Communication method and device

Abstract

Embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus. [Solution] The method includes the steps of: transmitting a first frame on a first narrowband channel used to trigger a data measurement; transmitting a first UWB signal and receiving a second UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel, wherein the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal are used to perform a data measurement and obtain data measurement results; and specifically, transmitting a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel used to trigger the reporting of the first measurement results. The trigger frame is sent to trigger a measurement result reporting procedure. This avoids reporting failures when the measurement results are reported directly on the first narrowband channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210200293.2, titled "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on March 2, 2022, Chinese Patent Application No. 202211414724.1, titled "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on November 11, 2022, and Chinese Patent Application No. 202310146385.1, titled "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on February 15, 2023, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] Embodiments of this application relate to the field of communications, and more specifically, to communication methods and apparatuses.

Background Art

[0003] Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology is a wireless carrier communication technology in which narrow impulses of non-sinusoidal waves at the nanosecond level are used for data transmission. Due to the very narrow impulses and very low radiation spectrum density of the UWB system, the UWB system has advantages such as strong multipath resolution ability, low power consumption, and high confidentiality.

[0004] In a ranging or detection scenario, the accuracy of the measurement or detection result is highly related to the bandwidth of the signal. A wider signal bandwidth indicates higher accuracy of the result obtained through detection or ranging. Therefore, it is conceivable that a reference signal for ranging or detection is received and transmitted using the UWB system, and another reference signal and / or data are transmitted according to a narrowband protocol. Such a processing method can be understood as narrowband protocol-assisted UWB ranging or detection.

[0005] Currently, in narrowband protocol-assisted UWB ranging or detection methods, the narrowband channel may be being used by another device because no signal is received or transmitted in the narrowband system during the ranging or detection period based on the UWB signal. As a result, the measurement results cannot be fed back in a timely manner. Therefore, improving the performance of narrowband protocol-assisted UWB ranging or detection methods is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Embodiments of this application provide a communication method. In a scenario of narrowband protocol-assisted UWB measurement data, after the measurement procedure is completed, a trigger frame is sent to trigger the measurement result reporting procedure. This avoids reporting failures when the measurement results are reported directly.

[0007] According to a first embodiment, a communication method is provided. The method may be performed by an initiator device or by a component of the initiator device (e.g., a chip or circuit), but is not limited to this. For simplicity of explanation, an example in which the method is performed by an initiator device is used below for illustrative purposes.

[0008] The method includes the steps of: transmitting a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement; transmitting a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel and receiving a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal being used to perform a data measurement and obtain data measurement results; and transmitting a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel, the first trigger frame being used to trigger a report of first measurement results, the first measurement results including all or part of the data measurement results.

[0009] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, after triggering the data measurement, the initiator device completes the data measurement based on the first and second UWB signals and obtains the data measurement results. In addition, the first trigger frame is sent to trigger the measurement result reporting procedure. This substantially improves the reliability of the measurement result reporting and avoids reporting failures when the measurement results are reported directly on the first narrowband channel.

[0010] With respect to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the method further includes the step of transmitting first indicator information, the first indicator information indicating a narrowband channel for transmitting a trigger frame, the narrowband channel being used for transmitting a trigger frame, the trigger frame comprising a first trigger frame, and the narrowband channel comprising a second narrowband channel.

[0011] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, a corresponding narrowband channel for transmitting the trigger frame used to trigger the measurement result reporting procedure can be pre-negotiated using the first indicator information, in order to enable the responder device to correctly receive the first trigger frame.

[0012] With respect to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes the step of receiving a second frame (response) on a first narrowband channel, the second frame being used in response to the first frame.

[0013] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, the initiator device may decide that a data measurement can be performed when it receives a second frame, which is fed back by the responder device in response to the first frame. This ensures that the data measurement is successful.

[0014] With respect to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the second frame includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the duration of the second UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the second UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the second UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the second UWB signal, or information indicating the measurement period.

[0015] The second frame may contain multiple types of information to help the initiator device know the transmission status of the second UWB signal for data measurement and to determine whether the data measurement procedure will be successful based on the transmission status of the second UWB signal.

[0016] With respect to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the method further includes the step of receiving a first measurement result on a second narrowband channel.

[0017] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, the initiator device transmits a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel, which is used to trigger the reporting of the first measurement result, and the responder device reports the first measurement result on the narrowband channel in a timely manner to receive the first trigger frame. This ensures the validity of the reporting of the first measurement result.

[0018] With respect to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, when the first measurement result is part of a data measurement result, the method further includes the steps of: transmitting a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, the second trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of a second measurement result; and receiving the second measurement result on the third narrowband channel, the second measurement result being all or part of the measurement results in the data measurement result other than the first measurement result.

[0019] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, measurement results can be reported in segments. That is, each trigger frame sent may specify a portion of the measurement results for reporting, and the responding device does not need to feed back all of the measurement results at once. When the amount of measurement data is large, the efficiency and reliability of feedback can be substantially improved, and the flexibility of the measures can be enhanced.

[0020] With respect to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the first measurement result is the entirety of the data measurement results, the method further includes the steps of: transmitting a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, the second trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of the first measurement result; and receiving the first measurement result on the third narrowband channel.

[0021] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, the initiator device can send a trigger frame on a different channel to trigger the reporting of measurement results. This greatly increases the robustness of the system. For example, if the measurement results fail to be received on the narrowband channel, the initiator device can send a trigger frame again on another channel to trigger the reporting of measurement results.

[0022] With respect to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first frame includes at least one of the following information: identifier information of the responder device, information indicating the duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the first UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the first UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the first UWB signal, and information indicating the feedback type of the data measurement result.

[0023] The first frame may contain multiple types of information to help the responding device know the transmission status of the first UWB signal for data measurement, and to determine whether the data measurement procedure will be successful based on the transmission status of the first UWB signal.

[0024] Regarding the first aspect, in some implementation forms of the first aspect, the step of transmitting the first UWB signal on the first UWB channel is the step of dividing the first UWB signal into a plurality of first segment signals, where the time length of each first segment signal is less than a first threshold value, and the step of transmitting one first segment signal on the first UWB channel at an interval of the first threshold value.

[0025] Regarding the first aspect, in some implementation forms of the first aspect, the second UWB signal is divided into a plurality of second segment signals, the time length of each second segment signal is less than the first threshold value, and the step of receiving the second UWB signal on the first UWB channel includes the step of receiving one second segment signal on the first UWB channel within the interval between the times for transmitting two adjacent first segment signals.

[0026] The UWB signal is transmitted in segments. This increases the instantaneous power of the transmitted signal, expands the coverage of the signal, and increases the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal received at the receiving end.

[0027] Regarding the first aspect, in some implementation forms of the first aspect, the first trigger frame includes information indicating the content included in the first measurement result and / or information indicating the format of the first measurement result.

[0028] Based on the foregoing technical measures, the reporting of the measurement result may be triggered by using the trigger frame, and since the content and format of the measurement result are further indicated, the responder device reports the required measurement result. This improves the performance of the policy.

[0029] According to the second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be executed by a responder device or may be executed by a component (e.g., a chip or a circuit) of the responder device. This is not limited. For the sake of simplicity of explanation, hereinafter, an example in which the method is executed by the responder device will be used for the explanation.

[0030] The method includes the steps of receiving a first frame on a first narrowband channel, where the first frame is used to trigger data measurement; receiving a first ultra-wideband (UWB) signal on a first UWB channel and transmitting a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, where the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal are used to perform data measurement and obtain data measurement results; and receiving a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel, where the first trigger frame is used to trigger the reporting of a first measurement result and the first measurement result includes all or part of the data measurement results.

[0031] Regarding a second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes receiving first indication information, where the first indication information indicates a narrowband channel for transmitting a trigger frame, the narrowband channel is used to transmit the trigger frame, the trigger frame includes the first trigger frame, and the narrowband channel includes the second narrowband channel.

[0032] Regarding a second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes transmitting a second frame on the first narrowband channel, where the second frame is used to respond to the first frame.

[0033] Regarding a second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second frame includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the duration of the second UWB signal per millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the second UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the second UWB signal, information indicating the overall length of the second UWB signal, or indication information of the measurement period.

[0034] Regarding a second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes transmitting the first measurement result on the second narrowband channel.

[0035] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the first measurement result is part of a data measurement result, the method further includes the steps of: receiving a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, the second trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of a second measurement result; and transmitting the second measurement result on the third narrowband channel, the second measurement result being all or part of the measurement results in the data measurement result other than the first measurement result.

[0036] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the first measurement result is the entirety of the data measurement results, the method further includes the steps of receiving a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, the second trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of the first measurement result, and transmitting the first measurement result on the third narrowband channel.

[0037] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first frame includes at least one of the following information: identifier information of the responder device, information indicating the duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the first UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the first UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the first UWB signal, and information indicating the feedback type of the data measurement result.

[0038] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the step of transmitting a second UWB signal on a first UWB channel includes the steps of dividing the second UWB signal into a plurality of second segment signals, wherein the time length of each second segment signal is less than a first threshold, and transmitting one second segment signal on the first UWB channel at intervals of the first threshold.

[0039] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, a first UWB signal is divided into a plurality of first segment signals, each first segment signal having a time length less than a first threshold, and the step of receiving a first UWB signal on a first UWB channel includes the step of receiving one first segment signal on the first UWB channel within a time interval between times for transmitting two adjacent second segment signals.

[0040] With respect to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first trigger frame includes information indicating the contents of the first measurement result and / or information indicating the format of the first measurement result.

[0041] For the beneficial effects of the methods shown in the second embodiment and the possible designs of the second embodiment, please refer to the beneficial effects in the first embodiment and the possible designs of the first embodiment.

[0042] According to a third embodiment, a communication device is provided. The device is configured to perform the method provided in the first embodiment.

[0043] The apparatus includes a transmitting unit configured to transmit a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement, and the transmitting unit further configured to transmit a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel, and a receiving unit configured to receive a second UWB signal on a first UWB channel, the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal being used to perform a data measurement and obtain data measurement results, wherein the transmitting unit further configured to transmit a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel when the transmission of the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal is complete, the first trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of a first measurement result, the first measurement result including all or part of the data measurement result.

[0044] With respect to a third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit first indicator information, the first indicator information indicating a narrowband channel for transmitting a trigger frame, the narrowband channel is used for transmitting a trigger frame, the trigger frame includes a first trigger frame, and the narrowband channel includes a second narrowband channel.

[0045] With respect to a third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second frame on a first narrowband channel, and the second frame is used to respond to the first frame.

[0046] With respect to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the second frame includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the duration of the second UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the second UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the second UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the second UWB signal, or information indicating the measurement period.

[0047] With respect to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the receiving unit is further configured to receive the first measurement result on a second narrowband channel.

[0048] With respect to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the first measurement result is part of the data measurement result, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, the second trigger frame is used to trigger the reporting of a second measurement result, and the receiving unit is further configured to receive the second measurement result on the third narrowband channel, the second measurement result being all or part of the measurement results in the data measurement result other than the first measurement result.

[0049] With respect to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the first measurement result is the entirety of the data measurement results, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, the second trigger frame is used to trigger the reporting of the first measurement result, and the receiving unit is further configured to receive the first measurement result on the third narrowband channel.

[0050] With respect to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first frame includes at least one of the following information: identifier information of the responder device, information indicating the duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the first UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the first UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the first UWB signal, and information indicating the feedback type of the data measurement result.

[0051] With respect to a third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the device further includes a processing unit configured to divide a first UWB signal into a plurality of first segment signals, each first segment signal having a time length less than a first threshold, and the transmitting unit transmitting a first UWB signal on a first UWB channel includes the transmitting unit transmitting one first segment signal on the first UWB channel at intervals of a first threshold.

[0052] With respect to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the second UWB signal is divided into a plurality of second segment signals, each second segment signal having a time length less than a first threshold, and the receiving unit receiving the second UWB signal on the first UWB channel includes the receiving unit receiving one second segment signal on the first UWB channel within a time interval between the time intervals for the transmitting unit to transmit two adjacent first segment signals.

[0053] With respect to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first trigger frame includes information indicating the contents of the first measurement result and / or information indicating the format of the first measurement result.

[0054] For the beneficial effects of the methods shown in the third aspect and the possible designs of the third aspect, please refer to the beneficial effects in the first aspect and the possible designs of the first aspect.

[0055] According to a fourth embodiment, a communication device is provided. The device is configured to perform the method provided in the second embodiment.

[0056] The apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement, and the receiving unit further configured to receive a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit a second UWB signal on a first UWB channel, the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal being used to perform a data measurement and obtain data measurement results, wherein the receiving unit further configured to receive a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel, the first trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of a first measurement result, the first measurement result including all or part of the data measurement result.

[0057] With respect to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the receiving unit is further configured to receive first indicator information, the first indicator information indicates a narrowband channel for transmitting a trigger frame, the narrowband channel is used for transmitting a trigger frame, the trigger frame includes a first trigger frame, and the narrowband channel includes a second narrowband channel.

[0058] With respect to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a second frame on the first narrowband channel, the second frame being used in response to the first frame.

[0059] With respect to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second frame includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the duration of the second UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the second UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the second UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the second UWB signal, or information indicating the measurement period.

[0060] With respect to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit the first measurement result on a second narrowband channel.

[0061] With respect to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, when the first measurement result is part of the data measurement result, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, the second trigger frame is used to trigger the reporting of a second measurement result, and the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a second measurement result on the third narrowband channel, the second measurement result being all or part of the data measurement result other than the first measurement result.

[0062] With respect to a fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, when the first measurement result is the entirety of the data measurement results, the apparatus further includes being configured such that a receiving unit receives a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, the second trigger frame is used to trigger the reporting of the first measurement result, and a transmitting unit transmits the first measurement result on a third narrowband channel.

[0063] With respect to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first frame includes at least one of the following information: identifier information of the responder device, information indicating the duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the first UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the first UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the first UWB signal, and information indicating the feedback type of the data measurement result.

[0064] With respect to a fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the device further includes a processing unit configured to divide a second UWB signal into a plurality of second segment signals, each second segment signal having a time length less than a first threshold, and the transmitting unit transmitting the second UWB signal on a first UWB channel includes the transmitting unit transmitting one second segment signal on the first UWB channel at intervals of the first threshold.

[0065] With respect to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, a first UWB signal is divided into a plurality of first segment signals, each first segment signal having a time length less than a first threshold, and the receiving unit receiving a first UWB signal on a first UWB channel includes the receiving unit receiving one first segment signal on the first UWB channel within a time interval between times for the transmitting unit to transmit two adjacent second segment signals.

[0066] With respect to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first trigger frame includes information indicating the contents of the first measurement result and / or information indicating the format of the first measurement result.

[0067] For the beneficial effects of the apparatus shown in the fourth embodiment and possible designs of the fourth embodiment, please refer to the beneficial effects in the second embodiment and possible designs of the second embodiment.

[0068] According to the communication method provided in the first and second embodiments, after the measurement procedure is completed, a trigger frame is sent to trigger a measurement result reporting procedure. This avoids reporting failures when the measurement results are reported directly. The present application provides yet another communication method. In a data measurement process, to assist in reporting measurement results by several responder devices that cannot provide feedback of measurement results in a timely manner, a trigger frame is sent to trigger a procedure to report the measurement results of the previous measurement cycle. The communication method is described below with respect to the fifth and sixth embodiments.

[0069] According to a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be performed by an initiator device or by a component of the initiator device (e.g., a chip or circuit), but is not limited to this. For simplicity of explanation, an example in which the method is performed by an initiator device is used below for illustrative purposes.

[0070] The method includes the steps of: transmitting a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement in a first period; transmitting a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel and receiving a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal being used to perform a data measurement and obtain data measurement results; and transmitting a third trigger frame on the first narrowband channel when transmitting the first UWB signal, the third trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of a third measurement result, the third measurement result including all or part of the data measurement results in a second period, the second period being a measurement period prior to the first period.

[0071] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, the initiator device triggers a data measurement, completes the data measurement based on the first and second UWB signals, and obtains the data measurement results. In addition, during the transmission process of the first and second UWB signals, a third trigger frame is sent to trigger a procedure to report the measurement results of another period prior to the current measurement period, and the reporting of the measurement results of the previous period is triggered in the current measurement period. This helps responder devices that have not yet completed reporting the measurement results of the previous period to report the measurement results.

[0072] With respect to the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes the step of transmitting a second indicator information, the second indicator information indicating a narrowband channel for transmitting a trigger frame, the narrowband channel being used for transmitting a trigger frame, the trigger frame comprising a third trigger frame, and the narrowband channel comprising a first narrowband channel.

[0073] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, in order to enable the responder device to correctly receive the third trigger frame, a corresponding narrowband channel for transmitting the trigger frame used to trigger the measurement result reporting procedure may be pre-negotiated using second indicator information.

[0074] With respect to the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes the step of receiving a second frame on a first narrowband channel, the second frame being used in response to the first frame.

[0075] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, the initiator device may decide that a data measurement can be performed when it receives a second frame, which is fed back by the responder device in response to the first frame. This ensures that the data measurement is successful.

[0076] With respect to the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the second frame includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the duration of the second UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the second UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the second UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the second UWB signal, or information indicating the measurement period.

[0077] The second frame may contain multiple types of information to help the initiator device know the transmission status of the second UWB signal for data measurement and to determine whether the data measurement procedure will be successful based on the transmission status of the second UWB signal.

[0078] With respect to the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes the step of receiving a third measurement result on a first narrowband channel.

[0079] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, the initiator device transmits a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel, which is used to trigger the reporting of the first measurement result, and the responder device reports the first measurement result on the narrowband channel in a timely manner to receive the first trigger frame. This ensures the validity of the reporting of the first measurement result.

[0080] With respect to the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the third measurement result is part of the data measurement results in the second period, and the method further includes the steps of: transmitting a fourth trigger frame on a first narrowband channel, which is used to trigger a responder device to report a fourth measurement result; and receiving a fourth measurement result on the first narrowband channel, wherein the fourth measurement result is all or part of the measurement results in the data measurement results in the second period other than the third measurement result.

[0081] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, measurement results can be reported in segments. That is, each trigger frame sent may specify a portion of the measurement results for reporting, and the responding device does not need to feed back all of the measurement results at once. When the amount of measurement data is large, the efficiency and reliability of feedback can be substantially improved, and the flexibility of the measures can be enhanced.

[0082] With respect to the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the third measurement result is all of the data measurement results in the second period, and the method further includes the steps of: transmitting a fourth trigger frame on a first narrowband channel to a responder device, the fourth trigger frame being used to trigger the responder device to report the third measurement result; and receiving the third measurement result on the first narrowband channel.

[0083] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, the initiator device can send a trigger frame on a different channel to trigger the reporting of the measurement results from the previous period. This greatly increases the robustness of the system. For example, if the measurement results from the previous period fail to be received on the narrowband channel, the initiator device can send a trigger frame again on another channel to trigger the reporting of the measurement results from the previous period.

[0084] With respect to the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first frame includes at least one of the following information: identifier information of the responder device, information indicating the duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the first UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the first UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the first UWB signal, and information indicating the feedback type of the data measurement result.

[0085] The first frame may contain multiple types of information to help the responding device know the transmission status of the first UWB signal for data measurement, and to determine whether the data measurement procedure will be successful based on the transmission status of the first UWB signal.

[0086] With respect to the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the step of transmitting a first UWB signal on a first UWB channel includes the steps of dividing the first UWB signal into a plurality of first segment signals, wherein the time length of each first segment signal is less than a first threshold, and transmitting one first segment signal on the first UWB channel at intervals of the first threshold.

[0087] With respect to the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the second UWB signal is divided into a plurality of second segment signals, each second segment signal having a time length less than a first threshold, and the step of receiving the second UWB signal on the first UWB channel includes the step of receiving one second segment signal on the first UWB channel within a time interval between times for transmitting two adjacent first segment signals.

[0088] UWB signals are transmitted in segments. This increases the instantaneous power of the transmitted signal, expands signal coverage, and improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal received at the receiving end.

[0089] With respect to the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the third trigger frame includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the contents of the third measurement result, information indicating the format of the third measurement result, or information indicating the second period.

[0090] Based on the aforementioned technical policy, the reporting of measurement results from the previous period may be triggered by using a trigger frame, which further indicates the content and format of the measurement results, so that the responding device reports the requested measurement results. This improves the performance of the policy.

[0091] According to a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be performed by a responder device or by a component of the responder device (e.g., a chip or circuit), but is not limited to this. For simplicity of explanation, the following example uses the method performed by a responder device.

[0092] The method includes the steps of: receiving a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement in a first period; receiving a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel and transmitting a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal being used to perform a data measurement and obtain data measurement results; and receiving a third trigger frame on the first narrowband channel when receiving the first UWB signal, the third trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of a third measurement result, the third measurement result including all or part of the data measurement results in a second period, the second period being a measurement period prior to the first period.

[0093] With respect to the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the method further includes the step of receiving a second indicator information, the second indicator information indicating a narrowband channel for transmitting a trigger frame, the trigger frame including a third trigger frame, and the narrowband channel including a first narrowband channel.

[0094] With respect to the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the method further includes the step of transmitting a second frame over a first narrowband channel, the second frame being used in response to the first frame.

[0095] With respect to the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the second frame includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the duration of the second UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the second UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the second UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the second UWB signal, or information indicating the measurement period.

[0096] With respect to the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the method further includes the step of transmitting a third measurement result over a first narrowband channel.

[0097] With respect to the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the third measurement result is part of the data measurement results in the second period, and the method further includes the steps of: receiving a fourth trigger frame on a first narrowband channel, which is used to trigger a responder device to report a fourth measurement result; and transmitting a fourth measurement result on the first narrowband channel, wherein the fourth measurement result is all or part of the measurement results in the data measurement results in the second period other than the third measurement result.

[0098] With respect to the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the third measurement result is all of the data measurement results in the second period, and the method further includes the steps of receiving a fourth trigger frame on a first narrowband channel, which is used to trigger a responder device to report the third measurement result, and transmitting the third measurement result on the first narrowband channel.

[0099] With respect to the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the first frame includes at least one of the following information: identifier information of the responder device, information indicating the duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the first UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the first UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the first UWB signal, and information indicating the feedback type of the data measurement result.

[0100] With respect to the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the step of transmitting a second UWB signal on a first UWB channel includes the steps of dividing the second UWB signal into a plurality of second segment signals, wherein the time length of each second segment signal is less than a first threshold, and transmitting one second segment signal on the first UWB channel at intervals of the first threshold.

[0101] With respect to the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, a first UWB signal is divided into a plurality of first segment signals, each first segment signal having a time length less than a first threshold, and the step of receiving a first UWB signal on a first UWB channel includes the step of receiving one first segment signal on the first UWB channel within a time interval between times for transmitting two adjacent second segment signals.

[0102] With respect to the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the third trigger frame includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the contents of the third measurement result, information indicating the format of the third measurement result, or information indicating the second period.

[0103] For the beneficial effects of the methods shown in the sixth aspect and the possible designs of the sixth aspect, please refer to the beneficial effects in the fifth aspect and the possible designs of the fifth aspect.

[0104] According to a seventh embodiment, a communication device is provided. The device is configured to perform a method provided in a fifth embodiment.

[0105] The apparatus includes a transmitting unit configured to transmit a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement in a first period, and the transmitting unit further configured to transmit a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel, and a receiving unit configured to receive a second UWB signal on a first UWB channel, the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal being used to perform a data measurement and obtain data measurement results, wherein the transmitting unit further configured to transmit a third trigger frame on the first narrowband channel when transmitting the first UWB signal, the third trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of a third measurement result, the third measurement result comprising all or part of the data measurement results in a second period, the second period being a measurement period prior to the first period.

[0106] With respect to the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a second indicator information, the second indicator information indicating a narrowband channel for transmitting a trigger frame, the narrowband channel is used for transmitting a trigger frame, the trigger frame includes a third trigger frame, and the narrowband channel includes a first narrowband channel.

[0107] With respect to the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second frame on the first narrowband channel, and the second frame is used to respond to the first frame.

[0108] With respect to the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the second frame includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the duration of the second UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the second UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the second UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the second UWB signal, or information indicating the measurement period.

[0109] With respect to the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a third measurement result on a first narrowband channel.

[0110] With respect to the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the third measurement result is part of the data measurement results in the second cycle, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a fourth trigger frame on the first narrowband channel, the fourth trigger frame is used to trigger the reporting of a fourth measurement result, and the receiving unit is further configured to receive the fourth measurement result on the first narrowband channel, the fourth measurement result is all or part of the measurement results in the data measurement results in the second cycle other than the third measurement result.

[0111] With respect to the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the third measurement result is all of the data measurement results in the second period, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a fourth trigger frame on the first narrowband channel, the fourth trigger frame is used to trigger the reporting of the third measurement result, and the receiving unit is further configured to receive the third measurement result on the first narrowband channel.

[0112] With respect to the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the first frame includes at least one of the following information: identifier information of the responder device, information indicating the duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the first UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the first UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the first UWB signal, and information indicating the feedback type of the data measurement result.

[0113] With respect to the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the device further includes a processing unit configured to divide a first UWB signal into a plurality of first segment signals, each first segment signal having a time length less than a first threshold, and the transmitting unit transmitting a first UWB signal on a first UWB channel includes the transmitting unit transmitting one first segment signal on the first UWB channel at intervals of the first threshold.

[0114] With respect to the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the second UWB signal is divided into a plurality of second segment signals, each second segment signal having a time length less than a first threshold, and the receiving unit receiving the second UWB signal on the first UWB channel includes the receiving unit receiving one second segment signal on the first UWB channel within a time interval between the time intervals for the transmitting unit to transmit two adjacent first segment signals.

[0115] With respect to the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the third trigger frame includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the contents of the third measurement result, information indicating the format of the third measurement result, or information indicating the second period.

[0116] For the beneficial effects of the methods shown in the seventh aspect and the possible designs of the seventh aspect, please refer to the beneficial effects in the fifth aspect and the possible designs of the fifth aspect.

[0117] According to the eighth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device is configured to perform a method provided in the sixth aspect.

[0118] The apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement in a first period, and the receiving unit further configured to receive a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit a second UWB signal on a first UWB channel, the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal being used to perform a data measurement and obtain data measurement results, wherein the receiving unit further configured to receive a third trigger frame on the first narrowband channel when it receives the first UWB signal, the third trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of a third measurement result, the third measurement result comprising all or part of the data measurement results in a second period, the second period being a measurement period prior to the first period.

[0119] With respect to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second indicator information, the second indicator information indicating a narrowband channel for transmitting a trigger frame, the trigger frame includes a third trigger frame, and the narrowband channel includes a first narrowband channel.

[0120] With respect to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a second frame on the first narrowband channel, the second frame being used in response to the first frame.

[0121] With respect to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the second frame includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the duration of the second UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the second UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the second UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the second UWB signal, or information indicating the measurement period.

[0122] With respect to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a third measurement result over a first narrowband channel.

[0123] With respect to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the third measurement result is part of the data measurement results in the second cycle, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a fourth trigger frame on the first narrowband channel, the fourth trigger frame is used to trigger a responder device to report a fourth measurement result, and the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a fourth measurement result on the first narrowband channel, the fourth measurement result being all or part of the data measurement results in the second cycle other than the third measurement result.

[0124] With respect to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the third measurement result is all of the data measurement results in the second period, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a fourth trigger frame on the first narrowband channel, the fourth trigger frame is used to trigger a responder device to report the third measurement result, and the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit the third measurement result on the first narrowband channel.

[0125] With respect to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the first frame includes at least one of the following information: identifier information of the responder device, information indicating the duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the first UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments of the first UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the first UWB signal, and information indicating the feedback type of the data measurement result.

[0126] With respect to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the device further includes a processing unit configured to divide a second UWB signal into a plurality of second segment signals, each second segment signal having a time length less than a first threshold, and the transmitting unit transmitting the second UWB signal on a first UWB channel includes the transmitting unit transmitting one second segment signal on the first UWB channel at intervals of the first threshold.

[0127] With respect to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, a first UWB signal is divided into a plurality of first segment signals, each first segment signal having a time length less than a first threshold, and the receiving unit receiving a first UWB signal on a first UWB channel includes the receiving unit receiving one first segment signal on the first UWB channel within a time interval between times for the transmitting unit to transmit two adjacent second segment signals.

[0128] With respect to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the third trigger frame includes at least one of the following information: information indicating the contents of the third measurement result, information indicating the format of the third measurement result, or information indicating the second period.

[0129] For the beneficial effects of the apparatus shown in the eighth aspect and possible designs of the eighth aspect, please refer to the beneficial effects in the sixth aspect and possible designs of the sixth aspect.

[0130] According to the ninth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device is configured to perform a method provided in the first or fifth aspect. Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules configured to perform a method provided in the aforementioned implementations of the first or fifth aspect, for example, in either a processing unit or an acquisition unit.

[0131] In some implementations, the transceiver unit may be a transceiver or an input / output interface, and the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0132] In other implementations, the transceiver unit may be a chip, chip system, or an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, associated circuit, etc. on a circuit, and the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, logic circuit, etc.

[0133] According to a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device is configured to perform a method provided in a second or sixth aspect. Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules configured to perform a method provided in a second or sixth aspect, for example, in a processing unit and an acquisition unit.

[0134] In some implementations, the transceiver unit may be a transceiver or an input / output interface, and the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0135] In other implementations, the transceiver unit may be a chip, chip system, or an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, associated circuit, etc. on a circuit, and the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, logic circuit, etc.

[0136] According to an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a processor configured to perform the method provided in the above-described aspects.

[0137] Unless otherwise specified, or unless the operation is inconsistent with the actual function or internal logic of the operation in the relevant description, the operations of the processor, such as transmission and reception or input, may be understood as the operations of the processor, such as transmission and reception, or the operations of high-frequency circuits and antennas. This is not limited to the present application.

[0138] According to the twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores program code to be executed by a device, and the program code is used to execute a method provided in any one of the implementation forms of the first, second, fifth, and sixth aspects.

[0139] According to the 13th aspect, a computer program product including instructions is provided. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, the computer is made capable of performing the method provided in any one of the implementations of the first, second, fifth, and sixth aspects.

[0140] According to the fourteenth aspect, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in memory through the communication interface to perform a method provided in any one of the implementations of the first, second, fifth, and sixth aspects.

[0141] Optionally, in certain implementations, the chip further includes memory. The memory stores computer programs or instructions. The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory. When a computer program or instruction is executed, the processor is configured to perform the method provided in any one of the implementations of the first, second, fifth, and sixth embodiments.

[0142] According to the 15th aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a communication device according to the third aspect and a communication device according to the fourth aspect, or a communication device according to the seventh aspect and a communication device according to the eighth aspect.

[0143] One embodiment of this application further provides a communication method. In a scenario of UWB measurement data supported by a narrowband protocol, after an initiator device sends a first frame that triggers a data measurement to trigger the current round of measurements, a responder device reports the measurement report of the previous round by responding to a second frame of the first frame. This substantially simplifies the narrowband interaction procedure and reduces air interface transmission time.

[0144] According to the sixteenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be performed by an initiator device or by a component of the initiator device (e.g., a chip or circuit), but is not limited to this. For simplicity of explanation, an example in which the method is performed by an initiator device is used below for illustrative purposes.

[0145] The method includes the steps of: transmitting a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement in a third period and to trigger feedback of the data measurement results in a fourth period; and receiving a second frame on the first narrowband channel, the second frame being used to respond to the first frame, the second frame including a fifth measurement result, the fifth measurement result including all or part of the data measurement results in a fourth period, and the fourth period being the measurement period preceding the third period.

[0146] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, delayed feedback of measurement reports is supported. After the transmitting end device sends a first frame to trigger data measurements in order to trigger the current round of measurements, the responding device reports the measurement report for the previous round by responding to a second frame of the first frame. This substantially simplifies the narrowband interaction procedure and reduces air interface transmission time.

[0147] With respect to the 16th aspect, in some implementations of the 16th aspect, the method further includes the steps of failing to obtain a fifth measurement result from a second frame, retransmitting the first frame on a first narrowband channel, and re-receiving a second frame on the first narrowband channel in response to the first frame, wherein the second frame includes a fifth measurement result.

[0148] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, the interaction procedure between the first and second frames may be repeated multiple times to address cases where the acquisition of the fifth measurement result fails.

[0149] With respect to the 16th aspect, in some implementations of the 16th aspect, when the fifth measurement result includes a first portion of the data measurement result in the fourth period, the method further includes the steps of retransmitting a first frame on a first narrowband channel and re-receiving a third frame on the first narrowband channel in response to the first frame, the third frame including a sixth measurement result, the sixth measurement result including a second portion of the data measurement result in the fourth period.

[0150] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, the data measurement results in the fourth cycle may be transmitted in the segment, and a portion of the measurement results is triggered to be acquired each time.

[0151] With respect to the 16th aspect, in some implementations of the 16th aspect, the method further includes the steps of transmitting a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel and receiving a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, wherein the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal are used to perform a data measurement to obtain the data measurement results in a third period.

[0152] According to the seventeenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be performed by a responder device or by a component of the responder device (e.g., a chip or circuit), but is not limited to this. For simplicity of explanation, the following examples will use the method performed by a responder device for illustrative purposes.

[0153] The method includes the steps of: receiving a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement in a third period and to trigger feedback of the data measurement results in a fourth period; and transmitting a second frame on the first narrowband channel, the second frame being used to respond to the first frame, the second frame including a fifth measurement result, the fifth measurement result including all or part of the data measurement results in a fourth period, and the fourth period being the measurement period preceding the third period.

[0154] With respect to the 17th aspect, in some implementations of the 17th aspect, when transmission of the fifth measurement result fails, the method further includes the steps of re-receiving the first frame on the first narrowband channel and re-transmitting a second frame on the first narrowband channel in response to the first frame, the second frame including the fifth measurement result.

[0155] With respect to the 17th aspect, in some implementations of the 17th aspect, if the fifth measurement result includes a first portion of the data measurement result in the fourth period, the method further includes the steps of re-receiving a first frame on a first narrowband channel and re-transmitting a third frame on the first narrowband channel in response to the first frame, the third frame including a sixth measurement result, the sixth measurement result including a second portion of the data measurement result in the fourth period.

[0156] With respect to the 17th aspect, in some implementations of the 17th aspect, the method further includes the steps of receiving a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel and transmitting a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal being used to perform a data measurement and obtain the data measurement results in a third cycle.

[0157] For the beneficial effects of the methods shown in the 17th aspect and the possible designs of the 17th aspect, please refer to the beneficial effects in the 16th aspect and the possible designs of the 16th aspect.

[0158] According to the 18th embodiment, a communication device is provided. The device is configured to perform a method provided in the 16th embodiment.

[0159] The apparatus includes a transmitting unit configured to transmit a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement in a third period and to trigger feedback of the data measurement results in a fourth period; and a receiving unit configured to receive a second frame on the first narrowband channel, the second frame being used to respond to the first frame, the second frame including a fifth measurement result, the fifth measurement result including all or part of the data measurement results in a fourth period, and the fourth period being the measurement period preceding the third period.

[0160] With respect to the 18th aspect, in some implementations of the 18th aspect, the apparatus further includes a processing unit configured to determine that it fails to obtain a fifth measurement result from a second frame. A transmitting unit is further configured to retransmit a first frame over a first narrowband channel, and a receiving unit is further configured to re-receive a second frame on the first narrowband channel in response to the first frame, the second frame containing a fifth measurement result.

[0161] With respect to the 18th aspect, in some implementations of the 18th aspect, if the fifth measurement result includes a first portion of the data measurement result in the fourth period, the transmitting unit is further configured to retransmit the first frame on the first narrowband channel, and the receiving unit is further configured to rereceive a third frame in response to the first frame on the first narrowband channel, the third frame including a sixth measurement result, the sixth measurement result including a second portion of the data measurement result in the fourth period.

[0162] With respect to the 18th embodiment, in some implementations of the 18th embodiment, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel, and the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, and the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal are used to perform data measurements and obtain data measurement results in a third cycle.

[0163] According to the 19th embodiment, a communication device is provided. The device is configured to perform a method provided in the 17th embodiment.

[0164] The apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement in a third period and to trigger feedback of the data measurement results in a fourth period; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit a second frame on the first narrowband channel, the second frame being used to respond to the first frame, the second frame including a fifth measurement result, the fifth measurement result including all or part of the data measurement results in a fourth period, and the fourth period being the measurement period preceding the third period.

[0165] With respect to the 19th aspect, in some implementations of the 19th aspect, when transmission of the fifth measurement result fails, the receiving unit is further configured to re-receive the first frame on the first narrowband channel, and the transmitting unit is configured to re-transmit a second frame on the first narrowband channel in response to the first frame, the second frame containing the fifth measurement result.

[0166] With respect to the 19th aspect, in some implementations of the 19th aspect, if the fifth measurement result includes a first portion of the data measurement result in the fourth period, the receiving unit is further configured to re-receive the first frame on the first narrowband channel, and the transmitting unit is further configured to re-transmit a third frame in response to the first frame on the first narrowband channel, the third frame including a sixth measurement result, the sixth measurement result including a second portion of the data measurement result in the fourth period.

[0167] With respect to the 19th embodiment, in some implementations of the 19th embodiment, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel, and the transmitting unit is configured to transmit a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, and the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal are used to perform data measurements and obtain data measurement results in a third cycle.

[0168] For the beneficial effects of the apparatus shown in the 19th aspect and possible designs of the 19th aspect, please refer to the beneficial effects in the 18th aspect and possible designs of the 18th aspect.

[0169] According to the 20th aspect, a communication device is provided. The device is configured to perform the method provided in the 16th aspect. Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules configured to perform the method provided in the aforementioned implementation of the 16th aspect, for example, in either a processing unit or an acquisition unit.

[0170] In some implementations, the transceiver unit may be a transceiver or an input / output interface, and the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0171] In other implementations, the transceiver unit may be a chip, chip system, or an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, associated circuit, etc. on a circuit, and the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, logic circuit, etc.

[0172] According to the 21st aspect, a communication device is provided. The device is configured to perform the method provided in the 17th aspect. Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules configured to perform the method provided in the 17th aspect, such as a processing unit and an acquisition unit.

[0173] In some implementations, the transceiver unit may be a transceiver or an input / output interface, and the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0174] In other implementations, the transceiver unit may be a chip, chip system, or an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, associated circuit, etc. on a circuit, and the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, logic circuit, etc.

[0175] According to a 22nd aspect, the present application provides a processor configured to perform the method provided in the preceding aspects.

[0176] Unless otherwise specified, or unless the operation is inconsistent with the actual function or internal logic of the operation in the relevant description, the operations of the processor, such as transmission and reception or input, may be understood as the operations of the processor, such as transmission and reception, or the operations of high-frequency circuits and antennas. This is not limited to the present application.

[0177] According to the 23rd aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores program code to be executed by a device, and the program code is used to execute a method provided in either the 16th or 17th implementation.

[0178] According to the 24th aspect, a computer program product including instructions is provided. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, the computer is made capable of performing the method provided in either the 16th or 17th aspect implementation.

[0179] According to the 25th aspect, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in memory through the communication interface to perform a method provided in either one of the embodiments of the 16th or 17th aspect.

[0180] Optionally, in certain implementations, the chip further includes memory. The memory stores computer programs or instructions. The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory. When a computer program or instruction is executed, the processor is configured to perform the method provided in either the 16th or 17th implementation.

[0181] According to the 26th aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a communication device according to the 18th aspect and a communication device according to the 19th aspect.

[0182] One embodiment of this application further provides a communication method. In a scenario of narrowband protocol-assisted UWB measurement data, parameter settings in the measurement procedure are negotiated.

[0183] According to the 27th aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be performed by an initiator device or by a component of the initiator device (e.g., a chip or circuit), but is not limited to this. For simplicity of explanation, an example in which the method is performed by an initiator device is used below for illustrative purposes.

[0184] The method includes the steps of: transmitting a fourth frame on a first narrowband channel, wherein the fourth frame represents parameters in a negotiation measurement procedure and includes parameters supported by the initiator device; and receiving a fifth frame on the first narrowband channel, wherein the fifth frame is used to respond to the fourth frame and includes parameters supported by the responder device and the initiator device.

[0185] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, in the scenario of narrowband protocol-assisted UWB measurement data, the parameters in the measurement procedure can be negotiated by using the fourth and fifth frames through a handshake.

[0186] In relation to the 27th aspect, in some implementations of the 27th aspect, the method further includes the step of transmitting a sixth frame on a first narrowband channel after receiving a fifth frame, the sixth frame instructing that a measurement be started a first duration after the sixth frame.

[0187] With respect to the 27th aspect, in some implementations of the 27th aspect, the parameters in the measurement procedure include at least one of initial channel information, UWB measurement channel information, or physical layer velocity information.

[0188] According to the 28th aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be performed by a responder device or by a component of the responder device (e.g., a chip or circuit), but is not limited to this. For simplicity of explanation, the following examples will use the method performed by a responder device for illustrative purposes.

[0189] The method includes the steps of: receiving a fourth frame on a first narrowband channel, wherein the fourth frame represents parameters in a negotiation measurement procedure and includes parameters supported by the initiator device; and transmitting a fifth frame on the first narrowband channel, wherein the fifth frame is used to respond to the fourth frame and includes parameters supported by the responder device and the initiator device.

[0190] In relation to the 28th aspect, in some implementations of the 28th aspect, the method further includes the step of receiving a sixth frame on a first narrowband channel after transmitting a fifth frame, the sixth frame instructing that a measurement be started a first duration after the sixth frame.

[0191] With respect to the 28th aspect, in some implementations of the 28th aspect, the parameters in the measurement procedure include at least one of initial channel information, UWB measurement channel information, or physical layer velocity information.

[0192] According to the 29th aspect, a communication device is provided. The device is configured to perform the method provided in the 27th aspect. Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules configured to perform the method provided in the aforementioned implementation of the 27th aspect, for example, in either a processing unit or an acquisition unit.

[0193] In some implementations, the transceiver unit may be a transceiver or an input / output interface, and the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0194] In other implementations, the transceiver unit may be a chip, chip system, or an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, associated circuit, etc. on a circuit, and the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, logic circuit, etc.

[0195] According to the 30th aspect, a communication device is provided. The device is configured to perform the method provided in the 28th aspect. Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules configured to perform the method provided in the 28th aspect, such as a processing unit and an acquisition unit.

[0196] In some implementations, the transceiver unit may be a transceiver or an input / output interface, and the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0197] In other implementations, the transceiver unit may be a chip, chip system, or an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, associated circuit, etc. on a circuit, and the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, logic circuit, etc.

[0198] According to a 31st aspect, the present application provides a processor configured to perform the method provided in the above-described aspects.

[0199] Unless otherwise specified, or unless the operation is inconsistent with the actual function or internal logic of the operation in the relevant description, the operations of the processor, such as transmission and reception or input, may be understood as the operations of the processor, such as transmission and reception, or the operations of high-frequency circuits and antennas. This is not limited to the present application.

[0200] According to the 32nd aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores program code to be executed by a device, and the program code is used to execute a method provided in either the implementation of the 27th or 28th aspect.

[0201] According to the 33rd aspect, a computer program product including instructions is provided. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, the computer is made capable of performing the method provided in either the implementation of the 27th aspect or the 28th aspect.

[0202] According to the 34th aspect, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in memory through the communication interface to perform a method provided in either one of the embodiments of the 27th or 28th aspect.

[0203] Optionally, in a certain implementation, the chip further includes memory. The memory stores computer programs or instructions. The processor is configured to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When a computer program or instruction is executed, the processor is configured to perform the method provided in either the implementation of the 27th or 28th embodiment.

[0204] According to the 35th aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a communication device according to the 29th aspect and a communication device according to the 30th aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0205] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating two application scenarios based on this application. [Figure 2] (a) A diagram of a UWB signal according to one embodiment of the present application. (b) A diagram of the architecture of a distance measuring / positioning system according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of a UWB distance measurement method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 4] This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 5] This is a diagram of the transmission time series corresponding to a first trigger frame according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] This is a diagram of the transmission time series corresponding to a third trigger frame according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] This is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the frame transmission time series according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] This is a schematic flowchart of yet another communication method according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10](a) A diagram of the frame transmission time series according to one embodiment of the present application. (b) A diagram of the PPDU according to one embodiment of the present application. (c) A diagram of the symbol-to-chip mapping according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0206] The following describes the technical approach of this application with respect to the attached drawings.

[0207] The embodiments of this application are applicable to wireless personal area networks (WPANs) based on ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. Currently, the standard for WPANs is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15 series. WPANs are used for communication between short-range digital auxiliary devices such as telephones, computers, and auxiliary devices, and the operating range of a WPAN is usually within 10 meters. Technologies that support wireless personal area networks include Bluetooth, ZigBee, ultra-wideband, IrDA infrared connectivity technology, and HomeRF. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various aspects of this application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), High Performance Radio LANs (HIPERLANs) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard, mainly used in Europe), Wide Area Networks (WANs), or other networks currently known or to be developed. From a network composition standpoint, WPAN can be considered a short-range wireless communication network, situated at the lowest layer of the overall network architecture and intended for short-range wireless connections between devices, i.e., point-to-point short-range connections. Based on various application scenarios, WPAN can be further classified into high-rate (HR)-WPAN and low-rate (low-rate)-WPAN. HR-WPAN can be used to support a variety of high-speed multimedia applications, including the delivery of high-quality sound and images, and the transmission of music and image documents of several megabytes. LR-WPAN may be for general services in daily life.

[0208] In WPAN, devices can be classified into full-function devices (FFDs) and reduced-function devices (RFDs) based on their communication capabilities. FFD devices can communicate with each other, and FFD devices and RFD devices can communicate with each other. RFD devices cannot communicate directly with each other, but can communicate only with FFD devices, or can transfer data externally through one FFD device. An FFD device associated with an RFD is called an RFD coordinator. RFD devices are primarily intended for simple control applications, such as light switches and passive infrared sensors. Small amounts of data are transmitted, and small amounts of transmission and communication resources are occupied. Therefore, the cost of RFD devices is low. Coordinators are sometimes also called personal area network (PAN) coordinators or central control nodes. A PAN coordinator is the main control node for the entire network, and each ad-hoc network may have only one PAN coordinator, which has member identifier information management, link information management, and packet forwarding functions. Optionally, the device in the embodiments of this application may be a device that supports multiple WPAN standards, such as 802.15.4a, 802.15.4z, and the version currently discussed or later.

[0209] In the embodiments of this application, the device may be a communication server, router, switch, bridge, computer, mobile phone, home smart device, in-vehicle communication device, etc.

[0210] In embodiments of this application, the device includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system is any one or more types of computer operating systems that perform the processing of services through processes, for example, 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 implementer of the method provided in embodiments of this application is not particularly limited in embodiments of this application, insofar as a program that records the code of the method provided in embodiments of this application can be executed to perform communication according to the method provided in embodiments of this application. For example, the method provided in embodiments of this application may be executed by an FFD or RFD, or by a functional module that can call and execute a program in an FFD or RFD.

[0211] In addition, aspects or features of this application may be implemented as methods, apparatus, or products using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. As used in this application, the term “product” includes computer programs that can be accessed from any computer-readable component, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, magnetic storage components (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (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). In addition, the 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 that can store, store, and / or carry instructions and / or data.

[0212] Alternatively, embodiments of this application are applicable to wireless local area network systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle to Everything (V2X). Naturally, embodiments of this application are also 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 systems (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems, and future 6th generation (6G) communication systems.

[0213] The aforementioned communication systems applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples and are not limited to those applicable to this application. This is uniformly described herein and further details are not described below.

[0214] Figure 1 illustrates two application scenarios according to this application. In system 101 shown in Figure 1(A), multiple FFD devices and multiple RFD devices form a communication system with a star topology, such that one FFD is the PAN controller. In a communication system with a star topology, the PAN controller performs data transmission with one or more other devices, in other words, a one-to-many or many-to-one data transmission architecture can be established among multiple devices. In system 102 shown in Figure 1(B), multiple FFD devices and one RFD device form a communication system with a peer-to-peer topology, such that one FFD is the PAN controller. In a communication system with a peer-to-peer topology, a many-to-many data transmission architecture can be established among multiple different devices.

[0215] It should be understood that Figures 1(A) and 1(B) are simplified diagrams for ease of understanding and do not impose any constraints on the application scenarios of this application. For example, system 101 and / or system 102 may further include other FFDs and / or other RFDs.

[0216] To facilitate understanding of the technical measures of the embodiments of this application, some terms or concepts that may be used in the embodiments of this application will first be briefly explained.

[0217] 1. UWB Technology: UWB technology is a wireless carrier communication technology that uses narrow, non-sinusoidal impulses at the nanosecond level to transmit data, occupying a wide spectral range. Due to the extremely narrow impulses and very low radio spectral density of UWB systems, UWB systems have advantages such as strong multipath resolution, low power consumption, and high confidentiality, leading to coexistence with other systems, thereby improving spectral utilization and system capacity.

[0218] Since the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the introduction of UWB technology into the consumer sector in 2002, ultra-wideband wireless communication has become one of the common physical layer technologies for short-range and high-speed wireless networks. Many globally renowned companies, research institutions, and standardization organizations are actively involved in the research, development, and standardization of ultra-wideband wireless communication technology. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) incorporated UWB technology into its IEEE 802 series of wireless standards and published the WPAN standard IEEE 802.15.4a and its evolved version, IEEE 802.15.4z, based on UWB technology. Currently, the next-generation WPAN standard 802.15.4ab, based on UWB technology, is on the agenda.

[0219] Because UWB technology performs data transmission through the reception and transmission of extremely narrow impulses at the nanosecond or sub-nanosecond level, rather than using carrier waves as in conventional communication systems, the time synchronization requirements for transceiver devices are high. In addition, the wide communication bandwidth of UWB technology results in high power consumption and complexity when signals are received and transmitted over an ultra-wideband channel, and most UWB communication devices are battery-powered. Next-generation standards are expected to further reduce the power consumption of UWB systems. Therefore, all signals except for ranging and sensing reference signals will be received and transmitted in a narrowband system in a manner related to narrowband signals. This reduces the overall power consumption overhead.

[0220] 2. Power of UWB Signals: Due to the wide bandwidth of ultra-wideband systems, the FCC imposes strict constraints on the power spectral density of UWB signals to reduce interference to other narrowband devices during operation. According to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), there are two such rules:

[0221] Rule 1: The average maximum power spectral density (PSD) of a UWB signal transmitted over a period of 1 millisecond must not exceed 41.3 dBm per megahertz.

[0222] Rule 2: The maximum power of a UWB signal transmitted in any 50 MHz bandwidth shall not exceed 1 milliwatt.

[0223] Rule 1 is used to limit the total energy transmitted by UWB in a 1 millisecond period (e.g., 37 nJ for a 500 MHz bandwidth). Energy is transmitted more intensely over shorter periods of time. This increases the instantaneous power of the transmitted signal, expands the signal coverage, and improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal received at the receiving end. Based on this, in some scenarios where increased transmit power is required, the transmitting end divides the UWB signal to be transmitted into multiple segment signals, each segment signal having a duration of less than 1 millisecond, and then transmits only one segment signal per millisecond.

[0224] For ease of understanding, the UWB signal is briefly described with reference to Figure 2(a). Figure 2(a) is a diagram of the UWB signal according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0225] Figure 2(a) shows that the transmitting end divides the UWB signal to be transmitted into multiple segment signals (UWB segment signal #1, UWB segment signal #2, and UWB segment signal #3 shown in Figure 2(a)), with each segment signal having a duration of less than 1 millisecond, and only one segment signal being transmitted per millisecond. Segment signals are sometimes simply called segments.

[0226] From the above, it can be seen that the UWB signal to be transmitted is divided into multiple segment signals for segment transmission. This allows for a large instantaneous power of the UWB signal, but it does not allow the UWB signal to be made infinitely large. Rule 2 is actually used to limit the power amplification factor of UWB segment transmission.

[0227] 3. Impulse Radio Ultra-Wideband (IR-UWB) Systems: Due to the wide bandwidth of ultra-wideband systems, devices in ultra-wideband systems need to have ultra-high-speed data transmission capabilities. However, the spectral efficiency of IR-UWB systems based on impulse transmission is low, and the power consumption overhead of the IR-UWB strategy is much greater than that of other narrowband short-range protocols (e.g., Bluetooth or ZigBee) when transmitting the same information.

[0228] 4. Distancing or Detection: In ranging or detection scenarios, the accuracy of the measurement or detection result is related to the signal bandwidth. A wider signal bandwidth indicates higher accuracy of the results obtained through detection or ranging. Therefore, it is conceivable that a reference signal for ranging or detection is received and transmitted by using a UWB system, and another reference signal and / or data is transmitted according to a narrowband protocol. This ensures accuracy in ranging and detection and can also reduce power consumption. Detection in this application may be understood as the lowest-level detection technology in the Internet of Things technology architecture, and is the main step for the acquisition of information and the implementation of object control in the Internet of Things. ranging may be understood as the measurement of distance between devices, including, but not limited to, the measurement of distance between two objects in the Internet of Things.

[0229] For ease of understanding, a ranging / positioning system to which the aforementioned ranging technique is applied will be briefly described with respect to Figure 2(b). Figure 2(b) is a diagram of the architecture of a ranging / positioning system according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2(b), the ranging / positioning system includes a plurality of devices (for example, device 1 and device 2 in Figure 2(b)) and may be the apparatus in this embodiment of the present application. Each device includes at least a UWB module and a narrowband communication module. Positioning and / or ranging may be performed between the UWB module of device 1 and the UWB module of device 2, and data transmission may be performed via a wireless link between the narrowband communication module of device 1 and the narrowband communication module of device 2.

[0230] In this application, a UWB module may be understood as a device, chip, system, etc., that implements UWB wireless communication technology. Correspondingly, a narrowband communication module may be understood as a device, chip, system, etc., that implements narrowband communication technology (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZigBee (ZigBee protocol)). Within a single device, the UWB module and the narrowband communication module may be different devices or chips. Of course, alternatively, the UWB module and the narrowband communication module may be integrated into a single device or chip. The implementation forms of the UWB module and the narrowband communication module in a device are not limited to the embodiments of this application. UWB technology can enable higher data throughput in communication devices and higher positioning accuracy in devices.

[0231] The devices in this application may be wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals, such as user terminals, user equipment, access devices, subscriber stations, subscriber units, mobile stations, user agents, and user devices that support Wi-Fi communication functionality. User terminals may include various handheld devices, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, or computing devices with wireless communication capabilities, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, various forms of user equipment (UE), mobile stations (MS), terminals, terminal equipment, portable communication devices, handheld devices, portable computing devices, entertainment devices, game devices or systems, global positioning system devices, or any other suitable devices configured to perform network communication over a wireless medium. In addition, the devices support the 802.15.4ab or next-generation 802.15.4ab standards. The device further supports multiple standards such as 802.15.4a, 802.15.4-2011, 802.15.4-2015, and 802.15.4z. Alternatively, the device may support multiple wireless local area network (WLAN) standards in the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and the next generation of 802.11be.

[0232] To simplify understanding, the following briefly describes the narrowband protocol-assisted ranging method with respect to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram of a UWB ranging method according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0233] Figure 3 shows that the transceiver device completes round-trip measurements by using UWB signals to perform high-precision ranging, and completes the negotiation of the ranging task and feedback of the ranging results according to the narrowband protocol. The specific procedure includes the following steps:

[0234] The device performs narrowband-assisted UWB ranging once in each ranging time block (ranging block #1, ranging time block #2, and ranging time block #n shown in Figure 3) (or called the measurement cycle). In each ranging time block (for example, ranging time block #2 shown in Figure 3), the narrowband system operates on the same channel (for example, channel #y shown in Figure 3). In different ranging time blocks, the narrowband system may change its operating channel in a frequency-hopping manner (for example, channel #x corresponding to ranging time block #1, channel #y corresponding to ranging time block #2, and channel #z corresponding to ranging time block #n, as shown in Figure 3). This avoids complex channel access strategies.

[0235] Specifically, in each ranging procedure, the initiator sends a poll frame to the responder, and the responder replies using a response frame after receiving the poll frame. After receiving the response frame, the initiator performs a round-trip time measurement with the responder on the UWB channel using a segment transmission method. After the measurement is complete, the responder sends the measurement results (report) to the initiator using a narrowband system.

[0236] The above describes a scenario to which the embodiments of this application are applied with reference to Figure 1, further briefly explains the basic concepts of this application, and briefly describes the UWB ranging method with reference to Figure 3. This method has the following drawbacks.

[0237] 1. While the narrowband system remains on the same channel in each distance measurement time block, the total time occupied by the UWB signal distance measurement procedure can reach tens of milliseconds. During this period, the signal is not received or transmitted by the narrowband system, and the narrowband channel may be used by another device. As a result, the responding device loses the opportunity to transmit on the narrowband channel and is unable to feed back the measurement results to the initiator in a timely manner.

[0238] 2. Because there is a long interval between the time required to provide feedback on the measurement results on the narrowband channel and the time of the last interaction on the narrowband channel, if a problem occurs in the initiator's UWB signal transmission during this period (e.g., strong interference occurs), the responder may not know how to respond, and the initiator may not know the progress. In addition, this method does not take into account providing adequate time for the responder to prepare the measurement report.

[0239] To address the problems of the aforementioned UWB ranging method, this application provides a communication method. To avoid failures in reporting measurement results, the reporting of measurement results is triggered by using a trigger frame. The communication method provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0240] The specific structure of the implementer of the method provided in the embodiments of this application is not particularly limited in the following embodiments, insofar as communication can be performed in accordance with the method provided in the embodiments of this application by executing a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, the method provided in the embodiments of this application may be performed by a transceiver device or by a functional module located in a transceiver device that can call and execute a program.

[0241] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following description is given.

[0242] Firstly, in this application, “to show” may be understood as “to activate,” and “to activate” may include “to activate directly” and “to activate indirectly.” When information is described as activating A, the information may activate A directly or indirectly, but this does not necessarily mean that the information carries A.

[0243] Information that is activated by other information is called information to be activated. In a particular implementation process, information to be activated may be activated in many ways. For example, information to be activated, such as information to be activated or an index of information to be activated, may be activated directly. Alternatively, information to be activated may be activated indirectly by activating other information, with an associated relationship between the other information and the information to be activated. Alternatively, only a portion of the information to be activated may be activated, with the other portions of the information to be activated being known or agreed upon in advance. For example, to reduce activation overhead to some extent, certain information may be activated through a pre-agreed (e.g., defined in a protocol) sequence of all information. In addition, to reduce the activation overhead caused by activating the same information separately, common parts of all information may be identified and activated in a unified manner.

[0244] Secondly, the various numerical designations, such as the first and second (e.g., "#1" and "#2") shown in this application, are merely for the sake of simplicity and are used to distinguish subjects, but are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, these terms are used to distinguish different channels, but not to describe a particular order or series. Since subjects described in this manner are interchangeable in appropriate contexts, it should be understood that measures other than the embodiments of this application may be described.

[0245] Thirdly, in this application, “pre-configured” may include, for example, “pre-configured” as defined in a protocol. “Pre-configured” can be implemented in a manner that pre-stores corresponding code, tables, or other relevant information that may be used for indication in a device (e.g., including a network element). Specific implementations are not limited in this application.

[0246] Fourth, “storage” in the embodiments of this application may mean storage in one or more memories. These one or more memories may be separately arranged or integrated into an encoder or decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some of the memories may be separately arranged, while others may be integrated into a decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory may be any form of storage medium; this is not limited to this application.

[0247] Fifth, the term “and / or” in this specification is merely a relational relationship used to describe related subjects, and three such relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B could represent three cases: A exists alone, both A and B exist, and B exists alone. In addition, the letter “ / ” in this specification usually indicates an “or” relationship between related subjects.

[0248] Sixth, the “protocol” in the embodiments of this application may be a standard protocol in the field of communications, and may include, for example, the Wi-Fi protocol and related protocols applicable to future communications systems. This is not limited to this application.

[0249] Without loss of generality, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below, using an interaction between an initiator device and a responder device as an example.

[0250] As an example, and not an limitation, the initiator device could be any device capable of communicating in the WPAN, such as an FFD or RFD. Similarly, the responder device could also be any device capable of communicating in the WPAN, such as an FFD or RFD.

[0251] It should be understood that the specific types of initiator and responder devices are not limited in this application, as long as both are communication devices capable of transmitting and receiving UWB signals.

[0252] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to one embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

[0253] S410: The initiator device sends a first frame to the responder device, or the responder device receives a first frame from the initiator device.

[0254] Specifically, the initiator device transmits a first frame to the responder device over a first narrowband channel. The first frame is used to trigger a data measurement. When a data measurement needs to be performed between the initiator and responder devices, it can be understood that the data measurement procedure may be triggered by using the first frame.

[0255] For example, the first frame may be called a query frame, polling frame, or poll frame. It should be understood that the names of frames or information are not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0256] Optionally, the first frame is not limited to the following information, namely: The information includes at least one of the following: identifier information of the responding device; information indicating the duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond; information indicating the sequence used by the first UWB signal; information indicating the amount of segments in the first UWB signal; information indicating the total length of the first UWB signal; and information indicating the feedback type of the data measurement result. The first UWB signal is a UWB signal for measurement to be transmitted by the initiator device.

[0257] Responder device identifier information identifies, but is not limited to, the responder device. This includes information that can identify the responder device, such as the responder device identifier (ID), attribute information of the responder device, or identifier information of the device group to which the responder device belongs.

[0258] The duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond indicates the duration of each segment signal when the first UWB signal to be transmitted is divided into multiple segment signals. For example, typically, the initiator device divides the UWB signal to be transmitted into multiple segment signals, each segment signal having a duration of less than 1 millisecond, and then transmits only one segment signal in each millisecond.

[0259] The sequence used by the first UWB signal instructs the initiator device to generate the first UWB signal to be transmitted based on a certain sequence, and the sequence is not limited to, The maximum length sequence, where the sequence length is 2^m-1, is still an M sequence after a cyclic shift is performed on it. Since the resulting M sequence has very little correlation (almost orthogonal) with the original sequence, different devices may use M sequences formed by cyclic shifting an M sequence by different bits. This results in UWB signals transmitted by different devices being almost orthogonal, thus reducing interference between UWB signals. A row or column of the Hadamard matrix, where the Hadamard matrix is ​​a matrix formed only of elements 1 and -1, all rows of the Hadamard matrix are orthogonal to each other, all columns are also orthogonal to each other, different UWB devices may use different rows or columns of the Hadamard matrix, and UWB signals transmitted by different devices may be orthogonal to each other, thus reducing interference between UWB signals, and The gold sequence includes, where the gold sequence is obtained by multiplying the elements corresponding to elements in two maximum-length sequences of the same length, and has properties similar to those of the maximum-length sequences.

[0260] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, the initiator device is not limited to generating a first UWB signal to be transmitted based on a sequence. For details, see Current UWB Signal Generation.

[0261] The number of segments in the first UWB signal indicates the number of segment signals when the first UWB signal to be transmitted is divided into multiple segment signals.

[0262] The total length of the first UWB signal indicates the duration of the first UWB signal to be transmitted.

[0263] The measurement result feedback type indicates the format in which the initiator device is expected to feed back the received measurement results, and the measurement result feedback type is not limited to, Channel impulse response (CIR), i.e., amplitude and phase information of different multipath signals. The differential CIR, i.e., the difference between the channel impulse response and the last measurement result, or The channel measurement results include the incident angle, delay, and corresponding signal strength and phase information for each multipath signal.

[0264] In one possible implementation, the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present application is applied to a narrowband protocol-assisted UWB ranging scenario. The measurement data may be the distance measured, and the first UWB signal may be a UWB ranging signal.

[0265] In another possible implementation, the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present application is applied to a narrowband protocol-assisted UWB detection scenario. The measurement data may be detection data, and the first UWB signal may be a UWB detection signal.

[0266] It should be noted that the above, by using examples, only illustrates scenarios to which the communication method provided in this application may be applied and does not impose any limitations on the scope of protection of this application. The communication method provided in this application may be applied to other scenarios, such as UWB measurements where measurement accuracy is related to signal bandwidth.

[0267] Furthermore, after receiving the first frame, the responding device may feed back a second frame to the initiating device in response to the first frame. The procedure of the method shown in Figure 4 further includes the following steps:

[0268] S420: The responding device sends a second frame to the initiating device, or the initiating device receives a second frame from the responding device.

[0269] Specifically, when a responding device receives a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the responding device sends a second frame to the initiator device on the same narrowband channel (i.e., the first narrowband channel). The second frame is used to respond to the first frame.

[0270] For example, the second frame is sometimes called the response frame.

[0271] Optionally, the second frame is not limited to the following information, namely: The information includes at least one of the following: information indicating the duration of the second UWB signal in each millisecond; information indicating the sequence used by the second UWB signal; information indicating the amount of segments in the second UWB signal; information indicating the total length of the second UWB signal; or information indicating the measurement period. The second UWB signal is a UWB signal for measurement to be transmitted by the responder device.

[0272] The duration of the second UWB signal in each millisecond indicates the duration of each segment signal when the second UWB signal to be transmitted is divided into multiple segment signals. For example, typically, a responder device divides the UWB signal to be transmitted into multiple segment signals, with each segment signal having a duration of less than 1 millisecond, and then transmits only one segment signal in each millisecond.

[0273] The sequence used by the second UWB signal instructs the responding device to generate the second UWB signal to be transmitted based on a certain sequence, and the sequence is, but is not limited to, The maximum length sequence, where the sequence length is 2^m-1, is still an M sequence after a cyclic shift is performed on it. Since the resulting M sequence has very little correlation (almost orthogonal) with the original sequence, different devices may use M sequences formed by performing cyclic shifts on M sequences by different bits. This results in UWB signals transmitted by different devices being almost orthogonal, thus reducing interference between UWB signals. A row or column of the Hadamard matrix, where the Hadamard matrix is ​​a matrix formed only of elements 1 and -1, all rows of the Hadamard matrix are orthogonal to each other, all columns are also orthogonal to each other, different UWB devices may use different rows or columns of the Hadamard matrix, and UWB signals transmitted by different devices may be orthogonal to each other, thus reducing interference between UWB signals, and The gold sequence includes, where the gold sequence is obtained by multiplying the elements corresponding to elements in two maximum-length sequences of the same length, and has properties similar to those of the maximum-length sequences.

[0274] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, the responder device is not limited to generating a second UWB signal to be transmitted based on a sequence. For details, see the current UWB signal generation.

[0275] The amount of segments in the second UWB signal indicates the amount of segment signals when the second UWB signal to be transmitted is divided into multiple segment signals.

[0276] The total length of the second UWB signal indicates the duration of the second UWB signal to be transmitted.

[0277] The measurement cycle display information may indicate which measurement cycle the current measurement cycle is.

[0278] Furthermore, after receiving the second frame, the initiator device may begin data measurement. The procedure of the method shown in Figure 4 further includes the following steps:

[0279] S430: The initiator device transmits a first UWB signal to the responder device, or the responder device receives a first UWB signal from the initiator device.

[0280] Specifically, after receiving the second frame, the initiator device may transmit the first UWB signal on the first UWB channel.

[0281] In a possible implementation, in order to increase the transmission power of the first UWB signal, the first UWB signal may be divided into a plurality of segment signals for transmission in the transmission process. In order to increase the instantaneous transmission power, only one segment signal is transmitted per millisecond, and the impulse sequence of each segment signal may be randomly generated based on a key or may be a predefined sequence.

[0282] For example, the first UWB signal being transmitted in segments means that the initiator device divides the first UWB signal into a plurality of first segment signals, where the time length of each first segment signal is less than a first threshold (e.g., less than 1 millisecond), and the initiator device transmits one first segment signal to the responder device on the first UWB channel at intervals of the first threshold.

[0283] Optionally, the first threshold may be predefined or may be determined by the transmitting device and the receiving device through negotiation. The first threshold includes, but is not limited to, 1 millisecond, 0.5 millisecond, etc. The specific value of the first threshold is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. For example, the value of the first threshold may be adjusted and set based on factors such as the maximum power spectral density of the transmitted UWB signal and the increase multiple of the segment UWB transmission power.

[0284] In another possible implementation, when increasing the transmission power of the first UWB signal is not considered, the initiator device may further transmit the first UWB signal without segmentation.

[0285] S440: The responder device transmits a second UWB signal to the initiator device, or the initiator device receives a second UWB signal from the responder device.

[0286] Specifically, in the data measurement process, when the initiator device transmits the first UWB signal to the responder device, the responder device also needs to transmit the second UWB signal to the initiator device. For example, the responder device responds to the second UWB signal in a segment transmission manner during the period when the initiator device transmits two consecutive first segment signals.

[0287] For example, similar to the first UWB signal being transmitted in segments, the second UWB signal being transmitted in segments includes the following.

[0288] The responder device divides the second UWB signal into a plurality of second segment signals, where the time length of each second segment signal is less than a first threshold value (for example, less than 1 millisecond), and the responder device transmits one second segment signal to the initiator device every 1 millisecond on the first UWB channel, where the time when the second segment signal is transmitted is the period between the reception of two adjacent first segment signals.

[0289] For example, the use of the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal to complete ranging can be understood as follows. The initiator device transmits the first UWB signal at instant T1, the responder device estimates T2 (the arrival time of the ranging start signal) based on the first UWB signal, the responder device transmits the second UWB signal at instant T3, and the initiator device estimates T4 (the arrival time of the response ranging signal) based on the ranging signal transmitted by the responder device. After transmitting the ranging signal, the responder device transmits a data frame carrying T2 and T3. The distance between the initiator device and the responder device is

[0290]

Number

[0291] estimated to be, where c is the speed of light.

[0292] The use of a first UWB signal and a second UWB signal to complete detection is similar to the use of a first UWB signal and a second UWB signal to complete distance measurement. The difference is that during distance measurement, only the propagation time of the shortest path matters, and information from other multipath signals is irrelevant, whereas during detection, the transmission delay, incident angle, and other information of different multipath-propagated signals need to be measured separately. This information may be obtained through CIR-based calculations, and the responder device may directly feed back the CIR results to the initiator device, or it may feed back estimated results of detection information after calculations based on the CIR results.

[0293] In other words, in the distance measurement scenario, the measurement results may refer to T2 and T3 as described above, and in the detection scenario, the measurement results may refer to the CIR results or estimated results of the detection information.

[0294] It should be noted that the above, by using examples, merely illustrates how the first and second UWB signals are used to complete distance measurement or detection, and does not impose any limitations on the scope of protection of this application. In this embodiment of the application, the specific principles of the first and second UWB signals used to complete distance measurement or detection are not limited. For further details, please refer to the current relevant description of performing distance measurement or detection by using UWB signals.

[0295] Specifically, in this embodiment, a trigger frame may be sent to trigger the measurement result reporting procedure. There are two methods, based on whether the moment the trigger frame is sent is after the moment the UWB signal transmission is completed.

[0296] Method 1: After data measurement is complete, the measurement result reporting procedure is triggered.

[0297] It should be understood that the measurement results must be reported after the data measurement is complete.

[0298] In one possible implementation, the completion of data measurement can be understood as the completion of receiving and transmitting the UWB signal.

[0299] For example, once both the first and second UWB signals have been received and transmitted, the data measurement results for the current measurement cycle are obtained through the measurement.

[0300] In another possible implementation, the completion of data measurement can be understood as the completion of data measurement in the measurement cycle preceding the current measurement data cycle.

[0301] For example, even if both the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal are in the transmission process, the data measurement for the measurement cycle prior to the current cycle is completed. The presence of both the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal in the transmission process includes at least the following two cases:

[0302] (1) When a UWB signal is transmitted in segments, the fact that the UWB signal is in the transmission process can be understood as meaning that the transmission of all of the multiple segment signals has not been completed. For example, if a UWB signal is split into three segment signals (segment signal #1, segment signal #2, and segment signal #3), and the transmission of segment signals #1 and #2 is complete, but the transmission of segment signal #3 has not yet begun, then the UWB signal can still be understood as being in the transmission process.

[0303] (2) If the UWB signal is not transmitted in a segment, the fact that the UWB signal is in the transmission process can be understood as the transmission of the UWB signal not being finished. For example, the transmission of the UWB signal may start at moment #1 and end at moment #2, and the moment between moment #1 and moment #2 may be understood as the moment when the UWB signal is still in the transmission process.

[0304] Other possible scenarios are not listed here.

[0305] In Method 1, to avoid failure of measurement result reporting, the measurement result may be reported after the measurement result reporting procedure is triggered, ensuring the execution of measurement result reporting.

[0306] In Method 1, the procedure of the method shown in FIG. 4 further includes the following steps.

[0307] S450: The initiator device transmits the first trigger frame to the responder device, or the responder device receives the first trigger frame from the initiator device.

[0308] Specifically, the initiator device transmits the first trigger frame to the responder device on the second narrowband channel. The first trigger frame is used to trigger the responder device to report the first measurement result. The first measurement result includes all or part of the data measurement results, and the data measurement results may be the measurement results of the current measurement period or the measurement results of another measurement period before the current period.

[0309] The first trigger frame is sent to trigger the measurement result reporting procedure. This can substantially improve the reliability of measurement result reporting and substantially avoid reporting failures when the measurement results are directly reported on the first narrowband channel.

[0310] For example, the second narrowband channel is the first narrowband channel. For example, in the process of measuring data based on the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal, the first narrowband channel is not occupied by another device.

[0311] For example, the second narrowband channel is a narrowband channel different from the first narrowband channel.

[0312] Optionally, the first trigger frame includes information indicating the contents of the first measurement result and / or information indicating the format of the first measurement result. The contents of the first measurement result may include CIR, different CIR results, estimated detection parameters including information such as the incidence direction, delay, and Doppler of each transmission path, and timestamp information for the arrival and departure of the channel. The format of the first measurement result may be the format in which the first measurement result is reported, for example, binary or hexadecimal format.

[0313] For ease of understanding, the time-series relationship between transmitting the first trigger frame, transmitting the first frame, receiving the second frame, transmitting the first UWB signal, and receiving the second UWB signal will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram of the transmission time series corresponding to the first trigger frame according to this embodiment of the present application.

[0314] Figure 5 shows that the initiator device sends the first trigger frame to the responder device after it has finished transmitting the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal.

[0315] For example, to ensure that the responder device can correctly receive the first trigger frame, the initiator device and the responder device may negotiate a second narrowband channel for transmitting the first trigger frame. When the initiator device transmits the first trigger frame to the responder device over the second narrowband channel, the responder device can receive the first trigger frame over the second narrowband channel. The procedure of the method shown in Figure 4 further includes the following steps.

[0316] S460: The initiator device transmits first indicator information to the responder device, or the responder device receives first indicator information from the initiator device.

[0317] The first indicator information indicates a narrowband channel for transmitting a trigger frame, the trigger frame includes the first trigger frame, and the narrowband channel includes the second narrowband channel.

[0318] Specifically, a triggered frame may be transmitted on a corresponding narrowband channel, and different triggered frames may be transmitted on different narrowband channels. The first marking information indicating the narrowband channel of the triggered frame can be understood as the first marking information indicating the frequency-hopping operation scheme of the narrowband system.

[0319] In one possible implementation, the first indication of the frequency-hopping operation scheme of a narrowband system includes the following:

[0320] The first display information includes information indicating the moment of commencement of the frequency hopping operation of the narrowband system, information indicating the frequency hopping start frequency band, information indicating the frequency hopping end frequency band, information indicating the frequency hopping frequency band interval of the narrowband system, and information indicating the frequency hopping time interval.

[0321] For example, the first indicator information includes information indicating moment #1, frequency band #1, frequency band #2, frequency hopping frequency band interval #1, and frequency hopping time interval #1, where moment #1 may be information indicating the moment of termination of transmission of the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal, i.e., the moment of commencement of the frequency hopping operation of the narrowband system; frequency band #1 is the frequency hopping start frequency band (e.g., 10 MHz to 20 MHz); frequency band #2 is the frequency hopping end frequency band (e.g., 50 MHz to 60 MHz); the frequency hopping frequency band interval is 110 MHz; and the frequency hopping time interval #1 is 600 μs.

[0322] In this example, the frequency hopping operation of the narrowband system includes the following:

[0323] The narrowband system may operate in frequency band #1 at moment #1 and transmit a triggered frame on narrowband channel #1 corresponding to frequency band #1, or it may operate in frequency band #3 after a frequency hopping time interval #1 of moment #1 (e.g., moment #1 + 600 μs) and transmit a triggered frame on narrowband channel #2 corresponding to frequency band #3 (e.g., 20 MHz to 30 MHz).

[0324] In another possible implementation, the first indication of the frequency-hopping operation scheme of the narrowband system includes the following:

[0325] The first display information includes information indicating the moment of commencement of the frequency hopping operation of the narrowband system, information indicating the frequency band, and information indicating the frequency hopping time interval.

[0326] For example, the first indication information includes information indicating moment #1, frequency band #1, frequency band #2, frequency band #3, and frequency hopping time interval #1, where moment #1 may be information indicating the moment of termination of transmission of the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal, i.e., the moment of commencement of the frequency hopping operation of the narrowband system; frequency bands #1, frequency band #2, and frequency band #3 are information indicating frequency bands, where the frequency band on which the narrowband system operates may sequentially hop from frequency band #1 to frequency band #2, then from frequency band #2 to frequency band #3, then from frequency band #3 to frequency band #1, and so on, with frequency hopping time interval #1 being 600 μs.

[0327] In this example, the frequency hopping operation of the narrowband system includes the following:

[0328] The narrowband system may operate in frequency band #1 at moment #1 and transmit a triggered frame on narrowband channel #1 corresponding to frequency band #1, or it may operate in frequency band #2 after a frequency hopping time interval #1 of moment #1 (for example, moment #1 + 600 μs) and transmit a triggered frame on narrowband channel #2 corresponding to frequency band #2.

[0329] In yet another possible implementation, the first indication of the frequency-hopping operation scheme of the narrowband system includes the following:

[0330] The first display information includes information indicating the moment of commencement of the frequency hopping operation of the narrowband system, information indicating the frequency band at which frequency hopping begins, information indicating the amount of frequency band for frequency hopping of the narrowband system, and information indicating the frequency hopping time interval.

[0331] It should be understood that the above merely describes how the first indication information illustrates the frequency-hopping operation of a narrowband system by using an example, and does not impose any limitations on the scope of protection of this application. Other information that can illustrate the frequency-hopping operation of a narrowband system is also within the scope of protection of this application.

[0332] In addition, the measurement results and responses to the corresponding trigger frames may be linked to the same narrowband channel for transmission, rather than being transmitted according to the frequency-hopping time series indicated by the first indicator information. For example, after trigger frame #1, used to trigger the reporting of measurement result #1, is sent on narrowband channel #1, the frequency-hopping time is reached and the narrowband system needs to perform frequency-hopping to narrowband channel #2 for operation. Measurement result #1 may still be reported on narrowband channel #1 and does not need to perform frequency-hopping to narrowband channel #2.

[0333] In one possible implementation, the first indicator information may be carried in a first frame and transmitted to the responder device.

[0334] It should be understood that the responder device transmits the first measurement result to the initiator device only after receiving the first trigger frame. The procedure of the method shown in Figure 4 further includes the following steps.

[0335] S470: The responding device transmits a first measurement result to the initiating device, or the initiating device receives a first measurement result from the responding device.

[0336] Specifically, the responder device transmits a first measurement result to the initiator device that satisfies the content and / or format of the measurement result, based on the content and / or format of the measurement result indicated by the first trigger frame.

[0337] Based on the aforementioned technical measures, the initiator device transmits a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel, which is used to trigger the reporting of the first measurement result, and the responder device reports the first measurement result on the narrowband channel in a timely manner to receive the first trigger frame. This ensures the validity of the reporting of the first measurement result.

[0338] In one possible implementation, the above procedure of sending a trigger frame and receiving measurement results may be repeated multiple times.

[0339] For example, if reporting the measurement result fails, if the initiator device fails to receive the first measurement result, the initiator device may re-acquire the measurement result by sending trigger frames again until it succeeds in acquiring the measurement result, and the trigger frames sent again may be transmitted on the first narrowband channel, or a second narrowband channel for transmitting the first trigger frame, or on a different narrowband channel from the first and second narrowband channels.

[0340] In another example, if measurement results are reported in multiple segments, the trigger frame may trigger the reporting of only a portion of the measurement results, and the acquisition of all measurement results may be achieved by sending multiple trigger frames and reporting the measurement results multiple times. The measurement results may be reported in segments. That is, each trigger frame sent may specify a portion of the measurement results for reporting, and the responder device does not need to feed back all of the measurement results at once. When the amount of measurement result data is large, the efficiency and reliability of feedback of results can be substantially improved, and the flexibility of the policy can be improved.

[0341] In this implementation, the procedure of the method shown in Figure 4 further includes the following steps:

[0342] S480: The initiator device sends a second trigger frame to the responder device, or the responder device receives a second trigger frame from the initiator device.

[0343] Specifically, the second trigger frame is transmitted over a third narrowband channel, which is different from the second narrowband channel.

[0344] S490: The responding device transmits a second measurement result to the initiating device, or the initiating device receives a second measurement result from the responding device.

[0345] Specifically, the second measurement result is transmitted over a third narrowband channel.

[0346] If reporting the measurement result fails (optional), the second measurement result will be the first measurement result.

[0347] If measurement results are optionally reported for multiple segments, the second measurement result is all or part of the measurement results from the currently measured data other than the first measurement result.

[0348] It should be understood that the above-described delivery of the second trigger frame and receipt of the second measurement results are merely illustrative examples. The procedure of sending the trigger frame and receiving the measurement results may be repeated multiple times and is not limited to the scope of protection of this application. For example, the trigger frame may be sent more than two times. Further details are not described here.

[0349] In Method 1, after the measurement procedure is completed, a trigger frame is sent to trigger a measurement result reporting procedure. This avoids reporting failures when measurement results are reported directly. This embodiment provides yet another method. In the data measurement process, to assist in the reporting of measurement results by some responder devices that cannot provide feedback of measurement results in time, a trigger frame is sent to trigger a procedure to report the measurement results of the previous measurement cycle. Being in the data measurement process can be understood as the UWB signal being in the transmission process.

[0350] The explanation for Method 2 is given below.

[0351] Method 2: The procedure for reporting the measurement results from the previous measurement cycle is triggered during the data measurement process of the current measurement cycle.

[0352] In Method 2, the procedure of the method shown in Figure 4 further includes the following steps:

[0353] S451: The initiator device sends a third trigger frame to the responder device, or the responder device receives a third trigger frame from the initiator device.

[0354] Specifically, in the process of transmitting a first UWB signal, the initiator device transmits a third trigger frame on the first narrowband channel, the third trigger frame is used to trigger the reporting of a third measurement result, the third measurement result including all or part of the data measurement results in the second period, the second period being the measurement period preceding the first period.

[0355] In one possible implementation, when a UWB signal is transmitted in segments, the UWB signal being in the transmission process (for example, the process of transmitting the first UWB signal as described above) can be understood as not having completed the transmission of all of the segment signals. For example, if a UWB signal is split into three segment signals (segment #1, segment #2, and segment #3), and the transmission of segment #1 and segment #2 is complete, but the transmission of segment #3 has not yet begun, then the UWB signal can still be understood as being in the transmission process.

[0356] In another possible implementation, if the UWB signal is not transmitted in a segment, the presence of the UWB signal in the transmission process can be understood as the transmission of the UWB signal not being completed. For example, if the transmission of the UWB signal starts at moment #1 and ends at moment #2, the moment between moment #1 and moment #2 can be understood as the moment when the UWB signal is still in the transmission process. In the transmission processes of the first and second UWB signals, a third trigger frame is sent to trigger a procedure to report the measurement results of another period prior to the current measurement cycle, and the reporting of the measurement results of the previous period is triggered in the current measurement cycle. This helps responder devices that have not completed reporting the measurement results of the previous period to report the measurement results. In addition, UWB signals and narrowband signals can be received / transmitted simultaneously. This improves measurement efficiency.

[0357] The first and second periods should be understood as different distance measurement time blocks as described above.

[0358] It should be understood that the aforementioned process of transmitting the first UWB signal may be understood as the time during which the first UWB signal is transmitted, or as the time before the transmission of the first UWB signal is completed.

[0359] From the above, it can be seen that in the process of transmitting the first UWB signal, the initiator device may transmit a third trigger frame on the first narrowband channel to trigger the reporting of a third measurement result. Since the channel for transmitting the UWB signal is different from the channel for transmitting the third trigger frame and the channel for transmitting the third measurement result, the UWB signal and the narrowband signal are transmitted simultaneously. This improves measurement efficiency.

[0360] Optionally, the third trigger frame includes at least one of the following pieces of information: information indicating the content of the third measurement result, information indicating the format of the third measurement result, or information indicating the second period.

[0361] For ease of understanding, the time-series relationship between transmitting the third trigger frame, transmitting the first frame, receiving the second frame, transmitting the first UWB signal, and receiving the second UWB signal will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram of the transmission time series corresponding to the third trigger frame according to this embodiment of the present application.

[0362] Figure 6 shows that the initiator device transmits a third trigger frame to the responder device during the transmission process of the first and second UWB signals of the first cycle. It should be noted that the initiator device may also transmit a trigger frame to the responder device during the transmission process of the first and second UWB signals of the second cycle to trigger a procedure for reporting the measurement results of the measurement cycle preceding the second cycle.

[0363] Optionally, to ensure that the responder device can correctly receive the third trigger frame, the initiator and responder devices may negotiate a first narrowband channel for transmitting the third trigger frame. When the initiator device transmits the third trigger frame to the responder device over the first narrowband channel, the responder device can receive the third trigger frame over the first narrowband channel. The procedure of the method shown in Figure 4 further includes the following steps.

[0364] S461: The initiator device transmits a second indicator to the responder device, or the responder device receives a second indicator from the initiator device.

[0365] The second indicator information indicates a narrowband channel for transmitting a trigger frame, the trigger frame includes a third trigger frame, and the narrowband channel includes a first narrowband channel.

[0366] In one possible implementation, the second indication information may be carried in the first frame and transmitted to the responder device.

[0367] It should be understood that the responder device transmits the third measurement result to the initiator device only after receiving the third trigger frame. The procedure of the method shown in Figure 4 further includes the following steps.

[0368] S471: The responding device transmits a third measurement result to the initiating device, or the initiating device receives a third measurement result from the responding device.

[0369] Specifically, the responder device transmits a third measurement result to the initiator device that satisfies the content and / or format of the measurement result indicated by the third trigger frame.

[0370] Similar to the procedure in Method 1, the above procedure of sending a trigger frame and receiving measurement results can be repeated multiple times.

[0371] S481: The initiator device sends a fourth trigger frame to the responder device, or the responder device receives a fourth trigger frame from the initiator device.

[0372] Specifically, the fourth trigger frame is transmitted over the first narrowband channel, which is different from the aforementioned first narrowband channel.

[0373] S491: The responding device transmits a fourth measurement result to the initiating device, or the initiating device receives a fourth measurement result from the responding device.

[0374] Specifically, the fourth measurement result is transmitted over the first narrowband channel.

[0375] Optionally, if reporting the measurement result fails, the fourth measurement result is the data measurement result measured in the second cycle. The initiator device may send a trigger frame on a different channel to trigger the reporting of the measurement result. This greatly increases the robustness of the system.

[0376] If measurement results are optionally reported in multiple segments, the fourth measurement result is all or part of the measurement results other than the third measurement result from the data measurement results measured in the second cycle. Measurement results can be reported in segments. That is, the trigger frame sent each time may specify a portion of the measurement results for reporting, and the responder device does not need to feed back all of the measurement results at once. When the amount of measurement result data is large, the efficiency and reliability of feedback of results can be substantially improved, and the flexibility of the policy can be improved.

[0377] One embodiment of the present application further provides a communication method. In a scenario of UWB measurement data supported by a narrowband protocol, a transmitting end device sends a first frame that triggers a data measurement to trigger the current round of measurements, and a responding device reports the measurement report of the previous round by responding to a second frame of the first frame. This substantially simplifies the narrowband interaction procedure and reduces air interface transmission time. An explanation with respect to Figure 7 is given below. Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to one embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps.

[0378] S710: The initiator device sends a first frame to the responder device, or the responder device receives a first frame from the initiator device.

[0379] For a relevant explanation of the first frame, see the explanation of the first frame in step S410 in Figure 4. The difference in this embodiment is that, in addition to being used to implement the function of the first frame in step S410 for triggering data measurement in the current measurement round, the first frame may also be used to trigger the reporting of feedback on the data measurement results of the measurement rounds prior to the current measurement round. For example, the first frame may be used to trigger data measurement in the third cycle and to trigger feedback on the data measurement results in the fourth cycle.

[0380] Furthermore, after receiving the first frame, the responding device may feed back a second frame to the initiating device in response to the first frame. The procedure of the method shown in Figure 7 further includes the following steps:

[0381] S720: The responding device sends a second frame to the initiating device, or the initiating device receives a second frame from the responding device. For a relevant description of the second frame, see the description of the second frame in step S420 in Figure 4. The difference in this embodiment is that, in addition to being used to implement the function of the second frame in step S420, the second frame may also be used to implement the function of reporting the measurement results of the previous measurement round. Specifically, this is as follows:

[0382] The second frame includes the fifth measurement result, which includes all or part of the data measurement results from the fourth period, and the fourth period is the measurement period preceding the third period.

[0383] For example, the fact that the fourth period is the measurement period preceding the third period can be understood as the second frame being able to carry the measurement report of the round preceding the ranging or sensing measurement at the responder.

[0384] A new measurement result feedback procedure is defined in the embodiment shown in Figure 7. Delayed feedback of measurement reports can be supported. In the next round of ranging or sensing measurements, a response frame in response to the pole frame carries the measurement report. This substantially simplifies the narrowband interaction procedure and reduces air interface transmission time.

[0385] In one possible implementation, if the fifth measurement fails to transmit (for example, the fifth measurement obtained by the initiator from the second frame fails to transmit), the initiator may retransmit the first frame to obtain the fifth measurement.

[0386] In another possible implementation, if the fifth measurement is part of the data measurement results in the fourth period (for example, the fifth measurement is part of the first part of the data measurement results in the fourth period), the initiator may retransmit the first frame to obtain another part of the data measurement results in the fourth period.

[0387] In other words, the interaction process of the pole frame and response frame may be repeated multiple times to address failures in report acquisition, or each trigger may result in the acquisition of part of the report content in response to the submission of the report segment.

[0388] Furthermore, after receiving the second frame, the initiator device may begin data measurement. The procedure for the method shown in Figure 7 further includes the following steps:

[0389] S730: The initiator device transmits a first UWB signal to the responder device, or the responder device receives a first UWB signal from the initiator device. For a relevant explanation of the first UWB signal, see the explanation of the first UWB signal in step S430 in Figure 4. Further details are not provided here.

[0390] S740: The responding device transmits a second UWB signal to the initiating device, or the initiating device receives a second UWB signal from the responding device. For a relevant explanation of the second UWB signal, see the explanation of the second UWB signal in step S440 of Figure 4. Further details are not provided here.

[0391] In each round of ranging or detection measurement, the initiator device may repeat the measurement procedure shown in Figure 7 with multiple different responding devices to perform ranging or detection of one-to-many stations. The narrowband systems in each round of measurement may be on the same channel or on different channels.

[0392] For ease of understanding, the time-series relationship between transmitting the first frame, receiving the second frame, transmitting the first UWB signal, and receiving the second UWB signal will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram of the frame transmission time series according to this embodiment of the present application.

[0393] One embodiment of this application further provides a communication method. In a scenario of narrowband protocol-assisted UWB measurement data, the communication of the narrowband system may have multiple different modulation and mapping schemes as well as different data rates, and different narrowband physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) may have different start-of-frame delimiter (SFD) sequences. Therefore, an initialization and handshake negotiation process may be used to determine the configuration of parameters in the measurement procedure before the narrowband-assisted UWB measurement data (such as ranging or detection) is performed. How parameters are negotiated in the measurement procedure is described below with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of yet another communication method according to one embodiment of this application. The method includes the following steps.

[0394] S910: The initiator device sends a fourth frame to the responder device, or the responder device receives a fourth frame from the initiator device.

[0395] Specifically, the initiator device sends a fourth frame (for example, an Advertisement poll (ADV-POLL) frame) to the responder device, instructing it to negotiate parameters in the measurement procedure. For example, the fourth frame carries parameters in the measurement procedure supported by the initiator device.

[0396] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after receiving the fourth frame, the responding device may respond to the fourth frame by using the fifth frame. The procedure of the method shown in Figure 9 further includes the following steps.

[0397] S920: The responding device sends a fifth frame to the initiating device, or the initiating device receives a fifth frame from the responding device.

[0398] Specifically, the responding device sends a fifth frame (for example, an Advertisement response (ADV-RESP) frame) to the initiating device, which includes parameters supported by both the responding and initiating devices.

[0399] For example, after receiving the fifth frame, the initiator device may agree to send a sixth frame and start the measurement after a certain period of time. That is, the procedure of the method shown in Figure 9 may further include the following steps:

[0400] S930: The initiator device sends a sixth frame to the responder device, or the responder device receives a sixth frame from the initiator device.

[0401] Specifically, the sixth frame instructs the measurement to begin after a first duration from the sixth frame. After negotiation is complete, the responder and initiator devices may perform the measurement based on the negotiated parameters. For specific measurement procedures, please refer to the communication method description shown in Figures 4 and / or 7. Further details are not provided here.

[0402] For ease of understanding, the time-series relationship between the fourth, fifth, and sixth frames will be explained with reference to Figure 10(a). Figure 10(a) is a diagram of another frame transmission time series according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0403] Optionally, the parameters in the measurement procedure may include, but are not limited to, initial channel information, UWB measurement channel information, or physical layer velocity information.

[0404] For ease of understanding, possible parameter information regarding the narrowband-assisted UWB measurement procedure is briefly explained with reference to Table 1a.

[0405] [Table 1A]

[0406] [Table 1B]

[0407] The first to fifth values ​​in the Physical Layer Rate (PHY rate) field in Table 1a (i.e., #1 to #5 in Table 1a) represent five different combinations of rate configuration parameters for narrowband transmission when the default symbol-to-chip mapping is used. The sixth value in the PHY rate field (i.e., #6 in Table 1a) and the seventh value (i.e., #7 in Table 1a) may be spare or for other indications. The eighth to twelfth values ​​in the PHY rate field (i.e., #8 to #12 in Table 1a) represent five different combinations of rate configuration parameters for narrowband transmission when an alternative symbol-to-chip mapping is used.

[0408] For ease of understanding, the forms of the five different combinations of speed configuration parameters in this embodiment are briefly described with reference to Tables 1b (Table 2) through 1d (Table 4).

[0409] Specifically, in a narrowband system, there may be multiple different options for the PPDU preamble length, the SF of the SFD field, the PHR length, the SF of the payload portion, and the payload encoding scheme. Based on different speeds, the following five configuration combinations are preferred. The parameters for specific combinations are shown in Table 1b (Table 2) below.

[0410] [Table 2]

[0411] It should be noted that the default symbol-to-chip mapping tables are based on Table 12-1 or Table 21-16 in the IEEE 802.15.4-2020 standard document. Tables of mappings with lengths of 32 and 16 are shown in Table 1c (Table 3) and Table 1d (Table 4) below and may be used as tables for alternative symbol-to-chip mapping relationships.

[0412] [Table 3A]

[0413] [Table 3B]

[0414] [Table 4]

[0415] Specifically, the structure of the PPDU within the narrowband system in a narrowband-assisted ranging or detection system is shown in Figure 10(b), and includes a preamble, SFD, PHR, and payloads. In addition, when a symbol-to-chip mapping table of length 16 is used, an odd number of symbols are used in the aforementioned Table 1d (Table 4), and an even number of symbols are used in the reverse sequence of the sequence corresponding to the aforementioned Table 1d (Table 4). Further details are shown in Figure 10(c) below.

[0416] The 13th value in the PHY rate field (i.e., #13 in Table 1a) indicates that the narrowband system uses default symbol-to-chip mapping, and the specific rate configuration must be determined using the narrowband SFD field. The 14th value in the PHY rate field (i.e., #14 in Table 1a) indicates that the narrowband system uses alternative symbol-to-chip mapping, and the specific rate configuration must be determined using the narrowband SFD field. During narrowband transmission, the dynamic SFD value may indicate the data rate of the payload, and different SFD values ​​indicate different transmission rates for the payload portion.

[0417] It should be noted that during narrowband data modulation and mapping, a group of tables for symbol-to-chip mapping (referred to as default symbol-to-chip mapping) is defined in existing standards, including three different mappings with chip lengths of 32, 16, and 8. In addition, a group of tables for alternative symbol-to-chip mapping (referred to as alternative symbol-to-chip mapping) is defined in existing standards, including two different mappings with chip lengths of 32 and 16. When an alternative symbol-to-chip mapping scheme is selected, if a table of symbol-to-chip mappings with length 8 needs to be used, the table of mappings with length 8 in the default symbol-to-chip mapping may be used.

[0418] In addition, the symbol-to-chip mapping scheme can be indicated separately by using another field (e.g., the mapping type field) as an alternative, so that the specific narrowband modulation and mapping scheme can be determined together based on the PHY rate and the mapping type field. The corresponding parameter information is shown in Table 2 (Table 5) below.

[0419] [Table 5]

[0420] Alternatively, whether the dynamic SFD indicates speed and symbol-to-chip mapping may be indicated separately by using different fields, and the corresponding parameter information is shown in Table 3 (Table 6).

[0421] [Table 6]

[0422] Alternatively, whether or not to use dynamic SFD markings may be used as a separate field for markings, and the corresponding parameter information is shown in Table 4 (Table 7) below.

[0423] [Table 7]

[0424] Tables 1a through 4 (Table 7) are merely examples illustrating possible forms of parameters to be negotiated and should be understood as not constraining the scope of protection of this application in any way. For example, some functions indicated by certain values ​​in the fields of Tables 1a through 4 (e.g., the PHY rate field or the SFD field) are used, while the functions indicated by the remaining values ​​are not. For example, only the 8th and 11th values ​​are present in the 8th through 12th values ​​of the PHY rate field (i.e., #8 through #12 in Table 1a). This still falls within the scope of protection of this application.

[0425] In the communication method shown in Figure 9, the responder and initiator devices can initialize and negotiate parameter settings through a handshake in the narrowband-assisted UWB measurement procedure using the fourth and fifth frames, and determine the modulation and mapping scheme corresponding to each field of the PPDU in the narrowband system by using the corresponding field design. This reduces signaling overhead through multiplexing and joint marking and supports multiple different mappings and dynamic SFD functions. It should be noted that without negotiation, the narrowband-assisted UWB measurement procedure may use fixed default parameters, and the initial measurement may be performed. In addition, in the narrowband-assisted UWB measurement process, the corresponding parameters and configuration information can also be updated using the initialization and handshake negotiation procedure. The specific update procedure is similar to the negotiation procedure shown in Figure 9 and details are again not described.

[0426] It should be understood that the sequence numbers of the aforementioned processes do not indicate the execution order. The execution order of the processes should be determined based on the function and internal logic of the processes and should not be considered any constraint on the implementation processes of the embodiments of this application.

[0427] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated or unless there is a logical inconsistency, the terminology and / or descriptions in the various embodiments are consistent and may be referenced to one another, and it should be further understood that technical features in different embodiments may be combined on the basis of their internal logical relationships to form a new embodiment.

[0428] It should be further understood that in some of the embodiments described above, devices in conventional network architectures (e.g., initiator devices and responder devices) are primarily used as illustrative examples. It should be understood that the specific form of the device is not limited to the embodiments of this application. For example, all future devices capable of implementing the same functionality are applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0429] In embodiments of the methods described above, it may be understood that the methods and operations performed by the devices (e.g., initiator devices and responder devices) may also be performed by components of the devices (e.g., chips or circuits).

[0430] The above describes in detail the communication method provided in embodiments of this application with reference to Figure 4. The above communication method is described primarily in terms of interaction between an initiator device and a responder device. To implement the above functions, it may be understood that the initiator device and the responder device include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for performing the functions.

[0431] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in the example unit and algorithm step combinations described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the application may be implemented by hardware or by a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether the functions are performed by hardware or by hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical measure. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the functions described for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0432] The following describes in detail the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application with reference to Figures 11 and 12. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for details not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiments described above. For brevity, some details will not be described again.

[0433] In embodiments of this application, an initiator or responder device may be divided into functional modules based on the examples of the methods described above. For example, each functional module may be obtained through a division based on its respective corresponding function, or two or more functions may be integrated into a single processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in hardware form or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that in embodiments of this application, the division into modules is illustrative and merely a logical division of functions. In actual implementations, other division methods may be used. An example in which each functional module is obtained through a division based on its respective corresponding function is given below.

[0434] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11, the device 700 may include a transceiver unit 710 and a processing unit 720. The transceiver unit 710 may communicate with the outside, and the processing unit 720 is configured to process data. The transceiver unit 710 may also be called a communication interface or communication unit.

[0435] Optionally, the device 700 may further include a storage unit. The storage unit may be configured to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 720 may read instructions and / or data from the storage unit so that the device implements an embodiment of the method described above.

[0436] The device 700 may be configured to perform actions performed by the transceiver device (e.g., an initiator device and a responder device) in embodiments of the method described above. In this case, the device 700 may be the transceiver device or a component that can be configured in the transceiver device. The transceiver unit 710 is configured to perform the receive and transmit-related operations of the transceiver device in embodiments of the method described above, and the processing unit 720 is configured to perform the processing-related operations of the transceiver device in embodiments of the method described above.

[0437] In one design, the device 700 is configured to perform an action performed by the initiator device in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0438] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 is configured to transmit a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement. The transceiver unit 710 is configured to transmit a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel and to receive a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal being used to perform a data measurement and obtain data measurement results. The transceiver unit 710 is configured to transmit a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel, the first trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of a first measurement result, the first measurement result including all or part of the data measurement result.

[0439] In another possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 is configured to transmit a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement in a first period. The transceiver unit 710 is configured to transmit a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel and to receive a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, the first and second UWB signals being used to perform a data measurement and obtain the data measurement results. The transceiver unit 710 is configured to transmit a third trigger frame on the first narrowband channel when transmitting the first UWB signal, the third trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of a third measurement result, the third measurement result including all or part of the data measurement results in a second period, the second period being the measurement period preceding the first period.

[0440] In yet another possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 is configured to transmit a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement in a third period and to trigger feedback of the data measurement results in a fourth period. The transceiver unit 710 is configured to receive a second frame on the first narrowband channel, the second frame being used to respond to the first frame, the second frame containing a fifth measurement result, the fifth measurement result containing all or part of the data measurement results in the fourth period, the fourth period being the measurement period preceding the third period.

[0441] In yet another possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 is configured to transmit a fourth frame over a first narrowband channel, the fourth frame representing parameters in a negotiation measurement procedure, and the fourth frame includes parameters supported by the initiator device. The transceiver unit 710 is configured to receive a fifth frame over the first narrowband channel, the fifth frame used to respond to the fourth frame, and the fifth frame includes parameters supported by the responder device and the initiator device.

[0442] Apparatus 700 may perform steps or procedures performed by the initiator device in embodiments of the method according to the embodiments of this application. Apparatus 700 may include units configured to perform the method performed by the initiator device in embodiments of the method. In addition, the units within Apparatus 700 and the other operations and / or functions described above are used separately to perform the corresponding procedures of the method embodiments of the initiator device in embodiments of the method.

[0443] When the apparatus 700 is configured to perform the method shown in Figure 4, the transceiver unit 710 may be configured to perform the receiving and transmitting steps in the method, for example, steps S410, S420, S430, S440, S450, S460, S470, S480, S490, S451, S461, S471, S481, and S491, and the processing unit 720 may be configured to perform the processing steps in the method.

[0444] When the apparatus 700 is configured to perform the method shown in Figure 7, the transceiver unit 710 may be configured to perform the receiving and transmitting steps in the method, for example, steps S710, S720, S730, and S740, and the processing unit 720 may be configured to perform the processing steps in the method.

[0445] When the apparatus 700 is configured to perform the method shown in Figure 9, the transceiver unit 710 may be configured to perform the receiving and transmitting steps in the method, for example, steps S910, S920, and S930, and the processing unit 720 may be configured to perform the processing steps in the method.

[0446] The specific process by which the unit performs the corresponding steps described above is described in detail in the embodiments of the method described above, and for the sake of brevity, it should be understood that the details are not described herein. In addition, the beneficial effects brought about by the unit performing the corresponding steps described above are described in detail in the embodiments of the method described above, and the details are again not described here.

[0447] In an alternative design, the device 700 is configured to perform an action performed by the responder device in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0448] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 is configured to receive a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement. The transceiver unit 710 is configured to receive a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel and transmit a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal being used to perform a data measurement and obtain data measurement results. Once the transmission of the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal is complete, the transceiver unit 710 is configured to receive a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel, the first trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of a first measurement result, the first measurement result including all or part of the data measurement result.

[0449] In another possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 is configured to receive a first frame on a first narrowband channel, the first frame being used to trigger a data measurement in a first period. The transceiver unit 710 is configured to receive a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel and transmit a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, the first and second UWB signals being used to perform a data measurement and obtain the data measurement results. The transceiver unit 710 is configured to receive a third trigger frame on the first narrowband channel when it receives the first UWB signal, the third trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of a third measurement result, the third measurement result including all or part of the data measurement results in a second period, the second period being the measurement period preceding the first period.

[0450] In yet another possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 is configured to receive a first frame on a first narrowband channel, which is used to trigger a data measurement in a third period and to trigger feedback of the data measurement results in a fourth period. The transceiver unit 710 is configured to transmit a second frame on the first narrowband channel, which is used to respond to the first frame, which contains a fifth measurement result, which contains all or part of the data measurement results in the fourth period, and the fourth period is the measurement period preceding the third period.

[0451] In yet another possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 is configured to receive a fourth frame on a first narrowband channel, the fourth frame representing parameters in a negotiation measurement procedure, and the fourth frame including parameters supported by the initiator device. The transceiver unit 710 is configured to transmit a fifth frame on the first narrowband channel, the fifth frame used to respond to the fourth frame, and the fifth frame including parameters supported by the responder device and the initiator device.

[0452] Apparatus 700 may perform steps or procedures performed by the responder device in embodiments of the method according to the embodiments of this application. Apparatus 700 may include units configured to perform the method performed by the responder device in embodiments of the method. In addition, units within apparatus 700 and other operations and / or functions described above are used separately to perform the corresponding procedures of the responder device in embodiments of the method.

[0453] When the apparatus 700 is configured to perform the method shown in Figure 4, the transceiver unit 710 may be configured to perform the receiving and transmitting steps in the method, for example, steps S410, S420, S430, S440, S450, S460, S470, S480, S490, S451, S461, S471, S481, and S491, and the processing unit 720 may be configured to perform the processing steps in the method.

[0454] When the apparatus 700 is configured to perform the method shown in Figure 7, the transceiver unit 710 may be configured to perform the receiving and transmitting steps in the method, for example, steps S710, S720, S730, and S740, and the processing unit 720 may be configured to perform the processing steps in the method.

[0455] When the apparatus 700 is configured to perform the method shown in Figure 9, the transceiver unit 710 may be configured to perform the receiving and transmitting steps in the method, for example, steps S910, S920, and S930, and the processing unit 720 may be configured to perform the processing steps in the method.

[0456] The specific process by which the unit performs the corresponding steps described above is described in detail in the embodiments of the method described above, and it should be understood that for the sake of brevity, the details are not described herein.

[0457] The processing unit 720 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The transceiver unit 710 may be implemented by using a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The storage unit may be implemented by at least one memory.

[0458] As shown in Figure 12, one embodiment of the present application further provides an apparatus 800. The apparatus 800 includes a processor 810 and may further include one or more memories 820. The processor 810 is coupled to the memory 820. The memory 820 is configured to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 810 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 820, so that the method in the embodiment of the method described above is performed. Optionally, the apparatus 800 includes one or more processors 810.

[0459] Optionally, the memory 820 and processor 810 may be integrated together or disposed separately.

[0460] Optionally, the device 800 may further include a transceiver 830, as shown in Figure 12. The transceiver 830 is configured to receive and / or transmit signals. For example, the processor 810 is configured to control the transceiver 830 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0461] In one approach, the device 800 is configured to perform operations performed by transceiver devices (e.g., an initiator device and a responder device) in embodiments of the method described above.

[0462] One embodiment of this application further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions used to implement a method performed by transceiver devices (e.g., an initiator device and a responder device) in an embodiment of the method described above.

[0463] For example, when a computer program is executed by a computer, the computer may implement a method that is performed by transceiver devices (e.g., an initiator device and a responder device) in an embodiment of the method described above.

[0464] One embodiment of this application further provides a computer program product including instructions. When the instructions are executed by a computer, the computer is made capable of performing a method by transceiver devices (e.g., an initiator device and a responder device) in an embodiment of the method described above.

[0465] One embodiment of this application further provides a communication system, which includes an initiator device and a responder device in the embodiments described above.

[0466] For a description of the relevant content and beneficial effects of any one of the devices provided above, please refer to the corresponding embodiment of the method provided above. Further details are not provided here.

[0467] It should be understood that the processor referred to in the embodiments of this application may be a central processing unit (CPU), another general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or another programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional processor, etc.

[0468] It can be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM may be used as an external cache. As an example and not an exhaustive list, RAM may include several forms, namely static random access memory (static RAM, SRAM), dynamic random access memory (dynamic RAM, DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (double data rate SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchlink dynamic random access memory (synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM), and direct rambus random access memory (direct rambus RAM, DR RAM).

[0469] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, memory (storage module) may be integrated into the processor.

[0470] It should be further noted that the memories described herein are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0471] In combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the units and steps may be implemented by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are performed by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical measures. A person skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the functions described for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered to exceed the scope of protection of this application.

[0472] In some embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the embodiments of the apparatus described are merely illustrative. For example, the division into units is merely a division of logical functions, and in actual implementations, other divisions may be used. For example, multiple units or components may be combined, or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not performed. In addition, the mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection shown or discussed may be implemented through some interface. Indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatus or units may be implemented electronically, mechanically, or in other forms.

[0473] Units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one location, or may be distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on the actual requirements for implementing the measures provided in this application.

[0474] In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of this application may be integrated into a single unit, each unit may exist physically independently, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit.

[0475] All or part of the embodiments described above may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When software is used to implement an embodiment, all or part of the embodiment may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When a computer program instruction is loaded into a computer and executed, all or part of the procedures or functions according to the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, a computer may be a personal computer, a server, a network device, etc. Computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, radio, or microwave) method. Computer-readable storage media can be any available medium or data storage device accessible by a computer, such as a server or data center containing one or more available media. Available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, or magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs), etc. For example, available media can include, but are not limited to, any medium capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, removable hard disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0476] The above description merely outlines specific implementations of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection. Any modifications or substitutions readily understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the art disclosed herein shall be within the scope of protection. Accordingly, the scope of protection shall be determined by the scope of protection of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0477] 101 System 102 System 700 equipment 710 Transceiver Unit 720 processing units 800 equipment 810 processor 820 memory 830 Transceiver

Claims

1. A step of transmitting a first frame on a first narrowband channel, wherein the first frame is used to trigger a data measurement. A step of transmitting a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel and receiving a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, wherein the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal are used to perform the data measurement and obtain the data measurement results. A communication method comprising the steps of: transmitting a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel, wherein the first trigger frame is used to trigger a report of a first measurement result, and the first measurement result comprises all or part of the data measurement result.

2. The above method further, The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of transmitting first indicator information, wherein the first indicator information indicates a narrowband channel used to transmit a trigger frame, the narrowband channel is used to transmit the trigger frame, the trigger frame comprises the first trigger frame, and the narrowband channel comprises the second narrowband channel.

3. The above method further, The process comprises the step of receiving a second frame on the first narrowband channel, wherein the second frame is used to respond to the first frame. The aforementioned second frame, Information indicating the duration of the second UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the second UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments in the second UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the second UWB signal, or information indicating the measurement period. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one of the following.

4. When the first measurement result is a part of the data measurement result, the method further A step of transmitting a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, wherein the second trigger frame is used to trigger a report of a second measurement result, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the step of receiving the second measurement result on the third narrowband channel, wherein the second measurement result is all or part of the measurement results other than the first measurement result among the data measurement results.

5. When the first measurement result is all of the data measurement results, the method further A step of transmitting a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, wherein the second trigger frame is used to trigger the reporting of the first measurement result, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the step of receiving the first measurement result on the third narrowband channel.

6. The aforementioned first frame, Information relating to the responder device identifier, information indicating the duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the first UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments in the first UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the first UWB signal, and information indicating the feedback type of the data measurement result. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least one of the following:

7. A step of receiving a first frame on a first narrowband channel, wherein the first frame is used to trigger a data measurement. A step of receiving a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel and transmitting a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, wherein the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal are used to perform the data measurement and obtain the data measurement results. A communication method comprising the steps of: receiving a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel, wherein the first trigger frame is used to trigger a report of a first measurement result, and the first measurement result comprises all or part of the data measurement result.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of receiving first indicator information, the first indicator information indicating a narrowband channel used to transmit a trigger frame, the narrowband channel being used to transmit the trigger frame, the trigger frame comprising the first trigger frame, and the narrowband channel comprising the second narrowband channel.

9. The method further comprises the step of transmitting a second frame on the first narrowband channel, the second frame being used in response to the first frame. The aforementioned second frame, Information indicating the duration of the second UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the second UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments in the second UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the second UWB signal, or information indicating the measurement period. The method according to claim 7 or 8, comprising at least one of the following.

10. When the first measurement result is a part of the data measurement result, the method further A step of receiving a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, wherein the second trigger frame is used to trigger a report of a second measurement result, The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising the step of transmitting the second measurement result on the third narrowband channel, wherein the second measurement result is all or part of the measurement results other than the first measurement result in the data measurement results.

11. When the first measurement result is all of the data measurement results, the method further A step of receiving a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, wherein the second trigger frame is used to trigger a report of a first measurement result, The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising the step of transmitting the first measurement result on the third narrowband channel.

12. The aforementioned first frame, Information relating to the responder device identifier, information indicating the duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the first UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments in the first UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the first UWB signal, and information indicating the feedback type of the data measurement result. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, comprising at least one of the following.

13. A transmitting unit configured to transmit a first frame on a first narrowband channel, wherein the first frame is used to trigger a data measurement. The transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel, A receiving unit configured to receive a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, wherein the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal are used to perform the data measurement and obtain the data measurement result, A communication device wherein the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel, the first trigger frame is used to trigger the reporting of a first measurement result, and the first measurement result comprises all or part of the data measurement result.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit first indicator information, the first indicator information indicates a narrowband channel for transmitting a trigger frame, the narrowband channel is used for transmitting the trigger frame, the trigger frame comprises the first trigger frame, and the narrowband channel comprises the second narrowband channel.

15. The receiving unit is further configured to receive a second frame on the first narrowband channel, and the second frame is used to respond to the first frame. The aforementioned second frame, Information indicating the duration of the second UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the second UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments in the second UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the second UWB signal, or information indicating the measurement period. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, comprising at least one of the following.

16. When the first measurement result is a portion of the data measurement result, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, the second trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of the second measurement result. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the receiving unit is further configured to receive the second measurement result on the third narrowband channel, and the second measurement result is all or part of the measurement results other than the first measurement result among the data measurement results.

17. When the first measurement result is the entirety of the data measurement results, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, the second trigger frame being used to trigger the reporting of the first measurement result. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the receiving unit is further configured to receive the first measurement result on the third narrowband channel.

18. The aforementioned first frame, Information relating to the responder device identifier, information indicating the duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the first UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments in the first UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the first UWB signal, and information indicating the feedback type of the data measurement result. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 17, comprising at least one of the following.

19. A receiving unit configured to receive a first frame on a first narrowband channel, wherein the first frame is used to trigger a data measurement. The receiving unit is further configured to receive a first ultra-wideband UWB signal on a first ultra-wideband UWB channel, A transmitting unit configured to transmit a second UWB signal on the first UWB channel, wherein the first UWB signal and the second UWB signal are used to perform the data measurement and obtain the data measurement results, A communication device wherein the receiving unit is further configured to receive a first trigger frame on a second narrowband channel, the first trigger frame is used to trigger the reporting of a first measurement result, and the first measurement result comprises all or part of the data measurement result.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the receiving unit is further configured to receive first indicator information, the first indicator information indicates a narrowband channel for transmitting a trigger frame, the narrowband channel is used for transmitting the trigger frame, the trigger frame comprises the first trigger frame, and the narrowband channel comprises the second narrowband channel.

21. The transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a second frame on the first narrowband channel, and the second frame is used to respond to the first frame. The aforementioned second frame, Information indicating the duration of the second UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the second UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments in the second UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the second UWB signal, or information indicating the measurement period. The apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, comprising at least one of the following.

22. When the first measurement result is a portion of the data measurement result, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, and the second trigger frame is used to trigger the reporting of the second measurement result. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit the second measurement result on the third narrowband channel, and the second measurement result is all or part of the measurement results other than the first measurement result in the data measurement results.

23. When the first measurement result is the entirety of the data measurement results, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second trigger frame on a third narrowband channel, and the second trigger frame is used to trigger the reporting of the first measurement result. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit the first measurement result on the third narrowband channel.

24. The aforementioned first frame, Information relating to the responder device identifier, information indicating the duration of the first UWB signal in each millisecond, information indicating the sequence used by the first UWB signal, information indicating the amount of segments in the first UWB signal, information indicating the total length of the first UWB signal, and information indicating the feedback type of the data measurement result. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 23, comprising at least one of the following.

25. A communication device comprising a transceiver and a processor, configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

26. A communication device, Memory configured to store computer programs, A communication device comprising a processor configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory in order to enable the communication device to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

27. A chip comprising at least one processor and interface, wherein the processor is configured to read and execute instructions stored in memory, and when the instructions are executed, the chip is capable of carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, the computer program comprises program instructions, and when the program instructions are executed by the computer, the computer is enabled to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

29. A computer program product comprising computer program code, wherein when the computer program code is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to carry out the method described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

30. An apparatus configured to carry out the method described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images