A communication method and device, a communication system, a communication device, and a storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and device, a communication system, a communication device and a storage medium, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The method comprises: a first device sending first information to a second device, the first information being used for configuring a first time period, the second device not expecting to receive a downlink signal from the first device and / or not sending or backscattering an uplink signal to the first device in a second time period within the first time period. The first device configures the first time period for the second device, so as to establish an orderly energy charging process for an Internet of Things device.

Description

A communication method and device, a communication system, a communication device, and a storage medium. Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device, a communication system, a communication equipment, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] NB-IoT is a low-power wide-area network technology with key features such as low cost, low power consumption, strong coverage, and massive connectivity. It is largely based on the non-backward-compatible E-UTRA standard, with a coverage target of 164dB MCL, significantly enhancing indoor coverage and supporting a large number of low-throughput, low-latency-sensitive devices. A-IoT is a new Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Compared to traditional IoT technologies, a significant feature is the massive number of A-IoT terminals that can be accessed in the network, enabling large-scale inventory and monitoring of objects. It also boasts a simple structure, low hardware and maintenance costs, low power consumption, and can be equipped with or without power supply components, allowing for extended periods without battery replacement.

[0003] Based on NB-IoT, a key characteristic of IoT devices is low power consumption, with the fundamental purpose of extending battery life. Based on A-IoT, environmental IoT devices can collect energy from the environment to recharge, theoretically enabling unlimited battery life. However, due to the low cost of IoT devices, charging and communication cannot occur simultaneously. If the charging process of IoT devices is not controlled by the network, network devices will struggle to coordinate and schedule IoT devices effectively, and the benefits of AI in the overall scheduling strategy will be limited.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, system, equipment, and storage medium that can be used in the field of communication technology to establish an orderly charging process for Internet of Things (IoT) devices through the configuration of network devices.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, performed by a first device, comprising: sending first information to a second device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, wherein the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a second device, comprising: receiving first information sent by a first device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, wherein the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided, including a transceiver module for sending first information to a second device. The first information is used to configure a first time period, wherein the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided, including a transceiver module for receiving first information sent by a first device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, wherein the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, including a transceiver; a memory; and a processor, which are respectively connected to the transceiver and the memory, and configured to control the transmission and reception of wireless signals of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and to implement the methods described in any one of the first and second aspects.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the first aspects, and the second device is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the second aspects.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer storage medium is provided that stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method described in any one of the first and second aspects.

[0013] According to the communication method proposed in this disclosure, a silent period is configured for the IoT terminal device via a network device for charging the IoT terminal device. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1A shows the Topology 1 scenario supported by A-IoT devices;

[0016] Figure 1B shows the Topology 2 scenario supported by A-IoT devices;

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

[0018] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2C is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3A is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3B is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3C is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3D is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4A is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a second device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4B is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a second device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4C is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a second device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4D is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a second device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the silent period according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of exiting the silence period according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 6C is a schematic diagram of exiting the silent period according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6D is a schematic diagram of exiting the silence period according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 6E is a schematic diagram of exiting the silent period according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6F is a schematic diagram of exiting the silent period according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6G is a schematic diagram of exiting the silent period according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 6H is a schematic diagram of exiting the silent period according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0042] This disclosure provides a communication method and device, a communication system, a communication device, and a storage medium.

[0043] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a first device, comprising: sending first information to a second device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, wherein the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the first device sends first information to the second device to configure a first time period for the second device to select charging, thereby establishing an orderly charging process.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first time period is a periodic cyclical silence period, which includes one or more listening opportunities, and the second time period does not include one or more listening opportunities.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: the start point of the silence period; the end point of the silence period; the duration of the silence period; the time offset between the start point of the silence period and the receipt of the silence period trigger signaling; the start point of the listening opportunity in the silence period; the end point of the listening opportunity in the silence period; the duration of the listening opportunity in the silence period; the time offset between the start point of the listening opportunity in the silence period and the receipt of the silence period trigger signaling; the time offset between the start point of the listening opportunity in the silence period and the start point of the silence period; and the number of cycles of the silence period.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the first device configures a silent period for the second device to select for charging.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first time period is a separately configured quiet period, and the second time period has the same range as the quiet period.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: the start point of the silence period; the end point of the silence period; the duration of the silence period; and the time offset between the start point of the silence period and the receipt of the silence period trigger signaling.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the first device configures a quiet period for the second device so that the second device can choose to charge during the quiet period.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first time period is a silent period pattern.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: the start point of the quiet period pattern; the end point of the quiet period pattern; the duration of the quiet period pattern; the time offset between the start point of the quiet period pattern and the receipt of the quiet period trigger signaling; the number of time units indicated by the quiet period pattern; the duration of the time units indicated by the quiet period pattern; and a first bitmap, the first bitmap being used to indicate the time units of the first value and the time units of the second value in the quiet period pattern.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the first device configures a quiet period pattern to the second device for the second device to select for charging.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second time period is used for charging the second device.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: sending at least one of a second message, a third message, and a fifth message to a second device, wherein the second message is used to instruct the second device to exit the first time period or deactivate the first time period, the third message is used to correct the clock deviation of the second device, and the fifth message is used to instruct the second device to activate the first time period; receiving a fourth message sent by the second device, wherein the fourth message is used to indicate the clock capability of the second device; and receiving a sixth message sent by the second device, wherein the sixth message is used to assist the first device in determining the first message, or to request the first device to determine the first message.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: a first indication, which instructs the second device to immediately exit or deactivate the first time period upon receiving the second information; a second indication, which instructs the second device to exit the first time period of the next cycle after the first time period in which the second information is received has ended; a third indication, which instructs the second device to exit the first time period after the listening time in which the second information is received has ended; a fourth indication, which instructs a first quantity N and / or a third time period, wherein the second device, when its energy meets the first condition upon receiving the second information, ends or deactivates the first time period after N times the third time period; a fifth indication, which instructs a first duration, wherein the second device, when its energy meets the first condition upon receiving the second information, ends or deactivates the first time period after the first duration; and a sixth indication, which instructs a second quantity M, wherein the second device, when its energy meets the first condition upon receiving the second information, ends or deactivates the first time period after M times the duration of the first time period.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the first information, the second information, and the fifth information is included in the first signaling, and the first signaling includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the first device configures a silent period / silent period / silent period pattern to the second device, which is used by the second device to select for charging.

[0059] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a second device, comprising: receiving first information sent by a first device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, wherein the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first time period is a periodic cyclical silence period, which includes one or more listening opportunities, while the second time period does not include one or more listening opportunities.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: the start point of the silence period; the end point of the silence period; the duration of the silence period; the time offset between the start point of the silence period and the receipt of the silence period trigger signaling; the start point of the listening opportunity in the silence period; the end point of the listening opportunity in the silence period; the duration of the listening opportunity in the silence period; the time offset between the start point of the listening opportunity in the silence period and the receipt of the silence period trigger signaling; the time offset between the start point of the listening opportunity in the silence period and the start point of the silence period; and the number of cycles, which is the number of times the silence period is repeated.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first time period is a separately configured silent period, and the second time period has the same duration as the silent period.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: the start point of the silence period; the end point of the silence period; the duration of the silence period; and the time offset between the start point of the silence period and the receipt of the silence period trigger signaling.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first time period is a silent period pattern.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: the start point of the quiet period pattern; the end point of the quiet period pattern; the duration of the quiet period pattern; the time offset between the start point of the quiet period pattern and the received quiet period trigger signaling; the number of time units indicated by the quiet period pattern; the duration of the time units indicated by the quiet period pattern; and a first bitmap, the first bitmap being used to indicate the time units of the first value and the time units of the second value in the quiet period pattern.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second time period is used for charging the second device.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: listening to at least one of a third message and a fifth message at a listening time, wherein the third message is used to correct the clock deviation of the second device and the fifth message is used to instruct the second device to activate the first time period; receiving a second message sent by the first device, wherein the second message is used to instruct the second device whether to exit the first time period or deactivate the first time period; and sending at least one of a fourth message and a sixth message to the first device, wherein the fourth message is used to indicate the clock capability of the second device and the sixth message is used to assist the first device in determining the first message or to request the first device to determine the first message.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: exiting the first time period or deactivating the first time period based on second information, wherein the second information is indicated by the first device, agreed upon by the protocol, or predefined.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: a first indication, which instructs the second device to immediately exit or deactivate a first time period upon receiving the second information; a second indication, which instructs the second device to exit the first time period of the next cycle after the first time period in which the second information is received has ended; a third indication, which instructs the second device to exit the first time period after the listening time in which the second information is received has ended; a fourth indication, which instructs a first quantity N and / or a third time period, wherein the second device, when its energy meets a first condition upon receiving the second information, ends or deactivates the first time period after N times the third time period; a fifth indication, which instructs a first duration, wherein the second device, when its energy meets a first condition upon receiving the second information, ends or deactivates the first time period after a first duration; and a sixth indication, which instructs a second quantity M, wherein the second device, when its energy meets a first condition upon receiving the second information, ends or deactivates the first time period after M times the duration of the first time period.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the first information, the second information, and the fifth information is included in the first signaling, and the first signaling includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0071] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first device, including a transceiver module, for sending first information to a second device. The first information is used to configure a first time period, wherein the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period.

[0072] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a second device, including a transceiver module, for receiving first information sent by a first device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, wherein the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period.

[0073] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including: a transceiver; a memory; and a processor, respectively connected to the transceiver and the memory, configured to control the transmission and reception of wireless signals of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, so that the communication device performs the method described in any one of the embodiments of the first and second aspects of this disclosure.

[0074] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including: a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is configured to implement the method described in any embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure; and the second device is configured to implement the method described in any embodiment of the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0075] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the embodiments of the first or second aspect of this disclosure.

[0076] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0077] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the optional implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0078] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to optional implementations of the first and second aspects above.

[0079] It is understood that the aforementioned first device, second device, communication system, communication equipment, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0080] This disclosure provides a communication method and device, a communication system, a communication device, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method and information processing method can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as network device, information processing apparatus, and communication apparatus, and terms such as information processing system and communication system.

[0081] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0082] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0083] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0084] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the aforementioned," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0085] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0086] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0087] The descriptions in this disclosure, such as "at least one of A, B, C..." or "A and / or B and / or C...", include the case where any one of A, B, C... exists alone, as well as the case where any combination of any of A, B, C... exists alone. Each case can exist alone. For example, "at least one of A, B, C" includes the cases of A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B combination, A and C combination, B and C combination, and A and B and C combination. For example, A and / or B includes the cases of A alone, B alone, and A and B combination.

[0088] In some embodiments, the notation "in one case A, in another case B" or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: A is executed regardless of B, i.e., A is executed in some embodiments; B is executed regardless of A, i.e., B is executed in some embodiments; A and B are selectively executed, i.e., A and B are selected for execution in some embodiments; A and B are both executed, i.e., A and B are executed in some embodiments. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0089] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0090] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0091] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0092] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0093] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0094] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0095] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0096] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0097] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0098] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0099] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0100] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0101] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0102] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0103] NB-IoT supports three operating modes: in-band, standalone, and guardband. Both uplink and downlink RF bandwidths are 180kHz. Downlink uses OFDMA technology with a 15kHz subcarrier spacing, while uplink uses SC-FDMA technology. It supports both single-tone and multi-tone transmission. Enhanced versions of NB-IoT support a wealth of features, including multi-carrier support, positioning, multicast, wake-up signals, and fast small data transmission, and can coexist with LTE and NR systems.

[0104] eMTC is an enhanced version of LTE-M (LTE-Machine-to-Machine), an IoT technology evolved from LTE. It is also a low-cost, low-power wide-area network technology. Compared to NB-IoT, eMTC has slightly weaker coverage, but it can support higher transmission rates, some mobility, and voice services. eMTC has 1.4MHz uplink and downlink RF bandwidth and can support a maximum peak rate of 1Mbps.

[0105] A-IoT devices can be categorized into Type 1, Type 2a, Type 2b, and Type 2c. Type 1 and 2a devices are passive, while Type 2b is an active device. Type 1 devices operate based on backscatter, exhibiting the lowest complexity and power consumption. Type 2a devices support energy storage and operate based on backscatter; their complexity and power consumption are higher than Type 1 devices, offering some signal amplification, but still at a relatively low level. Type 2b devices operate based on active transmission, possessing both signal amplification and the ability to actively transmit information. Furthermore, Type 2c devices possess both active information transmission and backscatter capabilities. These devices can harvest energy from the environment to power normal uplink and downlink transmissions. Environmental energy includes natural energy sources such as solar, wind, and nuclear power, as well as artificial energy sources such as electromagnetic waves emitted by artificial devices.

[0106] Currently, A-IoT devices support two basic topology scenarios. In Topology 1, as shown in Figure 1A, the A-IoT base station (or reader) and the A-IoT device are directly connected. In Topology 2, as shown in Figure 1B, the A-IoT device and the UE communicate with each other, with the UE acting as an intermediate node to send data to the network side.

[0107] For devices using backscattering for uplink transmission, a continuous wave (CW) energy source (CW node) is required to provide the electromagnetic waves for reflection during backscattering. The CW is typically of constant amplitude. The CW node can be a standalone node or a base station / intermediate node (e.g., a UE) communicating with the device. The frequency of the reflected electromagnetic wave can be exactly the same as the CW frequency or have some offset. The magnitude of this offset depends on the device's hardware characteristics; the offset might be a fixed value, or if the device hardware supports it, it might support multiple fixed values, or it might be a dynamically adjustable value.

[0108] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a communication method and device, a communication system, a communication device, and a storage medium, which configures the charging time for IoT devices through network devices and establishes an orderly charging process, so that network devices can coordinate and schedule IoT devices and leverage the enhancement of AI in the scheduling strategy to the network scheduling strategy.

[0109] The method proposed in this disclosure is applicable to various communication systems, including but not limited to 4G, 5G, 5G-advance and subsequent communication technologies (such as 6G).

[0110] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1C, the communication system 100 may include a first device 101 and a second device 102.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be an IoT network device.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a device that sends first information to the second device.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a device for determining first information.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a device that configures a first time period to the second device.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a device configured to listen for timing.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a device configured with a quiet period.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a device configured with a quiet period.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a device that configures a quiet period pattern.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a device that sends second information, which is used to instruct the second device to exit the first time period or deactivate the first time period.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a device that sends third information, which is used to correct the clock deviation of the second device.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a device that receives fourth information, which is used to indicate the clock capability of the second device.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a device that is charged during a second time period.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a device that sends a fifth message, which is used to instruct the second device to activate a first time period.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a device that receives sixth information, which is used to assist the first device in determining the first information or to request the first device to determine the first information.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a base station, an intermediate node, an auxiliary node, etc.

[0126] In some embodiments, the name of the first device 101 is not limited, and may be, for example, "device for configuring a quiet period", "device for configuring a quiet period", "device for configuring a quiet period pattern", "device for configuring parameters for exiting quiet", "device for determining configuration information", etc.

[0127] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be an IoT terminal device, such as an IoT device.

[0128] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a device that receives the first information.

[0129] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a device that receives configuration information.

[0130] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a device that is charged during a second time period.

[0131] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a device that receives second information, which is used to instruct the second device to exit the first time period or deactivate the first time period.

[0132] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a device that listens to third information, which is used to correct the clock deviation of the second device.

[0133] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a device that sends fourth information, which is used to indicate the clock capability of the second device.

[0134] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a device that listens to fifth information, which is used to instruct the second device to activate a first time period.

[0135] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a device that sends a sixth message, which is used to assist the first device in determining the first message, or to request the first device to determine the first message.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a device that charges during a quiet period.

[0137] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a device that is charged during a quiet period.

[0138] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a device that is charged during a quiet period pattern.

[0139] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a device that listens to downlink signaling.

[0140] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be an intermediate node or an auxiliary node device, and the type of the second device includes at least one of type 1, type 2a, type 2b, and type 2c.

[0141] In some embodiments, the name of the second device 102 is not limited, and may be, for example, "a device for receiving first information", "a device for receiving with a silent period configured", "a device for receiving with a silent period configured", "a device for charging", "a device for monitoring signaling", etc.

[0142] In some embodiments, the terminal may include at least one of, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and a wireless terminal device in a smart home.

[0143] The network device in this application embodiment is an entity on the network side used to transmit or receive signals. For example, the network device can be an evolved NodeB (eNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in an NR system, a base station in other future mobile communication systems, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network device. The network device provided in this application embodiment can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU can also be called a control unit. Using a CU-DU structure, the protocol layer of the network device, such as a base station, can be separated. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0144] The terminal device in this application embodiment is a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a mobile phone. The terminal device can also be called a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device can be a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0145] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0146] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1C, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1C are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1C, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1C. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0147] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other user plane path establishment methods, and next-generation systems extended from them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0148] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method, which can be executed by a communication system, such as the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1C. The communication system includes a first device and a second device. The interactive method may include the following steps:

[0149] Step 2101: The second device sends the sixth information to the first device.

[0150] In some embodiments, the sixth information is used to assist the first device in determining the first information, or to request the first device to determine the first information.

[0151] In some embodiments, the name of the sixth information is not limited, and may be, for example, “auxiliary information”.

[0152] Step 2102: The second device sends the fourth information to the first device.

[0153] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate the clock capability of the second device.

[0154] For example, the IoT terminal device has the ability to report a clock to ensure that when the network device is configured to listen for signals, the IoT terminal device can turn on the receiver before the signaling is sent.

[0155] Step 2103: The first device determines the first information.

[0156] In some embodiments, the first information is used to configure a first time period.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first device determines a first time period based on fourth information and / or sixth information.

[0158] For example, network devices determine the silent period configuration based on auxiliary information reported by IoT terminal devices.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first time period is a periodic, cyclical silence period, which includes one or more listening opportunities, while the second time period does not include one or more listening opportunities.

[0160] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, for example, it may be "silent period parameter information".

[0161] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: the start point of the silence period; the end point of the silence period; the duration of the silence period; the time offset between the start point of the silence period and the receipt of the silence period trigger signaling; the start point of the listening opportunity in the silence period; the end point of the listening opportunity in the silence period; the duration of the listening opportunity in the silence period; the time offset between the start point of the listening opportunity in the silence period and the receipt of the silence period trigger signaling; the time offset between the start point of the listening opportunity in the silence period and the start point of the silence period; and the number of cycles of the silence period.

[0162] In some embodiments, the time offset between the start of the silence period and the receipt of the silence period trigger signaling can be the time offset between the start of the silence period and the start of the receipt of the silence period trigger signaling.

[0163] In some embodiments, the time offset between the start of the silence period and the receiving of the silence period trigger signaling can be the time offset between the start of the silence period and the end of the receiving of the silence period trigger signaling.

[0164] In some embodiments, the time offset between the start of the listening opportunity in the silence period and the start of receiving the silence period trigger signaling can be the time offset between the start of the listening opportunity in the silence period and the start of receiving the silence period trigger signaling.

[0165] In some embodiments, the time offset between the start of the listening opportunity in the silence period and the receiving of the silence period trigger signaling can be the time offset between the start of the listening opportunity in the silence period and the end of the receiving of the silence period trigger signaling.

[0166] Step 2104: The first device sends the first information to the second device.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first device sends first information to the second device via first signaling. The first information includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0168] For example, the IoT network device configures silence period parameters to the IoT terminal device via a first signaling. The silence period includes one or more listening opportunities.

[0169] In some embodiments, the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within a first time period.

[0170] Step 2105: The first device sends the third information to the second device.

[0171] In some embodiments, the third information is used to correct the clock skew of the second device.

[0172] For example, the network device sends a first signal for synchronizing IoT terminal devices at at least one listening moment during the listening cycle. The first signal is used to correct clock skew of the IoT terminal devices. The first signal includes at least one of the following: a time-domain synchronization signal, a frequency-domain synchronization signal, a time-frequency-domain synchronization signal, and a fourth signaling carrying a preamble and / or a midamble and / or a postamble.

[0173] Step 2106: The first device sends the fifth message to the second device.

[0174] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to instruct the second device to activate the first time period. The fifth information includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0175] For example, an IoT network device activates a silent period or indicates whether to enter a silent period to an IoT terminal device via a second signaling. The second signaling includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0176] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information may also be used to indicate whether the first time period has begun.

[0177] For example, the second signaling is a one-bit field used to indicate whether to enter a silent period, with 0 representing not entering and 1 representing entering.

[0178] Step 2107: The second device activates the first time period.

[0179] In some embodiments, the second device receives a fifth message, which activates the first time period. In other words, the second device receives a fifth message, which activates the silent period.

[0180] For example, the IoT terminal device receives a second signaling, which activates the silent period.

[0181] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information may also be used to indicate whether the first time period has begun.

[0182] For example, if an IoT terminal device receives a second signaling instruction and the second signaling instruction indicates that it should enter a silent period, then the IoT terminal device should enter a silent period.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first time period is activated by the fifth information, the start point of the silence period is confirmed according to the first time offset, the start point of the listening opportunity is determined according to the second time offset, and there is a listening opportunity for each period.

[0184] In some embodiments, the listening timing within the first time period is used for the second device to listen for indication information.

[0185] Step 2108: The second device is charged.

[0186] In some embodiments, the second device is charged during a second time period.

[0187] In some embodiments, the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period. In other words, the second device may choose to charge during the second time period.

[0188] For example, during a quiet period, excluding the listening opportunity, the IoT terminal device can choose to recharge. For instance, during this second time period, the IoT terminal device can switch its antenna to the power harvesting module.

[0189] Step 2109: The first device sends the second information to the second device.

[0190] In some embodiments, the second information is used to instruct the second device to exit the first time period or deactivate the first time period. The second information includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0191] The second information includes at least one of the following: a first instruction, which instructs the second device to immediately exit or deactivate the first time period upon receiving the second information; a second instruction, which instructs the second device to exit the first time period of the next cycle after the first time period in which the second information is received has ended; a third instruction, which instructs the second device to exit the first time period after the listening time in which the second information is received has ended; a fourth instruction, which instructs a first quantity N and / or a third time period, whereby the second device, if its energy meets the first condition when receiving the second information, ends or deactivates the first time period after N times the third time period; a fifth instruction, which instructs a first duration, whereby the second device, if its energy meets the first condition when receiving the second information, ends or deactivates the first time period after the first duration; and a sixth instruction, which instructs a second quantity M, whereby the second device, if its energy meets the first condition when receiving the second information, ends or deactivates the first time period after M times the duration of the first time period.

[0192] In some embodiments, the second device listens for second information during a listening period in the first time period, and the second information indicates whether the second device should exit the silence period or deactivate the silence period.

[0193] For example, during a silent period, the IoT terminal device listens for a third signaling message. This third signaling message is used to indicate whether the IoT terminal device should exit or deactivate the silent period. The third signaling message includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0194] Step 2110: Second device exits / deactivates during the first time period.

[0195] In some embodiments, the second device exits the first time period or deactivates the first time period based on the second information.

[0196] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates to deactivate the first time period, the second device receives the second information, that is, to deactivate the first time period.

[0197] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates exiting the first time period, the second device receives the second information, and the second information indicates exiting the first time period, the second device immediately exits the first time period, that is, it immediately enters the normal communication range after the second information, that is, the second information contains the first indication information.

[0198] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates exiting the first time period, the second device receives the second information, and the second information indicates exiting the first time period. After the current first time period ends, the second device exits the first time period, that is, the second information contains the second indication information.

[0199] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates exiting the first time period, the second device receives the second information, and the second information indicates exiting the first time period. After the current listening time ends, the second device exits the first time period, that is, the second information contains the third indication information.

[0200] For example, when the third signaling is used to deactivate the silence period, the IoT terminal device receives the third signaling, thus deactivating the silence period. When the third signaling is used to indicate whether to exit the silence period, the IoT terminal device receives the third signaling, and the third signaling indicates exiting, then the IoT terminal device enters the silence period. The behavior of the IoT terminal device includes at least one of the following: immediately exiting the silence period, that is, immediately entering the normal communication range after the third signaling; exiting the silence period after the current silence period ends; or exiting the silence period after the current listening opportunity ends.

[0201] In some embodiments, the energy of the second device meeting the first condition may be that the energy of the second device is lower than a first threshold.

[0202] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates exiting or deactivating the first time period and the energy of the second device is below the first threshold, the second device may ignore the second information.

[0203] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates exiting or deactivating the first time period, and the energy of the second device is lower than the first threshold, the second device defaults to waiting for the next N cycles, where N is configured by the first device or determined by a predefined protocol, i.e., the second information is the fourth indication information.

[0204] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates exiting or deactivating the first time period, and the energy of the second device is lower than the first threshold, the second device extends the first duration before exiting or deactivating the first time period. The first duration is configured by the first device or determined by a predefined protocol, i.e., the second information is the fifth indication information.

[0205] In some embodiments, extending the first duration may be done after the current first time period has ended.

[0206] For example, as shown in Figure 6B, the exit from the silent period is triggered by a third signaling. When the energy of the IoT terminal device is still lower than the first threshold, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period after the first duration of the current silent period n.

[0207] In some embodiments, extending the first duration may be done after the MO in which the second information is located ends.

[0208] For example, as shown in Figure 6C, the exit from the silent period is triggered by the third signaling. When the energy of the IoT terminal device is still lower than the first threshold, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period after the first duration of the current MO.

[0209] In some embodiments, extending the first duration may be done after the signaling containing the second information has ended.

[0210] For example, as shown in Figure 6D, the exit from the silent period is triggered by the third signaling. When the energy of the IoT terminal device is still lower than the first threshold, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period after the first duration of the current third signaling.

[0211] For example, when a third signaling instructs an IoT terminal device to exit a silent period, and the energy of the IoT terminal device is below a first threshold, the behavior of the IoT terminal device includes at least one of the following: ignoring the third signaling; waiting for the next N periods by default, where N is configured by the IoT network device or determined by a predefined protocol; or exiting the silent period after extending the first duration, where the first duration is configured by the IoT network device or determined by a predefined protocol.

[0212] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 2101 to 2110. For example, step 2101 may be tried as a standalone embodiment, step 2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps 2101+2102, 2101+2103, 2102+2103, 2103+2104, 2103+2104+2107, 2103+2104+2106+2107, 2103+2104+2106+2107+2108+2109, 2103+2104+2106+2107+2108+2109+2110, 2101+2103+2104+2106+2107+2108+2109, 2101+2 Steps 103+2104+2106+2107+2108+2109+2110, 2102+2103+2104+2106+2107+2108+2109, 2102+2103+2104+2106+2107+2108+2109+2110, 2101+2102+2103+2104+2106+2107+2108+2109, 2101+2102+2103+2104+2106+2107+2108+2109+2110 Steps 2103+2104+2105+2106+2107, 2103+2104+2105+2106+2107+2108+2109, 2103+2104+2105+2106+2107+2108+2109+2110, 2101+2103+2104+2105+2106+2107+2108+2109+2110, Step 210 Steps 2+2103+2104+2105+2106+2107+2108+2109, 2102+2103+2104+2105+2106+2107+2108+2109+2110, 2101+2102+2103+2104+2105+2106+2107+2108+2109, and 2101+2102+2103+2104+2105+2106+2107+2108+2109+2110 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0213] In some embodiments, steps 2101, 2102, and 2105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0214] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0215] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method, which can be executed by a communication system, such as the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1. The communication system includes a first device and a second device. The interactive method may include the following steps:

[0216] Step 2201: The second device sends the sixth message to the first device.

[0217] In some embodiments, the sixth information is used to assist the first device in determining the first information, or to request the first device to determine the first information.

[0218] In some embodiments, the name of the sixth information is not limited, and may be, for example, “auxiliary information”.

[0219] Step 2202: The first device determines the first information.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first information is used to configure a first time period. During a second time period within the first time period, the second device does not expect to receive downlink signaling from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signaling to the first device.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first device determines a first time period based on sixth information.

[0222] For example, network devices determine the silent period configuration based on auxiliary information reported by IoT terminal devices.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first device may also determine the first time period based on other auxiliary information, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0224] In some embodiments, the first time period is a separately configured quiet period, and the second time period has the same duration as the quiet period.

[0225] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: the start point of the quiet period; the end point of the quiet period; the duration of the quiet period; and the time offset between the start point of the quiet period and the receipt of the quiet period trigger signaling.

[0226] In some embodiments, the time offset between the start of the quiet period and the receipt of the quiet period trigger signaling can be the time offset between the start of the quiet period and the start of the receipt of the quiet period trigger signaling.

[0227] In some embodiments, the time offset between the start of the quiet period and the receiving of the quiet period trigger signaling can be the time offset between the start of the quiet period and the end of the receiving of the quiet period trigger signaling.

[0228] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, for example, it may be "quiet period parameter information".

[0229] Step 2203: The first device sends the first information to the second device.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first device sends first information to the second device via first signaling. The first information includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0231] For example, the IoT network device configures the quiet period parameters to the IoT terminal device via the first signaling.

[0232] In some embodiments, the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within a first time period.

[0233] Step 2204: The first device sends the fifth message to the second device.

[0234] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to instruct the second device to activate the first time period. The fifth information includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0235] For example, an IoT network device activates a quiet period or indicates whether to enter a quiet period to an IoT terminal device via a second signaling. The second signaling includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0236] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information may also be used to indicate whether the first time period has begun.

[0237] For example, the second signaling is a one-bit field used to indicate whether to enter a silent period, with 0 representing not entering and 1 representing entering.

[0238] Step 2205: The second device activates the first time period.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second device receives a fifth message, namely, to activate the first time period. In other words, the second device receives a fifth message, namely, to activate the silent period.

[0240] For example, the IoT terminal device receives a second signaling signal, which activates the silent period.

[0241] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information may also be used to indicate whether the first time period has begun.

[0242] For example, if an IoT terminal device receives a second signaling instruction, and the second signaling instruction indicates that it should enter a silent period, then the IoT terminal device will enter a silent period.

[0243] Step 2206: The second device is charged.

[0244] In some embodiments, the second device is charged during a second time period.

[0245] In some embodiments, the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period. In other words, the second device chooses to charge during the second time period.

[0246] For example, IoT terminal devices can choose to charge during a quiet period. For instance, the IoT terminal device can switch its antenna to the power harvesting module during a second time period.

[0247] Step 2207: The second device exits the first time period.

[0248] In some embodiments, the second device exits the first time period when the quiet period configured by the first device through the first information ends.

[0249] In some embodiments, the second device exits the silent period at a set time. However, if the energy of the second device is lower than a first threshold, the second device may extend the silent period by N times by default, where N is configured by the first device or determined by a predefined protocol.

[0250] In some embodiments, the second device exits the silent period at a set time. However, if the energy of the second device is lower than a first threshold, the second device may extend the silent period for a first duration before exiting the silent period. The first duration is configured by the first device or determined by a predefined protocol.

[0251] In some embodiments, the second device exits the silent period at a set time, but if the energy of the second device is lower than the first threshold, the second device can automatically enter a higher-level silent period. A higher-level silent period refers to a silent period with a longer duration. The protocol predefines multiple silent period durations.

[0252] For example, as shown in Figure 6E, the exit from the silent period is triggered after the timer ends. When the energy of the IoT terminal device is still lower than the first threshold, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period after the first duration.

[0253] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 2201 to 2207. For example, step 2201 may be tried as a standalone embodiment, step 2202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps 2201+2202, 2201+2202+2203, 2202+2203+2204+2205, 2202+2203+2204+2205+2206, 2202+2203+2204+2205+2206+2207, 2201+2202+2203+2204+2205, 2201+2202+2203+2204+2205+2206, and 2201+2202+2203+2204+2205+2206 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0254] In some embodiments, step 2201 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0255] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0256] Figure 2C is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2C, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method, which can be executed by a communication system, such as the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1. The communication system includes a first device and a second device. The interactive method may include the following steps:

[0257] Step 2301: The second device sends the sixth message to the first device.

[0258] In some embodiments, the sixth information is used to assist the first device in determining the first information, or to request the first device to determine the first information.

[0259] In some embodiments, the name of the sixth information is not limited, and may be, for example, “auxiliary information”.

[0260] Step 2302: The first device determines the first information.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first information is used to configure a first time period.

[0262] In some embodiments, the first device determines a first time period based on sixth information.

[0263] For example, network devices determine the silent period configuration based on auxiliary information reported by IoT terminal devices.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first device may also determine the first time period based on other auxiliary information, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0265] In some embodiments, the first time period is a quiet period pattern.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: the start point of the quiet period pattern; the end point of the quiet period pattern; the duration of the quiet period pattern; the time offset between the start point of the quiet period pattern and the receipt of the quiet period trigger signaling; the number of time units indicated by the quiet period pattern; the duration of the time units indicated by the quiet period pattern; and a first bitmap, which is used to indicate the time units of the first value and the time units of the second value in the quiet period pattern.

[0267] In some embodiments, the time offset between the start of the quiet period pattern and the receiving of the quiet period trigger signaling can be the time offset between the start of the quiet period pattern and the start of receiving the quiet period trigger signaling.

[0268] In some embodiments, the time offset between the start of the quiet period pattern and the received quiet period trigger signaling can be the time offset between the start of the quiet period pattern and the end of the received quiet period trigger signaling.

[0269] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, for example, it may be "quiet period pattern parameter information".

[0270] Step 2303: The first device sends the first information to the second device.

[0271] In some embodiments, the first device sends first information to the second device via first signaling. The first information includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0272] For example, the IoT network device configures silent pattern-related parameters to the IoT terminal device via the first signaling.

[0273] Step 2304: The first device sends the fifth message to the second device.

[0274] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to instruct the second device to activate the first time period. The fifth information includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0275] For example, the IoT network device activates a quiet period for the IoT terminal device via a second signaling. The second signaling includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0276] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information may also be used to indicate whether the first time period has begun.

[0277] For example, the second signaling is a one-bit field used to indicate whether to enter a silent period, with 0 representing not entering and 1 representing entering.

[0278] Step 2305: The second device activates the first time period.

[0279] In some embodiments, the second device receives a fifth message, namely, to activate the first time period. In other words, the second device receives a fifth message, namely, to activate the silent period.

[0280] For example, the IoT terminal device receives a second signaling signal, which activates the silent period.

[0281] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information may also be used to indicate whether the first time period has begun.

[0282] For example, if an IoT terminal device receives a second signaling instruction, and the second signaling instruction indicates that it should enter a silent period, then the IoT terminal device will enter a silent period.

[0283] In some embodiments, the first time period is activated by the fifth information, and the start of the silent period is confirmed based on the first time offset.

[0284] In some embodiments, the listening timing within the first time period is used for the second device to listen for indication information.

[0285] Step 2306: The second device is charged.

[0286] In some embodiments, the second device is charged during a second time period.

[0287] In some embodiments, the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period. In other words, the second device chooses to charge during the second time period.

[0288] For example, during the silent period, an IoT terminal device can choose to recharge during a second time period other than the listening time. For instance, the IoT terminal device can switch its antenna to the power harvesting module during the second time period.

[0289] Step 2307: The first device sends the second information to the second device.

[0290] In some embodiments, the second information is used to instruct the second device to exit the first time period or deactivate the first time period. The second information includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0291] The second information includes at least one of the following: a first instruction, which instructs the second device to immediately exit or deactivate the first time period upon receiving the second information; a second instruction, which instructs the second device to exit the first time period of the next cycle after the first time period in which the second information is received has ended; a third instruction, which instructs the second device to exit the first time period after the listening time in which the second information is received has ended; a fourth instruction, which instructs a first quantity N and / or a third time period, whereby the second device, if its energy meets the first condition when receiving the second information, ends or deactivates the first time period after N times the third time period; a fifth instruction, which instructs a first duration, whereby the second device, if its energy meets the first condition when receiving the second information, ends or deactivates the first time period after the first duration; and a sixth instruction, which instructs a second quantity M, whereby the second device, if its energy meets the first condition when receiving the second information, ends or deactivates the first time period after M times the duration of the first time period.

[0292] In some embodiments, the second device listens for second information during a listening period in the first time period, and the second information indicates whether the second device should exit the silent period or deactivate the silent period.

[0293] For example, during the silent period, the IoT terminal device listens for a third signaling message. This third signaling message is used to indicate whether the IoT terminal device should exit the silent period or deactivate the silent period. The third signaling message includes at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0294] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates to deactivate the first time period, the second device receives the second information, that is, to deactivate the first time period.

[0295] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates exiting the first time period, the second device receives the second information, and the second information indicates exiting the first time period, the second device immediately exits the first time period, that is, it immediately enters the normal communication range after the second information, that is, the second information contains the first indication information.

[0296] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates exiting the first time period, the second device receives the second information, and the second information indicates exiting the first time period. After the current first time period ends, the second device exits the first time period, that is, the second information contains the second indication information.

[0297] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates exiting the first time period, the second device receives the second information, and the second information indicates exiting the first time period. After the current listening time ends, the second device exits the first time period, that is, the second information contains the third indication information.

[0298] For example, when the third signaling is used to deactivate the silent period pattern, the IoT terminal device receives the third signaling, thus deactivating the silent period pattern. When the third signaling is used to indicate whether to exit the silent period pattern, and the IoT terminal device receives the third signaling indicating exit, the IoT terminal device enters the silent period pattern. The behavior of the IoT terminal device includes at least one of the following: immediately exiting the silent period pattern, that is, immediately entering the normal communication range after the third signaling; exiting the silent period pattern after the current silent period ends; or exiting the silent period pattern after the current listening time ends.

[0299] In some embodiments, the energy of the second device meeting the first condition may be that the energy of the second device is lower than a first threshold.

[0300] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates exiting or deactivating the first time period and the energy of the second device is below the first threshold, the second device may ignore the second information.

[0301] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates exiting or deactivating the first time period, and the energy of the second device is lower than the first threshold, the second device defaults to waiting for the next N cycles, where N is configured by the first device or determined by a predefined protocol, i.e., the second information is the fourth indication information.

[0302] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates exiting or deactivating the first time period, and the energy of the second device is lower than the first threshold, the second device extends the first duration before exiting or deactivating the first time period. The first duration is configured by the first device or determined by a predefined protocol, i.e., the second information is the fifth indication information.

[0303] Step 2308: Second device exits / deactivates during the first time period.

[0304] In some embodiments, the second device exits / deactivates the first time period based on the second information.

[0305] For example, when an IoT terminal device listens to a third signaling instruction, the third signaling instruction indicates that it should exit the silent period pattern. The behavior of the IoT terminal device may include at least one of the following: immediately exiting the silent period pattern, that is, immediately entering the normal communication range after the third signaling; exiting the silent period pattern after the current silent period ends; or exiting the silent period pattern after the current listening time unit ends.

[0306] In some embodiments, the second information indicates exiting the first time period, the energy of the second device is lower than the first threshold, and the second device extends the first time period after the listening unit to exit the first time period.

[0307] For example, as shown in Figure 6F, the IoT terminal device receives a silent period pattern indication of 00001000, where 1 represents a listening time unit. Within this listening unit, the IoT terminal device detects the exit from the silent period. If the energy of the IoT terminal device remains below the first threshold, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period after the first duration following the listening time unit.

[0308] In some embodiments, the second information indicates exiting the first time period, the energy of the second device is lower than the first threshold, and the second device extends the first time period for a first duration before exiting the first time period.

[0309] For example, as shown in Figure 6G, the IoT terminal device receives a silent period pattern indication of 00001000, where 1 represents a listening time unit. Within this listening unit, the IoT terminal device detects the exit from the silent period. If the IoT terminal device's energy remains below the first threshold, after the first duration of the silent period, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period.

[0310] In some embodiments, the second information indicates exiting the first time period, the energy of the second device is lower than the first threshold, and the second device exits the first time period after the signaling where the second information is located by extending the first time period.

[0311] For example, as shown in Figure 6H, the IoT terminal device receives a silent period pattern indication of 00001000, where 1 represents a listening time unit. Within this listening unit, the IoT terminal device listens to the third signaling, indicating an exit from the silent period. If the IoT terminal device's energy remains below the first threshold, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period after the first duration of the third signaling.

[0312] In some embodiments, the second device exits the silent period at a set time. However, if the energy of the second device is lower than a first threshold, the second device may extend the silent period by N times by default, where N is configured by the first device or determined by a predefined protocol.

[0313] In some embodiments, the second device exits the silent period at a set time. However, if the energy of the second device is lower than a first threshold, the second device may extend the silent period for a first duration before exiting the silent period. The first duration is configured by the first device or determined by a predefined protocol.

[0314] In some embodiments, the second device exits the silent period at a set time, but if the energy of the second device is lower than the first threshold, the second device can automatically enter a higher-level silent period. A higher-level silent period refers to a silent period with a longer duration. The protocol predefines multiple silent period durations.

[0315] For example, when the third signaling instructs the IoT terminal device to exit the silent period pattern or the IoT terminal device times out the silent period pattern, and the energy of the IoT terminal device is lower than a first threshold, the behavior of the IoT terminal device includes at least one of the following: by default extending the silent period pattern by N times, where N is configured by the IoT network device or determined by a predefined protocol; or extending the silent period for a first duration and then exiting the silent period, where the first duration is configured by the IoT network device or determined by a predefined protocol.

[0316] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 2301 to 2308. For example, step 2301 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 2302 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps 2301+2302, 2302+2303, 2302+2303+2304+2305, 2302+2303+2304+2305+2306, 2302+2303+2304+2305+2306+2307, 2302+2303+2304+2305+2306+2308 8. Steps 2101+2102+2103+2104+2105+2106+2107, 2101+2102+2103+2104+2105+2106+2108, and 2101+2102+2103+2104+2105+2106+2107+2108 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0317] In some embodiments, steps 2301 and 2307 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0318] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0319] Figure 3A is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a first device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. It includes:

[0320] Step 3101: Receive the sixth message sent by the second device.

[0321] The optional implementation of step 3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0322] Step 3102: Receive the fourth message sent by the second device.

[0323] The optional implementation of step 3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0324] Step 3103: Determine the first piece of information.

[0325] The optional implementation of step 3103 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2103 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0326] Step 3104: Send the first information to the second device.

[0327] The optional implementation of step 3104 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0328] Step 3105: Send the third information to the second device.

[0329] The optional implementation of step 3105 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2105 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0330] Step 3106: Send the fifth message to the second device.

[0331] The optional implementation of step 3106 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2106 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0332] Step 3107: Send the second information to the second device.

[0333] The optional implementation of step 3107 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2109 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0334] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 3101 to 3107. For example, step 3101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, step 3102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps 3101+3102+3103, 3101+3102+3103+3104, 3101+3102+3103+3104+3105, 3103+3104+3105, 3103+3104+3105+3106, 3103+3104+3105+3106+3107, 3101+3103+3104+3105+3106+3107, and 3101+3102+3103+3104+3105+3106+3107 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0335] Figure 3B is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a first device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. It includes:

[0336] Step 3201: Receive the sixth message sent by the second device.

[0337] The optional implementation of step 3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2201 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0338] Step 3202: Determine the first piece of information.

[0339] The optional implementation of step 3202 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2202 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0340] Step 3203: Send the first information to the second device.

[0341] The optional implementation of step 3203 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2203 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0342] Step 3204: Send the fifth message to the second device.

[0343] The optional implementation of step 3204 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2204 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0344] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 3201 to 3204. For example, step 3201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 3202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps 3201+3202, 3201+3202+3203, 3202+3203+3204, and 3201+3202+3203+3204 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0345] Figure 3C is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a first device according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. It includes:

[0346] Step 3301: Receive the sixth message sent by the second device.

[0347] The optional implementation of step 3301 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2301 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0348] Step 3302: Determine the first piece of information.

[0349] The optional implementation of step 3302 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2302 in Figure 2C and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0350] Step 3303: Send the first information to the second device.

[0351] The optional implementation of step 3303 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2303 in Figure 2C and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0352] Step 3304: Send the fifth message to the second device.

[0353] The optional implementation of step 3304 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2304 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0354] Step 3305: Send the second information to the second device.

[0355] The optional implementation of step 3305 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2307 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0356] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 3301 to 3305. For example, step 3301 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 3302 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps 3301+3302, 3301+3302+3303, 3302+3303+3304, 3302+3303+3304+3305, 3301+3302+3303+3304, and 3301+3302+3303+3304+3305 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0357] Figure 3D is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a first device according to the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0358] Step 3401: Send the first information to the second device.

[0359] The first information is used to configure a first time period, during which the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period.

[0360] The optional implementation of step 3401 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2104 in Figure 2A, step 2203 in Figure 2B, step 2303 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0361] Step 3401 can be combined with step 3103 in Figure 3A, step 3202 in Figure 3B, or step 3302 in Figure 3C.

[0362] Figure 4A is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a second device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0363] Step 4101: Send the sixth message to the first device.

[0364] The optional implementation of step 4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0365] Step 4102: Send the fourth message to the first device.

[0366] The optional implementation of step 4102 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0367] Step 4103: Receive the first information sent by the first device.

[0368] The optional implementation of step 4103 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2104 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0369] Step 4104: Receive the third information sent by the first device.

[0370] The optional implementation of step 4104 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2105 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0371] Step 4105: Receive the fifth message sent by the first device.

[0372] The optional implementation of step 4105 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2106 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0373] Step 4106: Activate the first time period.

[0374] The optional implementation of step 4106 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2107 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0375] Step 4107: Charge the battery.

[0376] The optional implementation of step 4107 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2108 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0377] Step 4108: Receive the second information sent by the first device.

[0378] The optional implementation of step 4108 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2109 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0379] Step 4109: Exit / Deactivate the first time period.

[0380] The optional implementation of step 4109 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2110 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0381] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 4101 to 4109. For example, step 4101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, step 4102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps 4101+4102, 4101+4102+4103, 4103+4105+4106+4107, 4103+4105+4106+4107+4108+4109, 4101+4103+4104+4105+4106+4107+4108+4109, 4101+4102+4103+4105+4106+4107+4108+4109 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0382] Figure 4B is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a second device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0383] Step 4201: Send the sixth message to the first device.

[0384] The optional implementation of step 4201 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2201 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0385] Step 4202: Receive the first information sent by the first device.

[0386] The optional implementation of step 4202 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2203 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0387] Step 4203: Receive the fifth message sent by the first device.

[0388] The optional implementation of step 4203 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2204 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0389] Step 4204: Activate the first time period.

[0390] The optional implementation of step 4204 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2205 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0391] Step 4205: Charge the battery.

[0392] The optional implementation of step 4205 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2206 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0393] Step 4206: Exit the first time period.

[0394] The optional implementation of step 4206 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2207 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0395] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 4201 to 4206. For example, step 4201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 4202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps 4201+4202, 4201+4202+4203+4204, 4201+4202+4203+4204+4205, and 4201+4202+4203+4204+4205+4206 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0396] Figure 4C is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a second device according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0397] Step 4301: Send the sixth message to the first device.

[0398] The optional implementation of step 4301 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2301 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0399] Step 4302: Receive the first information sent by the first device.

[0400] The optional implementation of step 4302 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2303 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0401] Step 4303: Receive the fifth message sent by the first device.

[0402] The optional implementation of step 4303 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2304 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0403] Step 4304: Activate the first time period.

[0404] The optional implementation of step 4304 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2305 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0405] Step 4305: Charge the battery.

[0406] The optional implementation of step 4305 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2306 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0407] Step 4306: Receive the second information sent by the first device.

[0408] The optional implementation of step 4306 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2307 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0409] Step 4307: Exit / Deactivate the first time period.

[0410] The optional implementation of step 4307 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2308 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0411] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 4301 to 4307. For example, step 4301 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 4302 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps 4301+4302, 4301+4302+4303+4304, 4301+4302+4303+4304+4305, and 4301+4302+4303+4304+4305+4306+4307 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0412] Figure 4D is a schematic flowchart of a communication method for a second device according to the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0413] Step 4401: Receive the first information sent by the first device.

[0414] The first information is used to configure a first time period, during which the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period.

[0415] The optional implementation of step 4401 can be found in the optional implementation of step 2104 in Figure 2A, step 2203 in Figure 2B, step 2303 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0416] Step 4401 can be combined with steps 4101 or 4102 in Figure 4A, step 4201 in Figure 4B, and step 4301 in Figure 4C.

[0417] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0418] Step 5101: The first device sends the first information to the second device.

[0419] The first information is used to configure a first time period, during which the second device does not expect to receive downlink signaling from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signaling to the first device during a second time period within the first time period.

[0420] The optional implementations of step 5101 can be found in the optional implementations of step 2104 in Figure 2A, step 2203 in Figure 2B, and step 2303 in Figure 2C, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0421] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0422] The following are specific solutions provided by embodiments of this disclosure:

[0423] This disclosure discloses embodiments for establishing an orderly charging process for IoT devices through the configuration of network devices, including the following methods:

[0424] 1. Configure a quiet period for network devices. The quiet period includes at least one listening opportunity. During the quiet period, except during the listening opportunity, the device is not required to listen to the downlink signaling of the network device, nor is it required to send / backscatter uplink signals.

[0425] Optionally, during the silent period, the device can be powered up except when listening.

[0426] Optionally, the listening timing is used to listen for the silence indication signaling. If the silence indication signaling does not indicate the end of the silence cycle, the device remains in a silent state.

[0427] Optionally, the listening timing is used to listen for synchronization signals to correct for device clock skew.

[0428] Optionally, the device has the ability to report a clock to ensure that when the network device is configured to listen for signals, the device can turn on the receiver before the signaling is sent.

[0429] Optionally, when the silence indicator signal indicates exiting the silence cycle, but the device energy is still at the first threshold, the device ignores the indicator, or waits for the next N cycles by default, or extends the silence cycle as defined before exiting.

[0430] Optionally, the network device determines or configures the silent period configuration based on auxiliary information reported by the device or requests from the device.

[0431] II. Configure a silent period for network devices. During the silent period, the device does not perform any listening or data transmission, but maintains its clock. When the period ends, listening and data transmission resume.

[0432] Optionally, the device can be powered during the silent period.

[0433] Optionally, if the device energy is still below the first threshold after the quiet period ends, the device will default to N times the first time period or extend it as defined.

[0434] Optionally, the network device determines or configures the quiet period configuration based on the auxiliary information reported by the device or the device's request.

[0435] 3. Configure network devices in a silent mode. During the second time period of the silent mode, the device does not perform any listening or data transmission, while maintaining a clock. When this time period ends, listening and data transmission resume.

[0436] Optionally, during the second period of the silent mode, the device can be charged.

[0437] Optionally, if the device energy is still below the first threshold after the silent period ends, the device will default to N times the first time period, or extend it as defined.

[0438] Optionally, the network device determines the silent mode configuration based on the auxiliary information reported by the device.

[0439] Example 1:

[0440] In a network, IoT network devices communicate with IoT terminal devices. IoT network devices include base stations, intermediate nodes, and auxiliary nodes, while terminal devices are typically intermediate / auxiliary node devices. IoT terminal devices can be categorized into at least one of Type 1, Type 2a, Type 2b, and Type 2c. IoT terminal devices harvest energy from the environment to power their communication transmission. This environmental energy includes both natural and artificial energy.

[0441] 1. The IoT network device configures a silence period for the IoT terminal device. The silence period includes one or more listening opportunities. The relevant parameters of the silence period include at least one of the following: a first time start point, which is the starting time of the silence period; a first time end point, which is the end time of the silence period; a first time length, which is the duration of the silence period; a first time offset, which is the time offset between the starting time of the silence period and the end of the received silence period trigger signaling; a second time start point, which is the starting time of the listening opportunity within the silence period; a second time end point, which is the end time of the listening opportunity within the silence period; a second time length, which is the duration of the listening opportunity within the silence period; a second time offset, which is the time offset between the starting time of the listening opportunity within the silence period and the end of the received silence period trigger signaling; and a third time offset, which is the time offset between the starting time of the listening opportunity and the starting time of the silence period.

[0442] 2. The IoT network device configures the silence period-related parameters to the IoT terminal device through the first signaling. The first signaling includes, but is not limited to, dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0443] 3. IoT network devices activate a silent period or indicate whether to enter a silent period to IoT terminal devices via a second signaling signal. The second signaling signal includes, but is not limited to, dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0444] When the second signaling is used to activate the silence period, the device receives the second signaling, thus activating the silence period. When the second signaling is used to indicate whether to enter the silence period, the device receives the second signaling, and the second signaling indicates entry (for example, a 1-bit bit field, where 0 represents not entering and 1 represents entering), then the device enters the silence period.

[0445] 4. During the silent period, in the second time period other than the listening time (the second time period can be non-continuous), the IoT terminal device can choose to charge. For example, the IoT terminal device can switch the antenna to the energy harvesting module during the second time period.

[0446] Based on the above, in one implementation, as shown in Figure 6A, the silence period is activated by a second signaling trigger. The start time of the silence period is determined based on the first time offset, and the start time of the listening opportunity is determined based on the second time offset. There is one listening opportunity per period. The configuration of other silence periods is configured by the base station.

[0447] Optionally, the listening timing is used for the IoT terminal device to listen for third signaling, which is used to indicate whether the IoT terminal device should exit the silent period or deactivate the silent period. The third signaling includes, but is not limited to, dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling. When the third signaling is used to deactivate the silent period, the device receives the third signaling, thus deactivating the silent period. When the third signaling is used to indicate whether to exit the silent period, the device receives the third signaling, and the third signaling indicates exit (e.g., a 1-bit bit field, where 0 represents not exiting and 1 represents exiting), then the device enters the silent period.

[0448] Furthermore, when the third signaling instructs the IoT terminal device to exit the silent period, and the energy of the IoT terminal device is still lower than the first threshold, the behavior of the IoT terminal device includes at least one of the following: ignoring the third signaling; waiting for the next N periods by default, where N is configured by the IoT network device or determined by a predefined protocol; or exiting the silent period after extending the first duration, where the first duration is configured by the IoT network device or determined by a predefined protocol.

[0449] Optionally, the network device may send a first signal for synchronizing the IoT terminal device during at least one listening opportunity in the listening cycle. The first signal is used to correct the clock skew of the IoT terminal device. Further, the first signal includes at least one of the following: a time-domain synchronization signal, a frequency-domain synchronization signal, a time-frequency-domain synchronization signal, and a fourth signaling carrying a preamble and / or a midamble and / or a postamble.

[0450] Optionally, the IoT terminal device has the ability to report a clock to ensure that when the network device is configured to listen for signals, the IoT terminal device can turn on the receiver before the signaling is sent.

[0451] Figure 6B illustrates the exit from the silent period. In one implementation, the silent period is triggered by a third signaling. When the energy of the IoT device is still below the first threshold, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period after the first duration of the current silent period n.

[0452] Based on the above, as shown in Figure 6C, in one implementation, the silent period is triggered to exit via a third signaling. When the energy of the IoT terminal device is still lower than the first threshold, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period after the first duration of the current MO0.

[0453] Based on the above, Figure 6D illustrates the exit from the silent period. In one implementation, the silent period is triggered by a third signaling signal. When the energy of the IoT terminal device is still below the first threshold, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period after the first duration of the current third signaling signal.

[0454] Optionally, the network device determines the silent period configuration based on the auxiliary information reported by the device.

[0455] The optional implementation of the above embodiment one can be found in steps 2101-2110 of the embodiment shown in FIG2A, as well as other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG2A.

[0456] Example 2:

[0457] In a network, IoT network devices communicate with IoT terminal devices. IoT network devices include base stations, intermediate nodes, and auxiliary nodes, while terminal devices are typically intermediate / auxiliary node devices. IoT terminal devices can be categorized into at least one of Type 1, Type 2a, Type 2b, and Type 2c. IoT terminal devices harvest energy from the environment to power their communication transmission. Environmental energy includes both natural and artificial energy.

[0458] 1. The IoT network device configures a quiet period for the IoT terminal device. The relevant parameters of the quiet period include at least one of the following: first time start point, which is the starting time of the quiet period; first time end point, which is the end time of the quiet period; first time length, which is the length of the quiet period; and first time offset, which is the time offset between the starting time of the quiet period and the end of the received quiet period trigger signaling.

[0459] IoT network devices configure quiet period parameters to IoT terminal devices via the first signaling. The first signaling includes, but is not limited to, dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0460] Optionally, the IoT network device activates a silent period or indicates whether to enter a silent period to the IoT terminal device via a second signaling. The second signaling includes, but is not limited to, dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling. When the second signaling is used to activate a silent period, the device receives the second signaling, thus activating the silent period. When the second signaling is used to indicate whether to enter a silent period, the device receives the second signaling, and the second signaling indicates entry (e.g., a 1-bit field, where 0 represents not entering and 1 represents entering), then the device enters a silent period.

[0461] When an IoT terminal device exits its silent period after a certain time, but its energy level is still below the first threshold, the IoT terminal device's behavior includes at least one of the following: extending the silent period by N times by default, where N is configured by the IoT network device or determined by a predefined protocol; exiting the silent period after extending the first duration, where the first duration is configured by the IoT network device or determined by a predefined protocol; or automatically entering a higher-level silent period, which refers to a silent period with a longer duration, with multiple silent period durations predefined by the protocol.

[0462] Based on the above, in one implementation, as shown in Figure 6E, the exit from the silent period is triggered after the timeout period ends. If the energy of the IoT terminal device is still lower than the first threshold, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period after the first duration.

[0463] Optionally, the network device determines the quiet period configuration based on the auxiliary information reported by the device.

[0464] The optional implementation of the above embodiment 2 can be found in steps 2201-2207 in Figure 2B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B.

[0465] Example 3:

[0466] In a network, IoT network devices communicate with IoT terminal devices. IoT network devices include base stations, intermediate nodes, and auxiliary nodes, while terminal devices are typically intermediate / auxiliary node devices. The types of IoT terminal devices include at least one of type 1, type 2a, type 2b, and type 2c. The IoT terminal devices harvest energy from the environment to power their communication transmission. Environmental energy includes both natural and artificial energy.

[0467] 1. The IoT network device configures a quiet period pattern to the IoT terminal device. The relevant parameters of the quiet period pattern include at least one of the following: a first time start point, which is the starting time point of the quiet period pattern; a first time end point, which is the time end point of the quiet period pattern; a first time length, which is the time length of the quiet period pattern; a first time offset, which is the time offset between the starting time point of the quiet period pattern and the end of the received quiet period trigger signaling; a first number M, which is the number of time units indicated by the quiet period pattern; a first granularity m, which is the time length of the time unit indicated by the quiet period pattern; and a first bitmap, which is used to indicate the ON and OFF time units in the quiet period pattern.

[0468] IoT network devices configure quiet period parameters to IoT terminal devices via the first signaling. The first signaling includes, but is not limited to, dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

[0469] Optionally, the IoT network device may activate a silent period or indicate whether to enter a silent period to the IoT terminal device via a second signaling. The second signaling includes, but is not limited to, dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling. When the second signaling is used to activate a silent period, the device receives the second signaling, thus activating the silent period. When the second signaling is used to indicate whether to enter a silent period, the device receives the second signaling, and the second signaling indicates entry (e.g., a 1-bit field, where 0 represents not entering and 1 represents entering), then the device enters a silent period.

[0470] Optionally, the listening timing is used for IoT terminal devices to listen for third signaling. This third signaling is used to indicate whether the IoT terminal device should exit or deactivate the silent period. Third signaling includes, but is not limited to, dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling. When the third signaling is used to deactivate the silent period, the device receives the third signaling, thus deactivating the silent period. When the third signaling is used to indicate whether to exit the silent period, the device receives the third signaling, and the third signaling indicates exit (e.g., a 1-bit field, where 0 represents not exiting and 1 represents exiting), then the device enters the silent period.

[0471] When the third signaling instructs the IoT terminal device to exit the silent period pattern, the IoT terminal device's behavior includes at least one of the following: immediately exiting the silent period pattern, that is, immediately entering the normal communication range after the third signaling; exiting the silent period pattern after the current silent period ends; or exiting the silent period pattern after the current listening time unit ends.

[0472] Furthermore, when the IoT terminal device exits the silent period pattern at a certain time or is instructed to exit the silent period pattern by receiving a third signal, but the energy of the IoT terminal device is still lower than the first threshold, the behavior of the IoT terminal device includes at least one of the following: by default extending the silent period pattern by N times, where N is configured by the IoT network device or determined by a predefined protocol; or exiting the silent period after extending the first duration, where the first duration is configured by the IoT network device or determined by a predefined protocol.

[0473] Based on the above, in one implementation, as shown in Figure 6F, the IoT terminal device receives a pattern indication of 00001000, where 1 represents a listening time unit. Within this listening unit, the IoT terminal device detects the exit from the silent period. If the energy of the IoT terminal device remains below the first threshold, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period after the first duration following the listening time unit.

[0474] Based on the above, in one implementation, as shown in Figure 6G, the IoT terminal device receives a pattern indication of 00001000, where 1 represents a listening time unit. Within this listening unit, the IoT terminal device detects the exit from the silent period. When the energy of the IoT terminal device remains below the first threshold, after the first duration of the silent period, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period.

[0475] Based on the above, in one implementation, as shown in Figure 6H, the IoT terminal device receives a pattern indication of 00001000, where 1 represents a listening time unit. Within this listening unit, the IoT terminal device detects the exit from the silent period. When the energy of the IoT terminal device remains below the first threshold, after the first duration of the third signaling, the IoT terminal device exits the silent period.

[0476] Optionally, the network device determines the quiet period pattern configuration based on the auxiliary information reported by the device.

[0477] The optional implementation of the above embodiment three can be found in steps 2301-2308 in Figure 2C, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2C.

[0478] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0479] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0480] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0481] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0482] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7A, the first device 7100 includes a transceiver module 7101.

[0483] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to send first information to the second device. The first information is used to configure a first time period, during which the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period.

[0484] Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending or receiving performed by the first device 7100 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps 2101, 2102, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2109, 2201, 2203, 2204, 2301, 2303, 2304, 2307, 3101, 3102, 3104, 3105, 3106, 3107, 3201, 3203, 3204, 3301, 3303, 3304, 3305, 5101, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0485] In some embodiments, the first device further includes a processing module. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other communication steps (e.g., steps 2103, 2202, 2302, 3103, 3202, 3302, but not limited thereto) performed by the first device 7100 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0486] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7B, the second device 7200 may include a transceiver module 7201.

[0487] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive first information sent by the first device. The first information is used to configure a first time period, wherein the second device does not expect to receive downlink signals from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter uplink signals to the first device during a second time period within the first time period.

[0488] Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second device 7200 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps 2101, 2102, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2109, 2201, 2203, 2204, 2301, 2303, 2304, 2307, 4101, 4102, 4103, 4104, 4105, 4108, 4201, 4202, 4203, 4301, 4302, 4303, 4306, 5101, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0489] In some embodiments, the second device further includes a processing module. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other communication steps performed by the second device 7200 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps 2107, 2108, 2110, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2305, 2306, 2308, 4106, 4107, 4109, 4204, 4205, 4206, 4304, 4305, 4307, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0490] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 8100 provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0491] As shown in Figure 8A, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 8100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 8101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 8100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0492] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8102. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8102, the transceivers 8102 perform communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 2101, 2102, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2109, 2201, 2203, 2204, 2301, 2303, 2304, 2307, 3101, 3102, 3104, 3105, 3106, 3107, 3201, 3203, 3204, 3301, 3303, 3304, 3305, 4101, 4102, 4103, 4104, 410...). At least one of the following steps (5, 4108, 4201, 4202, 4203, 4301, 4302, 4303, 4306, 5101, but not limited thereto), processor 8101 executes at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 2103, 2202, 2302, 3103, 3202, 3302, 2107, 2108, 2110, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2305, 2306, 2308, 4106, 4107, 4109, 4204, 4205, 4206, 4304, 4305, 4307, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; terms such as transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit can be used interchangeably; and terms such as receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0493] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8103 may be located outside the communication device 8100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuits 8104 are connected to the memories 8102, and the interface circuits 8104 can be used to receive data from the memories 8102 or other devices, and can be used to send data to the memories 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 8104 can read data stored in the memories 8102 and send the data to the processor 8101.

[0494] In some embodiments, the processor 8101 may store a computer program 8105, which runs on the processor 8101 and enables the communication device 8000 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The computer program 8105 may be embedded in the processor 8101, in which case the processor 8101 may be implemented in hardware.

[0495] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG8A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0496] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 8200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 8200 shown in Figure 8B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0497] Chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201. Chip 8200 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0498] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8203 may be located outside of chip 8200. Optionally, interface circuit 8202 is connected to memory 8203, and interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive data from memory 8203 or other devices, and interface circuit 8202 can be used to send data to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 8202 can read data stored in memory 8203 and send the data to processor 8201.

[0499] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps 2101, 2102, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2109, 2201, 2203, 2204, 2301, 2303, 2304, 2307, 3101, 3102, 3104, 3105, 3106, 3107, 3201, 3203, 3204, 3301, 3303, 3304, 3305, 4101, 4102, 4103, 4104, 4105, 4108, 4201, 4202, 4203, 4301, 4302, 4303, 4306, 5101, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 8202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method refers to, for example, the interface circuit 8202 performing data interaction between the processor 8201, the chip 8200, the memory 8203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 8201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps 2103, 2202, 2302, 3103, 3202, 3302, 2107, 2108, 2110, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2305, 2306, 2308, 4106, 4107, 4109, 4204, 4205, 4206, 4304, 4305, 4307, but is not limited thereto).

[0500] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0501] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 8100, cause the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0502] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0503] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a first device, and the method comprises: sending, to a second device, first information used for configuring a first time period in which the second device does not expect to receive a downlink signal from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter an uplink signal to the first device in a second time period within the first time period.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first time period is a periodically-circulating silence period, and the silence period comprises one or more listening occasions, and the second time period does not comprise the one or more listening occasions.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information comprises at least one of: a start point of the silence period; an end point of the silence period; a length of the silence period; a time offset between a start point of the silence period and receiving silence period trigger signaling; a start point of a listening occasion in the silence period; an end point of a listening occasion in the silence period; a length of a listening occasion in the silence period; a time offset between a start point of a listening occasion in the silence period and receiving silence period trigger signaling; a time offset between a start point of a listening occasion in the silence period and a start point of the silence period; and a number of cycles of the silence period.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first time period is a separately-configured silence period, and the second time period has a same length as the silence period.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The first information comprises at least one of: a start point of the silence period; an end point of the silence period; a length of the silence period; a time offset between a start point of the silence period and receiving silence period trigger signaling.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first time period is a silence period pattern.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The first information comprises at least one of: a start point of the silence period pattern; an end point of the silence period pattern; a length of the silence period pattern; a time offset between a start point of the silence period pattern and receiving silence period trigger signaling; a number of time units indicated by the silence period pattern; a length of a time unit indicated by the silence period pattern; a first bitmap used for indicating time units of a first value and time units of a second value in the silence period pattern.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The second time period is used for the second device to perform energy charging.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method further comprises at least one of: sending, to the second device, second information used for instructing the second device to exit or deactivate the first time period; sending, to the second device, third information used for correcting a clock bias of the second device; sending, to the second device, fifth information used for instructing the second device to activate the first time period; receiving, from the second device, fourth information used for indicating a clock capability of the second device; receiving, from the second device, sixth information used for assisting the first device to determine the first information or used for requesting the first device to determine the first information.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The second information comprises at least one of: first indication information used for instructing the second device to exit or deactivate the first time period immediately upon receiving the second information; and second indication information used for instructing the second device to exit or deactivate the first time period at a time indicated by the second information. second indication information, used for instructing the second device to exit a next first time period after a first time period in which the second information is received ends; third indication information, used for instructing the second device to exit the first time period after a listening occasion in which the second information is received ends; fourth indication information, used for instructing a first quantity N and / or a third time period, the second device ending or deactivating the first time period after the third time period multiplied by N after an energy of the second device meets a first condition when the second information is received; fifth indication information, used for instructing a first time length, the second device ending or deactivating the first time period after the first time length after an energy of the second device meets a first condition when the second information is received; sixth indication information, used for instructing a second quantity M, the second device ending or deactivating the first time period after a time length of the first time period multiplied by M after an energy of the second device meets a first condition when the second information is received.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, At least one of the first information, the second information, and the fifth information is included in first signaling, the first signaling including at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

12. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a second device, and the method includes: receiving first information sent by a first device, the first information being used for configuring a first time period, the second device not expecting to receive a downlink signal from the first device and / or not sending or backscattering an uplink signal to the first device in a second time period in the first time period.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The first time period is a periodically-circulating silence period, and the silence period includes one or more listening occasions, and the second time period does not include the one or more listening occasions.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The first information includes at least one of: a start point of the silence period; an end point of the silence period; a time length of the silence period; a time offset between the start point of the silence period and receiving silence period triggering signaling; a start point of a listening occasion in the silence period; an end point of the listening occasion in the silence period; a time length of the listening occasion in the silence period; a time offset between the start point of the listening occasion in the silence period and receiving silence period triggering signaling; a time offset between the start point of the listening occasion in the silence period and the start point of the silence period; and a number of cycles of the silence period.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein, The first time period is a separately-configured silence period, and the second time period is the same as a time length of the silence period.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first information includes at least one of: a start point of the silence period; an end point of the silence period; a time length of the silence period; a time offset between the start point of the silence period and receiving silence period triggering signaling.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein, The first time period is a silence period pattern.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The first information includes at least one of: a start point of the silence period pattern; an end point of the silence period pattern; a time length of the silence period pattern; a time offset between the start point of the silence period pattern and receiving silence period triggering signaling; and a time offset between the start point of the silence period pattern and the start point of the silence period pattern. A number of time units indicated by the silence pattern; A time length of time units indicated by the silence pattern; A first bitmap, the first bitmap being used to indicate time units of a first value and time units of a second value in the silence pattern.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that, The second time period is used for the second device to charge.

20. The method of any one of claims 12-19, wherein, The method further includes at least one of: listening to at least one of third information and fifth information in the listening occasion, the third information being used to correct a clock bias of the second device, and the fifth information being used to instruct the second device to activate the first time period; receiving second information sent by the first device, the second information being used to instruct the second device whether to exit or deactivate the first time period; sending at least one of fourth information and sixth information to the first device, the fourth information being used to indicate a clock capability of the second device, and the sixth information being used to assist the first device to determine the first information or to request the first device to determine the first information.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The method further includes: based on the second information, exiting or deactivating the first time period, the second information being indicated by the first device, being agreed by a protocol, or being predefined.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein, The second information includes at least one of: first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct the second device to exit or deactivate the first time period immediately after receiving the second information; second indication information, the second indication information being used to instruct the second device to exit the first time period of a next period after receiving the second information and after the end of the first time period in which the second information is located; third indication information, the third indication information being used to instruct the second device to exit the first time period after receiving the second information and after the end of the listening occasion in which the second information is located; fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate a first number N and / or a third time period, the second device ending or deactivating the first time period after N times of the third time period after the energy of the second device meets a first condition when receiving the second information; fifth indication information, the fifth indication information being used to indicate a first time length, the second device ending or deactivating the first time period after the first time length after the energy of the second device meets the first condition when receiving the second information; sixth indication information, the sixth indication information being used to indicate a second number M, the second device ending or deactivating the first time period after M times of the first time length after the energy of the second device meets the first condition when receiving the second information.

23. The method of any one of claims 12-22, wherein, At least one of the first information, the second information, and the fifth information is included in first signaling, the first signaling including at least one of dynamic control signaling, semi-static control signaling, and data signaling.

24. A first device, comprising: includes: The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the second device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, in which the second device does not expect to receive a downlink signal from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter an uplink signal to the first device in a second time period within the first time period.

25. A second device, comprising: The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the second device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, in which the second device does not expect to receive a downlink signal from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter an uplink signal to the first device in a second time period within the first time period.

26. A communication system comprising: a first device configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 11; a second device configured to perform the method of any one of claims 12 to 23. The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the second device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, in which the second device does not expect to receive a downlink signal from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter an uplink signal to the first device in a second time period within the first time period.

27. A communications device, comprising: The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the second device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, in which the second device does not expect to receive a downlink signal from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter an uplink signal to the first device in a second time period within the first time period. The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the second device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, in which the second device does not expect to receive a downlink signal from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter an uplink signal to the first device in a second time period within the first time period. The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the second device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, in which the second device does not expect to receive a downlink signal from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter an uplink signal to the first device in a second time period within the first time period. The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the second device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, in which the second device does not expect to receive a downlink signal from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter an uplink signal to the first device in a second time period within the first time period.

28. A computer storage medium, wherein, The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the second device, the first information being used to configure a first time period, in which the second device does not expect to receive a downlink signal from the first device and / or does not send or backscatter an uplink signal to the first device in a second time period within the first time period. The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the second device, the first information being used to configure a first time period,

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