mentioned above.

[0239] Step 5: The RIC forwards the wireless power transfer service request from the terminal device to the network device.

[0240] Step 6: The network device retrieves historical power transmission configuration information based on the first identifier carried in the wireless power transmission service request, such as the E2AP identifier of the terminal device, and determines the power transmission configuration information used in this wireless power transmission service.

[0241] Furthermore, the terminal device is wirelessly powered based on the power transmission configuration information used in this wireless power transmission service.

[0242] If the first timer times out, or if the terminal device initiates a wireless power transfer service request for the first time, then proceed to step 7. The duration of the first timer is the validity period of the wireless power transfer configuration. If the first timer times out, the wireless power transfer configuration becomes invalid.

[0243] Step 7: The network device initiates a new round of wireless power transmission measurement and configuration distribution.

[0244] The distributed wireless power transmission configuration information may carry an identifier for the power transmission configuration information. For example, the distributed wireless power transmission configuration information may be stored on the terminal side and the network side using a first identifier as an index.

[0245] The embodiments of this application can provide users with more stable and efficient wireless power transfer services based on the O-RAN architecture.

[0246] It should be understood that the RIC mentioned in the embodiments of this application may refer to a network element with wireless access network intelligent control function. This name does not limit it. For example, the network element with wireless access network intelligent control function may have other names in future communication protocols.

[0247] It should be understood that the first network element mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be an existing network element or a newly defined other network element, and this application does not limit it.

[0248] It should be understood that both wireless charging signals and communication signals are radio frequency (RF) signals, and their power, corresponding frequency, time-frequency resource allocation, and beam direction can differ. Wireless charging signals do not carry communication data. In some cases, communication signals can be used for both communication and charging simultaneously. For example, when the communication signal power is relatively high, it can simultaneously charge the terminal device. However, under normal circumstances, because the communication signal power is relatively low, although it can simultaneously charge the terminal device (e.g., a mobile phone), the charging power is much lower than the power consumption of the terminal device. In other words, under normal circumstances, the charging power provided by the communication signal to the terminal device is far less than the charging power required by the terminal device.

[0249] It should also be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "wireless communication" can also be expressed as "communication", "data transmission", "information transmission", etc. "Wireless charging" can also be expressed as "charging", "energy transfer", "charging", "wireless energy transfer", "wireless charging", "wireless energy transmission", "radio frequency energy transmission", "radio frequency energy transfer", "radio frequency charging", or "radio frequency charging", etc. Unless otherwise specified, they have the same meaning and different expressions can be used interchangeably.

[0250] The method embodiments provided in this application have been described above. The apparatus embodiments provided in this application will be described below. It should be understood that the description of the apparatus embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, any content not described in detail can be referred to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0251] Figure 11 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 1100 may include a transceiver unit 1110 and / or a processing unit 1120. The transceiver unit 1110 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing unit 1120 is used for data processing. The transceiver unit 1110 may also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit. Optionally, the device 1100 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 1120 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0252] In one possible design, the device 1100 may be a network device in the above method embodiments, or it may be a chip, processor, or chip system that implements the functions of a network device. The device 1100 may be used to perform the steps or processes performed by the network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0253] Specifically, the transceiver unit 1110 can be used to receive a first request, which is used to request the initiation of a wireless power transmission service. The first request includes a first identifier, which is the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information.

[0254] The processing unit 1120 can be used to determine the first wireless power transmission configuration information based on the first identifier.

[0255] In some embodiments, determining the first wireless power transmission configuration information based on the first identifier includes: retrieving wireless power transmission configuration information stored in the network device based on the first identifier, wherein the first wireless power transmission configuration information is the wireless power transmission configuration information corresponding to the first identifier in the wireless power transmission configuration information stored in the network device.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first wireless power transmission configuration information becomes invalid if the first timer expires.

[0257] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit 1110 may be used to: trigger the transmission of wireless power transmission measurement and second wireless power transmission configuration information if the first timer expires or the first request is initiated by the terminal device for the first time, wherein the second wireless power transmission configuration information is determined based on the result of the wireless power transmission measurement.

[0258] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1120 may be used to: store the second wireless power transmission configuration information based on the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the second wireless power transmission configuration information.

[0259] In some embodiments, receiving the first request includes: receiving the first request from the terminal device; or receiving the first request from a first network element, wherein the first request is triggered by the terminal device.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first network element is a Radio Access Network Intelligent Control (RIC) network element or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element.

[0261] In one possible design, the device 1100 may be a terminal device as described in the above method embodiments, or it may be a chip, processor, or chip system that implements the functions of a terminal device. The device 1100 may be used to perform the steps or processes executed by the terminal device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0262] Specifically, the transceiver unit 1110 can be used to send a first request, which is used to request the initiation of a wireless power transmission service. The first request includes a first identifier, which is the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the wireless power transmission configuration information.

[0263] The processing unit 1120 can be used to determine the first wireless power transmission configuration information based on the first identifier.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first wireless power transmission configuration information becomes invalid if the first timer expires.

[0265] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit 1110 may be configured to: perform a wireless power transfer measurement and receive second wireless power transfer configuration information if the first timer expires or the first request is initiated for the first time by the terminal device, wherein the second wireless power transfer configuration information is determined based on the result of the wireless power transfer measurement.

[0266] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1120 may be used to: store the second wireless power transmission configuration information based on the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the second wireless power transmission configuration information.

[0267] In some embodiments, sending the first request includes: sending the first request to a network device; or sending the first request to the network device through a first network element.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first network element is a Radio Access Network Intelligent Control (RIC) network element or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element.

[0269] The above describes the methods applicable to active energy transfer scenarios provided by the embodiments of this application. The following describes the methods applicable to passive energy transfer scenarios.

[0270] In one possible design, the device 1100 may be a network device in the above method embodiments, or it may be a chip, processor, or chip system that implements the functions of a network device. The device 1100 may be used to perform the steps or processes performed by the network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0271] Specifically, the processing unit 1120 can be used to trigger wireless power transmission measurement if a second request is received or a first condition is met. The second request is used to request the initiation of wireless power transmission service. The first condition includes: the expiration of a first timer and / or the first terminal device accessing the network device for the first time. The first timer is used to indicate the validity period of the wireless power transmission configuration information. The first terminal device is a terminal device that supports wireless power transmission service.

[0272] The transceiver unit 1110 can be used to send third wireless power transmission configuration information based on the results of the wireless power transmission measurement.

[0273] In some embodiments, the second request is used to request one of the following: initiating a wireless power transfer service for a second terminal device; initiating a wireless power transfer service for a terminal device in a first cell; or initiating a wireless power transfer service for a terminal device providing services to the network device.

[0274] In some embodiments, the second request is initiated by a first network element, or the second request is initiated by a server through one or more network elements, wherein the server supports data transmission with the first terminal device.

[0275] In some embodiments, receiving the second request includes: if a second condition is met, receiving the second request initiated by the server through one or more network elements; wherein the second condition includes: the remaining battery power of the first terminal device is less than or equal to a preset value, and / or, a second timer expires, the second timer being used to indicate the period for initiating the wireless power transmission service.

[0276] It should be understood that the "unit" in device 1100 can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. For example, the "unit" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. As another example, transceiver unit 1110 can be replaced by transceiver circuitry (e.g., it may include receiving and transmitting circuitry), and processing unit 1120 can be replaced by a processor or processing circuitry.

[0277] Figure 12This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1200 can be a terminal device / network device, or a chip, chip system, or processor, etc., in the terminal device / network device that implements the above-described methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above-described method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above-described method embodiments.

[0278] The communication device 1200 may include one or more processors 1210, which may also be referred to as processing units, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 1210 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0279] In an alternative design, the processor 1210 may also store instructions and / or data that can be executed by the processor 1210 to cause the communication device 1200 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0280] In another alternative design, the communication device 1200 may include a communication interface 1220 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 1220 may be a transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or it may be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0281] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may include one or more memories 1230, which may store instructions that can be executed on the processor 1210, causing the communication device 1200 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 1230 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 1210 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 1210 and the memories 1230 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0282] It should be understood that, in one possible design, the steps in the method embodiments provided in this application can be implemented by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are not provided here.

[0283] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above methods.

[0284] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0285] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code. When the computer program code is run on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the various steps or processes executed by the terminal device / network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0286] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the various steps or processes performed by the terminal device / network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0287] This application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface, the interface being used to send and / or receive signals, causing the processor to execute the various steps or processes executed by the terminal device / network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0288] The above-described device and method embodiments are completely corresponding, with corresponding modules or units performing corresponding steps. For example, a communication unit or communication interface performs the receiving or sending steps in the method embodiment, while other steps besides sending and receiving can be performed by a processing unit or processor.

[0289] In the embodiments of this application, the terms and English abbreviations are exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not be construed as limiting the application in any way. The embodiments of this application do not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0290] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," etc., are used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. As illustrated, applications running on computing devices and computing devices can both be components. One or more components may reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and components may be located on a single computer and / or distributed among two or more computers. Furthermore, these components can be executed from various computer-readable storage media on which various data structures are stored. Components can communicate, for example, via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network, such as the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0291] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0292] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be based on the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0293] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0294] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0295] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0296] In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (programs) are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs), etc.

[0297] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, essentially or in other words, the parts that contribute to the prior art, or parts of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0298] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: include: Receive a first request, the first request being used to request the initiation of a wireless power transfer service, the first request including a first identifier, the first identifier being the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the wireless power transfer configuration information; The first wireless power transmission configuration information is determined based on the first identifier.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of determining the first wireless power transmission configuration information based on the first identifier includes: Based on the first identifier, the wireless power transmission configuration information stored in the network device is retrieved. The first wireless power transmission configuration information is the wireless power transmission configuration information corresponding to the first identifier in the wireless power transmission configuration information stored in the network device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, If the first timer expires, the first wireless power transmission configuration information becomes invalid.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The method further includes: If the first timer expires, or if the first request is initiated by the terminal device for the first time, then the wireless power transmission measurement and the distribution of the second wireless power transmission configuration information are triggered, wherein the second wireless power transmission configuration information is determined based on the result of the wireless power transmission measurement.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further includes: The network device stores the second wireless power transmission configuration information based on the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the second wireless power transmission configuration information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Receiving the first request includes: Receive the first request from the terminal device; or The system receives the first request from the first network element, which is triggered by the terminal device.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The first network element is either a Radio Access Network Intelligent Control (RIC) network element or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element.

8. A communication method characterized by comprising: include: Send a first request, the first request being used to request the initiation of a wireless power transfer service, the first request including a first identifier, the first identifier being the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the wireless power transfer configuration information; The first wireless power transmission configuration information is determined based on the first identifier.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, If the first timer expires, the first wireless power transmission configuration information becomes invalid.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The method further includes: If the first timer expires, or if the first request is initiated by the terminal device for the first time, then a wireless power transfer measurement is performed and second wireless power transfer configuration information is received, wherein the second wireless power transfer configuration information is determined based on the result of the wireless power transfer measurement.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method further includes: The terminal device stores the second wireless power transmission configuration information based on the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the second wireless power transmission configuration information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, Sending the first request includes: Send the first request to the network device; or The first request is sent to the network device through the first network element.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first network element is either a Radio Access Network Intelligent Control (RIC) network element or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, include: If a second request is received, or the first condition is met, a wireless power transfer measurement is triggered. The second request is used to request the initiation of a wireless power transfer service. The first condition includes: the expiration of a first timer and / or the first terminal device accessing the network device for the first time. The first timer is used to indicate the validity period of the wireless power transfer configuration information. The first terminal device is a terminal device that supports the wireless power transfer service. Based on the results of the wireless power transmission measurement, third wireless power transmission configuration information is sent.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second request is used to request one of the following: Initiate wireless power transfer services for second terminal devices; Initiate a wireless power transfer service targeting terminal devices in the first cell; or Initiate a wireless power transfer service for terminal devices that provide services to the network device.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The second request is initiated by the first network element, or the second request is initiated by the server through one or more network elements, wherein the server supports data transmission with the first terminal device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The receipt of the second request includes: If the second condition is met, then the second request initiated by the server through one or more network elements is received; The second condition includes: the remaining power of the first terminal device is less than or equal to a preset value, and / or, the second timer expires, the second timer being used to indicate the period for initiating the wireless power transmission service.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units for performing the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, or units for performing the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 14-17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units for performing the various steps of the method as described in any one of claims 8-13.

20. A readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, the computer performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, any one of claims 8-13, or any one of claims 14-17.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes computer program instructions that cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, any one of claims 8-13, or any one of claims 14-17.

Images