Communication methods and communication devices

Abstract

This application relates to a communication method and a communication device, which may be applied to a UWB-based wireless personal area network system. The communication device supports 802.15 series protocols and 802.11 series protocols. The communication method includes the steps of: transmitting a first polling frame, the first polling frame being for triggering a distance measurement in a first distance measurement cycle, the first polling frame further indicating a first set of parameters that are enabled in the first distance measurement cycle, the first set of parameters including one or more of the following parameters: a first narrowband physical layer PHY parameter, a first narrowband channel allow list, a first distance measurement block structure parameter, or a first ultra-wideband UWB multi-millisecond MMS distance measurement configuration parameter; and receiving a response frame to the first polling frame. According to this application, an initiator uses a polling frame to indicate a set of parameters that are enabled in the current distance measurement cycle. Compared to conventional methods for setting distance measurement session configuration parameters that are effective across multiple distance measurement cycles, this application helps to set distance measurement session configuration parameters that are more applicable to the current distance measurement cycle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202310475308.0, titled "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on April 25, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical Field] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication apparatus.

Background Art

[0003] A narrowband assisted Ultra-wideband multi-millisecond (NBA-UWB MMS) ranging session is configured based on a set of physical layer (PHY) parameters and medium access control (MAC) parameters. The set of PHY parameters includes narrowband (NB) PHY parameters for the ranging control phase and measurement reporting phase of the NB channel and ultra-wideband (UWB) channel, ranging configuration parameters for the ranging phase, etc. The MAC parameters include configuration parameters of ranging slots, ranging rounds, and ranging blocks for the ranging control phase, ranging phase, and measurement reporting phase.

[0004] Before an NBA-UWB MMS ranging session is initiated, the initiator and responder may engage in an in-band NBA-UWB MMS initialization and setup phase to negotiate the configuration associated with the ranging session. Alternatively, the initiator and responder may configure the configuration associated with the ranging session via an out-of-band radio or higher layer.

[0005] When a distance measurement session includes multiple measurement cycles, the configuration associated with the distance measurement session, set using the method described above, is used as a long-term operating parameter and applies to the multiple measurement cycles included in the distance measurement session. However, if the channel state between the initiator and responder changes, measurement performance may be reduced when the long-term operating parameter is used for measurements in one or more of the multiple measurement cycles. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] Embodiments of this application provide a communication method for setting up a measurement configuration applicable to a single measurement cycle.

[0007] According to the first embodiment, a communication method is provided. This method may be performed by an initiator device or by a component of the initiator device (e.g., a chip or circuit). This is not limited to the above.

[0008] The method includes the steps of: transmitting a first polling frame, the first polling frame for triggering a distance measurement in a first distance measurement cycle, the first polling frame further indicating a first set of parameters that are enabled in the first distance measurement cycle, the first set of parameters including one or more of the following parameters: a first narrowband physical (PHY) parameter, a first narrowband channel allow list, a first distance measurement block structure parameter, or a first ultra-wideband (UWB) multi-millisecond (MMS) distance measurement configuration parameter; and receiving a response frame of the first polling frame.

[0009] For example, the first narrowband PHY parameter indicates the transmission rate of the payload of a narrowband physical protocol data unit (PPDU) transmitted in the first ranging control phase and / or the first measurement reporting phase included in the first distance measurement cycle. Optionally, the first narrowband PHY parameter further indicates the configuration parameters of the narrowband PPDU transmitted in the first ranging control phase and / or the first measurement reporting phase. The configuration parameters of the narrowband PPDU may include one or more of the following: preamble length, start-of-frame delimiter (SFD) length, physical header (PHR) length, spreading factor used in the preamble and SFD, spreading factor used in the PHR and the narrowband PPDU payload, or coding scheme used in the PHR and payload.

[0010] The first distance measurement block structure parameter may include one or more of the following: distance measurement round duration, distance measurement block duration, distance measurement block index, distance measurement round index, or hopping mode.

[0011] The first UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter may include one or more of the following: the number of ranging sequence fragments (RSF), the number of ranging integrity fragments (RIF), the multi-millisecond ranging sequence (MMRS) code index, the MMRS gap size, the RIF fragment length, or the number of MMRS sequence iterations.

[0012] Based on the technical solution, the initiator device may indicate a first set of parameters that are effective in a first distance measurement cycle based on a first polling frame. Compared to conventional methods of setting distance measurement session configuration parameters that are effective in multiple distance measurement cycles, the technical solution helps to set distance measurement session configuration parameters that are more applicable to the first distance measurement cycle. For example, the initiator device may determine the first set of parameters based on the channel state. If the channel state between the initiator device and the responder device is good, the initiator device may determine a more efficient first set of parameters, thereby reducing the occupied air interface time, improving distance measurement efficiency, and reducing interference to other networks. Alternatively, if the channel state between the initiator device and the responder device is poor, the initiator device may determine a first set of parameters that is applicable to the poor channel state to ensure distance measurement performance.

[0013] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the response frame indicates a second set of parameters which is suggested to be effective in a second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle being after the first distance measurement cycle, and the second set of parameters includes one or more of the following parameters: namely, a second narrowband PHY parameter or a second UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter.

[0014] For a further explanation of the second parameter set, refer to the explanation of the first parameter set.

[0015] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the method further includes the step of receiving a first report frame, the first report frame comprising a ranging measurement report corresponding to a first ranging cycle, the first report frame further indicating a third set of parameters which are suggested to be effective in a second ranging cycle, the second ranging cycle being after the first ranging cycle, and the third set of parameters comprising one or more of the following parameters, namely, a third narrowband PHY parameter or a third UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter.

[0016] For a further explanation of the second parameter set, refer to the explanation of the first parameter set.

[0017] If the response frame indicates a second parameter set and the first reporting frame indicates a third parameter set, it should be understood that the initiator device may determine the parameters that will be effective in the second distance measurement cycle based on the third parameter set. Compared to the response frame, the first reporting frame is closer to the second distance measurement cycle. Therefore, compared to the second parameter set, the third parameter set suggested by the responder device based on the first reporting frame may be more applicable to the second distance measurement cycle. In other words, using the third parameter set contributes to improving the distance measurement performance in the second distance measurement cycle. Thus, when the initiator device determines the parameters that will be effective in the second distance measurement cycle based on the third parameter set, the initiator device can determine parameters that are more applicable to the second distance measurement cycle. For example, if a responder device determines a third parameter set based on the channel state, the channel state based on the first report frame being closer to the second measurement cycle is closer to the channel state of the second distance measurement cycle, since the first report frame is closer to the second measurement cycle. Therefore, the third parameter set may be more applicable to the second distance measurement cycle.

[0018] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the first polling frame is further intended to request a set of parameters which are said to be effective in the second distance measurement cycle.

[0019] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the first parameter set includes first distance measuring block structure parameters and / or first UWB MMS distance measuring configuration parameters, and the method further includes the step of performing a distance measuring measurement in a first distance measuring cycle based on the first distance measuring block structure parameters and / or first UWB MMS distance measuring configuration parameters.

[0020] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, a first parameter set includes a first narrowband PHY parameter, the method further includes the step of transmitting a second report frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameter, the second report frame including a distance measurement report corresponding to a first distance measurement cycle.

[0021] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, a first parameter set includes a first narrowband channel permission list, the method further includes the step of transmitting a second report frame on a first narrowband channel included in the first narrowband channel permission list, the second report frame including a distance measurement report corresponding to a first distance measurement cycle.

[0022] Based on the technical solution, the initiator device can prevent sending a second report frame on an unavailable narrowband channel. For example, if the initiator device determines a first narrowband channel allow list based on channel status, the narrowband channels included in the first narrowband channel allow list may be idle narrowband channels, thus preventing the initiator device from sending a second report frame on the first narrowband channel and thus avoiding transmission failure.

[0023] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the second reporting frame further indicates a fourth parameter set that becomes effective in a second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle being after the first distance measurement cycle, and the fourth parameter set includes one or more of the following parameters: a fourth narrowband PHY parameter, a second narrowband channel permission list, a second distance measurement block structure parameter, or a fourth UWB MMS distance measurement configuration parameter.

[0024] For a further explanation of the fourth parameter set, refer to the explanation of the first parameter set.

[0025] Referring to the first embodiment, some implementations of the first embodiment further include the step of transmitting a second polling frame based on the fourth narrowband PHY parameters, the second polling frame being for triggering a distance measurement in a second distance measurement cycle.

[0026] Based on the technical solution, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on a fourth narrowband PHY parameter. This helps improve the transmission performance of the second polling frame. The fourth narrowband PHY parameter may be determined based on the channel state. Thus, the fourth narrowband PHY parameter better satisfies the channel state between the initiator device and the responder device, and as a result, transmitting the second polling frame based on the fourth narrowband PHY rate helps improve the transmission efficiency of the second polling frame.

[0027] When the response frame indicates the second narrowband PHY parameter and / or the first report frame indicates the third narrowband PHY parameter and the second report frame indicates the fourth narrowband PHY parameter, it should be understood that the initiator device still transmits the second polling frame based on the fourth narrowband PHY rate. Compared with the response frame and the first report frame, the second report frame is a frame closer to the second distance measurement cycle. Therefore, compared with the second narrowband PHY parameter and / or the third narrowband PHY parameter, the fourth narrowband PHY parameter indicated by the second report frame may be more applicable for transmitting the second polling frame. In other words, transmitting the second polling frame based on the fourth narrowband PHY parameter helps to achieve higher transmission efficiency. For example, when the initiator device determines the fourth narrowband PHY parameter based on the channel state, since the second report frame is closer to the second measurement cycle, the channel state on which the initiator device bases when determining the fourth narrowband PHY parameter is closer to the channel state of the second distance measurement cycle. Therefore, the fourth narrowband PHY parameter may be more applicable for transmitting the second polling frame.

[0028] Referring to the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the method further includes receiving an acknowledgment (ACK) frame of the second report frame.

[0029] Referring to the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the first parameter set includes the first narrowband PHY parameter, and the method is a step of transmitting a second polling frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameter, where the second polling frame is for triggering ranging measurement in the second distance measurement cycle, and the second distance measurement cycle is after the first distance measurement cycle, and the method further includes this step.

[0030] Optionally, if the response frame does not show a second narrowband PHY parameter and the first distance measurement cycle does not include a measurement reporting phase, the initiator device sends a second polling frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameter. Alternatively, if the response frame does not show a second narrowband PHY parameter, the first reporting frame does not show a third narrowband PHY parameter, and the second reporting frame does not show a fourth narrowband PHY parameter, the initiator device sends a second polling frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameter.

[0031] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, a second parameter set includes a second narrowband PHY parameter, the method further includes the step of transmitting a second polling frame based on the second narrowband PHY parameter, the second polling frame being for triggering a distance measurement in a second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle being after the first distance measurement cycle.

[0032] Optionally, if the first distance measurement cycle does not include a measurement reporting phase, the initiator device sends a second polling frame according to the second narrowband PHY parameter. Alternatively, if the first reporting frame does not show the third narrowband PHY parameter and the second reporting frame does not show the fourth narrowband PHY parameter, the initiator device sends a second polling frame based on the second narrowband PHY parameter.

[0033] Referring to the first embodiment, some implementations of the first embodiment further include the step of sending an ACK frame for the response frame.

[0034] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, the second polling frame further indicates a fifth set of parameters that become active in the second distance measurement cycle, the fifth set of parameters being determined based on the second set of parameters, and the fifth set of parameters including one or more of the following parameters: a fifth narrowband PHY parameter, a third narrowband channel allow list, a third distance measurement block structure parameter, or a fifth UWB MMS distance measurement configuration parameter.

[0035] For a further explanation of the fifth parameter set, refer to the explanation of the first parameter set.

[0036] Referring to the first embodiment, in some implementations of the first embodiment, a third parameter set includes a third narrowband PHY parameter, the method further includes the step of transmitting a second polling frame based on the third narrowband PHY parameter, the second polling frame being for triggering a distance measurement in a second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle being after the first distance measurement cycle.

[0037] Optionally, if the second reporting frame does not show the fourth narrowband PHY parameter, the initiator device sends a second polling frame based on the third narrowband PHY parameter.

[0038] Even if the response frame indicates a second narrowband PHY parameter and the first reporting frame indicates a third narrowband PHY parameter, it should be understood that the initiator device will still transmit the second polling frame based on the third narrowband PHY parameter. Compared to the response frame, the first reporting frame is closer to the second distance measurement cycle. Therefore, compared to the second narrowband PHY parameter, the third narrowband PHY parameter indicated by the first reporting frame may be more applicable to transmitting the second polling frame. In other words, transmitting the second polling frame based on a fourth narrowband PHY parameter helps to obtain higher transmission efficiency. For example, if the responder device determines the third narrowband PHY parameter based on the channel state, the channel state on which the responder device determines the third narrowband PHY parameter is closer to the channel state of the second distance measurement cycle, since the first reporting frame is closer to the second measurement cycle. Therefore, the third narrowband PHY parameter may be more applicable to transmitting the second polling frame.

[0039] Referring to the first embodiment, some implementations of the first embodiment further include the step of sending an ACK frame for the first reporting frame.

[0040] According to a second embodiment, a communication method is provided, which may be performed by a responder device or by a component of the responder device (e.g., a chip or circuit). This is not limited to the above.

[0041] The method includes the steps of: receiving a first polling frame, the first polling frame being for triggering a distance measurement in a first distance measurement cycle, the first polling frame further indicating a first set of parameters that are enabled in the first distance measurement cycle, the first set of parameters including one or more of the following parameters: a first narrowband PHY parameter, a first narrowband channel allow list, a first distance measurement block structure parameter, or a first UWB MMS distance measurement configuration parameter; and transmitting a response frame for the first polling frame.

[0042] Based on the technical solution, the initiator device may indicate a first set of parameters that are effective in a first distance measurement cycle based on a first polling frame. Compared to conventional methods of setting distance measurement session configuration parameters that are effective in multiple distance measurement cycles, the technical solution helps to set distance measurement session configuration parameters that are more applicable to the first distance measurement cycle. For example, the initiator device may determine the first set of parameters based on the channel state. If the channel state between the initiator device and the responder device is good, the initiator device may determine a more efficient first set of parameters, thereby reducing the occupied air interface time, improving distance measurement efficiency, and reducing interference to other networks. Alternatively, if the channel state between the initiator device and the responder device is poor, the initiator device may determine a first set of parameters that is applicable to the poor channel state to ensure distance measurement performance.

[0043] Referring to the second embodiment, in some implementations of the second embodiment, the first parameter set includes a first narrowband PHY parameter, and the step of transmitting a response frame for a first polling frame includes the step of transmitting a response frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameter.

[0044] Referring to the second embodiment, in some implementations of the second embodiment, the first parameter set includes a first narrowband channel allow list, and the step of transmitting a response frame for a first polling frame includes the step of transmitting a response frame on a second narrowband channel included in the first narrowband channel allow list.

[0045] Based on the technical solution, the responder device can be prevented from sending response frames on an unavailable narrowband channel. For example, if the initiator device determines a first narrowband channel allow list based on the channel state, the narrowband channels included in the first narrowband channel allow list may be idle narrowband channels, and as a result, the responder device can send response frames on a second narrowband channel to avoid transmission failure.

[0046] Referring to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the response frame indicates a second set of parameters which is suggested to be effective in a second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle following the first distance measurement cycle, and the second set of parameters includes one or more of the following parameters: a second narrowband PHY parameter or a second UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter.

[0047] Referring to the second embodiment, in some implementations of the second embodiment, the method further includes the step of transmitting a first report frame, the first report frame comprising a ranging measurement report corresponding to a first ranging measurement cycle, the first report frame further indicating a third set of parameters which are suggested to be effective in a second ranging measurement cycle, the second ranging measurement cycle being after the first ranging measurement cycle, and the third set of parameters comprising one or more of the following parameters, namely, a third narrowband PHY parameter or a third UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter.

[0048] Referring to the second embodiment, in some implementations of the second embodiment, the first parameter set includes first narrowband PHY parameters, and the step of transmitting a first report frame includes the step of transmitting a first report frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameters.

[0049] Referring to the second embodiment, in some implementations of the second embodiment, the first parameter set includes a first narrowband channel allow list, and the step of transmitting a first report frame includes the step of transmitting the first report frame on a third narrowband channel included in the first narrowband channel allow list.

[0050] Based on the technical solution, the responder device can be prevented from sending the first report frame on an unavailable narrowband channel. For example, if the initiator device determines a first narrowband channel allow list based on the channel status, the narrowband channels included in the first narrowband channel allow list may be idle narrowband channels, and as a result, the responder device can avoid transmission failure by sending the first report frame on a third narrowband channel.

[0051] Referring to the second embodiment, in some implementations of the second embodiment, the first polling frame is further intended to request a set of parameters which are said to be effective in the second distance measurement cycle.

[0052] Referring to a second embodiment, in some implementations of the second embodiment, the first parameter set includes a first distance measuring block structure parameter and / or a first UWB MMS distance measuring configuration parameter, and the method further includes the step of performing a distance measuring measurement in a first distance measuring cycle based on the first distance measuring block structure parameter and / or the first UWB MMS distance measuring configuration parameter.

[0053] According to a third aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device is configured to perform a method according to either the first or second aspect. Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules configured to perform a method according to either the first aspect or an implementation of the first aspect, or it may include units and / or modules configured to perform a method according to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect, such as a processing unit and / or transceiver unit.

[0054] In this implementation, the communication device is a device (e.g., an initiator device or a responder device). When the communication device is a device, 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.

[0055] In other implementations, the communication device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in a device (e.g., an initiator device or a responder device). When the communication device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in a device, the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, associated circuit, etc., within the chip, chip system, or circuit, and the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, logic circuit, etc.

[0056] According to a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device includes a memory configured to store a program, and at least one processor configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in the memory to perform a method according to either the first aspect or an implementation of the first aspect, or a method according to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect.

[0057] In this implementation, the communication device is a device (for example, an initiator device or a responder device).

[0058] In other implementations, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in a device (e.g., an initiator device or a responder device).

[0059] According to a fifth aspect, the application provides a processor configured to perform the method according to the above aspects.

[0060] Unless otherwise specified, or unless such operations as transmit and acquire / receive related to a processor are consistent with the actual function or internal logic of the operations in the relevant description, operations may be understood as such as outputs, receivers, and inputs of a processor, or as such as transmits and receives performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This is not limited to this application.

[0061] According to the sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores program code to be executed by a device, the program code including instructions for executing a method according to either the first aspect or an implementation of the first aspect, or including instructions for executing a method according to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect.

[0062] According to the seventh aspect, a computer program product including instructions is provided. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, the computer performs either a method according to the first aspect or an implementation of the first aspect, or the computer performs either a method according to the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect.

[0063] According to the eighth aspect, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and an input / output interface. The processor reads instructions stored in memory through the input / output interface and performs a method according to either the first aspect or an implementation of the first aspect, or a method according to either the second aspect or an implementation of the second aspect.

[0064] Optionally, in the implementation, 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 either a method according to the first embodiment or the implementation of the first embodiment, or a method according to the second embodiment or the implementation of the second embodiment.

[0065] According to the ninth aspect, a communication system including the initiator device and responder device described above is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0066] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating two application scenarios based on this application. [Figure 2] This is a diagram of a UWB signal according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the architecture of a distance measuring / positioning system according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the phases of the UWB ranging round. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the NBA-UWB MMS ranging method. [Figure 6] This is a schematic flowchart of the communication method according to the embodiment of this application. [Figure 7(a)] This is a diagram of the frame structure of a polling frame according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 7(b)] This is a diagram of the frame structure of a polling frame according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 7(c)] This is a diagram of the frame structure of a polling frame according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 7(d)] This is a diagram of the frame structure of a polling frame according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the frame structure of a response frame according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 9] This is a diagram of the frame structure of a reporting frame according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 10] This is a diagram of the frame structure of a reporting frame according to another embodiment of this application. [Figure 11] This is a diagram of the method according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 12(a)] This is a diagram of the method according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 12(b)] This is a diagram of the method according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 13(a)] This is a diagram of the method according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 13(b)] This is a diagram of the method according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 14(a)] This is a diagram of the method according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 14(b)] This is a diagram of the method according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 14(c)] This is a diagram of the method according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 15] This is a diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 16] This is a diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 17] This is a diagram of a chip system according to an embodiment of this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0067] The technical solutions of the embodiments described in this application will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0068] Embodiments of this application may be applied 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 may also be used for communication between digital auxiliary devices within a narrow range, such as telephones, computers, and other auxiliary devices, with the operating range of a WPAN typically being within 10 meters. Technologies supporting wireless personal area networks include Bluetooth, ZigBee, ultra-wideband, IrDA infrared connectivity technology, HomeRF, and the like. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various embodiments of this application may be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), High Performance Radio LANs (HIPERLANs) (wireless standards similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard, mainly used in Europe), Wide Area Networks (WANs), or other networks currently known or to be developed in the future. From a network configuration standpoint, WPANs are located at the lowest layer of the overall network architecture and are for wireless connections between devices within a narrow range, i.e., point-to-point short-range connections, and may be considered short-range wireless communication networks. Based on different application scenarios, WPANs are further classified into high-rate (HR)-WPANs and low-rate (L)-WPANs. HR-WPANs may be used to support a variety of high-rate multimedia applications, including high-quality audio-visual distribution, transmission of multi-megabyte music and image documents, etc. LR-WPANs may be for general services in daily life.

[0069] In WPAN, devices may 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 and RFD devices can communicate with each other. RFD devices cannot communicate directly with each other, and can only communicate 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 for simple control applications such as light switches and passive infrared sensors, transmitting small amounts of data and occupying few transmission and communication resources. Therefore, RFD devices have low costs. A coordinator may also be called a personal area network (PAN) coordinator, central control node, etc. The PAN coordinator is the main control node of the entire network, and each ad-hoc network may have only one PAN coordinator with the functions of member identification management, link information management, and packet forwarding. 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 currently discussed or later versions.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In embodiments of this application, the device includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer operating on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer operating 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 one or more types of computer operating systems that implement service processing 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, document processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, the specific structure of the implementer of the method provided in embodiments of this application is not particularly limited in embodiments of this application, as long 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 located within an FFD or RFD that can call and execute a program.

[0072] Furthermore, 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” encompasses a computer program accessible 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). Furthermore, the various storage media described in this specification may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media configured to store information. The term “machine-readable medium” may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0073] Alternatively, embodiments of this application are further applicable to wireless local area network systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle to Everything (V2X). Clearly, embodiments of this application are further 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.

[0074] The above-mentioned communication systems applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples, and are not limited to those applicable to this application. This is explained uniformly in this specification and will not be explained again below.

[0075] 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 having a star topology, with one FFD being a PAN controller. In a communication system having a star topology, the PAN controller performs data transmission with one or more other devices, i.e., a one-to-many or many-to-one data transmission architecture may be established between the multiple devices. In system 102 shown in Figure 1(B), multiple FFD devices and one RFD device form a communication system having a peer-to-peer topology, with one FFD being a PAN controller. In a communication system having a peer-to-peer topology, a many-to-many data transmission architecture may be established between multiple different devices.

[0076] Figures 1(A) and 1(B) are simplified diagrams for the sake of clarity and should be understood as not constituting a limitation on the application scenarios of this application. For example, system 101 and / or system 102 may further include other FFDs and / or other RFDs.

[0077] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, some terms or concepts that may be used in the embodiments of this application will first be briefly explained.

[0078] 1. UWB Technology: UWB technology is a wireless communication / ranging / sensing technology that uses nanosecond-level non-sinusoidal narrow impulse signals, and therefore occupies a wide spectral range. Due to its narrow impulse and extremely low radiated spectral density, UWB systems have advantages such as strong multipath resolution, low power consumption, and high confidentiality, contributing to coexistence with other systems and thereby improving spectral utilization and system capacity.

[0079] Since the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the civilian use of UWB technology in 2002, ultra-wideband wireless communication has become one of the popular physical layer technologies for short-range and high-speed wireless networks. Many world-renowned companies, research institutions, and standardization organizations are actively involved in the research, development, and standardization of ultra-wideband wireless communication technology. The IEEE has incorporated UWB technology into its IEEE 802 series of wireless standards and has released the UWB-based WPAN standard IEEE 802.15.4a and its evolved version IEEE 802.15.4z. Currently, the next-generation UWB-based WPAN standard 802.15.4ab is on the agenda.

[0080] Because UWB technology performs data transmission through the reception and transmission of extremely narrow impulses at the nanosecond or sub-nanosecond level, rather than carrier waves as in conventional communication systems, UWB technology has high requirements for time synchronization of transceiver devices. Furthermore, due to the large communication bandwidth of UWB technology, when signals are received and transmitted over an ultra-wideband channel, devices have high power consumption and complexity, 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 narrowband systems using narrowband signal-assisted methods. This reduces the overall power consumption overhead.

[0081] 2. Power of UWB Signals: Due to the large bandwidth of ultra-wideband systems, the FCC imposes strict limits on the power spectral density of UWB signals to reduce interference with other narrowband devices during operation. According to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), the following two rules exist:

[0082] Rule 1: The average maximum power spectral density (PSD) of a transmitted UWB signal within 1 millisecond cannot exceed 41.3 dBm per megahertz.

[0083] Rule 2: The maximum power of a transmitted UWB signal in any 50 MHz bandwidth cannot exceed 1 milliwatt.

[0084] Rule 1 limits the total energy transmitted by UWB within 1 millisecond (e.g., 37 nJ for a 500 MHz bandwidth). Energy is transmitted in a shorter time. This increases the instantaneous power of the transmitted signal, expands signal coverage, and increases 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 fragment signals, each fragment signal having a time length of less than 1 millisecond, and then transmits only one fragment signal within each millisecond.

[0085] To facilitate understanding, the UWB signal will be briefly explained with reference to Figure 2.

[0086] Figure 2 is a diagram of a UWB signal according to an embodiment of this application. From Figure 2, it can be seen that the transmitting end divides the UWB signal to be transmitted into multiple fragment signals (for example, UWB fragment signal #1, UWB fragment signal #2, and UWB fragment signal #3 shown in Figure 2). The time length of each fragment signal is less than 1 millisecond, and one of the fragment signals is transmitted within each millisecond. The signal type of the fragment signals is also a UWB signal.

[0087] Furthermore, the term "fragment signal" in this application may also be referred to as a "block signal," "short signal," "partial signal," "fragment," "block," etc. The name of the fragment signal is not limited to identifying that a UWB signal is divided into multiple UWB signals. Each of the multiple UWB signals obtained after division has a duration of less than 1 millisecond, and each of the multiple UWB signals obtained after division is transmitted within each millisecond. Optionally, the multiple fragment signals obtained by dividing a UWB signal may be the same. For example, the multiple fragment signals obtained by dividing a UWB signal may be a preamble with the same configuration. A preamble with the same configuration includes, but is not limited to, the preamble length, the sequence used in the preamble, etc.

[0088] From the above, it can be seen that the UWB signal to be transmitted is divided into multiple fragment signals for fragment transmission. This can increase the instantaneous power of the UWB signal, but it cannot increase the instantaneous power indefinitely. Rule 2 actually limits the power increment for UWB-based fragment transmission.

[0089] For example, in this application, UWB-based fragment transmission may also be referred to as multi-millisecond (MMS) transmission.

[0090] 3. Distancing or Sensing: In ranging or sensing scenarios, the accuracy of the measurement or sensing result is related to the signal bandwidth. A larger signal bandwidth results in higher accuracy of the results obtained through sensing or ranging. Therefore, it may be considered that the reference signal for ranging or sensing is received and transmitted by using a UWB system, and other reference signals and / or data are transmitted according to a narrowband protocol. This ensures ranging and sensing accuracy and can also reduce power consumption. Sensing in this application may be understood as the lowest-level sensing technology in the Internet of Things technology architecture, which is a key step in acquiring information and realizing object control in the Internet of Things. Distancing may be understood as measuring the distance between devices, including but not limited to measuring the distance between two objects in the Internet of Things.

[0091] For example, in this application, a UWB technical solution combining narrowband-assisted UWB and multi-millisecond transmission may also be called narrowband-assisted ultra-wideband multi-millisecond (NBA-UWB MMS).

[0092] To facilitate understanding, a distance measurement / positioning system to which the above distance measurement techniques are applied will be briefly explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0093] Figure 3 is a diagram of the architecture of a ranging / positioning system according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the ranging / positioning system includes a plurality of devices (device 1 and device 2 shown in Figure 3), which may also be the apparatus in the embodiment of this application. Each device includes at least a UWB module, and a device may further include a narrowband communication module. Ranging, positioning, and communication may be performed between the UWB modules of device 1 and device 2. If a device includes a narrowband communication module, data transmission may be performed between the narrowband communication modules of device 1 and device 2 via a wireless link.

[0094] 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 (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee, etc.). In a single device, the UWB module and the narrowband communication module may be different devices or chips. Obviously, the UWB module and the narrowband communication module may, alternatively, be integrated into a single device or chip. Embodiments in this application do not limit the implementation of the UWB module and the narrowband communication module within a device. UWB technology enables communication devices to have high data throughput and enables high accuracy in device positioning.

[0095] The devices in this application may include 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 having 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 device configured to perform network communication over a wireless medium. Furthermore, the devices may support the 802.15.4ab standard or the next-generation standard of 802.15.4ab. The device further supports multiple standards such as 802.15.4a, 802.15.4-2011, 802.15.4-2015, and 802.15.4z. The device may further 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 802.11be.

[0096] 4. Ranging Round: In the previous generation IEEE 802.15.4z standard, a single ranging process was defined as a ranging round. The minimum processing time unit in each ranging round is a ranging slot. A ranging round is divided into three phases: the ranging control phase, the ranging phase, and the measurement report phase.

[0097] Figure 4 shows the phases of a UWB ranging round. From Figure 4, it can be seen that in IEEE 802.15.4z, the ranging control phase includes one ranging slot, but in the currently discussed IEEE 802.15.4ab standard, the ranging control phase may include more than one ranging slot.

[0098] It should be noted that Figure 4 is illustrated using an example in which a ranging round includes a ranging control phase, a ranging phase, and a measurement reporting phase. In some possible implementations, a ranging round may not include a measurement reporting phase. For example, if the measurement reporting phase is supported out of band, the ranging round may not include a measurement reporting phase. Furthermore, if the measurement reporting phase includes only one measurement reporting slot, the initiator or responder should transmit a measurement report (REPORT) message within the measurement reporting slot. Whether the initiator or responder transmits a measurement report message is determined based on the reporting mode. If the measurement reporting phase includes two measurement reporting slots, the responder should transmit a measurement report message within the first measurement reporting slot, and the initiator should transmit a measurement report message within the second measurement reporting slot. The reporting mode is determined by the initiator and responder through negotiation during the initialization and setup phase prior to the ranging session, set by the higher layer, or is a default.

[0099] It should be noted that the communication method provided in this application may be applied to narrowband protocol-assisted UWB ranging, narrowband protocol-assisted UWB sensing, or other narrowband protocol-assisted measurement procedures. Accordingly, the ranging control phase shown in Figure 4 in this application may be understood as one of the corresponding measurement control phases in any of the types of measurement procedures, i.e., the ranging phase may be understood as one of the measurement phases. For example, the communication method provided in this application is applied to a narrowband protocol-assisted UWB sensing procedure. The measurement control phase may be understood as a sensing control phase, the ranging phase may be understood as a sensing phase, and the ranging result reporting phase may be understood as a sensing result reporting phase.

[0100] Furthermore, it should be noted that the names of the different phases of a single measurement round described above are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation to the scope of protection of this application. For example, the measurement control phase may be understood as the phase for configuring the parameters required in the measurement round; in other examples, the measurement phase may be understood as the phase for taking measurements; and in yet another example, the measurement results reporting phase may be understood as the phase for reporting the measurement results, and may also be called the end of the measurement phase.

[0101] To facilitate understanding, the narrowband protocol-assisted UWB MMS ranging method will be briefly explained below with reference to Figure 5.

[0102] Figure 5 is a diagram of the NBA-UWB MMS ranging method. Figure 5 includes an initiator and a responder. The initiator may be a device with WPAN communication capabilities (e.g., an FFD or RFD shown in Figure 1), not an initiator, but an example. Similarly, the responder may be a device with WPAN communication capabilities (e.g., an FFD or RFD shown in Figure 1). Furthermore, the structure of the initiator and the responder may be the structure of device 1 or device 2 shown in Figure 3. For example, the initiator and responder may include a UWB module and a narrowband communication module, respectively.

[0103] As can be seen from Figure 5, in the ranging control phase and the measurement reporting phase, signaling and / or data may be exchanged between the initiator and responder based on the NB signal, and in the ranging phase, ranging is performed by exchanging UWB fragment signals between the initiator and responder. As shown in Figure 5, the initiator and responder transmit a multi-millisecond ranging sequence (MMRS) (or called a UWB fragment signal) in multiple 1-millisecond ranging sequence fragments (RSF1~RSF3 shown in Figure 5), and then transmit a scrambled timestamp sequence (STS) in multiple 1-millisecond ranging integrity fragments (RIF1~RIF3 shown in Figure 5), thereby effectively extending the secure ranging range.

[0104] An NBA-UWB MMS ranging session is configured based on a set of physical (PHY) parameters and medium access control (MAC) parameters. The set of PHY parameters includes narrowband PHY parameters for the ranging control phase and measurement reporting phase of narrowband and UWB channels, and UWB MMS ranging configuration parameters for the ranging phase. MAC parameters include configuration parameters for ranging slots, ranging rounds, and ranging blocks for the ranging control phase, ranging phase, and measurement reporting phase.

[0105] Before an NBA-UWB MMS ranging session is initiated, the initiator and responder may engage in an in-band NBA-UWB MMS initialization and setup phase to negotiate the configuration associated with the ranging session. Alternatively, the initiator and responder may configure the configuration associated with the ranging session via an out-of-band radio.

[0106] When a distance measurement session includes multiple measurement cycles, the configuration associated with the distance measurement session, set using the method described above, is used as a long-term operating parameter and applies to the multiple measurement cycles included in the distance measurement session. However, if the channel state between the initiator and responder changes, measurement performance may be reduced when the long-term operating parameter is used for measurements in one or more of the multiple measurement cycles.

[0107] With this in mind, this application provides a communication method for setting up a measurement configuration applicable to a single measurement cycle.

[0108] The specific structure of the implementer of the method provided in embodiments of this application is not particularly limited in the following embodiments, as long 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 a transceiver device, or by a functional module located in a transceiver device that can call and execute a program.

[0109] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following description is provided.

[0110] Firstly, in this application, “to show” may include “to show directly” and “to show indirectly.” When certain information is described in a way that shows A, the information may show A directly or indirectly, but it does not indicate that the information clearly carries A.

[0111] Information indicated by information is called information to be indicated. In a specific implementation process, information to be indicated may be indicated in multiple ways, for example, without limitation, in a way in which information to be indicated, such as information to be indicated or an index of information to be indicated, may be indicated directly. Alternatively, information to be indicated may be indicated indirectly by indicating other information, and a correlation relationship exists between the other information and the information to be indicated. Alternatively, only a part of the information to be indicated may be indicated, and the other parts of the information to be indicated may be known or agreed upon in advance. For example, certain information may, as an alternative, be indicated by using a pre-agreed (e.g., defined in a protocol) arrangement sequence of multiple pieces of information to reduce the instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, to reduce the instruction overhead caused by indicating the same information separately, the common parts of all information may be identified and indicated in a unified manner.

[0112] Secondly, the designations "First," "Second," and various numerical values ​​(e.g., "#1" and "#2") used in this application are intended simply to distinguish objects for the sake of clarity and not to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, numerical values ​​are used to distinguish different channels but not to describe a particular order or sequence. It should be understood that the objects described in this manner are interchangeable in appropriate contexts, and as a result, solutions other than the embodiments of this application may be described.

[0113] Thirdly, the term "and / or" in this specification describes only the association relationship for describing the related objects, and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent the following three cases: that only A exists, that both A and B exist, and that only B exists. Furthermore, the letter " / " in this specification usually indicates an "or" relationship between the related objects.

[0114] Fourth, the “protocol” in 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.

[0115] Without loss of generality, the signaling transmission method provided in embodiments of this application will be described in detail below, using the interaction between an initiator device and a responder device as an example. The initiator device may also be abbreviated as "initiator" or "transmitting end device." The responder device may also be abbreviated as "responder" or "receiving end device."

[0116] As an example, and not an limitation, the transmitting device may be any device capable of communicating in WPAN, such as an FFD or RFD. Similarly, the receiving device may also be any device capable of communicating in WPAN, such as an FFD or RFD.

[0117] It should be understood that the specific types and names of initiator and responder devices are not limited in this application, as long as they are communication devices capable of receiving and transmitting UWB and NB signals.

[0118] It should be noted that, for illustrative purposes, examples will be used below in which the method provided in embodiments of this application is applied to a distance measurement procedure. The method provided in embodiments of this application may also be applied to a sensing procedure or other measurement procedure. For example, when the method provided in embodiments of this application is applied to a sensing measurement procedure, the “distance measurement cycle” provided in the following embodiments may be replaced with a “sensing measurement cycle,” the “distance measurement block” may be replaced with a “sensing measurement block,” the “distance measurement round” may be replaced with a “sensing measurement round,” the “distance measurement slot” may be replaced with a “sensing measurement slot,” and the “distance measurement configuration parameter” may be replaced with a “sensing measurement configuration parameter.”

[0119] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 600 according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the method 600 may include the following steps.

[0120] S610: The initiator device sends the first polling (POLL) frame to the responder device.

[0121] In response, the responder device receives the first polling frame from the initiator device.

[0122] Specifically, the initiator device transmits a first polling frame to the responder device during the first distance measurement cycle. The first polling frame is intended to trigger a distance measurement during the first distance measurement cycle. For an example of the frame format of the first polling frame, see the following description in Figures 7(a) to 7(d). For brevity, further details are not described herein. The first distance measurement cycle includes a first distance control phase and a first distance measurement phase. Optionally, the first distance measurement cycle further includes a first measurement reporting phase. The first distance measurement cycle may also be called the first distance measurement round. For a further description of the first distance measurement cycle, see the description of the distance measurement round in Figure 4.

[0123] For example, the initiator device sends the first polling frame to the responder device on narrowband channel #1.

[0124] For example, the first polling frame may be called the first query frame, or the first polling frame may be called the first polling message or the first query message. It should be understood that the names of the frames are not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0125] The first polling frame further indicates a first parameter set that becomes effective in the first distance measurement cycle, the first parameter set including one or more of the following parameters: a first narrowband PHY parameter, a first narrowband channel allow list, a first ranging block structure parameter, or a first UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter. It should be noted that the first parameter set becomes effective in the first distance measurement cycle and after the initiator device transmits the first polling frame.

[0126] The first narrowband PHY parameter is a parameter that becomes effective in the first ranging control phase and / or the first measurement reporting phase included in the first distance measurement cycle. The first narrowband PHY parameter becomes effective in the first ranging control phase and / or the first measurement reporting phase when the initiator device and responder device transmit a reference signal and / or data over the narrowband channel in the first ranging control phase and / or the first measurement reporting phase. Since the first parameter set becomes effective after the initiator device transmits the first polling frame, it should be understood that when the initiator device transmits the first polling frame over narrowband channel #1, the first narrowband PHY parameter that is carried in the first polling frame and is indicated to be effective in the first distance measurement cycle is not necessarily the same as the narrowband PHY parameter #a used by the initiator device to transmit the first polling frame. The first narrowband PHY parameter may be carried in the PHY rate subfield included in the first polling frame. For a further explanation of the frame structure and PHY rate subfield of the first polling frame, refer to Figures 7(a) to 7(d). For brevity, further details are not described herein.

[0127] For example, the first narrowband PHY parameter indicates the transmission rate of the payload of the narrowband physical protocol data unit (PPDU) transmitted in the first ranging control phase and / or the first measurement reporting phase. Optionally, the first narrowband PHY parameter may further indicate the configuration parameters of the narrowband PPDU transmitted in the first ranging control phase and / or the first measurement reporting phase. The configuration parameters of the narrowband PPDU may include one or more of the following: preamble length, start-of-frame delimiter (SFD) length, physical header (PHR) length, spreading factor used in the preamble and SFD, spreading factor used in the PHR and the narrowband PPDU payload, or coding scheme used in the PHR and payload.

[0128] For example, the first narrowband PHY parameter is set to a first value to indicate that the payload rate for the narrowband PPDU is 250 kbps, the preamble length is 8 symbols, the SFD length is 2 symbols, the spreading factor used in the preamble and SFD is 32, the PHR length is 2 symbols, and the spreading factor used in the PHR and narrowband PPDU payload is 32 (using the mandatory symbol-to-chip mapping specified by 15-23-0100-02-04ab-nba-uwb-technical-framework-for-draft0). Forward error correction coding is not used in the PHR and narrowband PPDU payloads.

[0129] The first narrowband PHY parameter is set to a second value to indicate that the payload rate for the narrowband PPDU is 500 kbps, the preamble length is 4 symbols, the SFD length is 2 symbols, the spreading factor used in the preamble and SFD is 32, the PHR length is 7 symbols, and the spreading factor used in the PHR and narrowband PPDU payload is 8. The PHR and narrowband PPDU payloads use a convolutional code with a constraint length of 7 and a code rate of 1 / 2.

[0130] The first narrowband PHY parameter is set to a third value to indicate that the payload rate for the narrowband PPDU is 1000 kbps, the preamble length is 4 symbols, the SFD length is 2 symbols, the spreading factor used in the preamble and SFD is 32, the PHR length is 7 symbols, and the spreading factor used in the PHR and the payload of the narrowband PPDU is 8. For the PHR, a convolutional code with a constraint length of 7 and a code rate of 1 / 2 is used, and no forward error correction coding is used in the narrowband PPDU payload.

[0131] The first narrowband PHY parameter is set to a fourth value to indicate that the payload rate for the narrowband PPDU is 250 kbps, the preamble length is 8 symbols, the SFD length is 2 symbols, the spreading factor used in the preamble and SFD is 32, the PHR length is 7 symbols, and the spreading factor used in the PHR and narrowband PPDU payload is 16 (using the mandatory symbol-to-chip mapping specified by 15-23-0100-02-04ab-nba-uwb-technical-framework-for-draft0). The PHR and narrowband PPDU payloads use a convolutional code with a constraint length of 7 and a code rate of 1 / 2.

[0132] The first narrowband PHY parameter is set to a fifth value to indicate that the payload rate for the narrowband PPDU is 1000 kbps, the preamble length is 8 symbols, the SFD length is 2 symbols, the spreading factor used in the preamble and SFD is 32, the PHR length is 7 symbols, and the spreading factor used in the PHR and narrowband PPDU payload is 4. The PHR and narrowband PPDU payloads use a convolutional code with a constraint length of 7 and a coding rate of 1 / 2.

[0133] The first narrowband PHY parameter is set to the sixth value to indicate that the payload rate for the narrowband PPDU is 250 kbps, the preamble length is 8 symbols, the SFD length is 2 symbols, the spreading factor used in the preamble and SFD is 32, the PHR length is 2 symbols, and the spreading factor used in the PHR and narrowband PPDU payload is 32 (using an optional symbol-to-chip mapping as defined by 15-23-0100-02-04ab-nba-uwb-technical-framework-for-draft0). Forward error correction coding is not used in the PHR and narrowband PPDU payloads.

[0134] The first narrowband PHY parameter is set to value 7 to indicate that the payload rate for the narrowband PPDU is 250 kbps, the preamble length is 8 symbols, the SFD length is 2 symbols, the spreading factor used in the preamble and SFD is 32, the PHR length is 7 symbols, and the spreading factor used in the PHR and narrowband PPDU payload is 16 (using an optional symbol-to-chip mapping as defined by 15-23-0100-02-04ab-nba-uwb-technical-framework-for-draft0). The PHR and narrowband PPDU payloads use a convolutional code with a constraint length of 7 and a code rate of 1 / 2.

[0135] The first narrowband PHY parameter is set to the eighth value to indicate that the PHY parameter configuration of the narrowband PPDU is shown by different SFD sequences (see 15-23-0100-02-04ab-nba-uwb-technical-framework-for-draft0).

[0136] It should be understood, by using examples, that the above illustrates a way in which the first narrowband PHY parameter indicates the transmission rate of the narrowband PPDU payload and the configuration parameters of the narrowband PPDU. This is not limited to the embodiments of this application. For example, the value of the first narrowband PHY parameter may be set to a value different from the first to eighth values ​​in order to indicate the transmission rate of the narrowband PPDU payload. In other examples, the value of the first narrowband PHY parameter may be set to a value different from the first to eighth values ​​in order to indicate the transmission rate of the narrowband PPDU payload and some of the configuration parameters of the narrowband PPDU. It should be further understood that in specific implementations, the transmission rate of the narrowband PPDU payload indicated by the first narrowband PHY parameter may be different from the transmission rate in the above examples, and / or the configuration parameters of the narrowband PPDU indicated by the first narrowband PHY parameter may be different from the configuration parameters in the above examples.

[0137] The first narrowband channel allow list is a parameter that becomes active in the first ranging control phase and / or the first measurement reporting phase. The first narrowband channel allow list includes one or more available narrowband channels, and the initiator device and responder device may transmit reference signals and / or data over the available narrowband channels indicated in the first narrowband channel allow list during the first ranging control phase and / or the first measurement reporting phase. The first narrowband channel allow list may be carried in a narrowband channel allow list subfield included in the first polling frame. For further explanation of the frame structure of the first polling frame and the narrowband channel allow list subfield, see Figures 7(a) to 7(d). For brevity, further details are not described herein.

[0138] The first distance measuring block structure parameters may include one or more of the following: distance measuring round duration, distance measuring block duration, distance measuring block index, distance measuring round index, or hopping mode. The distance measuring round duration indicates the duration of the first distance measuring cycle, and the distance measuring block duration indicates the duration of the distance measuring block containing the first distance measuring cycle. The hopping mode indicates whether or not hopping occurs in the first distance measuring cycle (or referred to as frequency hopping), and / or the hopping operation mode (or referred to as frequency hopping operation mode) in the first distance measuring cycle. The distance measuring round duration indicates the index of the first distance measuring cycle, and the distance measuring block index indicates the index of the distance measuring block containing the first distance measuring cycle. The first distance measuring block structure parameters may be carried in a distance measuring structure parameter subfield included in the first polling frame. For further explanation of the frame structure of the first polling frame and the distance measuring structure parameter subfield, see Figures 7(a) to 7(d). For brevity, further details are not described herein.

[0139] The first UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter may include one or more of the following: RSF fragment count, RIF fragment count, MMRS code index, MMRS gap size, RIF fragment length, or MMRS sequence iteration count (denoted as N_MSR). The RSF fragment count indicates the number of RSF fragments used in the first ranging phase included in the first ranging cycle, and the RIF fragment count indicates the number of RIF fragments used in the first ranging phase. The MMRS code index indicates the MMRS code used in each RSF fragment in the first ranging phase, and the MMRS gap size indicates the size of the gap inserted into the MMRS code. The RIF fragment length indicates the length of the STS code used in each RIF fragment in the first ranging phase. N_MSR indicates the number of iterations of the MMRS code used in the RSF fragment. The RSF fragment count and / or RIF fragment count may be carried in the fragment count subfield included in the first polling frame. The MMRS code index and MMRS gap size may be carried in the MMRS code subfield included in the first polling frame. The RIF fragment length may be carried in the RIF fragment length subfield included in the first polling frame. The N_MSR may be carried in the N_MSR subfield included in the first polling frame. For a further explanation of the frame structure and subfields of the first polling frame, see Figures 7(a) to 7(d). For brevity, further details are not described herein.

[0140] The narrowband PHY parameter #a used by the initiator device to send the first polling frame includes one or more of the following parameters: narrowband PHY parameter #a, narrowband channel allow list #a, ranging block structure parameter #a, or UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter #a. For a further description of parameter set #a, see the above description of the first parameter set. If the initiator and responder devices do not participate in the initialization and negotiation phases before starting a ranging session, and the upper layers of the initiator and responder devices do not set the ranging session configuration, the parameters included in parameter set #a are default parameters. Alternatively, if the initiator and responder devices do not participate in the initialization and negotiation phases before starting a ranging session, and the upper layers of the initiator and responder devices set or update the ranging session configuration, the parameters included in parameter set #a are the parameters updated or set by the upper layers of the initiator and responder devices. Alternatively, if the initiator and responder devices negotiate the ranging session configuration by participating in the initialization and negotiation phases before starting the ranging session, the parameters included in parameter set #a are the parameters determined by the initiator and responder devices through negotiation.

[0141] For example, the initiator device determines a first set of parameters based on the channel state within a first duration. The duration from the end of the first duration to the start of the initiator device sending a first polling frame does not exceed a first duration threshold. Alternatively, the initiator device determines a first set of parameters based on the channel state at a first point in time, and the duration from that point in time to the start of the initiator device sending a first polling frame does not exceed a first duration threshold. The channel state is the channel state between the initiator device and the responder device. The first duration threshold may be determined based on changes in the channel state. For example, if the channel state changes rapidly, the value of the first duration threshold is small, or if the channel state changes slowly, the value of the first duration threshold is large. For example, if the channel state remains unchanged for the first duration or for duration #1 after the first time point, or if the change in the channel state does not affect the values ​​of the parameters included in the first parameter set, the first duration threshold may be less than or equal to duration #1.

[0142] In other embodiments of this application, the first polling frame further requests the responder device to indicate a set of parameters to be effective in a second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle following the first distance measurement cycle. The second distance measurement cycle may also be referred to as the second distance measurement round. For a further description of the second distance measurement cycle, see the description of the distance measurement round in Figure 4. The set of parameters requested by the first polling frame and indicated by the responder device to be effective in the second distance measurement cycle is the set of parameters shown by the responder device in the response frame or the first report frame. For the set of parameters shown by the responder in the response frame, see the following description in S620. For the set of parameters shown by the responder in the first report frame, see the following description in S640. For brevity, further details are not described herein.

[0143] For example, a set of parameters requested by the first polling frame and suggested to be effective in the second distance measurement cycle includes one or more of the following parameters: narrowband PHY parameters or UWB MMS ranging configuration parameters.

[0144] Referring to Figures 7(a) to 7(d), the frame structure of the first polling frame provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0145] As shown in Figure 7(a), the first polling frame provided in this embodiment of the application may include one or more of the following fields: a message identifier (ID) field occupying one octet (byte) and indicating an identifier for the first polling frame, for example, if the value of the message ID field is 0, it indicates that the frame containing the message ID field is the first polling frame; an address field occupying two octets and indicating the target receiving end (i.e., responder device) of the first polling frame; a session ID field occupying one octet and indicating an identifier for the ranging session corresponding to the first ranging cycle; a request control field occupying one octet and indicating that the responder device is requested to suggest parameters to be enabled in the second ranging cycle; a configuration parameter control field occupying one octet; a ranging session configuration parameter field occupying a variable number of octets; and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) field occupying two octets. It should be understood that the request control field, configuration parameter control field, or ranging session configuration parameter field included in the first polling frame may have other names. The names of the fields included in the first polling frame are not limited to the embodiments of this application. For the request control field in the first polling frame shown in Figure 7(a), see the description in Figure 7(b). For the configuration parameter control field, see the description in Figure 7(c). For the ranging session configuration parameter field, see the description in Figure 7(d). For further descriptions of other fields included in the first polling frame, see existing standards or protocols.

[0146] As shown in Figure 7(b), the request control field included in the first polling frame may include one or more of the following subfields: a PHY rate request subfield occupying one bit, a fragment count request subfield occupying one bit, an MMRS code request subfield occupying one bit, a RIF fragment length request subfield occupying one bit, an N_MSR request subfield occupying one bit, and a reserved subfield occupying three bits. It should be understood that each subfield included in the request control field may have a different name. The names of the subfields included in the request control field are not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0147] The PHY rate request subfield indicates whether the responder device is requested to suggest narrowband PHY parameters. For example, when the PHY rate request subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the responder device is not requested to suggest narrowband PHY parameters, and when the PHY rate request subfield is set to "1", it indicates that the responder device is requested to suggest narrowband PHY parameters.

[0148] The Fragment Count Request subfield indicates whether the responder device is required to indicate the number of RSF fragments and / or RIF fragments for MMS ranging. For example, when the Fragment Count Request subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the responder device is not required to indicate the number of RSF fragments and / or RIF fragments for MMS ranging, and when the Fragment Count Request subfield is set to "1", it indicates that the responder device is required to indicate the number of RSF fragments and / or RIF fragments for MMS ranging.

[0149] The MMRS code request subfield indicates whether the responder device is required to indicate the MMRS code index and / or MMRS gap size for MMS ranging. For example, when the MMRS code request subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the responder device is not required to indicate the MMRS code index and / or MMRS gap size for MMS ranging, and when the MMRS code request subfield is set to "1", it indicates that the responder device is required to indicate the MMRS code index and / or MMRS gap size for MMS ranging.

[0150] The RIF Fragment Length Request subfield indicates whether the responder device is required to indicate the RIF fragment length for MMS ranging. For example, when the RIF Fragment Length Request subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the responder device is not required to indicate the RIF fragment length for MMS ranging, and when the RIF Fragment Length Request subfield is set to "1", it indicates that the responder device is required to indicate the RIF fragment length for MMS ranging.

[0151] The N_MSR request subfield indicates whether the responder device is requested to indicate an N_MSR value for MMS ranging. For example, when the N_MSR request subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the responder device is not requested to indicate an N_MSR value for MMS ranging, and when the N_MSR request subfield is set to "1", it indicates that the responder device is requested to indicate an N_MSR value for MMS ranging.

[0152] It should be understood that the above uses examples to illustrate the meanings represented by different values ​​of subfields included in the request control field. The possible values ​​of the subfields and the meanings represented by different values ​​are not limited to the embodiments of this application. The PHY rate request subfield is used as an example. When the PHY rate request subfield is set to "1", it indicates that the responder device is not requested to suggest narrowband PHY parameters, and when the PHY rate request subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the responder device is requested to suggest narrowband PHY parameters.

[0153] As shown in Figure 7(c), the configuration parameter control field included in the first polling frame may include one or more of the following subfields: a PHY rate presence subfield occupying one bit, a fragment number presence subfield occupying one bit, an MMRS code presence subfield occupying one bit, a RIF fragment length presence subfield occupying one bit, an N_MSR presence subfield occupying one bit, a narrowband channel allow list (NbaChannelAllowList) presence subfield occupying one bit, a ranging structure parameter presence subfield occupying one bit, and a reserved subfield occupying one bit. It should be understood that each subfield included in the configuration parameter control field may have other names. The names of the subfields included in the configuration parameter control field are not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0154] The PHY Rate Existence subfield indicates whether the ranging session configuration parameter field includes the PHY Rate subfield. For example, when the PHY Rate Existence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the ranging session configuration parameter field does not include the PHY Rate subfield, and when the PHY Rate Existence subfield is set to "1", it indicates that the ranging session configuration parameter field includes the PHY Rate subfield.

[0155] The Fragment Count Existence subfield indicates whether the distance measurement session configuration parameter field includes the Fragment Count subfield. For example, when the Fragment Count Existence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the distance measurement session configuration parameter field does not include the Fragment Count subfield, and when it is set to "1", it indicates that the distance measurement session configuration parameter field includes the Fragment Count subfield.

[0156] The MMRS code presence subfield indicates whether the distance measurement session configuration parameter field contains the MMRS code subfield. For example, when the MMRS code presence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the distance measurement session configuration parameter field does not contain the MMRS code subfield, and when it is set to "1", it indicates that the distance measurement session configuration parameter field contains the MMRS code subfield.

[0157] The RIF Fragment Length Existence subfield indicates whether the ranging session configuration parameter field includes the RIF Fragment Length subfield. For example, when the RIF Fragment Length Existence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the ranging session configuration parameter field does not include the RIF Fragment Length subfield, and when it is set to "1", it indicates that the ranging session configuration parameter field includes the RIF Fragment Length subfield.

[0158] The N_MSR Existence subfield indicates whether the distance measurement session configuration parameter field contains the N_MSR subfield. For example, when the N_MSR Existence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the distance measurement session configuration parameter field does not contain the N_MSR subfield, and when the N_MSR Existence subfield is set to "1", it indicates that the distance measurement session configuration parameter field contains the N_MSR subfield.

[0159] The Narrowband Channel Allow List Existence subfield indicates whether the ranging session configuration parameter field includes the Narrowband Channel Allow List subfield. For example, when the Narrowband Channel Allow List Existence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the ranging session configuration parameter field does not include the Narrowband Channel Allow List subfield, and when it is set to "1", it indicates that the ranging session configuration parameter field includes the Narrowband Channel Allow List subfield.

[0160] The Distancing Structure Parameter Existence subfield indicates whether the Distancing Session Configuration Parameter field includes the Distancing Structure Parameter subfield. For example, when the Distancing Structure Parameter Existence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the Distancing Session Configuration Parameter field does not include the Distancing Structure Parameter subfield, and when it is set to "1", it indicates that the Distancing Session Configuration Parameter field includes the Distancing Structure Parameter subfield.

[0161] It should be understood that the above illustrates, by using examples, the meanings represented by different values ​​of subfields included in the configuration parameter control field. The possible values ​​of the subfields and the meanings represented by different values ​​are not limited to the embodiments of this application. The PHY rate presence subfield is used as an example. When the PHY rate presence subfield is set to "1", it indicates that the ranging session configuration parameter field does not include the PHY rate subfield, and when the PHY rate presence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the ranging session configuration parameter field includes the PHY rate subfield.

[0162] As shown in Figure 7(d), the ranging session configuration parameter field included in the first polling frame may include one or more of the following subfields: a PHY rate subfield occupying 0 or 1 octet, a fragment count subfield occupying 0 or 1 octet, an MMRS code subfield occupying 0 or 2 octets, a RIF fragment length subfield occupying 0 or 1 octet, an N_MSR subfield occupying 0 or 1 octet, a narrowband channel allow list subfield occupying 0 or 2 octets, and a ranging structure parameter subfield occupying 0 or 10 octets. It should be understood that each subfield included in the ranging session configuration parameter field may have a different name. The names of the subfields included in the ranging session configuration parameter field are not limited to the embodiments of this application. It should be further understood that if a particular subfield occupies 0 octets, it indicates that the ranging session configuration parameter field does not include that subfield. The PHY rate subfield is used as an example. If the PHY rate subfield occupies 0 octets, it indicates that the ranging session configuration parameter field does not contain the PHY rate subfield. When the first polling frame contains a configuration parameter control field, it should be further understood that if the configuration parameter control field indicates that the ranging session configuration parameter field does not contain a particular subfield, the subfield will occupy 0 octets. For example, if the PHY rate presence subfield contained in the configuration parameter control field indicates that the ranging session configuration parameter field does not contain the PHY rate subfield, then the PHY rate subfield will occupy 0 octets.

[0163] The PHY rate subfield indicates the first narrowband PHY parameter. The fragment count subfield indicates the number of RSF fragments and / or RIF fragments included in the first UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter. For example, the fragment count subfield includes an RSF fragment count subfield indicating the number of RSF fragments and / or a RIF fragment count subfield indicating the number of RIF fragments. The MMRS code subfield indicates the MMRS code index and / or MMRS gap size included in the first UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter. For example, the MMRS code subfield includes an MMRS code index subfield indicating the MMRS code index and / or an MMRS gap size subfield indicating the MMRS gap size. The RIF fragment length subfield indicates the RIF fragment length included in the first UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter. The N_MSR subfield indicates the N_MSR included in the first UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter. The narrowband channel allow list subfield indicates the first narrowband channel allow list. The distance measurement structure parameter subfield indicates the first distance measurement block structure parameter. For example, the distance measurement structure parameter subfield may include one or more of the following subfields: a distance measurement round duration subfield occupying 3 octets and indicating the duration of the first distance measurement cycle; a distance measurement block duration subfield occupying 3 octets and indicating the duration of the distance measurement block containing the first distance measurement cycle; a distance measurement block index subfield occupying 2 octets and indicating the index of the distance measurement block; a distance measurement round index subfield occupying 1 to 15 bits and indicating the index of the distance measurement round; and a hopping mode subfield occupying 1 bit and indicating whether or not to hop in the first distance measurement cycle. For example, when the hopping mode subfield is set to "1", it indicates that hopping occurs in the first distance measurement cycle, and when the hopping mode subfield is set to "0", it indicates that hopping does not occur in the first distance measurement cycle.

[0164] It should be noted that Figures 7(a) to 7(d) illustrate the frame structure of a first polling frame using examples. The frame structure of the first polling frame is not limited to the embodiments of this application. For example, a request control field included in the first polling frame may occupy one bit and indicate whether the responder device is requested to suggest a set of parameters to be enabled in the second distance measurement cycle. When the request control field is set to "0", it indicates that the responder device is requested to suggest a set of parameters to be enabled in the second distance measurement cycle. When the request control field is set to "1", it indicates that the responder device is not requested to suggest a set of parameters to be enabled in the second distance measurement cycle.

[0165] S620: The responder device sends a response frame to the initiator device.

[0166] In response, the initiator device receives a response frame from the responder device.

[0167] The response frame is the response frame to the first polling frame. For an example of the response frame format, see the following description in Figure 8. For brevity, further details are not described herein.

[0168] For example, if the first parameter set indicated by the first polling frame includes first narrowband PHY parameters, the responder device may, in the first ranging control phase, send a response frame to the initiator device based on the first narrowband PHY parameters. Correspondingly, the initiator device receives a response frame from the responder device based on the first narrowband PHY parameters in the first ranging control phase.

[0169] For example, if the first parameter set indicated by the first polling frame includes a first narrowband channel allow list, the responder device sends a response frame on a second narrowband channel included in the first narrowband channel allow list. Correspondingly, the initiator device receives a response frame on a second narrowband channel included in the first narrowband channel allow list. Optionally, when the initiator device sends the first polling frame on narrowband channel #1, the second narrowband channel is the same as narrowband channel #1.

[0170] For example, a response frame may also be called a response message.

[0171] In other embodiments of this application, if the first polling frame is further for requesting the responder device to suggest a set of parameters to be enabled in a second distance measurement cycle, the response frame further indicates a second set of parameters to be suggested to be enabled in the second distance measurement cycle, the second set of parameters including one or more of the following parameters: a second narrowband PHY parameter or a second UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter. The second narrowband PHY parameter is a parameter to be suggested by the responder device to be enabled in a second ranging control phase and / or a second measurement reporting phase included in the second distance measurement cycle. For a further description of the second set of parameters, see the relevant description of the first set of parameters in S610.

[0172] For example, if the PHY rate request subfield included in the first polling frame indicates that the responder device is requested to suggest narrowband PHY parameters, the second parameter set includes the second narrowband PHY parameters. If the fragment count request subfield included in the first polling frame indicates that the responder device is requested to suggest the number of RSF fragments and / or the number of RIF fragments, the second UWB MMS ranging configuration parameters include the number of RSF fragments and / or the number of RIF fragments. If the MMRS code request subfield included in the first polling frame indicates that the responder device is requested to suggest the MMRS code index and / or the MMRS gap size, the second UWB MMS ranging configuration parameters include the MMRS code index and / or the MMRS gap size. If the RIF fragment length request subfield included in the first polling frame indicates that the responder device is requested to suggest the RIF fragment length, the second UWB MMS ranging configuration parameters include the RIF fragment length. If the N_MSR request subfield included in the first polling frame indicates that the responder device is requested to indicate a value for N_MSR, then the second UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter includes N_MSR.

[0173] In other embodiments of this application, the first polling frame is for further requesting the responder device to suggest a set of parameters to be enabled in a second distance measurement cycle, and if the first distance measurement cycle does not include a first measurement reporting phase, or if the responder device does not send a first reporting frame in the first measurement reporting phase, the response frame further indicates a second set of parameters that are suggested to be enabled in a second distance measurement cycle.

[0174] It should be noted that if the first measurement reporting phase is supported out-of-band, the first distance measurement cycle does not include the first measurement reporting phase. If the first measurement reporting phase is supported in-band, the first distance measurement cycle includes the first measurement reporting phase. Furthermore, if the first measurement reporting phase includes one measurement reporting slot and the reporting mode indicates that the initiator device sends a measurement reporting message, the responder device does not send a first reporting frame in the first measurement reporting phase. The reporting mode is determined by the initiator and responder devices through negotiation during the initialization and setup phase prior to the distance measurement session, set by the higher layer, or is the default reporting mode.

[0175] For example, the responder device determines a second set of parameters based on the channel state at a second duration. The duration from the end of the second duration to the start of the responder device transmitting a response frame does not exceed the second duration threshold. Alternatively, the responder device determines a second set of parameters based on the channel state at a second time point, and the duration from the second time point to the start of the responder device transmitting a response frame does not exceed the second duration threshold. The channel state is the channel state between the initiator device and the responder device. For a further explanation of the second duration threshold, see the above explanation of the first duration threshold in S610.

[0176] Referring to Figure 8, the frame structure of the response frame provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0177] As shown in Figure 8(a), the response frame provided in this embodiment of the application includes the following fields: a message ID field occupying one octet and indicating an identifier for the response frame, for example, if the value of the message ID field is 1, it indicates that the frame containing the message ID field is a response frame; an address field occupying two octets and indicating the target receiving end (i.e., initiator device) of the polling frame; a suggestion parameter control field occupying one octet; a suggestion parameter field occupying a variable number of octets; and a CRC field occupying two octets. It should be understood that the suggestion parameter control field or suggestion parameter field included in the response frame may have other names. The names of the fields included in the response frame are not limited to the embodiments of this application. For the suggestion parameter control field in the response frame shown in Figure 8(a), see the description in Figure 8(b). For the suggestion parameter field, see the description in Figure 8(c). For further descriptions of other fields included in the response frame, see existing standards or protocols.

[0178] As shown in Figure 8(b), the suggestion parameter control field included in the response frame may include one or more of the following subfields: a PHY rate presence subfield occupying 1 bit, a fragment number presence subfield occupying 1 bit, an MMRS code presence subfield occupying 1 bit, a RIF fragment length presence subfield occupying 1 bit, an N_MSR presence subfield occupying 1 bit, and a reserved subfield occupying 3 bits. It should be understood that each subfield included in the suggestion parameter control field may have a different name. The names of the subfields included in the suggestion parameter control field are not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0179] The PHY rate presence subfield indicates whether the suggestion parameter field includes the PHY rate subfield. For example, when the PHY rate presence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the suggestion parameter field does not include the PHY rate subfield, and when it is set to "1", it indicates that the suggestion parameter field includes the PHY rate subfield.

[0180] The Fragment Count Existence subfield indicates whether the suggestion parameter field includes the Fragment Count subfield. For example, when the Fragment Count Existence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the suggestion parameter field does not include the Fragment Count subfield, and when it is set to "1", it indicates that the suggestion parameter field includes the Fragment Count subfield.

[0181] The MMRS code presence subfield indicates whether the suggestion parameter field contains an MMRS code subfield. For example, when the MMRS code presence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the suggestion parameter field does not contain an MMRS code subfield, and when it is set to "1", it indicates that the suggestion parameter field contains an MMRS code subfield.

[0182] The RIF Fragment Length Existence subfield indicates whether the suggestion parameter field includes the RIF Fragment Length subfield. For example, when the RIF Fragment Length Existence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the suggestion parameter field does not include the RIF Fragment Length subfield, and when it is set to "1", it indicates that the suggestion parameter field includes the RIF Fragment Length subfield.

[0183] The N_MSR Existence subfield indicates whether the suggestion parameter field contains the N_MSR subfield. For example, when the N_MSR Existence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the suggestion parameter field does not contain the N_MSR subfield, and when the N_MSR Existence subfield is set to "1", it indicates that the suggestion parameter field contains the N_MSR subfield.

[0184] It should be understood that the above, by using an example, illustrates the meanings represented by different values ​​of subfields included in the suggestion parameter control field. The possible values ​​of the subfields and the meanings represented by different values ​​are not limited to the embodiments of this application. The PHY rate presence subfield is used as an example. When the PHY rate presence subfield is set to "1", it indicates that the suggestion parameter field does not include the PHY rate subfield, and when the PHY rate presence subfield is set to "0", it indicates that the suggestion parameter field includes the PHY rate subfield.

[0185] As shown in Figure 8(c), the suggestion parameter field included in the response frame may include one or more of the following subfields: a PHY rate subfield occupying 0 or 1 octet, a fragment count subfield occupying 0 or 1 octet, an MMRS code subfield occupying 0 or 2 octets, a RIF fragment length subfield occupying 0 or 1 octet, and an N_MSR subfield occupying 0 or 1 octet. It should be understood that each subfield included in the suggestion parameter field may have a different name. The names of the subfields included in the suggestion parameter field are not limited to the embodiments of this application. It should be further understood that if a particular subfield occupies 0 octets, it indicates that the suggestion parameter field does not include that subfield. The PHY rate subfield is used as an example. If the PHY rate subfield occupies 0 octets, it indicates that the suggestion parameter field does not include the PHY rate subfield. When a response frame includes a suggestion parameter control field, it should be further understood that if the suggestion parameter control field indicates that the suggestion parameter field does not contain a particular subfield, the subfield will occupy 0 octets. For example, if the PHY rate presence subfield included in the suggestion parameter control field indicates that the suggestion parameter field does not contain the PHY rate subfield, then the PHY rate subfield will occupy 0 octets.

[0186] The PHY rate subfield indicates the second narrowband PHY parameter. The fragment count subfield indicates the number of RSF fragments and / or RIF fragments included in the second UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter. For example, the fragment count subfield includes an RSF fragment count subfield indicating the number of RSF fragments and / or a RIF fragment count subfield indicating the number of RIF fragments. The MMRS code subfield indicates the MMRS code index and / or MMRS gap size included in the second UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter. For example, the MMRS code subfield includes an MMRS code index subfield indicating the MMRS code index and / or an MMRS gap size subfield indicating the MMRS gap size. The RIF fragment length subfield indicates the RIF fragment length included in the second UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter. The N_MSR subfield indicates the N_MSR included in the second UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter.

[0187] In other embodiments of this application, method 600 further includes S621.

[0188] S621: The initiator device sends an acknowledgment (ACK) frame for the response frame to the responder device.

[0189] In response, the responder device receives an ACK frame of the response frame from the initiator device.

[0190] Specifically, if the initiator device decides to use a second set of parameters in the second distance measurement cycle after receiving the response frame, the initiator device sends an ACK frame of the response frame to the responder device.

[0191] In other embodiments of this application, method 600 further includes S630.

[0192] S630: The initiator device and responder device perform distance measurement.

[0193] For example, if the first parameter set includes first distance measuring block structure parameters and / or first UWB MMS distance measuring configuration parameters, the initiator device and the responder device perform distance measurements in the first distance measuring phase based on the first distance measuring block structure parameters and / or first UWB MMS distance measuring configuration parameters.

[0194] It should be noted that initiator and responder devices may perform ranging measurements via a UWB channel. The UWB channel is determined by the initiator and responder devices through negotiation during the initialization and setup phase prior to the ranging session, configured by the higher layer, or is the default.

[0195] In other embodiments of this application, method 600 further includes S640.

[0196] S640: The responder device sends the first report frame to the initiator device.

[0197] In response, the initiator device receives a first report frame from the responder device. An example of the frame format of the first report frame is shown in the following description in Figure 9. For brevity, further details are not described herein.

[0198] If the first distance measurement cycle includes a first measurement reporting phase, and the responder device may transmit a first report frame in the first measurement reporting phase, then after the initiator device and the responder device have performed the distance measurement, the responder device transmits a first report frame to the initiator device based on the distance measurement results, the first report frame includes a distance measurement report obtained by the responder device by performing the distance measurement.

[0199] If the first measurement reporting phase is supported in-band, it should be noted that the first distance measurement cycle includes the first measurement reporting phase. Furthermore, if the first measurement reporting phase includes one measurement reporting slot and the reporting mode indicates that the responder device will send a measurement reporting message, the responder device may send a first reporting frame in the first measurement reporting phase. Alternatively, if the first measurement reporting phase includes two measurement reporting slots, the responder device may send a first reporting frame in the first measurement reporting slot.

[0200] For example, if the first parameter set indicated by the first polling frame includes first narrowband PHY parameters, the responder device may, in the first measurement reporting phase, send a first report frame to the initiator device based on the first narrowband PHY parameters. Correspondingly, the initiator device receives a first report frame from the responder device based on the first narrowband PHY parameters in the first measurement reporting phase.

[0201] For example, if the first parameter set indicated by the first polling frame includes a first narrowband channel allow list, the responder device sends a first report frame on a third narrowband channel included in the first narrowband channel allow list. Correspondingly, the initiator device receives the first report frame on a third narrowband channel included in the first narrowband channel allow list.

[0202] Optionally, a second narrowband channel used by the responder device to transmit a response frame may be the same as or different from the third narrowband channel. For example, if the first parameter set includes a first distance measuring block structure parameter and the hopping mode included in the first distance measuring block structure parameter indicates hopping in the first distance measurement cycle, then the second narrowband channel is different from the third narrowband channel; or if the hopping mode included in the first distance measuring block structure parameter indicates no hopping in the first distance measurement cycle, then the second narrowband channel is the same as the third narrowband channel.

[0203] For example, the first reporting frame may also be called the first reporting message.

[0204] In other embodiments of this application, where the first polling frame is further for requesting the responder device to suggest a set of parameters to be enabled in a second distance measurement cycle, the first reporting frame further indicates a third set of parameters to be suggested to be enabled in the second distance measurement cycle, the third set of parameters including one or more of the following parameters: a third narrowband PHY parameter or a third UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter. The third narrowband PHY parameter is a parameter to be suggested by the responder device to be enabled in a second ranging control phase and / or a second measurement reporting phase included in the second distance measurement cycle. For a further description of the third set of parameters, see the relevant description of the first set of parameters in S610.

[0205] For example, if the PHY rate request subfield included in the first polling frame indicates that the responder device is requested to suggest narrowband PHY parameters, the third parameter set includes the third narrowband PHY parameters. If the fragment count request subfield included in the first polling frame indicates that the responder device is requested to suggest the number of RSF fragments and / or the number of RIF fragments, the third UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter includes the number of RSF fragments and / or the number of RIF fragments. If the MMRS code request subfield included in the first polling frame indicates that the responder device is requested to suggest the MMRS code index and / or the MMRS gap size, the third UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter includes the MMRS code index and / or the MMRS gap size. If the RIF fragment length request subfield included in the first polling frame indicates that the responder device is requested to suggest the RIF fragment length, the third UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter includes the RIF fragment length. If the N_MSR request subfield included in the first polling frame indicates that the responder device is requested to indicate a value for N_MSR, then the third UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter includes N_MSR.

[0206] For example, the responder device determines a third set of parameters based on the channel state at a third duration. The duration from the end of the third duration to the start of the responder device sending the first report frame does not exceed the third duration threshold. Alternatively, the responder device determines a third set of parameters based on the channel state at a third time point, and the duration from the third time point to the start of the responder device sending the first report frame does not exceed the third duration threshold. The channel state is the channel state between the initiator device and the responder device. For a further explanation of the third duration threshold, see the above explanation of the first duration threshold in S610.

[0207] Referring to Figure 9, the frame structure of the first reporting frame provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0208] As shown in Figure 9, the first report frame provided in this embodiment of this application may include one or more of the following fields: a message ID field occupying one octet and indicating an identifier for the first report frame, for example, if the value of the message ID field is 2, it indicates that the frame containing the message ID field is the first report frame; an address field occupying two octets and indicating the target receiving end (i.e., initiator device) of the first report frame; an implication parameter control field occupying one octet; a timestamp field occupying four octets; an implication parameter field occupying a variable number of octets; and a CRC field occupying two octets. It should be understood that the implication parameter control field or implication parameter field included in the first report frame may have other names. The names of the fields included in the first report frame are not limited to the embodiments of this application. For the structure of the implication parameter control field in the first report frame shown in Figure 9, refer to the above description in Figure 8(b). For the structure of the suggestion parameter field, refer to the above explanation in (c) in Figure 8. For further explanation of the other fields included in the first reporting frame, refer to existing standards or protocols.

[0209] In other embodiments of this application, method 600 further includes S641.

[0210] S641: The initiator device sends an ACK frame for the first reporting frame to the responder device.

[0211] In response, the responder device receives an ACK frame for the first reporting frame from the initiator device.

[0212] Specifically, if the initiator device decides to use a third parameter set in the second distance measurement cycle after receiving the first report frame, the initiator device sends an ACK frame for the first report frame to the responder device.

[0213] If the response frame indicates a second parameter set, and the initiator device sends an ACK frame for the response frame to the responder device after sending an ACK frame for the first reporting frame to the responder device, it should be understood that the parameter set that becomes effective in the second distance measurement cycle is the third parameter set, not the second parameter set.

[0214] In other embodiments of this application, method 600 further includes S650.

[0215] S650: The initiator device sends a second report frame to the responder device. For an example of the frame format of the second report frame, see the following description in Figure 10. For brevity, further details are not described herein.

[0216] In response, the responder device receives a second reporting frame from the initiator device.

[0217] If the first distance measurement cycle includes a first measurement reporting phase, and the initiator device may transmit a second reporting frame in the first measurement reporting phase, then after the initiator device and the responder device have performed the distance measurement, the initiator device transmits a second reporting frame to the responder device based on the distance measurement results, the second reporting frame includes a distance measurement report obtained by the initiator device by performing the distance measurement.

[0218] If the first measurement reporting phase is supported in-band, it should be noted that the first distance measurement cycle includes the first measurement reporting phase. Furthermore, if the first measurement reporting phase includes one measurement reporting slot and the reporting mode indicates that the initiator device sends a measurement reporting message, the initiator device may send a second reporting frame in the first measurement reporting phase. Alternatively, if the first measurement reporting phase includes two measurement reporting slots, the initiator device may send a second reporting frame in the second measurement reporting slot.

[0219] For example, if the first parameter set indicated by the first polling frame includes first narrowband PHY parameters, the initiator device may, in the first measurement reporting phase, send a second reporting frame to the initiator device based on the first narrowband PHY parameters. Correspondingly, the responder device receives a first reporting frame from the initiator device in the first measurement reporting phase based on the first narrowband PHY parameters.

[0220] For example, if the first parameter set indicated by the first polling frame includes a first narrowband channel allow list, the initiator device sends a second report frame on the first narrowband channel included in the first narrowband channel allow list. Correspondingly, the responder device receives the second report frame on the first narrowband channel included in the first narrowband channel allow list.

[0221] Optionally, a third narrowband channel used by the responder device to transmit the first report frame may be the same as or different from the first narrowband channel.

[0222] For example, the second reporting frame may also be called the second reporting message.

[0223] In other embodiments of this application, the second reporting frame further indicates a fourth parameter set that is enabled in a second distance measurement cycle, the fourth parameter set including one or more of the following parameters: a fourth narrowband PHY parameter, a second narrowband channel permission list, a second distance measurement block structure parameter, or a fourth UWB MMS distance measurement configuration parameter. For a further description of the fourth parameter set, see the above description of the first parameter set in S610.

[0224] For example, if the response frame received by the initiator device indicates a second parameter set, and the initiator device fails to receive a first report frame, or if the first report frame received by the initiator device does not indicate a third parameter set, the initiator device may determine a fourth parameter set based on the second parameter set. For example, the fourth narrowband PHY parameters included in the fourth parameter set are the same as the second narrowband PHY parameters included in the second parameter set.

[0225] For example, if the first report frame received by the initiator device indicates a third parameter set, the initiator device may determine a fourth parameter set based on the third parameter set. For instance, the fourth narrowband PHY parameters included in the fourth parameter set are the same as the third narrowband PHY parameters included in the third parameter set.

[0226] Even if the response frame received by the initiator device indicates a second parameter set, it should be understood that the initiator device still determines a fourth parameter set based on a third parameter set. Compared to the response frame, the first reporting frame is closer to the second distance measurement cycle. Therefore, compared to the second parameter set, the third parameter set suggested by the responder device based on the first reporting frame may be more applicable to the second distance measurement cycle. In other words, using the third parameter set contributes to improving the ranging performance in the second distance measurement cycle. For example, if the responder device determines the third parameter set based on the channel state, the channel state on which the responder device determines the third parameter set is closer to the channel state of the second distance measurement cycle, since the first reporting frame is closer to the second measurement cycle. Therefore, the third parameter set may be more applicable to transmitting the second distance measurement cycle. Therefore, when the initiator device determines a fourth parameter set based on a third parameter set, the initiator device can determine a fourth parameter set that is more applicable to the second distance measurement cycle.

[0227] For example, the initiator device determines a fourth parameter set based on the channel state at a fourth duration. The duration from the end of the fourth duration to the start of the initiator device sending the second report frame does not exceed the fourth duration threshold. Alternatively, the initiator device determines a fourth parameter set based on the channel state at a fourth time point, and the duration from the fourth time point to the start of the initiator device sending the second report frame does not exceed the fourth duration threshold. The channel state is the channel state between the initiator device and the responder device. For a further explanation of the fourth duration threshold, see the above explanation of the first duration threshold in S610.

[0228] Referring to Figure 10, the frame structure of a second reporting frame provided in embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0229] As shown in Figure 10, the second report frame provided in this embodiment of this application may include one or more of the following fields: a message ID field occupying one octet and indicating an identifier for the first report frame, for example, if the value of the message ID field is 3, it indicates that the frame containing the message ID field is the second report frame; an address field occupying two octets and indicating the target receiving end (i.e., responder device) of the second report frame; a configuration parameter control field occupying one octet; a timestamp field occupying four octets; a ranging session configuration parameter field occupying a variable number of octets; and a CRC field occupying two octets. It should be understood that the configuration parameter control field or ranging session configuration parameter field included in the second report frame may have other names. The names of the fields included in the second report frame are not limited to the embodiments of this application. For the structure of the configuration parameter control field in the second report frame shown in Figure 10, refer to the above description in Figure 7(c). For the structure of the ranging session configuration parameter field, refer to the above description in Figure 7(d). For further descriptions of other fields included in the second reporting frame, refer to existing standards or protocols.

[0230] In other embodiments of this application, method 600 further includes S651.

[0231] S651: The responder device sends an ACK frame for the second report frame to the initiator device.

[0232] In response, the initiator device receives an ACK frame for the second reporting frame from the responder device.

[0233] Specifically, if the responder device decides to use the fourth parameter set in the second distance measurement cycle after receiving the second report frame, the responder device sends an ACK frame for the second report frame to the initiator device.

[0234] In other embodiments of this application, method 600 further includes S660.

[0235] S610: The initiator device sends a second polling frame to the responder device.

[0236] In response, the responder device receives a second polling frame from the initiator device.

[0237] Specifically, the initiator device sends a second polling frame to the responder device during the second distance measurement cycle. The second polling frame is intended to trigger a distance measurement during the second distance measurement cycle.

[0238] In other embodiments of this application, the second polling frame further indicates a fifth parameter set that becomes effective in the second distance measurement cycle, the fifth parameter set including one or more of the following parameters: a fifth narrowband PHY parameter, a third narrowband channel allow list, a third ranging block structure parameter, or a fifth UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter. It should be noted that the fifth parameter set is within the second distance measurement cycle and becomes effective after the initiator device transmits the second polling frame. For a further description of the fifth parameter set, refer to the above description of the first parameter set in S610. For the frame structure of the second polling frame, refer to the above description in Figures 7(a) to 7(d).

[0239] For example, if the response frame received by the initiator device indicates a second parameter set, and the initiator device fails to receive a first report frame, or if the first report frame received by the initiator device does not indicate a third parameter set, the initiator device may determine a fifth parameter set based on the second parameter set. For example, the fifth narrowband PHY parameters included in the fifth parameter set are the same as the second narrowband PHY parameters included in the second parameter set.

[0240] For example, if the first report frame received by the initiator device indicates a third parameter set, the initiator device may determine a fifth parameter set based on the third parameter set. For instance, the fifth narrowband PHY parameters included in the fifth parameter set are the same as the third narrowband PHY parameters included in the third parameter set.

[0241] Even if the response frame received by the initiator device indicates a second parameter set, it should be understood that the initiator device still determines a fifth parameter set based on a third parameter set. Compared to the response frame, the first reporting frame is closer to the second distance measurement cycle. Therefore, compared to the second parameter set, the third parameter set suggested by the responder device based on the first reporting frame may be more applicable to the second distance measurement cycle. In other words, using the third parameter set contributes to improving the ranging performance in the second distance measurement cycle. For example, if the responder device determines the third parameter set based on the channel state, the channel state on which the responder device determines the third parameter set is closer to the channel state of the second distance measurement cycle, since the first reporting frame is closer to the second measurement cycle. Therefore, the third parameter set may be more applicable to the second distance measurement cycle. Therefore, when the initiator device determines a fifth parameter set based on a third parameter set, the initiator device can determine a fifth parameter set that is more applicable to the second distance measurement cycle.

[0242] For example, the initiator device determines a fifth set of parameters based on the channel state at a fifth duration. The duration from the end of the fifth duration to the start of the initiator device sending the second polling frame does not exceed the fifth duration threshold. Alternatively, the initiator device determines a fifth set of parameters based on the channel state at a fifth time point, and the duration from the fifth time point to the start of the initiator device sending the second polling frame does not exceed the fifth duration threshold. The channel state is the channel state between the initiator device and the responder device. For a further explanation of the fifth duration threshold, see the above explanation of the first duration threshold in S610.

[0243] As described above, the response frame may indicate a second set of parameters that are suggested to be effective in the second distance measurement cycle, the first reporting frame may indicate a third set of parameters that are suggested to be effective in the third distance measurement cycle, the second reporting frame may indicate a fourth set of parameters that are effective in the second distance measurement cycle, and the second polling frame may indicate a fifth set of parameters that are effective in the second distance measurement cycle. When multiple frames indicate a set of parameters that are effective in the second distance measurement cycle, the set of parameters that are effective in the second distance measurement cycle may also be the set of parameters indicated by the frame closest to the second distance measurement cycle.

[0244] For example, if the response frame indicates a second parameter set which is suggested to be effective in the second distance measurement cycle, and the initiator device sends an ACK frame of the response frame to the responder device, then S630 and S640 are not performed in method 600, the second polling frame does not indicate a fifth parameter set, and the parameter set which is effective in the second distance measurement cycle is the second parameter set.

[0245] In another example, if the first reporting frame indicates a third parameter set which is suggested to be effective in the second distance measurement cycle, and the initiator device sends an ACK frame of the first reporting frame to the responder device, then S640 is not performed in method 600, the second polling frame does not indicate a fifth parameter set, and the parameter set which is effective in the second distance measurement cycle is the third parameter set.

[0246] In another example, if the second reporting frame indicates a fourth parameter set that is effective in the second distance measurement cycle, and the second polling frame does not indicate a fifth parameter set, then the parameter set that is effective in the second distance measurement cycle is the fourth parameter set.

[0247] In another example, if the second polling frame represents the fifth parameter set, then the parameter set that becomes effective in the second distance measurement cycle is the fifth parameter set.

[0248] The time-series relationship between the first polling frame, the response frame, the first reporting frame, the second reporting frame, and the second polling frame will be explained below with reference to Figure 11. In Figure 11, it should be noted that the narrowband PHY parameters shown in the solid box representing the frame are the narrowband PHY parameters indicated by the frame, and the narrowband PHY parameters outside the solid box and pointing to the solid box using an arrow are the narrowband PHY parameters for transmitting the frame represented by the solid box. For example, narrowband PHY parameter #1 shown in the solid box representing the first polling frame is the narrowband PHY parameter indicated by the first polling frame, and narrowband PHY parameter #1 outside the solid box representing the response frame and pointing to the response frame using an arrow is the narrowband PHY parameter for transmitting the response frame.

[0249] As shown in Figure 11, the initiator device transmits a first polling frame to the responder device during the first distance measurement cycle. If the first polling frame represents narrowband PHY parameter #1 (example of the first narrowband PHY parameter), the responder device transmits a response frame to the initiator device based on narrowband PHY parameter #1. During the measurement reporting phase, the responder device may transmit a first reporting frame to the initiator device based on narrowband PHY parameter #1, and the initiator device may transmit a second reporting frame to the responder device based on narrowband PHY parameter #1. The initiator device may transmit a second polling frame to the responder device during the second distance measurement cycle. If the second polling frame represents narrowband PHY parameter #5 (an example of a fifth narrowband PHY parameter), the responder device may transmit a response frame (not shown) of the second polling frame to the initiator device based on narrowband PHY parameter #5, and the initiator device and the responder device may transmit a report frame (not shown) in the measurement reporting phase of the second distance measurement cycle based on narrowband PHY parameter #5.

[0250] In this embodiment of the application, the initiator device may indicate a first set of parameters that are effective in a first distance measurement cycle based on a first polling frame. Compared to conventional methods of setting distance measurement session configuration parameters that are effective in multiple distance measurement cycles, this embodiment helps to set distance measurement session configuration parameters that are more applicable to the first distance measurement cycle. For example, the initiator device may determine the first set of parameters based on the channel condition. If the channel condition between the initiator device and the responder device is good, the initiator device may determine a more efficient first set of parameters, thereby reducing the occupied air interface time, improving distance measurement efficiency, and reducing interference to other networks. Alternatively, if the channel condition between the initiator device and the responder device is poor, the initiator device may determine a first set of parameters that is applicable to the poor channel condition to ensure distance measurement performance.

[0251] Furthermore, in a second distance measurement cycle following a first distance measurement cycle, the initiator device may further indicate a fifth set of parameters that become active in the second distance measurement cycle based on the second polling frame, thereby allowing for flexible configuration of the distance measurement session parameters applicable to the second distance measurement cycle, even in scenarios where the channel state changes frequently, according to this application.

[0252] Referring to the method shown in Figure 6, the above describes a method by which initiator devices and responder devices determine narrowband PHY parameters for transmitting response frames and / or report frames (e.g., a first report frame and a second report frame), but does not describe a method by which initiator devices and responder devices determine narrowband PHY parameters for transmitting polling frames (e.g., a first polling frame and a second polling frame). Referring to Figures 12(a) to 14(c), the following describes a method by which initiator devices and responder devices determine narrowband PHY parameters for transmitting polling frames by using the method by which initiator devices and responder devices determine narrowband PHY parameters for transmitting a second polling frame.

[0253] In Figures 12(a) to 14(c), it should be noted that the narrowband PHY parameters shown within the solid-line boxes representing frames are the narrowband PHY parameters indicated by the frame, and the narrowband PHY parameters outside the solid-line boxes and pointed to by arrows are the narrowband PHY parameters for transmitting the frames represented by the solid-line boxes. For example, in Figure 12(a), narrowband PHY parameter #1 shown within the solid-line box representing the first polling frame is the narrowband PHY parameter indicated by the first polling frame, and narrowband PHY parameter #a, located outside the solid-line box representing the first polling frame and pointed to by arrows, is the narrowband PHY parameter for transmitting the first polling frame.

[0254] In a possible implementation, if in the first distance measurement cycle a second reporting frame transmitted by the initiator device to the responder device indicates a fourth parameter set, and the fourth parameter set includes a fourth narrowband PHY parameter, then in the second distance measurement cycle the initiator device may transmit a second polling frame based on the fourth narrowband PHY parameter, and correspondingly the responder device may receive a second polling frame based on the fourth narrowband PHY parameter.

[0255] In another embodiment of this application, when the initiator device receives an ACK frame for a second reporting frame from the responder device, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on a fourth narrowband PHY parameter.

[0256] If the standard or protocol specifies that the responder device must respond with an ACK frame for the second reporting frame, it should be understood that after receiving the ACK frame for the second reporting frame, the initiator device will send a second polling frame based on a fourth narrowband PHY parameter. If the initiator device fails to receive the ACK frame for the second reporting frame, it will send a second polling frame based on narrowband PHY parameter #a, the narrowband PHY parameter indicated by the frame closest to the second distance measurement cycle, or the narrowband PHY parameter indicated by the first frame closest to the second distance measurement cycle. Frame #1 is used as an example. Frame #1 may be called the first frame if the initiator device sends an ACK frame for frame #1 to the responder device, or if the initiator device receives an ACK frame for frame #1 from the responder device.

[0257] If the standard or protocol does not specify that the responder device must respond with an ACK frame to the second reporting frame, the initiator device may send a second polling frame based on the fourth narrowband PHY parameter when the second reporting frame indicates the fourth narrowband PHY parameter.

[0258] As shown in Figure 12(a), the initiator device transmits a first polling frame to the responder device in the first distance measurement cycle, the first polling frame representing narrowband PHY parameter #1, and the responder device transmits a response frame to the initiator device based on narrowband PHY parameter #1. In the measurement reporting phase, the initiator device may transmit a second reporting frame to the responder device based on narrowband PHY parameter #1, the second reporting frame representing narrowband PHY parameter #4 (an example of a fourth narrowband PHY parameter). Furthermore, in the second distance measurement cycle, the initiator device may transmit a second polling frame to the responder device based on narrowband PHY parameter #4.

[0259] As shown in Figure 12(a), the initiator device may transmit a first polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a. Optionally, if a frame received by the initiator device in a third distance measurement cycle does not indicate a narrowband PHY parameter that would be effective in the first distance measurement cycle, the initiator device transmits a first polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a. The third distance measurement cycle precedes the first distance measurement cycle. If the initiator and responder devices do not participate in the initialization and negotiation phases before starting a distance measurement session, and the upper layers of the initiator and responder devices do not set narrowband PHY parameters, the narrowband PHY parameter #a is the default narrowband PHY parameter. Alternatively, if the initiator and responder devices do not participate in the initialization and negotiation phases before starting a ranging session, and the upper layers of the initiator and responder devices set or update the narrowband PHY parameters, then narrowband PHY parameter #a is the narrowband PHY parameter updated or set by the upper layers of the initiator and responder devices. Alternatively, if the initiator and responder devices negotiate the narrowband PHY parameters by participating in the initialization and negotiation phases before starting a ranging session, then narrowband PHY parameter #a is the narrowband PHY parameter determined by the initiator and responder devices through negotiation.

[0260] In another embodiment of this application, if the second reporting frame does not indicate a fourth narrowband PHY parameter, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a in the second distance measurement cycle. Alternatively, if the initiator device does not receive an ACK frame for the second reporting frame from the responder device, the initiator device may transmit a second polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a.

[0261] As shown in Figure 12(b), if the second reporting frame sent by the initiator device does not show narrowband PHY parameter #4, the initiator device sends a second polling frame based on narrowband PHY parameter #a.

[0262] In other embodiments of this application, if the second reporting frame does not show a fourth narrowband PHY parameter, the response frame transmitted by the responder device does not show a second narrowband PHY parameter, the responder device does not transmit a first reporting frame, or the first reporting frame transmitted by the responder device does not show a third narrowband PHY parameter, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a.

[0263] In a possible implementation, if in a first distance measurement cycle a first report frame transmitted by a responder device to an initiator device indicates a third parameter set, and the third parameter set includes a third narrowband PHY parameter, then in a second distance measurement cycle the initiator device may transmit a second polling frame based on the third narrowband PHY parameter, and correspondingly the responder device may receive a second polling frame based on the third narrowband PHY parameter.

[0264] In another embodiment of this application, when the initiator device sends an ACK frame for a first reporting frame to the responder device, the initiator device sends a second polling frame based on a third narrowband PHY parameter.

[0265] If the standard or protocol specifies that the initiator device must respond with an ACK frame for the first reporting frame, it should be understood that after sending the ACK frame for the first reporting frame, the initiator device will send a second polling frame based on a third narrowband PHY parameter. If the initiator device fails to send the ACK frame for the first reporting frame, it will send a second polling frame based on narrowband PHY parameter #a, the narrowband PHY parameter indicated by the frame closest to the second distance measurement cycle, or the narrowband PHY parameter indicated by the first frame closest to the second distance measurement cycle.

[0266] If the standard or protocol does not specify that the initiator device must respond with an ACK frame to the first reporting frame, the initiator device may send a second polling frame based on the third narrowband PHY parameter when the first reporting frame indicates the third narrowband PHY parameter.

[0267] In other embodiments of this application, if the initiator device does not transmit a second report frame, or if the second report frame transmitted by the initiator device does not indicate a fourth narrowband PHY parameter, or if the second report frame transmitted by the initiator device indicates a fourth narrowband PHY parameter but the initiator device fails to receive an ACK frame for the second report frame from the responder device, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on a third narrowband PHY parameter.

[0268] As shown in Figure 13(a), the initiator device transmits a first polling frame to the responder device in the first distance measurement cycle, the first polling frame representing narrowband PHY parameter #1, and the responder device transmits a response frame to the initiator device based on narrowband PHY parameter #1. In the measurement reporting phase, the responder device may transmit a first reporting frame to the initiator device based on narrowband PHY parameter #1, the first reporting frame representing narrowband PHY parameter #3 (an example of a third narrowband PHY parameter). Furthermore, in the second distance measurement cycle, the initiator device may transmit a second polling frame to the responder device based on narrowband PHY parameter #3.

[0269] As shown in Figure 13(a), the initiator device may transmit a first polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a. Optionally, if the frame received by the initiator device in the third distance measurement cycle does not represent a narrowband PHY parameter that would be effective in the first distance measurement cycle, the initiator device transmits a first polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a.

[0270] In another embodiment of this application, if the first report frame does not indicate a third narrowband PHY parameter, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a in the second distance measurement cycle. Alternatively, if the initiator device does not transmit an ACK frame for the first report frame to the responder device, the initiator device may transmit a second polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a.

[0271] As shown in Figure 13(b), if the first report frame sent by the initiator device does not show narrowband PHY parameter #3, the initiator device sends a second polling frame based on narrowband PHY parameter #a.

[0272] In other embodiments of this application, if the first reporting frame does not indicate a third narrowband PHY parameter, the response frame transmitted by the responder device does not indicate a second narrowband PHY parameter, and the initiator device does not transmit a second reporting frame, or the second reporting frame transmitted by the initiator device does not indicate a fourth narrowband PHY parameter, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a.

[0273] In a possible implementation, if in the first distance measurement cycle the response frame transmitted by the responder device to the initiator device indicates a second set of parameters, and the second set of parameters includes a second narrowband PHY parameter, then in the second distance measurement cycle the initiator device may transmit a second polling frame based on the second narrowband PHY parameter, and correspondingly the responder device may receive a second polling frame based on the second narrowband PHY parameter.

[0274] In another embodiment of this application, when the initiator device transmits an ACK frame of the response frame to the responder device, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on a second narrowband PHY parameter.

[0275] If the standard or protocol specifies that the initiator device must respond with an ACK frame for the response frame, it should be understood that after sending the ACK frame for the response frame, the initiator device will send a second polling frame based on a second narrowband PHY parameter. If it fails to send the ACK frame for the response frame, the initiator device will send a second polling frame based on narrowband PHY parameter #a, the narrowband PHY parameter indicated by the frame closest to the second distance measurement cycle, or the narrowband PHY parameter indicated by the first frame closest to the second distance measurement cycle.

[0276] If the standard or protocol does not specify that the initiator device must respond with an ACK frame for the response frame, the initiator device may send a second polling frame based on the second narrowband PHY parameter if the response frame indicates the second narrowband PHY parameter.

[0277] In other embodiments of this application, if the first distance measurement cycle does not include a measurement reporting phase, or the first reporting frame transmitted by the responder device does not indicate a third narrowband PHY parameter, or the first reporting frame transmitted by the responder device indicates a third narrowband PHY parameter but the initiator device does not send an ACK frame for the first reporting frame to the responder device, or the second reporting frame transmitted by the initiator device indicates a fourth narrowband PHY parameter, or the second reporting frame transmitted by the initiator device indicates a fourth narrowband PHY parameter but the initiator device fails to receive an ACK frame for the second reporting frame from the responder device, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on the second narrowband PHY parameter.

[0278] As shown in Figure 14(a), the initiator device transmits a first polling frame to the responder device in the first distance measurement cycle, the first polling frame representing narrowband PHY parameter #1, and the responder device transmits a response frame to the initiator device based on narrowband PHY parameter #1. The response frame represents narrowband PHY parameter #2 (an example of a second narrowband PHY parameter). Furthermore, in the second distance measurement cycle, the initiator device may transmit a second polling frame to the responder device based on narrowband PHY parameter #2.

[0279] As shown in FIG. 14(a), the initiator device may transmit a first polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a. Optionally, if the frame received by the initiator device in the third distance measurement cycle does not indicate the narrowband PHY parameter that becomes valid in the first distance measurement cycle, the initiator device transmits a first polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a.

[0280] In other embodiments of this application, if the response frame does not indicate the second narrowband PHY parameter, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameter indicated by the first polling frame in the second distance measurement cycle. Alternatively, if the initiator device does not transmit an ACK frame of the response frame to the responder device, the initiator device may transmit a second polling frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameter.

[0281] As shown in FIG. 14(b), if the response frame transmitted by the responder device does not indicate the narrowband PHY parameter #2, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #1.

[0282] In other embodiments of this application, if the response frame does not indicate the second narrowband PHY parameter and the first distance measurement cycle does not include a measurement report phase, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameter indicated by the first polling frame. Alternatively, if the response frame does not indicate the second narrowband PHY parameter, the first report frame transmitted by the responder device does not indicate the third narrowband PHY parameter, and the second report frame transmitted by the initiator device does not indicate the fourth narrowband PHY parameter, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameter indicated by the first polling frame.

[0283] In other embodiments of this application, if the frames transmitted in the first distance measurement cycle (e.g., the first polling frame and the response frame) do not indicate narrowband PHY parameters, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a.

[0284] As shown in FIG. 14(c), if the first polling frame transmitted by the initiator device does not indicate the narrowband PHY parameter #1 and the response frame transmitted by the responder device does not indicate the narrowband PHY parameter #2, the initiator device transmits a second polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a. As shown in FIG. 14(c), when the first polling frame does not indicate the narrowband PHY parameter #1, the responder device transmits a response frame based on the narrowband PHY parameter #a.

[0285] Based on the above description in FIGS. 12(a) to 14(c), the initiator device may transmit the second polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameters indicated by the frame closest to the second distance measurement cycle. Alternatively, the initiator device may transmit the second polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameters indicated by the first frame closest to the second distance measurement cycle.

[0286] Based on the above method for determining narrowband PHY parameters for transmitting polling frames, the initiator device may transmit polling frames in the current distance measurement cycle based on the narrowband PHY parameters indicated by the frame closest to the current distance measurement cycle, thereby improving the transmission performance of polling frames. For example, the narrowband PHY parameters indicated by the frame closest to the current distance measurement cycle may be determined based on the channel state. Therefore, the narrowband PHY parameters indicated by the frame closest to the current distance measurement cycle better satisfy the current channel state, thereby helping to improve the transmission performance of polling frames.

[0287] Alternatively, the initiator device may transmit a polling frame in the current distance measurement cycle based on the narrowband PHY parameters indicated by the first frame closest to the current distance measurement cycle, thereby ensuring that the initiator and responder devices transmit polling frames using the same narrowband PHY parameters and thus avoid failures in transmitting polling frames. For example, if the initiator device transmits an ACK frame for the first frame to the responder device, the responder device may, based on the ACK frame for the first frame, decide that the initiator device transmits a polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameters indicated by the first frame, and the responder device may then receive a polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameters indicated by the first frame. Alternatively, if the initiator device receives an ACK frame for the first frame from the responder device, the initiator device may determine that the responder device has received the first frame and that the responder device may receive a polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameters indicated by the first frame, thereby causing the initiator device to transmit a polling frame based on the narrowband PHY parameters indicated by the first frame, thereby avoiding the responder device failing to receive the polling frame.

[0288] In embodiments of the above-described method, it should be understood that the methods and operations performed by the device (e.g., initiator device and responder device) may also be performed by components of the device (e.g., chip or circuit).

[0289] To achieve the above functions, it may be further understood that the initiator device and the responder device include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for performing the functions.

[0290] Those skilled in the art will recognize, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, that the units and algorithmic 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 solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but the implementation methods should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0291] The apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 17-17. It should be understood that the description of the apparatus embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for matters not described in detail, refer to the method embodiments described above. For brevity, some matters will not be explained again.

[0292] In embodiments of this application, an initiator device or responder device may be divided into functional modules based on embodiments of the method described above. For example, the functional modules may be divided based on 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 module division is an example and is merely a logical functional division. Other division methods may be used in actual implementations. An explanation is provided below by using an example in which each functional module is obtained through division based on each corresponding function.

[0293] Figure 15 is a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 15, the communication device 2000 may include a transceiver unit 2010 and a processing unit 2020. The transceiver unit 2010 may communicate with the outside, and the processing unit 2020 is configured to process data. The transceiver unit 2010 may also be called a communication interface or communication unit.

[0294] Optionally, the communication device 2000 may further include a storage unit. The storage unit may be configured to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 2020 may read instructions and / or data from the storage unit, thereby causing the communication device to carry out embodiments of the above method.

[0295] In the first design, the communication device 2000 may be the initiator device in the above embodiment, or a component of the initiator device (e.g., a chip). The communication device 2000 may perform steps or procedures performed by the initiator device in the embodiment of the above method. The transceiver unit 2010 may be configured to perform transmit / receive related operations performed by the initiator device in the embodiment of the above method. The processing unit 2020 may be configured to perform processing related operations performed by the initiator device in the embodiment of the above method.

[0296] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 2010 is configured to transmit a first polling frame, the first polling frame is for triggering a distance measurement in a first distance measurement cycle, the first polling frame further indicates a first set of parameters that are enabled in the first distance measurement cycle, the first set of parameters including one or more of the following parameters: a first narrowband PHY parameter, a first narrowband channel allow list, a first distance measurement block structure parameter, or a first UWB MMS distance measurement configuration parameter, and the transceiver unit 2010 is further configured to receive a response frame to the first polling frame.

[0297] In the second design, the communication device 2000 may be the responder device in the above embodiment, or a component of the responder device (e.g., a chip). The communication device 2000 may perform steps or procedures performed by the responder device in the embodiment of the above method. The transceiver unit 2010 may be configured to perform transmit / receive related operations performed by the responder device in the embodiment of the above method. The processing unit 2020 may be configured to perform processing related operations performed by the responder device in the embodiment of the above method.

[0298] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 2010 is configured to receive a first polling frame, which is for triggering a distance measurement in a first distance measurement cycle, which further indicates a first set of parameters that are enabled in the first distance measurement cycle, which includes one or more of the following parameters: a first narrowband PHY parameter, a first narrowband channel allow list, a first distance measurement block structure parameter, or a first UWB MMS distance measurement configuration parameter, and the transceiver unit 2010 is further configured to transmit a response frame to the first polling frame.

[0299] It should be understood that 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. For the sake of brevity, the details will not be described again herein.

[0300] It should also be understood that the communication device 2000 in this specification may be presented in the form of a functional unit. The term “unit” in this specification may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a dedicated processor, or a group processor) configured to run one or more software or firmware programs, memory, merge logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that support the functions described. In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device 2000 may specifically be an initiator device in the above embodiments and configured to perform the processes and / or steps corresponding to the initiator device in the above embodiments of the method, or that the communication device 2000 may specifically be a responder device in the above embodiments and configured to perform the processes and / or steps corresponding to the responder device in the above embodiments of the method. To avoid repetition, further details are not described again in this specification. The transceiver unit 2010 may, alternatively, be a transceiver circuit (e.g., including a receiver circuit and a transmitter circuit), and the processing unit 2020 may be a processing circuit.

[0301] The communication device 2000 in Figure 15 may be the device in the above embodiment, or it may be a chip or chip system, such as a system on a chip (SoC). The transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processing unit is a processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit on a chip. This is not limited to the foregoing.

[0302] In the above solution, the communication device 2000 has a function of performing corresponding steps executed by an initiator device or a responder device in the above method. The function may be realized by hardware or by hardware that executes corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, in order to separately execute the reception / transmission operation and related processing operations in the embodiment of the method, the transceiver unit may be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the transmission unit in the transceiver unit may be replaced by a transmitter, and the reception unit in the transceiver unit may be replaced by a receiver machine), and other units, for example, the processing unit, may be replaced by a processor.

[0303] FIG. 16 is a diagram of a communication device 3000 according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device 3000 includes a processor 3010. The processor 3010 is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the memory 3020, or read data or signaling stored in the memory 3020 to execute the method in the embodiment of the above method. Optionally, there is one or more processors 3010.

[0304] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 16, the communication device 3000 further includes a memory 3020, and the memory 3020 is configured to store a computer program or instruction and / or data. The memory 3020 may be integrated with the processor 3010 or may be disposed separately. Optionally, there is one or more memories 3020.

[0305] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 16, the communication device 3000 further includes a transceiver 3030, and the transceiver 3030 is configured to receive and / or transmit signals. For example, the processor 3010 is configured to control the transceiver 3030 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0306] In the solution, the communication device 3000 is configured to perform the operations performed by the initiator device in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0307] For example, the processor 3010 is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the memory 3020 to perform an operation related to the initiator device in the embodiment of the above method, for example, the method performed by the initiator device in the embodiment shown in Figure 6.

[0308] In another solution, the communication device 3000 is configured to perform the operations performed by the responder device in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0309] For example, the processor 3010 is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the memory 3020 to carry out the relevant operations of the responder device in the embodiment of the above method, for example, the method performed by the responder device in the embodiment shown in Figure 6.

[0310] It should be understood that the processor referred to in embodiments of this application may be a central processing unit (CPU), and may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional processor, etc.

[0311] Furthermore, it should be understood that the memory referred to in the embodiments of this application may be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM may be used as an external cache. Rather than being an exhaustive list, RAM includes several forms such as 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).

[0312] 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.

[0313] Furthermore, it should be noted that the memories described herein are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0314] Figure 17 is a diagram of a chip system 4000 according to an embodiment of this application. The chip system 4000 (also called a processing system) includes a logic circuit 4010 and an input / output interface 4020.

[0315] The logic circuit 4010 may also be a processing circuit within the chip system 4000. The logic circuit 4010 may be coupled to and connected to a memory unit and may call instructions within the memory unit, thereby enabling the chip system 4000 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 4020 may also be an input / output circuit within the chip system 4000 and may output information processed by the chip system 4000, or it may input data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 4000 for processing.

[0316] Specifically, for example, when the chip system 4000 is installed in an initiator device, the logic circuit 4010 may be coupled to the input / output interface 4020, and the logic circuit 4010 may transmit a first polling frame through the input / output interface 4020, and the first polling frame may be generated by the logic circuit 4010. In another example, when the chip system 4000 is installed in a responder device, the logic circuit 4010 may be coupled to the input / output interface 4020, and the logic circuit 4010 may receive a first polling frame through the input / output interface 4020, and the logic circuit 4010 analyzes the first polling frame.

[0317] In the solution, the chip system 4000 is configured to perform the operations performed by the initiator device in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0318] For example, the logic circuit 4010 is configured to perform processing-related operations performed by the initiator device in the embodiment of the above method, for example, processing-related operations performed by the initiator device in the embodiment shown in Figure 6. The input / output interface 4020 is configured to perform transmission and / or reception-related operations performed by the initiator device in the embodiment of the above method, for example, transmission and / or reception-related operations performed by the initiator device in the embodiment shown in Figure 6.

[0319] In another solution, the chip system 4000 is configured to perform the operations performed by the responder device in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0320] For example, the logic circuit 4010 is configured to perform processing-related operations performed by the responder device in the embodiment of the above method, for example, processing-related operations performed by the responder device in the embodiment shown in Figure 6. The input / output interface 4020 is configured to perform transmission and / or reception-related operations performed by the responder device in the embodiment of the above method, for example, transmission and / or reception-related operations performed by the responder device in the embodiment shown in Figure 6.

[0321] Embodiments of this application further provide a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer instructions for carrying out the method performed by the device in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0322] For example, when a computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the method executed by the initiator device in the embodiment of the above method.

[0323] In another example, when a computer program is executed by a computer, the computer may perform the method executed by the responder device in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0324] Embodiments of this application further provide a computer program product including instructions. When the instructions are executed by a computer, the method of execution by a device (e.g., an initiator device, or in other examples, a responder device) in the embodiments of the above method is implemented.

[0325] Embodiments of this application further provide a communication system including the initiator device and responder device described above.

[0326] For a description of the relevant aspects and beneficial effects of any one of the devices provided above, please refer to the corresponding embodiments of the methods provided above. Further details will not be described again herein.

[0327] 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 described apparatus are merely examples. For example, the division into units is merely a logical functional division, and other divisions may be used in actual implementations. For example, multiple units or components may be combined, or integrated into other systems, or some features may be ignored or not performed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection indicated or discussed may be implemented through some interfaces. Indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatus or units may be implemented electronically, mechanically, or in other forms.

[0328] All or part of the embodiments described above may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or a 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 the computer program instructions are 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, the computer may be a personal computer, a server, a network device, etc. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared radio, or microwave) from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center. Computer-readable storage media may be any available medium accessible by a computer, or a data storage device that integrates one or more available media, such as a server or data center. Available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, or magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)), etc. For example, available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, removable hard disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks that can store program code.

[0329] The above description is merely a specific way of realizing this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modification or substitution that is readily conceivable by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical scope disclosed in this application shall fall within the scope of protection of this application. Accordingly, the scope of protection of this application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of communication, Steps include: transmitting a first polling frame, the first polling frame for triggering a distance measurement in a first distance measurement cycle, the first polling frame further indicating a first set of parameters that are enabled in the first distance measurement cycle, the first set of parameters including one or more of the following parameters: a first narrowband physical layer (PHY) parameter, a first narrowband channel allow list, a first distance measurement block structure parameter, or a first ultra-wideband (UWB) multi-millisecond (MMS) distance measurement configuration parameter; The steps described above for receiving the response frame of the first polling frame and A method that includes this.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the response frame indicates a second set of parameters which is suggested to be effective in a second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle follows the first distance measurement cycle, and the second set of parameters includes one or more of the following parameters: a second narrowband PHY parameter or a second UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter.

3. This method is The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of receiving a first report frame, the first report frame comprising a distance measurement report corresponding to the first distance measurement cycle, the first report frame further indicating a third set of parameters which are suggested to be effective in a second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle being after the first distance measurement cycle, and the third set of parameters comprising one or more of the following parameters, namely, a third narrowband PHY parameter or a third UWB MMS distance measurement configuration parameter.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first polling frame is further for requesting a set of parameters that are suggested to be effective in the second distance measurement cycle.

5. The first parameter set includes the first distance measurement block structure parameters and / or the first UWB MMS distance measurement configuration parameters, and the method is The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of performing the distance measurement in the first distance measurement cycle based on the first distance measurement block structure parameter and / or the first UWB MMS distance measurement configuration parameter.

6. The first parameter set includes the first narrowband PHY parameters, and the method is The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of transmitting a second report frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameters, wherein the second report frame includes a distance measurement report corresponding to the first distance measurement cycle.

7. The first parameter set includes the first narrowband channel allow list, and the method is The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the step of transmitting a second report frame on a first narrowband channel included in the first narrowband channel permission list, wherein the second report frame includes a distance measurement report corresponding to the first distance measurement cycle.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second reporting frame further indicates a fourth set of parameters that become effective in a second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle follows the first distance measurement cycle, and the fourth set of parameters includes one or more of the following parameters: a fourth narrowband PHY parameter, a second narrowband channel allow list, a second distance measurement block structure parameter, or a fourth UWB MMS distance measurement configuration parameter.

9. The fourth parameter set includes the fourth narrowband PHY parameters, and the method is as follows: The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of transmitting a second polling frame based on the fourth narrowband PHY parameter, the second polling frame being for triggering a distance measurement in the second distance measurement cycle.

10. The first parameter set includes the first narrowband PHY parameters, and the method is The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting a second polling frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameters, the second polling frame being for triggering a distance measurement in a second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle being after the first distance measurement cycle.

11. The second parameter set includes the second narrowband PHY parameters, and the method is as follows: The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of transmitting a second polling frame based on the second narrowband PHY parameter, the second polling frame for triggering a distance measurement in the second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle being after the first distance measurement cycle.

12. The third parameter set includes the third narrowband PHY parameters, and the method is as follows: The method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of transmitting a second polling frame based on the third narrowband PHY parameter, the second polling frame for triggering a distance measurement in the second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle being after the first distance measurement cycle.

13. A method of communication, Steps include receiving a first polling frame, the first polling frame being for triggering a distance measurement in a first distance measurement cycle, the first polling frame further indicating a first set of parameters that are enabled in the first distance measurement cycle, the first set of parameters including one or more of the following parameters: a first narrowband physical layer (PHY) parameter, a first narrowband channel allow list, a first distance measurement block structure parameter, or a first ultra-wideband (UWB) multi-millisecond (MMS) distance measurement configuration parameter; The steps include sending a response frame for the first polling frame and A method that includes this.

14. The first parameter set includes the first narrowband PHY parameters, and the step of transmitting the response frame of the first polling frame is: The method according to claim 13, comprising the step of transmitting the response frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameter.

15. The first parameter set includes the first narrowband channel allow list, and the step of sending a response frame for the first polling frame is: The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising the step of transmitting the response frame on a second narrowband channel included in the first narrowband channel allow list.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the response frame indicates a second set of parameters which is suggested to be effective in a second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle follows the first distance measurement cycle, and the second set of parameters includes one or more of the following parameters: a second narrowband PHY parameter or a second UWB MMS ranging configuration parameter.

17. This method is The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising the step of transmitting a first report frame, the first report frame comprising a distance measurement report corresponding to the first distance measurement cycle, the first report frame further indicating a third set of parameters which are indicated to be effective in a second distance measurement cycle, the second distance measurement cycle being after the first distance measurement cycle, and the third set of parameters comprising one or more of the following parameters, namely, a third narrowband PHY parameter or a third UWB MMS distance measurement configuration parameter.

18. The first parameter set includes the first narrowband PHY parameters, and the step of transmitting the first report frame is: The method according to claim 17, comprising the step of transmitting the first report frame based on the first narrowband PHY parameters.

19. The first parameter set includes the first narrowband channel allow list, and the step of sending the first report frame is: The method according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising the step of transmitting the first report frame on a third narrowband channel included in the first narrowband channel allow list.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the first polling frame is further for requesting a set of parameters which are suggested to be effective in the second distance measurement cycle.

21. The first parameter set includes the first distance measurement block structure parameters and / or the first UWB MMS distance measurement configuration parameters, and the method is The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, further comprising the step of performing the distance measurement in the first distance measurement cycle based on the first distance measurement block structure parameter and / or the first UWB MMS distance measurement configuration parameter.

22. A communication device, A communication device comprising a unit configured to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or a unit configured to perform the method described in any one of claims 13 to 21.

23. A communication device, A communication device including a processor configured to execute computer instructions stored in memory, enabling the communication device to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or to enable the communication device to perform the method described in any one of claims 13 to 21.

24. The communication device according to claim 23, further comprising the memory.

25. The communication device further includes a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, The communication device according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the communication interface is configured to input and / or output information.

26. A computer-readable storage medium configured to store computer programs, A computer-readable storage medium wherein the computer program includes instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, or instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 13 to 21.

27. A chip system including a communication interface and a processor, The aforementioned communication interface is configured to input and / or output signaling or data. The chip system is configured such that the processor executes a computer executable program, and as a result, the device on which the chip system is installed performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method according to any one of claims 13 to 21.

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