Communication method and communication device

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication device. The method is applicable to an ultra-wideband-based wireless personal area network system including an 802.15 series protocol, such as an 802.15.4a protocol, an 802.15.4z protocol, or an 802.15.4ab protocol. The method includes a step of: a first communication device determining a first information element, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of a second communication device, and the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device; and a step of the first communication device transmitting the first information element to the second communication device. In this manner, the second communication device can complete preamble configuration for initial synchronization and / or preamble configuration for the first measurement process based on the first information element.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technologies, and more particularly to communication methods and devices. [Background technology]

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202211463387.5, entitled "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS," filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on November 22, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Compared with traditional wireless communication technologies, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems can achieve higher ranging and positioning accuracy, which can reach the centimeter level. In UWB communication systems, impulses with pulse widths on the nanosecond level are used as the basic signals of UWB communication systems. Therefore, UWB communication systems are characterized by high transmission rates, large system capacity, etc.

[0004] Currently, for a UWB device supporting the 802.15.4ab protocol, both the initial synchronization and ranging processes of the UWB device need to be performed based on the corresponding preamble. However, the existing preamble configuration manner cannot enable a UWB device supporting the 802.15.4ab protocol to complete the preamble configuration for the initial synchronization and / or the preamble configuration for the ranging process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus for supporting UWB devices to complete preamble configuration for initial synchronization and / or preamble configuration for a measurement process.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a communication method, the method including: a step of a first communication device determining a first information element, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of a second communication device, and the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device; and a step of the first communication device transmitting the first information element to the second communication device.

[0007] In the present application, the first information and / or the second information are configured in a first information element, whereby the second communication device can be supported in correspondingly completing preamble configuration for initial synchronization and / or preamble configuration for the first measurement process based on the first information and / or the second information in the first information element.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the first information element further includes at least one of third information and fourth information, where the third information indicates a type of the first sequence and the fourth information indicates a type of the second sequence.

[0009] Therefore, the second communication device determines the type of the corresponding first sequence and / or the type of the corresponding second sequence based on the third information and / or the fourth information in the first information element, so as to better generate the corresponding preamble sequence.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the first information element further includes fifth information, and the fifth information indicates a type of the first measurement process.

[0011] Therefore, the second communication device determines the type information of the first measurement process based on the fifth information of the first information element to better complete the measurement process between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the type of the first measurement process includes at least one of a non-multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process, a multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process, or a multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process assisted by a narrowband signal.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the method further includes a step in which the first communication device transmits a second information element to the second communication device, the second information element including sixth information, the sixth information indicating the number of ranging integrity fragments.

[0014] In this manner, integrity protection verification can be performed through integrity fragmentation to determine whether an attack is occurring in the ranging process.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the second information element further includes seventh information, which indicates whether the number of preamble fragments is to be updated.

[0016] In this manner, the number of preamble fragments is dynamically updated, which allows the receiving device and the transmitting device to better adapt to dynamic changes in the channel environment, improving measurement accuracy between the receiving device and the transmitting device or reducing interference to other devices.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the second information element further includes eighth information, which indicates that the type of multi-ms transmission is interlaced multi-ms transmission, or which indicates that the type of multi-ms transmission is non-interlaced multi-ms transmission.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the method further includes a step in which the first communication device transmits a third information element to the second communication device, the third information element being used in a second measurement process between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0019] In a possible implementation, if the second communication device supports the third information element but does not support the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the third information element, or if the second communication device supports the third information element and the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the second information element and the third information element.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the method further includes a step in which the first communication device receives indication information from the second communication device, the indication information indicating whether the second communication device supports at least one of narrowband signal capability and multi-millisecond transmission capability.

[0021] According to the above technical solution, in this application, the first communication device can know whether the second communication device supports the NB signaling function and the MMS function, which helps the first communication device to make a proper measurement configuration in the subsequent measurement process.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the method further includes a step of the first communication device sending feedback information to the second communication device, the feedback information indicating that the second communication device is not authorized to access the network.

[0023] According to a second aspect, there is provided a communication method including: a step of receiving, by a second communication device, a first information element from a first communication device, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of the second communication device, and the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device; and a step of the second communication device determining at least one of the first sequence and the second sequence based on the first information element.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the first information element further includes at least one of third information and fourth information, where the third information indicates a type of the first sequence and the fourth information indicates a type of the second sequence.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the first information element further includes fifth information, and the fifth information indicates a type of the first measurement process.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the type of the first measurement process includes at least one of a non-multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process, a multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process, or a multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process assisted by a narrowband signal.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the method further includes a step in which the second communication device receives a second information element from the first communication device, the second information element including sixth information, the sixth information indicating the number of ranging integrity fragments.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the second information element further includes seventh information, which indicates whether the number of preamble fragments is to be updated.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the second information element further includes eighth information, which indicates that the type of multi-ms transmission is interlaced multi-ms transmission, or which indicates that the type of multi-ms transmission is non-interlaced multi-ms transmission.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the method further includes a step in which the second communication device receives a third information element from the first communication device, the third information element being used in a second measurement process between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0031] In a possible implementation, if the second communication device supports the third information element but does not support the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the third information element, or if the second communication device supports the third information element and the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the second information element and the third information element.

[0032] In a possible implementation, before the second communication device receives the first information element from the first communication device, the method further includes a step in which the second communication device transmits indication information to the first communication device, the indication information indicating whether the second communication device supports at least one of narrowband signal capability and multi-millisecond transmission capability.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the indication information indicates that the second communication device does not support at least one of narrowband signal capability and multi-millisecond transmission capability, and the method further includes a step in which the second communication device receives feedback information from the first communication device, the feedback information indicating that the second communication device is not authorized to access the network.

[0034] According to a third aspect, there is provided a communication device, the communication device including: a processing unit configured to determine a first information element, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of a second communication device, and the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device; and a transceiver unit configured to transmit the first information element to the second communication device.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the first information element further includes at least one of third information and fourth information, where the third information indicates a type of the first sequence and the fourth information indicates a type of the second sequence.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the first information element further includes fifth information, and the fifth information indicates a type of the first measurement process.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the type of the first measurement process includes at least one of a non-multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process, a multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process, or a multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process assisted by a narrowband signal.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a second information element to the second communication device, the second information element including sixth information, the sixth information indicating the number of ranging integrity fragments.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the second information element further includes seventh information, which indicates whether the number of preamble fragments is to be updated.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the second information element further includes eighth information, which indicates that the type of multi-ms transmission is interlaced multi-ms transmission, or which indicates that the type of multi-ms transmission is non-interlaced multi-ms transmission.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a third information element to the second communication device, the third information element being used in a second measurement process between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0042] In a possible implementation, if the second communication device supports the third information element but does not support the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the third information element, or if the second communication device supports the third information element and the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the second information element and the third information element.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive indication information from the second communication device, the indication information indicating whether the second communication device supports at least one of narrowband signal capability and multi-millisecond transmission capability.

[0044] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit feedback information to the second communication device, the feedback information indicating that the second communication device is not authorized to access the network.

[0045] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a communication apparatus, the communication apparatus including: a transceiver unit configured to receive a first information element from a first communication apparatus, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of the communication apparatus, and the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication apparatus and the communication apparatus; and a processing unit configured to determine at least one of the first sequence and the second sequence based on the first information element.

[0046] In a possible implementation, the first information element further includes at least one of third information and fourth information, where the third information indicates a type of the first sequence and the fourth information indicates a type of the second sequence.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the first information element further includes fifth information, and the fifth information indicates a type of the first measurement process.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the type of the first measurement process includes at least one of a non-multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process, a multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process, or a multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process assisted by a narrowband signal.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second information element from the first communication device, the second information element including sixth information, the sixth information indicating the number of ranging integrity fragments.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the second information element further includes seventh information, which indicates whether the number of preamble fragments is to be updated.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the second information element further includes eighth information, which indicates that the type of multi-ms transmission is interlaced multi-ms transmission, or which indicates that the type of multi-ms transmission is non-interlaced multi-ms transmission.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a third information element from the first communication device, the third information element being used in a second measurement process between this communication device and the first communication device.

[0053] In a possible implementation, if the communication device supports the third information element but not the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the third information element, or if the communication device supports the third information element and the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the second information element and the third information element.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit indication information to the first communication device, the indication information indicating whether the communication device supports at least one of narrowband signaling capability and multi-millisecond transmission capability.

[0055] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive feedback information from the first communication device, the feedback information indicating that the communication device is not authorized to access the network.

[0056] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a communications device including a processor, coupled to a memory, configured to execute computer programs or instructions to enable the communications device to perform a method according to any one of the first aspect and possible implementations thereof, or a method according to the second aspect and any one of the possible implementations thereof.

[0057] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a communications device including a logic circuit and an input / output interface, the logic circuit configured to execute a computer program or instructions to enable the communications device to perform a method according to the first aspect and any one of its possible implementations, or a method according to the second aspect and any one of its possible implementations.

[0058] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program or instructions which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform a method according to the first aspect and any one of its possible implementations, or enable the computer to perform a method according to the second aspect and any one of its possible implementations.

[0059] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform a method according to the first aspect and any one of its possible implementations, or enable the computer to perform a method according to the second aspect and any one of its possible implementations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram of a communication system 100 to which embodiments of the present application are applicable. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the structure of information element #S used for preamble configuration. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the phases of a UWB ranging round. [Figure 4] 4 is an interaction flowchart of a communication method 400 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a type of MMS ranging according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a structure of a first information element according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a structure of a second information element according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a structure of indication information according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device 900 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device 1100 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] 12 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] Hereinafter, the technical solutions of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] The technical solution of this application can be applied to a wireless personal area network (WPAN). The standard currently used for WPAN is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15 series. WPAN can be used for communication between digital auxiliary devices, such as telephones, computers, and auxiliary devices, over short distances. Technologies supporting wireless personal area networks include Bluetooth, ZigBee, ultra-wideband (UWB), infrared data association (IrDA) connection technology, home radio frequency (HomeRF), etc. From the perspective of network structure, WPAN is located at the lowest layer of the overall network architecture and is for wireless connection between devices over short distances, i.e., point-to-point short-range connection, and can be regarded as a short-range wireless communication network. Based on different application scenarios, WPANs are further classified into high-rate (HR)-WPANs and low-rate (LR)-WPANs. HR-WPANs can be used to support various high-rate multimedia applications, including high-quality audio and video distribution, multi-megabyte music and image document transmission, etc. LR-WPANs can be for general services in daily life.

[0063] In a WPAN, devices can be classified into full-function devices (FFDs) and reduced-function devices (RFDs) based on their communication capabilities. FFDs can communicate with each other, and FFDs can communicate with RFDs. RFDs cannot communicate directly with each other. RFDs can only communicate with FFDs or transfer data through one FFD. The FFD associated with an RFD is called the RFD's coordinator. RFDs are mainly used for simple control applications, such as light switches and passive infrared sensors. A small amount of data is transmitted, occupying a small amount of transmission and communication resources. Therefore, the cost of RFDs is low. The coordinator is sometimes called a personal area network (PAN) coordinator, central control node, etc. The PAN coordinator is the main control node of the whole network, and each ad hoc network can have only one PAN coordinator, which has the functions of member identity management, link information management, and packet forwarding.

[0064] Optionally, a device (e.g., a transmitting device or a receiving device) in an embodiment of the present application may be a device that supports the 802.15 series, for example, a device that supports multiple WPAN standards, such as the 802.15.4a protocol, the 802.15.4z protocol, and the WPAN standard under discussion or a subsequent version thereof.

[0065] Optionally, the present application may be applied to a UWB-based WPAN system including an 802.15 series protocol, for example, an 802.15.4a protocol, an 802.15.4z protocol, or an 802.15.4ab protocol, and may also support next-generation Wi-Fi protocols, for example, 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, or EHT, IEEE802.11ax, and 802.11b.

[0066] In the embodiments of the present application, the device may be a communication server, a router, a switch, a bridge, a computer, a mobile phone, a smart home device, an in-vehicle communication device, and the like.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present application, a device includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also referred to as main memory). The operating system may be any one or more types of computer operating systems that perform service processing through processes, such as a Linux operating system, a Unix operating system, an Android operating system, an iOS operating system, or a Windows operating system. The application layer includes applications such as a browser, an address book, word processing software, and instant messaging software. In addition, the specific structure of the executing entity of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application is not particularly limited in the embodiment of the present application, as long as a program recording the code of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be executed and communication according to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be performed. For example, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be executed by an FFD or RFD, or by a functional module in the FFD or RFD that can call and execute a program.

[0068] Additionally, aspects or features of the present application may be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein covers a computer program accessible from any computer-readable component, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage components (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical disks (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs)), smart cards, and flash memory components (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), cards, sticks, or key drives). Additionally, various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media configured to store information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0069] The technical solution of the present application may be further applicable to wireless local area network systems, such as Internet of Things (IOT) networks or vehicle to everything (V2X) networks. The present application may also be applicable to other possible communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, fifth generation (5G) systems, etc. th generation, 5G) communication systems, and sixth generation (6 th It may be further applicable to 6G (6th generation) communication systems.

[0070] The above-mentioned communication systems to which the present application is applicable are merely examples for description, and the communication systems to which the present application is applicable are not limited thereto, which are uniformly described in this specification, and the details will not be described again hereinafter.

[0071] A terminal in an embodiment of the present application may be a device having wireless transceiver functionality, and specifically may be a user equipment (UE), an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user equipment.The terminal device may alternatively be a satellite phone, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a wireless data card, a wireless modem, or a machine-type communication device, or may be a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart point of sale (POS) machine, a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or another processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a communication device carried by a high-altitude aircraft, a wearable device, an unmanned aerial vehicle, a robot, a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication, a terminal in V2X, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a smart grid, or the like. The wireless terminal may be a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a terminal device in an evolved communication network after 5G, etc. This is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0072] In an embodiment of the present application, an apparatus configured to perform the functions of a terminal device may be the terminal device or may be an apparatus capable of supporting the terminal device in performing its functions, such as a chip system. The apparatus may be attached to the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In an embodiment of the present application, the chip system may include a chip, or may include a chip and another individual component.

[0073] The network device in the embodiment of the present application is a device having a wireless transceiver function and configured to communicate with a terminal device. The access network device may be a node in a radio access network (RAN) and may be called a base station or a RAN node. The access network device may be an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, a base station in a 5G network such as a gNodeB (gNB), a base station in a post-5G evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), a broadband network gateway (BNG), an aggregation switch, a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access device, etc.

[0074] The network devices in the embodiments of the present application may further include various types of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small cells), relay stations, transmitting and receiving points (TRPs), transmission points (TPs), mobile switching centers, and devices that perform the functions of base stations in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. The network devices may further include a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (C-RAN) system, and a network device in an NTN communication system. This is not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0075] In embodiments of the present application, an apparatus configured to perform the functions of a network device may be a network device or may be an apparatus, such as a chip system, capable of supporting a network device in performing its functions. The apparatus may be attached to or used in conjunction with a network device. In embodiments of the present application, the chip system may include a chip, or may include a chip and other individual components.

[0076] Hereinafter, an applicable communication system related to the technical solution disclosed in this application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] 1 is a diagram of a communication system 100 to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 includes a communication device 110 and a communication device 120. The number of communication devices included in the communication system 100 is not limited in the present application. The communication device 110 and the communication device 120 may be any of the terminal devices listed above, or any of the network devices listed above. This is not limited in the present application. It should be understood that FIG. 1 is merely an example for understanding and cannot limit the scope of protection claimed in the present application.

[0078] 1, UWB communication can be performed between communication device 110 and communication device 120. For example, UWB communication includes transmission applications such as sensing, ranging, positioning, and communication. An example in which the UWB transmission is ranging is used for description. In a ranging scenario, communication device 110 can act as an initiator (the initiator is a UWB device that can start a UWB ranging process and can be a transmitter / receiver), and communication device 120 can act as a responder (the responder is a UWB device that responds to the ranging process started by the initiator and can be a receiver / transmitter).

[0079] 1, both the communication device 110 and the communication device 120 may be UWB devices that support the 802.15.4z protocol, or may be UWB devices that support the 802.15.4ab protocol, or may be UWB devices that support another protocol. This is not limited in the present application. For ease of description, the present application uses an example in which both the communication device 110 and the communication device 120 are UWB devices that support the 802.15.4ab protocol for description, but other scenarios are not limited.

[0080] As described above, a communication device supporting UWB communication needs to configure a preamble for initial synchronization and a preamble for a ranging process. For example, the communication device 110 performs initial synchronization based on a first preamble and performs a ranging process based on a second preamble. The configuration information of the first preamble and the configuration information of the second preamble need to be configured and transmitted by the communication device 110 acting as an initiator. For the configuration manner of the preamble, please refer to FIG. 2.

[0081] 2 is a diagram of the structure of information element (IE) #S used for preamble configuration. As shown in FIG. 2, information element #S includes a channel configuration interval presence (CCIP) field, a dynamic preamble selection (DPS) duration presence (DDP) field, a preamble sequence selection presence (PSP) field, a channel number field, a CCI field, a DPS field, a transmitter preamble code (Tx preamble code) field, a receiver preamble code (Rx preamble code) field, and a preamble symbol repetitions (PSR) field.

[0082] Specifically, the CCIP field indicates whether a CCI field is present, the DDP field indicates whether a DPS duration field is present, and the PSP field indicates whether a field related to preamble sequence selection is present. The fields related to preamble sequence selection include a transmitter preamble code field, a receiver preamble code field, and a PSR field. The channel number field indicates the number of the UWB channel, the CCI field indicates channel configuration interval information, the DPS duration field indicates the duration of the DPS, and the PSR field indicates preamble symbol repetition.

[0083] The transmitter preamble code field indicates an index value, which corresponds to a preamble sequence used by the transmitter (the transmitting device of information element #S) to transmit a UWB signal in the upcoming ranging process. The receiver preamble code field also indicates an index value, which corresponds to a preamble sequence used by the receiver (the receiving device of information element #S) to receive a UWB signal in the upcoming ranging process. The types of preamble sequences indicated by the transmitter preamble field and the receiver preamble field are both preamble sequences based on Ipatov sequences, including Ipatov sequences defined in the existing 802.15.4z protocol.

[0084] It can be understood that initial synchronization of a UWB device includes two types: initial synchronization based on a UWB signal and initial synchronization based on a narrowband (NB) signal. For initial synchronization based on a UWB signal, the performance requirements for the preamble sequence for initial synchronization are different from those for the ranging process (hereinafter, an example in which the ranging process is multi-millisecond (MMS) transmission is used for description). Therefore, separate preamble sequences can be configured for the initial synchronization process and the MMS ranging process. For example, for initial synchronization, a preamble sequence based on an Ipatov sequence can be selected. This is not a limitation in this specification. For the MMS ranging process, a preamble sequence based on a Golay sequence can be selected, or a preamble sequence based on a complementary zero-sum cross-correlation code block (CZC) can be selected, or a preamble sequence based on an Ipatov sequence can be selected. This is not a limitation in this specification.

[0085] It can be known from the foregoing that the preamble sequence based on the Ipatov sequence can be configured for both the initial synchronization process and the MMS ranging process of the UWB device. Upon receiving information element #S, a UWB device supporting the 802.15.4ab protocol may not be able to distinguish the purpose of the preamble sequence indicated by information element #S; in other words, it may not be able to determine whether the preamble sequence based on the Ipatov sequence is used for initial synchronization or for the MMS ranging process.

[0086] In consideration of the aforementioned technical problems, the present application provides an ultra-wideband communication method and a communication apparatus for supporting UWB devices to complete preamble configuration for initial synchronization and / or preamble configuration for measurement processes.

[0087] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, some terms or concepts that may be used in the embodiments of the present application are first briefly described.

[0088] Ranging round: In the previous generation IEEE 802.15.4z standard, a single ranging process is defined as a ranging round. The minimum processing time unit of each ranging round is a ranging slot. One ranging round is divided into three phases: a ranging control phase, a ranging phase, and a ranging result reporting phase (measurement reporting phase). Figure 3 is a diagram of the phases of a UWB ranging round. It can be seen from Figure 3 that in the IEEE 802.15.4z standard, the ranging control phase includes one ranging slot, while in the currently discussed IEEE 802.15.4ab standard, the ranging control phase may include multiple ranging slots.

[0089] The measurement includes a measurement process such as ranging, sensing, positioning, or communication performed based on a UWB signal. Correspondingly, for example, if the measurement is ranging, the corresponding measurement round is a ranging round. As another example, if the measurement is sensing, the corresponding measurement round is a sensing round.

[0090] In this application, a "fragment (fragment or segment) signal" may also be referred to as a "block signal," a "short signal," a "partial signal," a "fragment," a "block," or the like. The name of the fragment signal is not limited as long as the fragment signal can be used to identify that a UWB signal is divided into multiple UWB signals, each of the multiple UWB signals obtained through division has a time length of less than 1 millisecond, and one UWB signal obtained through division is transmitted in each millisecond. Optionally, the multiple fragment signals obtained by dividing the UWB signal may be the same. For example, the multiple fragment signals obtained by dividing the UWB signal are preambles having the same configuration. Preambles having the same configuration include, but are not limited to, preamble lengths, sequences used by the preambles, etc. A preamble is a group of sequences and can be used to identify the identity of a device when the device interacts with another device or accesses a network and / or to perform channel condition measurements.

[0091] Additionally, the term "frame structure" in this application may also be referred to as a "frame format," etc. The name of the frame structure is not limited as long as the frame structure can be used to represent the characteristics of a signal frame, such as the structure / format of a UWB signal frame.

[0092] Hereinafter, an ultra-wideband communication method in an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] 4 is an interaction flowchart of a communication method 400 according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 400 may be performed by a first communication device and a second communication device, or may be performed by a module and / or component (e.g., a chip or integrated circuit) having corresponding functions and installed in the first communication device and the second communication device. This is not limited in the present application. The first communication device may be a network device or a terminal device, and the second communication device may be a network device or a terminal device. This is also not limited in the present application. Hereinafter, the first communication device and the second communication device are used as an example for description. As shown in FIG. 4, the method 400 includes the following steps:

[0094] S410: The first communication device determines a first information element, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information is used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence is used for initial synchronization of the second communication device, the second information is used to configure a second sequence, and the second sequence is used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0095] Specifically, the first information element including at least one of the first information and the second information may be the first information element including the first information, or the first information element including the second information, or the first information element including the first information and the second information.

[0096] It should be understood that the first information can be used to configure a first sequence, and the first sequence can be used for initial synchronization of the second communication device. In other words, the first information can be used by the second communication device to perform preamble configuration for initial synchronization. The second information can be used to configure a second sequence, and the second sequence can be used in a first measurement process between the second communication device and the first communication device. In other words, the second information can be used by the second communication device to perform preamble configuration for the first measurement process.

[0097] In a possible implementation, the first measurement process includes at least one of a ranging process, a sensing process, or a positioning process. For ease of description, hereinafter, an example in which the first measurement process is a ranging process is used for description.

[0098] In possible implementations, the first sequence may further include a first preamble sequence, a first preamble field, a first preamble symbol, or another alternative or similar representation. Similarly, the second sequence may further include a second preamble sequence, a second preamble field, a second preamble symbol, or another alternative or similar representation.

[0099] S420: The first communication device sends the first information element to the second communication device.

[0100] In response, the second communication device receives a first information element from the first communication device.

[0101] S430: The second communication device determines at least one of a first sequence and a second sequence based on the first information element.

[0102] Specifically, the first information element includes first information, and the second communication device determines a first sequence based on the first information to complete preamble configuration for initial synchronization. The first information element includes second information, and the second communication device determines a second sequence based on the second information to complete preamble configuration for the first measurement process. The first information element includes first information and second information. The second communication device determines the first sequence based on the first information and the second sequence based on the second information to complete preamble configuration for initial synchronization and preamble configuration for the first measurement process.

[0103] As described above, after receiving information element #S, the second communication device may not be able to distinguish the purpose of the preamble sequence indicated by information element #S. For example, it may not be possible to determine whether the preamble sequence indicated by information element #S is used for initial synchronization or for the first measurement process. Therefore, the second communication device may not be able to complete preamble configuration for initial synchronization and / or the first measurement process based on information element #S.

[0104] In conclusion, in the present application, the first information and / or the second information are configured in a first information element, whereby the second communication device can be supported in correspondingly completing preamble configuration for initial synchronization and / or preamble configuration for a first measurement process based on the first information and / or the second information in the first information element.

[0105] In a possible implementation, the first information element further includes at least one of third information and fourth information.

[0106] Specifically, the first information element may include first information, and the first information element may further include third information, where the third information indicates a type of the first sequence. The first information element may include second information, and the first information element may further include fourth information, where the fourth information indicates a type of the second sequence. The first information element may include first information and second information, and the first information element may further include third information and fourth information, where the third information and fourth information indicate a type of the first sequence and a type of the second sequence, respectively. Therefore, the second communication device determines a type of the corresponding first sequence and / or a type of the corresponding second sequence based on the third information and / or the fourth information in the first information element to better generate a corresponding preamble sequence.

[0107] In an example, the first sequence type may include Ipatov sequences, and the second sequence type may include Golay sequences, CZC sequences, and Ipatov sequences.

[0108] Optionally, the Golay sequence may further include two types: a Golay sequence supported by the 802.15.4ab protocol and a Golay sequence not supported by the 802.15.4ab protocol.

[0109] Optionally, the Ipatov sequence may further include three types: an Ipatov sequence supported by the 802.15.4ab protocol, an Ipatov sequence supported by the 802.15.4z protocol, and an Ipatov sequence not supported by the 802.15.4ab protocol and the 802.15.4z protocol.

[0110] Optionally, the CZC sequence may further include two types: a CZC sequence supported by the 802.15.4ab protocol, and a CZC sequence not supported by the 802.15.4ab protocol.

[0111] In a possible implementation, the first information element further includes fifth information, and the fifth information indicates a type of the first measurement process.

[0112] Specifically, the type of the first measurement process includes a non-MMS-based ranging process, an MMS-based ranging process, or an MMS ranging process assisted by an NB signal. Therefore, the second communication device determines the type information of the first measurement process based on the fifth information of the first information element to better complete the measurement process between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0113] In a possible implementation, the method 400 further includes:

[0114] S440: The first communication device sends a second information element to the second communication device, where the second information element includes sixth information, and the sixth information indicates the number of ranging integrity fragments.

[0115] In response, the second communication device receives a second information element from the first communication device and determines the number of ranging integrity fragments based on the sixth information.

[0116] In this manner, integrity protection verification can be performed through integrity fragmentation to determine whether an attack is occurring in the ranging process.

[0117] In a possible implementation, the second information element further includes seventh information, which indicates whether the number of preamble fragments is to be updated.

[0118] Correspondingly, the second communication device may determine whether to update the number of preamble fragments based on the seventh information.

[0119] In this manner, the number of preamble fragments is dynamically updated, which allows the receiving device and the transmitting device to better adapt to dynamic changes in the channel environment, improving measurement accuracy between the receiving device and the transmitting device or reducing interference to other devices.

[0120] In a possible implementation, the second information element further includes eighth information, and the eighth information indicates an MMS type.

[0121] Specifically, the MMS type includes interlaced MMS or non-interlaced MMS. For a specific description of the MMS type, please refer to FIG.

[0122] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a type of MMS ranging according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in (a) of FIG. 5, for non-interlaced MMS ranging, the initiator may transmit multiple consecutive UWB signal blocks to the responder, and the responder may transmit multiple consecutive UWB signal blocks to the initiator. In addition, there is no interlacing between the UWB signal blocks transmitted by the initiator and the UWB signal blocks transmitted by the responder. In the present application, a non-interlaced MMS ranging mode is used, which can strengthen the signal and mitigate the UWB signal attenuation phenomenon in long-distance or line-of-sight scenarios. As shown in (b) of FIG. 5, for interlaced MMS ranging, the initiator and the responder alternately transmit UWB signal blocks to each other.

[0123] In a possible implementation, the method 400 may further include the following steps.

[0124] S450: The first communication device sends a third information element to the second communication device, where the third information element is used in a second measurement process between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0125] In response, the second communication device receives a third information element from the first communication device and performs a second measurement process based on the third information element. For a description of the second measurement process, please refer to the description of the first measurement process. Details will not be described again here.

[0126] It should be understood that in S450, the third information element may be an advanced ranging control information element (ARC IE), which can be used to configure measurement information used in the second measurement process for the second communication device. For the specific content of the ARC IE, please refer to existing protocols. The details will not be described again here.

[0127] In the example, if the second communication device supports the third information element but does not support the second information element, the second measurement process is performed based on the third information element, and if the second communication device supports the third information element and the second information element, the second measurement process is performed based on the second information element and the third information element.

[0128] Specifically, if a ranging control message (RCM) sent by a first communication device to a second communication device includes a third information element (e.g., an ARC IE) but does not include the second information element, the second measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device is based on the third information element, i.e., is based on the 802.15.4z protocol. This also means that the second measurement process is a non-MMS ranging process. If an RCM sent by a first communication device to a second communication device includes the third information element and the second information element and the second communication device supports the second information element, the second measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device is based on the third information element and the second information element (i.e., the measurement process is performed according to the procedure specified in the 802.15.4ab protocol). If the second communication device does not support the second information element, the second measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device is based on the third information element (i.e., the measurement process is performed according to the procedure specified in the 802.15.4z protocol).

[0129] In a possible implementation, the method 400 may further include the following steps.

[0130] S460: The second communication device transmits indication information to the first communication device, the indication information indicating whether the second communication device supports at least one of a narrowband signal function and a multi-millisecond transmission function.

[0131] Correspondingly, the first communication device receives indication information from the second communication device, and determines, based on the indication information, whether the second communication device supports at least one of the NB signal function and the MMS function.

[0132] S470: The first communication device sends feedback information to the second communication device, where the feedback information indicates that the second communication device is not authorized to access the network.

[0133] In response, the second communication device receives feedback information from the first communication device and determines, based on the feedback information, that the second communication device is not authorized to access the network.

[0134] Specifically, when the second communication device indicates to the first communication device by using the indication information that the second communication device does not support at least one of the NB signaling function and the MMS function, the first communication device sends feedback information to the second communication device, and the feedback information indicates to the second communication device that the second communication device is not authorized to access the network. The reason that the second network device is not authorized to access the network may be that the second communication device does not support the NB signaling function and / or that the second communication device does not support the MMS function.

[0135] According to the above technical solution, in this application, the first communication device can know whether the second communication device supports the NB signaling function and the MMS function, which helps the first communication device to make a proper measurement configuration in the subsequent measurement process.

[0136] For the aforementioned technical solutions such as S440 to S470, it should be noted that the order of steps S440 to S470 is not limited in the present application, for example, S440 can be performed before S470, or S450 can be performed before S440.

[0137] The method illustrated in FIG. 4 will now be further described with reference to the other accompanying drawings.

[0138] 6 is a diagram of a structure of a first information element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 6, the first information element includes a CCIP field, a DDP field, a PSP field, a channel number field, a ranging mode field, an initial sync. sequence selection presence field, an MMS ranging sequence selection presence field, a CCI field, a DPS duration field, a sequence usage type field, a transmitter MMS code field, a receiver MMS code field, a PSR field, a transmitter gap size for MMS ranging, a receiver gap size for MMS ranging, a transmitter initial sync. code field, and a receiver initial sync. code field.

[0139] See Table 1 for a description of the sequence usage type field.

[0140] [Table 1]

[0141] In Table 1, the Initial Synchronization Sequence Type field includes two bits and four values, with different values ​​indicating different meanings. For example, a first value (e.g., 0) indicates that an Ipatov sequence supported by the 802.15.4-2020 and 802.15.4z protocols is enabled. In this case, the Sender Initial Synchronization field, the Receiver Initial Synchronization field, and the PSR field are all present. A second value (e.g., 1) indicates that an additional Ipatov sequence (i.e., an Ipatov sequence not supported by the 802.15.4-2020 and 802.15.4z protocols) is enabled. In this case, the Sender Initial Synchronization field, the Receiver Initial Synchronization field, and the PSR field are all present. A third value (e.g., 2) indicates that the field is not activated. Therefore, the Initial Synchronization Sequence Selected field has a value of 0, and the fourth value may be reserved. It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely an illustrative example and is not intended as a final limitation.

[0142] In Table 1, the MMS Sequence Type field includes two bits and four values, with different values ​​indicating different meanings. For example, a first value (e.g., 0) indicates that sequences based on complementary sets are enabled. Sequences based on complementary sets include Golay sequences and CZC sequences. In this case, the transmitter MMS code field, the receiver MMS code field, and the PSR field are all present, and the MMS ranging transmitter gap size field and the MMS ranging receiver gap size field are all present. A second value (e.g., 1) indicates that Ipatov sequences are enabled. In this case, the transmitter MMS code field, the receiver MMS code field, and the PSR field are all present. A third value (e.g., 2) indicates that the fields are not activated. Therefore, the value of the MMS ranging sequence selection field is 0, and the fourth value may be reserved. It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely a descriptive example and is not intended as a final limitation.

[0143] See Table 2 for a description of the ranging mode field.

[0144] [Table 2]

[0145] In Table 2, the sequence configuration requirements that can be supported by different values ​​of the ranging mode field are as follows: A value of 0 indicates a preamble sequence configuration for initial synchronization. A value=1 indicates a preamble sequence configuration for initial synchronization and for the MMS ranging process. A value=2 indicates a preamble sequence configuration for the MMS ranging process. Value = 3: reserved.

[0146] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely an illustrative example and is not intended as a final limitation.

[0147] The meaning of the initial synchronization sequence selection field in the first information element is as follows: 1) If the initial synchronization sequence selection presence / absence field is 0, it indicates that the initial synchronization sequence type field is not present in the first information element / is not triggered in the first information element. 2) If the initial synchronization sequence selection presence / absence field is 1, it indicates that the initial synchronization sequence type field is present in / triggered in the first information element.

[0148] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely an illustrative example and is not intended as a final limitation.

[0149] The meaning of the MMS ranging sequence selection field in the first information element is as follows: 1) If the MMS ranging sequence selection presence / absence field is 0, it indicates that the MMS sequence type field is not present / is not triggered in the first information element. 2) If the MMS ranging sequence selection presence / absence field is 1, it indicates that the MMS sequence type field is present in / triggered in the first information element.

[0150] It should be understood that the initial synchronization sequence selection yes / no field is enabled only if the ranging mode field is equal to 0 or 1, and the MMS ranging sequence selection yes / no field is enabled only if the ranging mode field is equal to 1 or 2.

[0151] In addition, the meanings of the transmitter MMS code field, receiver MMS code field, transmitter gap size for MMS ranging, receiver gap size for MMS ranging, transmitter initial synchronization code field, and transmitter initial synchronization code field in the first information element are as follows: The Transmitter MMS Code field indicates an index value corresponding to the preamble sequence used by the transmitter (first communication device) to transmit the UWB MMS fragment signal in the upcoming first measurement process. The preamble sequence indicated by this field can be a Golay sequence, a CZC sequence, or an Ipatov sequence. The Receiver MMS Code field indicates an index value corresponding to the preamble sequence used by the receiver (second communication device) to receive the UWB MMS fragment signal in the corresponding upcoming first measurement process. The preamble sequence indicated by this field can be a Golay sequence, a CZC sequence, or an Ipatov sequence. The MMS Ranging Transmitter Gap Size field, used in conjunction with the Transmitter MMS Code field, is an index value, where each index value corresponds to a value representing the gap size, i.e., different index values ​​correspond to different gap size values. The MMS Ranging Receiver Gap Size field, used in conjunction with the Receiver MMS Code field, is an index value, where each index value corresponds to a value representing the gap size, i.e., different index values ​​correspond to different gap size values. The transmitter initial synchronization code field indicates an index value, and the preamble sequence indicated by this field may be from an Ipatov sequence. The receiver initial synchronization code field indicates an index value, and the preamble sequence indicated by this field may be from an Ipatov sequence.

[0152] It should be noted that the format of the first information element is not limited in this application, and any fields and field formats that can reflect the embodiments of this application fall within the scope of protection of this application. This is not limited in this application. In other words, newly introduced fields in the first information element in this application, such as ranging mode, initial sequence selection, MMS ranging sequence selection, sequence usage type, TX MMS code, RX MMS code, TX gap size for MMS ranging, RX gap size for MMS ranging, TX initial synchronization code, and RX initial synchronization code, are only specific examples. The message size values ​​of these fields and the locations of these fields in the information element are not limited in this application. Figure 6 is only an exemplary format of the first information element.

[0153] In addition, the specific name of the first information element is not limited in this application. For example, the first information element may be referred to as an enhanced ranging channel and preamble code selection information element (eRCPCS IE). For example, the newly added eRCPCS IE may reuse a spare list row in a nested IE list defined in Tables 7 to 18 of the 802.15.4z protocol. Elements in the list row include the IE's sub-ID value, IE name, IE type, object using the IE (e.g., upper layer (UL)), object creating the IE (e.g., upper layer protocol), etc. The IE type includes a data type, an extended beacon type, an extended confirmation message type, a general-purpose type, etc.

[0154] The newly added eRCPCS IE can be identified and processed by a device that needs to perform measurement functions. For example, the eRCPCS IE is configured in a protocol upper layer of a transmitter device and forwarded to a MAC layer of the transmitter device. As another example, the MAC layer of a receiver device forwards the received eRCPCS IE to a protocol upper layer of the receiver device, which performs recognition processing on the eRCPCS IE.

[0155] For ease of understanding, the newly added eRCPCS IEs are described in detail below with reference to Table 3.

[0156] Table 3 is an expansion and extension of Tables 7 to 18 in the existing 802.15.4z protocol. To simplify the protocol, the existing definitions in Tables 7 to 18 are not reflected in Table 3. Specifically, it can be seen from Table 3 below that a newly added eRCPCS IE may be added to the nested IE list defined in Tables 7 to 18 in the existing 802.15.4z protocol and used as a newly added IE in the 802.15.4ab protocol or a later version of the protocol. Specifically, a reserved Sub-ID value in the nested IE list defined in Tables 7 to 18 in the existing 802.15.4z protocol may indicate the newly added eRCPCS IE.

[0157] [Table 3]

[0158] T in Table 3 can be any one or more values ​​from 0x5d to 0x7f. Table 3 can be an extension and expansion of the nested IE list defined in Table 7 to Table 18 in the existing 802.15.4z protocol. In addition, X in Table 3 indicates that the eRCPCS IE is a data type IE, i.e., the eRCPCS IE is carried by a data frame.

[0159] 7 is a diagram of a structure of a second information element according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 7, the second information element includes an update of number of preamble fragments enabled field, a number of ranging integrity fragments present field, an MMS mode field, a number of preamble fragments present field, a number of preamble fragments field, a number of ranging integrity fragments field, etc.

[0160] Specifically, the Number of Preamble Fragments Enabled field indicates whether a number of fragments update in the MMS ranging phase is present / triggered in the second information element. A value of 0 indicates that an update is not triggered, and a value of 1 indicates that an update is triggered. If a number of preamble fragments update is triggered, optionally, one or more other IEs and / or one or more frame structures capable of completing the number of preamble fragments update may be correspondingly triggered to complete the number of preamble fragments update, and the one or more other IEs and / or one or more frame structures capable of completing the number of preamble fragments update are not limited in the present application. The Number of Ranging Integrity Fragments Present field indicates whether a number of ranging integrity fragments field is present / triggered in the second information element. A value of 0 indicates that the number of ranging integrity fragments field is not present, and a value of 1 indicates that the number of ranging integrity fragments field is present. The MMS Mode field in the second information element indicates MMS mode. MMS mode=0 indicates interlaced MMS ranging, and MMS mode=1 indicates non-interlaced MMS ranging. For MMS types, please refer to FIG. 5. Details will not be described again here. The indication value of MMS mode is not limited in this application. For example, MMS mode=1 may indicate interlaced MMS ranging, and MMS mode=0 may indicate non-interlaced MMS ranging.

[0161] It should be noted that the format of the second information element is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. Any fields and field formats that can reflect the embodiments of the present application fall within the scope of protection of the present application. This is not limited in this application. In other words, the newly introduced fields, such as the update of the number of enabled preamble fragments, the number of existing ranging integrity fragments, the MMS mode, and the number of ranging integrity fragments, that are in the second information element, are merely specific examples in this embodiment of the present application. The message size values ​​of these fields and the locations of these fields in the information element are not limited in this application. Figure 7 is merely an exemplary format of the second information element.

[0162] In addition, the specific name of the second information element is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the second information element may be called an enhanced unified control information element (eUC IE). For example, the newly added eUC IE may reuse a spare list row in the nested IE list defined in Tables 7 to 18 of the 802.15.4z protocol. The reuse manner of the newly added eUC IE is similar to the above-mentioned reuse manner of the eRCPCS IE. Details will not be described again here.

[0163] 8 is a diagram of the structure of the indication information according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 8, the indication information includes a narrowband signal assisted (NB assisted, NBA) support type field, a device type field, a power source field, a receiver on when idle field, an association type field, an MMS support type field, a security capability field, and an allocate address field. For descriptions of the power source field, receiver on when idle field, association type field, security capability field, and allocated address field, please refer to existing protocols. Details will not be described here.

[0164] Specifically, the NBA Support Type field indicates whether the second communication device supports NBA, where a first value (e.g., 0) of the NBA Support Type field indicates that the second communication device does not support NBA, and a second value (e.g., 1) indicates that the second communication device supports NBA.

[0165] If the NBA support type field is 0, the second communication device may transmit the indication information by using a preconfigured UWB signal, or may transmit the indication information by using a non-UWB signal, for example, a Bluetooth signal.

[0166] The MMS Support Type field indicates whether the second communication device supports MMS. A first value (e.g., 0) in the MMS Support Type field indicates that the second communication device does not support MMS, and a second value (e.g., 1) indicates that the second communication device supports MMS.

[0167] Correspondingly, the feedback information sent by the first communication device to the second communication device may be in the format shown in Table 4.

[0168] [Table 4]

[0169] The meanings of the association status field values ​​in Table 4 are explained in Table 5.

[0170] [Table 5]

[0171] As shown in Table 5, for example, if the association status is 0x00, it indicates successful association, if the association status is 0x01, it indicates that the PAN is fully operational, if the association status is 0x02, it indicates that PAN access is denied, if the association status is 0x03, it indicates a hopping sequence offset overlap, if the association status is 0x04, it indicates that access is denied (due to not supporting the NB function), if the association status is 0x05, it indicates that access is denied (due to not supporting the MMS function), 0x06 to 0x7f in the association status are reserved values, if the association status is 0x80, it indicates successful fast association, and 0x81 to 0xff in the association status are reserved values. In this application, the association status values ​​to indicate that the corresponding access is denied (due to not supporting the NB feature) and that the corresponding access is denied (due to not supporting the MMS feature) are not limited and are here only examples.

[0172] It should be noted that the format of the indication information shown in Figure 8 is not limited in the present application, and any fields and field formats that can reflect the embodiments of the present application fall within the protection scope of the present application. In other words, the newly introduced fields such as NBA Support Type and MMS Support Type shown in Figure 8 are only specific examples in the present application. The message size values ​​of these fields and the locations of these fields in the message carrying them are not limited in the present application, and Figure 8 is only an exemplary format.

[0173] In this embodiment of the present application, the controller-initiator is assumed to be a third-party device (neither initiator nor responder). In the ranging control phase, the controller broadcasts a control message including a scheduling IE to participating devices participating in the UWB application process. The controller may alternatively be an initiator device or a responder device. Unless otherwise specified, in this embodiment of the present application, an example in which a third-party device is used as the controller is used by default for description. The methods provided in the present application are applicable to the case in which the responder is the controller or the controller is the initiator device. Details will not be described again.

[0174] The signal carrier carrying the designed first and second information elements is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the signal carrier may be a UWB signal or a non-UWB signal. The non-UWB signal may be a NB signal or a Bluetooth signal.

[0175] The type of frame for carrying the designed first information element / second information element is not limited in this application, for example, the frame type may be a data frame or a MAC command frame.

[0176] Similarly, the signal carrier carrying the indication information shown in Figure 8 is not limited in this application. Specifically, the signal carrier may be a UWB signal or a non-UWB signal. The non-UWB signal may be a NB signal or a Bluetooth signal.

[0177] Similarly, the type of frame for carrying the indication information shown in Figure 8 is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. For example, the type of frame may be a data frame or a MAC command frame.

[0178] The combination of fields in the first information element / second information element / indication information shown in FIG. 8 is not limited in the present application. The eRCPCS IE, eUC IE, and indication information shown in FIG. 8 are merely examples. In other words, the newly added fields in the first information element / second information element / indication information shown in FIG. 8 may be divided into separate frame structures. The frame structure is not limited in the present application. For example, the frame structure may be an IE or may be of another type. For example, if the frame structure is an IE, the newly introduced fields in the first information element / second information element / indication information shown in FIG. 8 may be divided into separate IEs. For example, these newly introduced fields in the first information element / second information element / indication information shown in FIG. 8 may be divided into separate IEs or may be represented by reusing IEs in the existing 802.15.4z protocol. The separate IE and the IE in the existing 802.15.4z protocol may be one or more IEs. In other words, one or more of the newly introduced fields in the first information element / second information element / indication information shown in FIG. 8 may form a separate IE together with one or more fields not included in the first information element / second information element / indication information shown in FIG. 8, or may be represented by reusing an IE in the existing 802.15.4z protocol. The separate IE is not limited in this application. In addition, one or more fields included in the separate IE are not limited in this application. The IE in the existing 802.15.4z protocol is not limited in this application. In addition, one or more fields included in an IE in the existing 802.15.4z protocol are not limited in this application. In addition, the separate IE / IE in the existing 802.15.4z protocol may alternatively be divided into separate frames. The frame types of the separate frames may also be different. This is not limited in this application.For example, the frame type may be a data frame or a MAC command frame. The above description of the combination mode in which the frame structure is an IE is also applicable to the combination mode in which the frame structure is of another type. Details will not be described again here. In other words, any frame structure that can reflect the purpose of one or more fields in the first information element / second information element / indication information shown in Figure 8 falls within the protection scope of the present application, regardless of the combination mode.

[0179] The ultra-wideband communication method provided in this application may be applied to one or more of UWB ranging, sensing, positioning, and communication applications. This is not particularly limited in this application. For example, the ranging control phase shown in Figures 3 and 5 in this application may be understood as one of the measurement control phases, the ranging phase may be understood as one of the measurement phases, and the ranging report phase may be understood as one of the measurement report phases. As another example, the ultra-wideband communication method provided in this application is applied to a UWB sensing procedure. The measurement control phase may be understood as the sensing control phase, the measurement phase may be understood as the sensing phase, and the measurement report phase may be understood as the sensing result report phase.

[0180] In addition, it should be noted that the names of the different phases of a single measurement round mentioned above are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of the present application. For example, a measurement control phase may be understood as a phase for configuring parameters required in a measurement round, as another example, a measurement phase may be understood as a phase for measurement, and as yet another example, a measurement result reporting phase may be understood as a phase for reporting measurement results, also sometimes referred to as the end of a measurement phase.

[0181] It should be noted that the first information element / second information element / indication information shown in Figure 8 provided in the present application may be used in any phase of a measurement round, or may be used in a device discovery and connection establishment phase before measurement starts, etc. In other words, the use phase of the first information element / second information element / indication information is not limited in the present application.

[0182] Optionally, the first information element / second information element / indication information shown in Figure 8 provided in the present application may be carried in a newly added message, or may be carried in an existing message, for example, may be carried in a message in the 802.15.4z protocol (e.g., an RCM message), or may be evolved from a message in the 802.15.4z protocol, or may be improved and / or reused based on an existing message, which is not particularly limited in the present application.

[0183] It should be noted that the first information element / second information element / indication information shown in Figure 8 provided in the present application can be used for a one-to-one measurement case, i.e., a case where there is one measurement initiator and one measurement responder, or can be extended to a one-to-many or many-to-many case, i.e., a case where there is one measurement initiator and multiple measurement responders, or a case where there are multiple measurement initiators and multiple measurement responders. Details will not be described here. The measurement cases to which the first information element / second information element / indication information shown in Figure 8 are applied are not limited in the present application.

[0184] The above describes the method embodiments in the embodiments of the present application, and the following describes the corresponding apparatus embodiments.

[0185] To implement the functions in the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal and the network device may each include a hardware structure and / or a software module, and implement the functions in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module.Whether a function among the above-mentioned functions is performed by using a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module depends on the individual application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0186] 9 is a block diagram of a structure of a communication device 900 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 900 includes a processor 910 and a communication interface 920. The processor 910 and the communication interface 920 may be connected to each other through a bus 930. The communication device 900 shown in FIG. 9 may be a first communication device or a second communication device.

[0187] Optionally, the communications device 900 further comprises a memory 940 .

[0188] Memory 940 may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Memory 940 is configured to store associated instructions and data.

[0189] The processor 910 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). If the processor 910 is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0190] When the communication device 900 is a first communication device, the processor 910 in the communication device 900 is configured to read a computer program or instructions stored in the memory 940 to perform, for example, an operation of determining a first information element, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to construct a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of the second communication device, and the second information being used to construct a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device, and an operation of transmitting the first information element to the second communication device.

[0191] As another example, an operation may be performed that transmits a second piece of information to a second communication device.

[0192] As another example, an operation may be performed that transmits a third piece of information to the second communication device.

[0193] The above content is only used as an example for description. If the communication device 900 is the first communication device, the communication device 900 is responsible for performing the method or steps related to the first communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0194] When the communication device 900 is a second communication device, the processor 910 in the communication device 900 is configured to read a computer program or instructions stored in the memory 940 to perform, for example, an operation of receiving a first information element from the first communication device, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of the second communication device, and the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device, and an operation of determining the first sequence and / or the second sequence based on the first information element.

[0195] As another example, an operation may be performed that receives a second piece of information from the first communication device.

[0196] As another example, an operation may be performed to receive a third piece of information sent by the first communication device.

[0197] The above content is only used as an example for description purposes. If the communication device 900 is a second communication device, the communication device 900 is responsible for performing the method or steps related to the second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0198] The above description is merely an example. For specific details, please refer to the details shown in the method embodiments. In addition, for the implementation of each operation in FIG. 9, please further refer to the corresponding description of the method embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

[0199] 10 is a block diagram of the structure of a communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1000 may be a network device or a terminal device in the aforementioned embodiments (the first communication device may be a network device or a terminal device), or may be a chip or a module in the network device or the terminal device, and is configured to implement the method in the aforementioned embodiments. The communication device 1000 includes a transceiver module 1010 and a processing module 1020. Hereinafter, the transceiver module 1010 and the processing module 1020 will be described by using an example.

[0200] The transceiver module 1010 may include a transmitting module and a receiving module configured to perform the transmitting or receiving functions, respectively, in the method embodiments described above. The transceiver module 1010 may further include a processing module configured to perform functions other than transmitting or receiving.

[0201] If the communication device 1000 is a first communication device, for example, the processing module 1020 is configured to determine a first information element, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of the second communication device, the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device. The transceiver module 1010 is configured to transmit the first information element to the second communication device.

[0202] Optionally, the communication device 1000 further includes a storage module 1030. The storage module 1030 is configured to store programs or codes used to perform the aforementioned methods.

[0203] The above content is used only as an example for description purposes. If the communication device 1000 is a first communication device, the communication device 1000 is responsible for performing the method or steps related to the first communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0204] When the communication device 1000 is a first communication device, for example, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to receive a first information element, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of the second communication device, the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the processing module 1020 is configured to determine the first sequence and / or the second sequence based on the first information element.

[0205] Optionally, the communication device 1000 further includes a storage module 1030. The storage module 1030 is configured to store programs or codes used to perform the aforementioned methods.

[0206] The above content is used only as an example for description purposes. If the communication device 1000 is a second communication device, the communication device 1000 is responsible for performing the method or steps related to the second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0207] In addition, for the implementation of each operation in Figure 10, please further refer to the corresponding description of the method shown in the above embodiment, and the details will not be described again here.

[0208] The device embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10 are used to implement the content described in Figure 4 in the above-mentioned method embodiment. Therefore, for specific execution steps and methods of the device shown in Figures 9 and 10, please refer to the content described in the above-mentioned method embodiment.

[0209] It should be understood that the aforementioned transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module is configured to perform a transmitting action of the communication device, and the receiving module is configured to perform a receiving action of the communication device. For ease of description, the transmitting module and the receiving module are integrated into one transceiver module in this embodiment of the present application. Here, a consolidated description is provided, and the details will not be described again hereinafter.

[0210] 11 is a diagram of a communication device 1100 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1100 may be configured to perform the functions of a network device or a terminal device (when the first communication device is a network device or a terminal device) in the aforementioned method. The communication device 1100 may be a chip in the network device or the terminal device.

[0211] The communication device 1100 includes an input / output interface 1120 and a logic circuit 1111. The input / output interface 1120 may be an input / output circuit. The logic circuit 1111 may be a signal processor, a chip, or another integrated circuit capable of implementing the methods in the present application. The input / output interface 1120 is configured to input or output signals or data.

[0212] For example, if the communication device 1100 is a first communication device, the logic circuit 1111 is configured to determine a first information element, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of the second communication device, and the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device. The input / output interface 1120 is configured to transmit the first information element to the second communication device. The logic circuit 1111 is configured to perform some or all of the steps of any one of the methods provided herein.

[0213] For example, if communication device 1100 is a second communication device, input / output interface 1120 is configured to receive a first information element from the first communication device, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of the second communication device, and the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device. Logic circuit 1111 is configured to perform some or all of the steps of any one of the methods provided herein. For example, logic circuit 1111 is configured to determine the first sequence and / or the second sequence based on the first information element.

[0214] In a possible implementation, the logic circuitry 1111 executes instructions stored in memory to perform functions performed by a network device or terminal device.

[0215] Optionally, the communications device 1100 further includes a memory. Optionally, the processor and the memory are integrated together.

[0216] Optionally, the memory is external to the communications device 1100 .

[0217] In a possible implementation, the logic circuit 1111 inputs / outputs messages or signaling through an input / output interface 1120. This logic circuit may be a signal processor, a chip, or another integrated circuit capable of implementing the methods in the embodiments of the present application.

[0218] The above description of the device in Figure 11 is just an example for description. This device can be configured to perform the method in the above embodiment. For specific content, please refer to the description in the above method embodiment. Details will not be described again here.

[0219] 12 is a block diagram of a communication device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1200 may be a network device (when the first communication device is a network device) or a chip. The communication device 1200 may be configured to perform the operations performed by the network device in the method embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0220] When the communication device 1200 is a network device, such as a base station, FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base station. The base station includes a portion 1210, a portion 1220, and a portion 120. The portion 1210 is mainly configured to perform baseband processing, control the base station, and the like. The portion 1210 is typically a control center of the base station and may be typically referred to as a processor. The portion 1210 is configured to control the base station to perform processing operations on the network device side in the above-described method embodiment. The portion 1220 is mainly configured to store computer program code and data. The portion 1230 is mainly configured to receive and transmit radio frequency signals and perform conversion between radio frequency signals and baseband signals. The portion 1230 may be typically referred to as a transceiver module, transceiver machine, transceiver circuit, transceiver, etc. The transceiver module in the portion 1230 may be also referred to as a transceiver machine, transceiver, etc., and includes an antenna 1233 and a radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure). The radio frequency circuit is primarily configured to perform radio frequency processing.

[0221] Optionally, components configured to perform receiving functions in portion 1230 may be considered receiver machines, and components configured to perform transmitting functions may be considered transmitter machines. In other words, portion 1230 includes a receiver machine 1232 and a transmitter machine 1231. The receiver machine may also be referred to as a receiving module, receiver, receiving circuitry, etc., and the transmitter machine may also be referred to as a transmitting module, transmitter, transmitting circuitry, etc.

[0222] Portion 1210 and portion 1220 may include one or more boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processor is configured to read and execute programs in the memory to perform baseband processing functions and control the base station. When there are multiple boards, the boards may be interconnected to each other to increase processing power. In optional implementations, multiple boards may share one or more processors, or multiple boards share one or more memories, or multiple boards share one or more processors simultaneously.

[0223] For example, in an implementation, the transceiver module in portion 1230 is configured to perform the receive and transmit related processes performed by the network device in the embodiment shown in Figure 4. The processor in portion 1210 is configured to perform the processing related steps performed by the network device in the embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0224] In another implementation, the processor in portion 1210 is configured to perform processing related to the operations performed by the communications device in the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0225] In another implementation, the transceiver module in portion 1230 is configured to perform the receive and transmit related processes performed by the communications device in the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0226] It should be understood that Figure 12 is an example only and not a limitation, and a network device including a processor, memory, and transceiver need not rely on the structure shown in Figures 9-11.

[0227] When the communication device 1200 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor. The transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processor may be a processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated on a chip. A transmitting operation performed by the network device in the above method embodiments may be understood as an output of the chip, and a receiving operation performed by the network device in the above method embodiments may be understood as an input of the chip.

[0228] 13 is a block diagram of a communication device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1300 may be a terminal device (when the first communication device is a terminal device), a processor of the terminal device, or a chip. The communication device 1300 may be configured to perform the operations performed by the terminal device or the communication device in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0229] If the communication apparatus 1300 is a terminal device, Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal device. As shown in Figure 13, the terminal device includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory may store computer program code. The transceiver includes a transmitter machine 1331, a receiver machine 1332, a radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure), an antenna 1333, and an input / output device (not shown in the figure).

[0230] The processor is mainly configured to process communication protocols and communication data, control the terminal device, execute software programs, process data of the software programs, etc. The memory is mainly configured to store software programs and data. The radio frequency circuit is mainly configured to perform conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly configured to receive and transmit radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input / output device, for example, a touch screen, a display screen, or a keyboard, is mainly configured to receive data input by a user and output data to a user. It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have input / output devices.

[0231] When data needs to be transmitted, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted, then outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal to the outside through an antenna in the form of electromagnetic waves. When data is transmitted to a terminal device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data. For ease of description, FIG. 13 shows only one memory, one processor, and one transceiver. In an actual terminal device product, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. The memory may also be referred to as a storage medium, a storage device, etc. The memory may be located independently of the processor or integrated with the processor. This is not a limitation in the embodiments of the present application.

[0232] In this embodiment of the present application, the antenna and radio frequency circuitry having transmitting and receiving capabilities may be considered as a transceiver module of the terminal device, and the processor having processing capabilities may be considered as a processing module of the terminal device.

[0233] 13, the terminal device includes a processor 1310, a memory 1320, and a transceiver 1330. The processor 1310 may also be referred to as a processing unit, a processing board, a processing module, a processing device, etc. The transceiver 1330 may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver device, etc.

[0234] Optionally, components in the transceiver 1330 configured to perform receiving functions may be considered receiving modules, and components in the transceiver 1330 configured to perform transmitting functions may be considered transmitting modules. That is, the transceiver 1330 includes a receiver and a transmitter. A transceiver is sometimes referred to as a transceiver machine, a transceiver module, a transceiver circuit, etc. A receiver is sometimes referred to as a receiver machine, a receiving module, a receiver circuit, etc. A transmitter is sometimes referred to as a transmitter machine, a transmitting module, a transmitting circuit, etc.

[0235] For example, in an implementation, the processor 1310 is configured to perform processing actions on the terminal device side in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, and the transceiver 1330 is configured to perform transmission and reception actions on the terminal device side in FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0236] For example, in an implementation, the processor 1310 is configured to perform processing actions on the terminal device side in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, and the transceiver 1330 is configured to perform transmission and reception actions on the terminal device side in FIG. 4.

[0237] It should be understood that Figure 13 is an example only and is not limiting. A terminal device including a transceiver module and a processing module need not rely on the structures shown in Figures 9 to 11.

[0238] When the communication device 1300 is a chip, the chip includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processor may be a processing module, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated on a chip. A transmitting operation performed by a terminal device in the above method embodiments may be understood as an output of the chip, and a receiving operation performed by a terminal device in the above method embodiments may be understood as an input of the chip.

[0239] The present application further provides a chip including a processor configured to retrieve instructions stored in the memory from the memory and execute the instructions to enable a communications device in which the chip is installed to perform the method in the above example.

[0240] The present application further provides another chip including an input interface, an output interface, and a processor. The input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected through an internal connection path. The processor is configured to execute code in the memory. When the code is executed, the processor is configured to perform the method in the above example. Optionally, the chip further includes a memory. The memory is configured to store a computer program or code.

[0241] The present application further provides a processor configured to be coupled to a memory, the processor configured to perform methods and functions associated with the network device or terminal device in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0242] Another embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product including instructions, which when run on a computer, perform the methods in the above-described embodiments.

[0243] The present application further provides a computer program, which, when run on a computer, performs the method in the above-described embodiments.

[0244] Another embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, performs the method in the above-described embodiment.

[0245] In describing embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to a single item or any combination of these items, including any combination of multiple items. For example, "at least one item of a, b, or c" may refer to a, b, c, "a and b," "a and c," "b and c," or "a, b, and c," where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0246] In addition, for the purpose of clearly describing the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of the present application to distinguish between identical or similar items that provide essentially the same function or purpose. Those skilled in the art can understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the number or execution order, and terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate clear distinctions. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "example" or "for example" are used to represent an example or description.

[0247] Any embodiment or design solution described in the embodiments of this application by "example" or "for example" should not be construed as being preferred or having more advantages over another embodiment or design solution. Strictly speaking, the use of terms such as "example" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0248] Unless otherwise specified, " / " in the description of the embodiments of the present application represents an "or" relationship between associated objects. For example, A / B may represent A or B. In the present application, "and / or" describes only the associated relationship between associated objects and represents that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" may represent three cases: "only A exists," "both A and B exist," and "only B exists," where A and B may be singular or plural.

[0249] It should be understood that references throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "embodiment" mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application.

[0250] Thus, the appearances of "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0251] The sequence numbers of the above processes do not imply the order of execution in various embodiments of the present application. The order of execution of these processes should be determined based on the functions and internal logic of these processes, and does not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0252] It may be understood that references to an "embodiment" throughout this specification mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application.

[0253] Thus, the embodiments throughout this specification are not necessarily the same embodiment. In addition, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0254] It can be understood that the sequence numbers of the processes do not mean the execution order in various embodiments of the present application, and the execution order of the processes should be determined based on the functions and internal logic of the processes, and does not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0255] In combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, those skilled in the art may recognize that the units and algorithm steps may be implemented by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether a function is performed by hardware or software depends on the individual application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use various methods to implement the described functions for each individual application, but such implementation should not be considered as going beyond the scope of this application.

[0256] For the purpose of convenient and concise description, it can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that for the detailed operating processes of the aforementioned systems, devices and units, reference should be made to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments, and the details will not be described again here.

[0257] In some embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the described device embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division into units is merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, other divisions may be used. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some functions may be omitted or not performed.

[0258] Additionally, the shown or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented through some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0259] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, in other words, they may be located in one location or distributed over multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solution of the embodiment.

[0260] Additionally, the functional units in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, each of which may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit.

[0261] When functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, the functions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application may essentially be implemented in the form of a software product, or a portion of the technical solutions may contribute to conventional technology. The computer software product may be stored in a storage medium and include instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device) to perform all or some of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of the present application. The storage medium may include any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0262] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the embodiments of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. Any variations or alternatives that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of the present application shall fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. determining, by a first communication device, a first information element, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of a second communication device, and the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device; transmitting, by the first communication device, the first information element to the second communication device; A communication method including:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first information element further includes at least one of third information and fourth information, the third information indicating a type of the first sequence, and the fourth information indicating a type of the second sequence.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first information element further includes fifth information, the fifth information indicating a type of the first measurement process.

4. The type of the first measurement process is:

4. The method of claim 3, comprising at least one of a non-multi-millisecond transmission based ranging process, a multi-millisecond transmission based ranging process, or a multi-millisecond transmission based ranging process assisted by a narrowband signal.

5. the first measurement process includes the multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process or the narrowband signal-assisted multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process; The method comprises:

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting, by the first communication device, a second information element to the second communication device, the second information element including sixth information, the sixth information indicating a number of ranging integrity fragments.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second information element further includes seventh information, the seventh information indicating whether a number of preamble fragments is to be updated.

7. the second information element further includes eighth information; the eighth information indicating that the type of the multi-ms transmission is an interlaced multi-ms transmission; or 7. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein the eighth information indicates that the type of the multi-ms transmission is a non-interlaced multi-ms transmission.

8. The method comprises:

8. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of transmitting, by the first communication device, a third information element to the second communication device, the third information element being used in a second measurement process between the second communication device and the first communication device.

9. If the second communication device supports the third information element and does not support the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the third information element; or 9. The method of claim 8, wherein if the second communication device supports the third information element and the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the second information element and the third information element.

10. Prior to the step of transmitting, by the first communication device, the first information element to the second communication device, the method further comprises:

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the first communication device, indication information from the second communication device, the indication information indicating whether the second communication device supports at least one of narrowband signaling capability and multi-millisecond transmission capability.

11. The indication information indicates that the second communication device does not support at least one of the narrowband signal capability and the multi-millisecond transmission capability, and the method further comprises:

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of transmitting, by the first communication device, feedback information to the second communication device, the feedback information indicating that the second communication device is not authorized to access a network.

12. receiving, by a second communication device, a first information element from a first communication device, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of the second communication device, and the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the second communication device; determining, by the second communication device, at least one of the first sequence and the second sequence based on the first information element; A communication method including:

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first information element further includes at least one of third information and fourth information, the third information indicating a type of the first sequence, and the fourth information indicating a type of the second sequence.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein the first information element further includes fifth information, the fifth information indicating a type of the first measurement process.

15. The first measurement process comprises:

15. The method of claim 14, comprising at least one of a non-multi-millisecond transmission based ranging process, a multi-millisecond transmission based ranging process, or a multi-millisecond transmission based ranging process assisted by a narrowband signal.

16. the first measurement process includes the multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process or a multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process supported by the narrowband signal; The method comprises:

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising receiving, by the second communication device, a second information element from the first communication device, the second information element including sixth information, the sixth information indicating a number of ranging integrity fragments.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second information element further includes seventh information, the seventh information indicating whether a number of preamble fragments is to be updated.

18. the second information element further includes eighth information; the eighth information indicating that the type of the multi-ms transmission is an interlaced multi-ms transmission; or 18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the eighth information indicates that the type of the multi-ms transmission is a non-interlaced multi-ms transmission.

19. The method comprises:

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving, by the second communication device, a third information element from the first communication device, the third information element being used in a second measurement process between the second communication device and the first communication device.

20. If the second communication device supports the third information element and does not support the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the third information element; or 20. The method of claim 19, wherein if the second communication device supports the third information element and the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the second information element and the third information element.

21. Prior to the step of receiving, by the second communication device, a first information element from the first communication device, the method further comprises:

21. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of transmitting, by the second communication device, indication information to the first communication device, the indication information indicating whether the second communication device supports at least one of narrowband signaling capability and multi-millisecond transmission capability.

22. The indication information indicates that the second communication device does not support at least one of the narrowband signal capability and the multi-millisecond transmission capability, and the method further comprises:

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising receiving, by the second communication device, feedback information from the first communication device, the feedback information indicating that the second communication device is not authorized to access a network.

23. a processing unit configured to determine a first information element, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of a second communication device, and the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the communication device and the second communication device; a transceiver unit configured to transmit the first information element to the second communication device; A communication device comprising:

24. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the first information element further includes at least one of third information and fourth information, the third information indicating a type of the first sequence, and the fourth information indicating a type of the second sequence.

25. 25. The apparatus of claim 23 or 24, wherein the first information element further includes fifth information, the fifth information indicating a type of the first measurement process.

26. The type of the first measurement process is:

26. The apparatus of claim 25, comprising at least one of a non-multi-millisecond transmission based ranging process, a multi-millisecond transmission based ranging process, or a multi-millisecond transmission based ranging process assisted by a narrowband signal.

27. the first measurement process includes the multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process or the narrowband signal-assisted multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process; 27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a second information element to the second communication device, the second information element including sixth information, the sixth information indicating a number of ranging integrity fragments.

28. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the second information element further includes seventh information, the seventh information indicating whether a number of preamble fragments is to be updated.

29. the second information element further includes eighth information; the eighth information indicating that the type of the multi-ms transmission is an interlaced multi-ms transmission; or 29. The apparatus of claim 27 or 28, wherein the eighth information indicates that the type of the multi-ms transmission is a non-interlaced multi-ms transmission.

30. 30. The apparatus of any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a third information element to the second communication device, the third information element being used in a second measurement process between the second communication device and the communication device.

31. If the second communication device supports the third information element and does not support the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the third information element; or 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein if the second communication device supports the third information element and the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the second information element and the third information element.

32. 32. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to receive indication information from the second communication device, the indication information indicating whether the second communication device supports at least one of narrowband signaling capability and multi-millisecond transmission capability.

33. 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the indication information indicates that the second communication device does not support at least one of the narrowband signal capability and the multi-millisecond transmission capability, and the transceiver unit is further configured to send feedback information to the second communication device, the feedback information indicating that the second communication device is not authorized to access a network.

34. a transceiver unit configured to receive a first information element from a first communication device, the first information element including at least one of first information and second information, the first information being used to configure a first sequence, the first sequence being used for initial synchronization of the communication device, and the second information being used to configure a second sequence, the second sequence being used in a first measurement process between the first communication device and the communication device; a processing unit configured to determine at least one of the first sequence and the second sequence based on the first information element; A communication device comprising:

35. 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the first information element further includes at least one of third information and fourth information, the third information indicating a type of the first sequence and the fourth information indicating a type of the second sequence.

36. 36. The apparatus of claim 34 or 35, wherein the first information element further includes fifth information, the fifth information indicating a type of the first measurement process.

37. The first measurement process comprises:

37. The apparatus of claim 36, comprising at least one of a non-multi-millisecond transmission based ranging process, a multi-millisecond transmission based ranging process, or a multi-millisecond transmission based ranging process assisted by a narrowband signal.

38. the first measurement process includes the multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process or a multi-millisecond transmission-based ranging process supported by the narrowband signal; 38. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second information element from the first communication device, the second information element including sixth information, the sixth information indicating a number of ranging integrity fragments.

39. 39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the second information element further includes seventh information, the seventh information indicating whether a number of preamble fragments is to be updated.

40. the second information element further includes eighth information; the eighth information indicating that the type of the multi-ms transmission is an interlaced multi-ms transmission; or 40. The apparatus of claim 38 or 39, wherein the eighth information indicates that the type of multi-ms transmission is non-interlaced multi-ms transmission.

41. 41. The apparatus of any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a third information element from the first communication device, the third information element being used in a second measurement process between the communication device and the first communication device.

42. If the communication device supports the third information element and does not support the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the third information element; or 42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein if the communications device supports the third information element and the second information element, the second measurement process is based on the second information element and the third information element.

43. 43. The apparatus of any one of claims 34 to 42, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit indication information to the first communication device, the indication information indicating whether the communication device supports at least one of narrowband signaling capability and multi-millisecond transmission capability.

44. 44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to receive feedback information from the first communication device, the feedback information indicating that the communication device is not authorized to access a network.

45. 23. A communications device including a processor, the processor coupled to a memory, the processor configured to execute computer programs or instructions to enable the communications device to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

46. 23. A chip comprising logic circuitry and input / output interfaces, the logic circuitry configured to execute computer programs or instructions to enable the chip to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 22.

47. 23. A computer readable storage medium containing a computer program or instructions, which when executed on a computer enables the computer to carry out the method of any one of claims 1 to 22.

48. 23. A computer program product comprising instructions, which when executed on a computer, enable the computer to carry out the method of any one of claims 1 to 22.

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