Communication methods, communication devices, computer program products, and electronic devices

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, an apparatus, a storage medium, and an electronic device, wherein the method is used in a first device, and a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna are installed in the first device, and the method includes receiving first data from a second device via the first antenna at a first time, and receiving second data from the second device via the second antenna, wherein a distance between the first antenna and the second antenna is a first distance, a distance between the first antenna and the third antenna is a second distance, the first distance and the second distance are greater than a first threshold, a distance between the second antenna and the third antenna is a third distance, the third distance is less than a second threshold, and the first threshold is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to communication methods, communication devices, Computer program products and electronic devices.

Background Art

[0003] When positioning a device, based on the positioning method of Angle-of-Arrival (AOA), first obtain the angle information, and then combine it with Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) data or Time-of-Arrival data to obtain the distance information of the device to be positioned, thereby realizing the positioning of the device.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The first aspect provides a communication method for a first device. Here, the first device includes a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna. This method includes receiving first data from a second device via the first antenna at a first time and receiving second data from the second device via the second antenna. Here, the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna is a first distance, the distance between the first antenna and the third antenna is a second distance, the first distance and the second distance are greater than a first threshold, the distance between the second antenna and the third antenna is a third distance, the third distance is less than a second threshold, and the first threshold is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0005] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving third data from a second device via a first antenna at a second time and receiving fourth data from the second device via a third antenna; obtaining first channel state CSI information based on the first data; obtaining second CSI information based on the second data; obtaining third CSI information based on the third data; obtaining fourth CSI information based on the fourth data; and obtaining incident angle information of the second device to the first device based on the first CSI information, second CSI information, third CSI information, and fourth CSI information.

[0006] In another possible implementation, obtaining incidence angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on first CSI information, second CSI information, third CSI information, and fourth CSI information includes obtaining a first deviation between the first CSI information and the third CSI information, performing calibration on the fourth CSI information based on the first deviation to obtain a first correction value for the fourth CSI information, and obtaining incidence angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the second CSI information and the first correction value.

[0007] In another possible implementation, a fourth antenna is further installed on the first device, and this method further includes receiving fifth data from the second device via the third antenna at a third time and receiving sixth data from the second device via the fourth antenna, obtaining fifth CSI information based on the fifth data and obtaining sixth CSI information based on the sixth data, wherein the distance between the third and fourth antennas is a fourth distance, the fourth distance is greater than a first threshold, the distance between the first and fourth antennas is a fifth distance, and the distance between the second and fourth antennas is a sixth distance, the fifth distance and the sixth distance are less than a second threshold.

[0008] In another possible implementation, obtaining incident angle information of a second device relative to a first device based on first CSI information, second CSI information, third CSI information, and fourth CSI information includes obtaining a first deviation between the first CSI information and the third CSI information, performing calibration on the fourth CSI information based on the first deviation to obtain a first correction value for the fourth CSI information, obtaining a second deviation between the fourth CSI information and the fifth CSI information, performing calibration on the sixth CSI information based on the first and second deviations to obtain a second correction value for the sixth CSI information, and obtaining incident angle information of a second device relative to a first device based on the first CSI information, second CSI information, first correction value, and second correction value.

[0009] In another possible realization, the first threshold is half the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic wave, or the second threshold is half the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic wave.

[0010] A second embodiment provides a communication device used in a first device, the device comprising an antenna assembly and a switch assembly, wherein the antenna assembly is used to communicate with a second device, the antenna assembly comprising a first antenna, a second antenna and a third antenna, and the switch assembly is used to control the antenna assembly to receive first data from the second device via the first antenna and second data from the second device via the second antenna at a first time, wherein the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna is a first distance, the distance between the first antenna and the third antenna is a second distance, the first distance and the second distance are greater than a first threshold, the distance between the second antenna and the third antenna is a third distance, the third distance is less than a second threshold, and the first threshold is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0011] In another possible implementation, the switch assembly is further used to control the antenna assembly to receive a third data from the second device via the first antenna at a second time, and a fourth data from the second device via the third antenna. 2 The device further includes a CPU, which is used to acquire first channel state CSI information based on first data, second CSI information based on second data, third CSI information based on third data, fourth CSI information based on fourth data, and to acquire incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the first, second, third, and fourth CSI information.

[0012] In another possible implementation, the CPU further obtains a first deviation between the first and third CSI information, calibrates the fourth CSI information based on the first deviation to obtain a first correction value for the fourth CSI information, and uses the second CSI information and the first correction value to obtain incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device.

[0013] In another possible implementation, the antenna assembly further includes a fourth antenna, and the switch assembly is used to control the antenna assembly to receive a fifth data from a second device via the third antenna at a third time, and a sixth data from a second device via the fourth antenna, and is further used to acquire a fifth CSI information based on the fifth data, a sixth CSI information based on the sixth data, and to acquire incident angle information of the second device to the first device based on the first CSI information, second CSI information, third CSI information, fourth CSI information, fifth CSI information and sixth CSI information, where the distance between the third antenna and the fourth antenna is the fourth distance, and the fourth distance is greater than the first threshold, the distance between the first antenna and the fourth antenna is the fifth distance, and the distance between the second antenna and the fourth antenna is the sixth distance, and the fifth and sixth distances are less than the second threshold.

[0014] In another possible implementation, the CPU further obtains a first deviation between the first and third CSI information, calibrates the fourth CSI information based on the first deviation to obtain a first correction value for the fourth CSI information, obtains a second deviation between the fourth and fifth CSI information, calibrates the sixth CSI information based on the first and second deviations to obtain a second correction value for the sixth CSI information, and uses the first CSI information, the second CSI information, the first correction value, and the second correction value to obtain incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device.

[0015] In another possible realization, the first threshold is half the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic wave, or the second threshold is half the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic wave.

[0016] In another possible implementation, a radio frequency assembly is further included, where the switch assembly includes one or more switches, one end of which is connected to a plurality of antennas and the other end of which is connected to the radio frequency assembly.

[0017] In another possible implementation, the antenna assembly, switch assembly, and radio frequency assembly are integrated and mounted on a PCB board.

[0018] In another possible implementation, the switch assembly includes a first switch and a second switch, and the radio frequency assembly includes a first radio frequency subassembly and a second radio frequency subassembly, and the first switch is the 1 Radio frequencies Sub The assembly controls the first and fourth antennas, and the second switch controls the second radio frequency. Sub It works in conjunction with the assembly to control the second and third antennas.

[0019] In another possible implementation, both the first and second switches are double-pole double-throw switches.

[0020] In another possible implementation, the arrangement of the antennas in the antenna assembly is a planar array or a three-dimensional array.

[0021] In another possible implementation, at least one antenna in the antenna assembly is installed outside the PCB board.

[0022] The third aspect is Computer program products to provide Computer program products which stores computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are used to cause a computer to execute the steps included in any one of the methods of the first aspect.

[0023] The fourth aspect provides an electronic device including a memory and a processor, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor is configured to run the computer program to execute the steps included in any one of the methods of the first aspect.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] The technical solution according to the present application can consider the need for AOA angle-of-arrival measurement on the premise of ensuring the basic transmission performance of the device.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present application will be described in the following specification, and will become clear in part from the specification, or will be understood by practice. The objectives and other advantages of the present application can be realized and obtained by the structure particularly shown in this specification, the claims, and the drawings.

[0026] It should be understood that the above summary and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory, and do not limit the present application.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of an AOA antenna array in the related art. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of the communication method according to the embodiment of this application. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the changes in the organizational architecture before and after integrated design according to the embodiment of this application. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of yet another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] To further clarify the purpose, technical proposal, and advantages of this application, the technical proposal in the embodiments of this application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings of the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only a selection of embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. All other embodiments derived from the embodiments of this application, without requiring any creative effort by a person skilled in the art, are all within the scope of protection of this application. The embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other as appropriate, provided they do not conflict. And although the logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order.

[0029] The terms “first” and “second” in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are not intended to describe a specific order, but rather to distinguish different subjects. The term “including” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive protection. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally further include steps or units not listed, or may optionally further include other steps or units specific to those processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0030] When using “includes,” “possesses,” or “inclusions” as described in this application, additional components may be added unless explicitly limiting terms such as “only,” or “consisting of,” are used. Conversely, unless otherwise stated, singular terms may include plural forms and should not be understood as being limited to one.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a typical AOA antenna array. As shown in Figure 1, N antennas are arranged at a fixed interval, the interval being d. Each antenna receives incident electromagnetic waves and transmits them to a backend processing module. The backend processing module acquires Channel State Information (CSI) and calculates the angle information θ of the incident electromagnetic waves of the antennas by combining it with the CSI data of multiple antennas using algorithms such as Multiple Signal Classification (Music), Conventional Beamforming (CBF), and estimating signal parameter via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT).

[0032] Achieving AOA positioning often comes at the expense of inter-device communication performance. Specifically, the design prioritizes reducing the distance between antennas to ensure the antenna array meets the demands of the AOA array. However, this increases spatial correlation between antennas and enhances interference, which degrades data transmission performance between devices and sacrifices some degree of communication effectiveness.

[0033] In view of this, this application proposes a communication method by which the first device selects only one pair of antennas at the same time whose distance from each antenna is greater than a first threshold to communicate, thereby ensuring that the distance between the communicating antennas is sufficiently large and the spatial correlation is sufficiently low, and further guaranteeing good communication effectiveness between the devices. Furthermore, if a third antenna is installed on the first device, and the distance between the third antenna and the second antenna is smaller than the second threshold, it is possible to ensure that the distance between the antennas used for AOA measurement is sufficiently close when AOA measurement is performed later, and the solution of the AOA arrival angle can be well realized. With the above method, assuming that the basic transmission performance between devices is ensured, the effect of measuring the arrival angle can also be considered when it is necessary to measure the AOA arrival angle of the other device.

[0034] The embodiment of this application provides a communication method used in a first device, wherein a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna are installed in the first device. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the communication method according to the embodiment of this application, and as shown in Figure 2, the method is S201 includes receiving first data transmitted from a second device via the first antenna at a first time, and receiving second data transmitted from the second device via the second antenna, Here, the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna is the first distance, the distance between the first antenna and the third antenna is the second distance, the first distance and the second distance are greater than the first threshold, the distance between the second antenna and the third antenna is the third distance, the third distance is less than the second threshold, and the first threshold is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0035] Here, the first device may be a wireless access point (AP) or another data communication device, and the second device may be a user terminal or another data communication device.

[0036] In the above method, the first device does not use all antennas to transmit data simultaneously when communicating, but rather selects a pair of antennas, for example, a first antenna and a second antenna, whose distance from each other is greater than a first threshold, to communicate. Generally, in order to satisfy the requirement of spatial correlation of antennas, i.e., to make the spacing as large as possible, the spacing between the antennas in the pair of antennas is generally set to be greater than half a wavelength of the incident electromagnetic wave, i.e., 1 / 2 wavelength, and the first threshold may also be set to half a wavelength. By employing such a low spatial correlation antenna combination for communication, good communication effectiveness can be guaranteed.

[0037] It should be explained that when performing data communication, it is not limited to using only two antennas, the first antenna and the second antenna; more antennas may be used to communicate with the second device at the same time, and the requirements of the first threshold must be met between any two antennas.

[0038] Furthermore, a third antenna may be installed on the first device, and the distance between the third antenna and the second antenna may be smaller than the second threshold. This ensures that the distance between the antennas used for AOA measurement is sufficiently close when AOA measurement is performed later, thereby enabling a good solution of the AOA angle. Generally, to satisfy the requirements of an angle measuring array antenna, the distance between the third antenna and the second antenna may be set to less than half a wavelength, and the second threshold may also be set to half a wavelength. In addition, the first threshold is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0039] Similarly, when performing AOA measurements, it is not limited to using only two antennas, a second antenna and a third antenna; more antennas may be used, as long as the requirements for the second threshold are met between any two antennas.

[0040] It should also be explained that the spacing between each antenna does not need to be perfectly identical, but only needs to meet the requirements of the first and second thresholds described above. Here, the first and second thresholds may be the same or may be different. The setting of the first and second thresholds is not limited to half wavelengths, but may be adjusted to other lengths as needed for the service, for example, they may be set to quarter wavelengths, three-quarter wavelengths, etc.

[0041] Furthermore, since the distance between the first antenna and the third antenna is greater than the first threshold, the first antenna and the third antenna may be used as a single combination for communication transmission.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the method receives first data transmitted from a second device via the first antenna at a first time, and second data transmitted from the second device via the second antenna, and then receives third data transmitted from the second device via the first antenna at a second time, and fourth data transmitted from the second device via the third antenna, and based on the first data, the first channel state CSI information of the first antenna at the first time. The method further includes obtaining a report, obtaining second CSI information of the second antenna at the first time based on the second data, obtaining third CSI information of the first antenna at the second time based on the third data, and obtaining fourth CSI information of the third antenna at the second time based on the fourth data, and obtaining incident angle information of the second device to the first device based on the first CSI information, the second CSI information, the third CSI information, and the fourth CSI information.

[0043] AOA measurement can be achieved using the CSI information of each antenna, the spacing between each antenna, the antenna radiation pattern, and the transmission delay of each antenna. Specifically, when performing AOA measurement, the Music algorithm or similar may be used to obtain an angle estimate of the second device relative to the first device.

[0044] The antenna array configuration may be a linear array or an area array. While a linear array is a good configuration for finding the AOA solution, it suffers from low resolution in the array direction. Therefore, when designing an antenna, a planar array or a three-dimensional array may be used instead of a linear array.

[0045] In another possible implementation, obtaining incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the first CSI information, the second CSI information, the third CSI information, and the fourth CSI information includes obtaining a first deviation between the first CSI information and the third CSI information, performing calibration on the fourth CSI information based on the first deviation to obtain a first correction value for the fourth CSI information at the first time, and obtaining incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the second CSI information and the first correction value.

[0046] To ensure that each CSI is not affected by reference values ​​at different times, it is necessary to correct the CSI at the second time and adjust the related CSI to the first time. Specifically, assume that the CSI information of the first antenna at the first time is CSI1-1, the CSI information of the second antenna at the first time is CSI2-1, the CSI information of the first antenna at the second time is CSI1-2, and the CSI information of the third antenna at the second time is CSI3-2. Subtracting CSI1-2 from CSI1-1 yields the first deviation value, Delta1. Subtracting the Delta1 compensation from CSI3-2 yields the CSI information of the third antenna at the first time, CSI3-1. The angle estimation of the second instrument can be performed using the corrected CSI3-1 and CSI2-1, and the angle estimation of the second instrument relative to the first instrument may be obtained using, for example, the Music algorithm. In this scenario, the distance between the second antenna and the third antenna is smaller than the second threshold, which allows for a good solution of the angle of arrival at the AOA.

[0047] In another possible implementation, a fourth antenna is further installed on the first device, and after receiving third data transmitted from the second device via the first antenna at a second time and receiving fourth data transmitted from the second device via the third antenna, a fifth data transmitted from the second device via the third antenna at a third time and receiving sixth data transmitted from the second device via the fourth antenna, and based on the fifth data, the third antenna at the third time The method further includes obtaining a fifth CSI information at a third time and obtaining a sixth CSI information of the fourth antenna at the third time based on the sixth data, wherein the distance between the third antenna and the fourth antenna is a fourth distance, the fourth distance is greater than the first threshold, the distance between the first antenna and the fourth antenna is a fifth distance, and the distance between the second antenna and the fourth antenna is a sixth distance, the fifth distance and the sixth distance are less than the second threshold.

[0048] Furthermore, calculations using four antennas are a fundamental condition for relatively reliable AoA measurement, and a fourth antenna may be added to the first device. In the four-antenna scenario, the distance between the first and second antennas, and the distance between the third and fourth antennas, are both greater than the first threshold, and may be the two combinations used for communication transmission. When it is necessary to perform AoA angle measurement for the second device, the first device can more accurately measure the AoA reach angle by sequentially using three antenna combinations to communicate with the second device and acquire six CSI pieces of information.

[0049] In another possible implementation, obtaining incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the first CSI information, the second CSI information, the third CSI information, and the fourth CSI information includes obtaining a first deviation between the first CSI information and the third CSI information, performing calibration on the fourth CSI information based on the first deviation to obtain a first correction value of the fourth CSI information at the first time, obtaining a second deviation between the fourth CSI information and the fifth CSI information, performing calibration on the sixth CSI information based on the first and second deviations to obtain a second correction value of the sixth CSI information at the first time, and obtaining incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the first CSI information, the second CSI information, the first correction value, and the second correction value.

[0050] In the 4-antenna scenario, it is similarly necessary to correct the CSI to correct the CSI at the second and third time points to the CSI at the first time point, thereby achieving more accurate AOA calibration. Specifically, we assume that the CSI information of the first antenna at the first time point is CSI1-1, the CSI information of the second antenna at the first time point is CSI2-1, the CSI information of the first antenna at the second time point is CSI1-2, the CSI information of the third antenna at the second time point is CSI3-2, the CSI information of the third antenna at the third time point is CSI3-3, and the CSI information of the fourth antenna at the third time point is CSI4-3. By subtracting CSI1-2 from CSI1-1, the first deviation value Delta1 can be obtained. Subtracting the Delta2 compensation from CSI3-2 yields CSI3-1, the CSI information of the third antenna at the first time. Subtracting CSI3-3 from CSI3-2 yields the second deviation value Delta2. Subtracting the compensation for Delta1 and Delta2 from CSI4-3 yields CSI4-1, the CSI information of the fourth antenna at the first time. The corrected CSI3-1 and corrected CSI4-1, as well as CSI1-1 and CSI2-1, are used to estimate the angle of the second device, and the angle estimation of the second device relative to the first device may be obtained using, for example, a Music algorithm. In this scenario, the distance between the second antenna and the third antenna, the distance between the first antenna and the fourth antenna, and the distance between the second antenna and the fourth antenna are all smaller than the second threshold, so the solution for the angle of arrival at the AOA can be well realized.

[0051] By using the above method, while ensuring basic transmission performance between devices, the effect of measuring the AOA (angle of arrival) of the other device can also be considered when measurement is required, greatly expanding the application scenarios of the first device and improving its performance.

[0052] It should be explained that this application does not limit the number of antennas, and may include four, five, six, or more antennas, as long as the requirements of the first and second thresholds mentioned above are met, all of which fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0053] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application further provide a communication device used in a first device. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the communication device includes an antenna assembly 32 and a switch assembly 34, wherein the antenna assembly 32 is used to communicate with a second device, wherein the antenna assembly includes a first antenna 322, a second antenna 324, and a third antenna 326, and the switch assembly 34 receives first data transmitted from the second device via the first antenna 322 at a first time, and second data transmitted from the second device via the second antenna 324. A signal is used to control the antenna assembly 32 to receive data, wherein the distance between the first antenna 322 and the second antenna 324 is a first distance, the distance between the first antenna 322 and the third antenna 326 is a second distance, the first and second distances are greater than a first threshold, the distance between the second antenna 322 and the third antenna 326 is a third distance, the third distance is less than a second threshold, and the first threshold is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0054] Here, the first device may be a wireless access point (AP) or another data communication device, and the second device may be a user terminal or another data communication device.

[0055] In the above method, the first device does not use all antennas to transmit data simultaneously when communicating, but rather selects a pair of antennas, for example, a first antenna and a second antenna, from all antennas whose distance from each other is greater than a first threshold, and communicates using those antennas. Generally, in order to satisfy the requirement of spatial correlation of antennas, i.e., to make the spacing as large as possible, the spacing between the antennas in the pair of antennas is generally set to be greater than half a wavelength, and the first threshold may also be set to half a wavelength. By employing such a low-correlation antenna combination for communication, good communication effectiveness can be guaranteed.

[0056] It should be explained that when performing data communication, it is not limited to using only two antennas, the first antenna and the second antenna; more antennas may be used to communicate with the second device at the same time, and the requirements of the first threshold must be met between any two antennas.

[0057] Furthermore, a third antenna may be installed on the first device, and the distance between the third antenna and the second antenna may be smaller than the second threshold, thereby ensuring that the AOA angle can be easily determined when AOA measurements are performed later. Generally, to satisfy the requirements of an angle measuring array antenna, the distance between the third antenna and the second antenna may be set to less than half a wavelength, and the second threshold may also be set to half a wavelength. In addition, the first threshold is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0058] Similarly, when performing AOA measurements, it is not limited to using only two antennas, a second antenna and a third antenna; more antennas may be used, as long as the requirements for the second threshold are met between any two antennas.

[0059] It should also be explained that the spacing between each antenna does not need to be perfectly identical, but only needs to meet the requirements of the first and second thresholds described above. Here, the first and second thresholds may be the same or different, and the setting of the first and second thresholds is not limited to half wavelengths, but may be adjusted to other lengths as needed for the service, for example, they may be set to quarter wavelengths, three-quarter wavelengths, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, since the distance between the first antenna and the third antenna is greater than the first threshold, the first antenna and the third antenna may be used as a single combination for communication transmission.

[0061] In another possible implementation, the switch assembly 34 is further used to control the antenna assembly 32 to receive third data transmitted from the second device via the first antenna 322 at a second time, and fourth data transmitted from the second device via the third antenna 324, the device having a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit). The unit further includes a CPU 38 which is used to acquire first channel state CSI information of the first antenna at a first time based on the first data, second CSI information of the second antenna at a first time based on the second data, third CSI information of the first antenna at a second time based on the third data, fourth CSI information of the third antenna at a second time based on the fourth data, and to acquire incident angle information of the second device to the first device based on the first CSI information, the second CSI information, the third CSI information and the fourth CSI information.

[0062] In another possible implementation, the CPU 38 is further used to obtain a first deviation between the first CSI information and the third CSI information, to perform calibration on the fourth CSI information based on the first deviation to obtain a first correction value for the fourth CSI information at the first time, and to obtain incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the second CSI information and the first correction value.

[0063] To ensure that each CSI is not affected by reference values ​​at different times, it is necessary to correct the CSI at the second time and adjust the related CSI to the first time. Specifically, assume that the CSI information of the first antenna at the first time is CSI1-1, the CSI information of the second antenna at the first time is CSI2-1, the CSI information of the first antenna at the second time is CSI1-2, and the CSI information of the third antenna at the second time is CSI3-2. Subtracting CSI1-2 from CSI1-1 yields the first deviation value, Delta1. Subtracting the Delta1 compensation from CSI3-2 yields the CSI information of the third antenna at the first time, CSI3-1. The angle estimation of the second instrument can be performed using the corrected CSI3-1 and CSI2-1, and the angle estimation of the second instrument relative to the first instrument may be obtained using, for example, the Music algorithm. In this scenario, the distance between the second antenna and the third antenna is smaller than the second threshold, which allows for a good solution of the angle of arrival at the AOA.

[0064] If the first device is a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) AP, the first device may further include a radio frequency assembly 36 and a WiFi chip 310. Here, the CPU 38 controls the WiFi chip 310 and calculates AoA angle information, and the WiFi chip 310 implements WLAN-related protocols and communicates with the second device, and in the embodiment of this application, may also be used to perform CSI data extraction and antenna switching arrangement, the radio frequency assembly 36 performs amplification and filtering of the radio frequency WLAN signal, the switch assembly 34 is used to enable selection of different antennas by the gate function of the switch using a single radio frequency WLAN signal, where the gate of the switch is controlled by the WLAN chip, and the antenna assembly 32 is used to radiate the radio frequency WLAN signal into space or to receive incident electromagnetic waves in space and conduct them stepwise to the WLAN chip.

[0065] In another possible implementation, the switch assembly 34 comprises a first switch 342 and a second switch 344, and the radio frequency assembly 36 comprises a first radio frequency subassembly 362 and a second radio frequency subassembly 364, and the first switch 342 is the 1 Radio frequencies Sub The first antenna 322 and the fourth antenna 328 are controlled in conjunction with assembly 362, and the second switch 344 controls the second radio frequency SubThe second antenna 324 and the third antenna 326 are controlled in conjunction with assembly 364. The switch assembly 34 in this application may be implemented by mechanical switches, electronic switches, or a combination of both, as long as it can implement the gate function required in this application. For example, the first switch 342 and the second switch 344 may be single-pole double-throw switches, or they may be metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET, MOS) switch circuits.

[0066] It should be explained that the functions of each assembly described above may be realized by coordinating software and physical hardware. For example, the switch function may be realized by coordinating a software program and a physical switch. Similarly, the functions of some assemblies may be realized by other assemblies. For example, the switch function may be realized by the CPU.

[0067] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, in yet another embodiment, the antenna assembly 32 further includes a fourth antenna 328, and the switch assembly 34 is further used to control the antenna assembly 32 to receive a fifth data transmitted from the second device via the third antenna 326 at a third time and a sixth data transmitted from the second device via the fourth antenna 328, and the CPU 38 further obtains the fifth CSI information of the third antenna 326 at the third time based on the fifth data and the fourth antenna 328 at the third time based on the sixth data A sixth CSI information is obtained and used to obtain incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the first CSI information, the second CSI information, the third CSI information, the fourth CSI information, the fifth CSI information and the sixth CSI information, wherein the distance between the third antenna and the fourth antenna is the fourth distance, and the fourth distance is greater than the first threshold, the distance between the first antenna and the fourth antenna is the fifth distance, and the distance between the second antenna and the fourth antenna is the sixth distance, and the fifth distance and the sixth distance are less than the second threshold.

[0068] Furthermore, calculations using four antennas are a fundamental condition for relatively reliable AoA measurement, and a fourth antenna may be added to the first device. In the four-antenna scenario, the distance between the first and second antennas, and the distance between the third and fourth antennas, are both greater than the first threshold, and may be the two combinations used for communication transmission. When it is necessary to perform AoA angle measurement for the second device, the first device can more accurately measure the AoA reach angle by sequentially using three antenna combinations to communicate with the second device and acquiring six CSI pieces of information.

[0069] In another possible implementation, the CPU 38 is further used to obtain a first deviation between the first CSI information and the third CSI information, to perform calibration on the fourth CSI information based on the first deviation to obtain a first correction value for the fourth CSI information at the first time, to obtain a second deviation between the fourth CSI information and the fifth CSI information, to perform calibration on the sixth CSI information based on the first and second deviations to obtain a second correction value for the sixth CSI information at the first time, and to obtain incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the first CSI information, the second CSI information, the first correction value, and the second correction value.

[0070] In the 4-antenna scenario, it is similarly necessary to correct the CSI to correct the CSI at the second and third time points to the CSI at the first time point, thereby achieving more accurate AOA calibration. Specifically, we assume that the CSI information of the first antenna at the first time point is CSI1-1, the CSI information of the second antenna at the first time point is CSI2-1, the CSI information of the first antenna at the second time point is CSI1-2, the CSI information of the third antenna at the second time point is CSI3-2, the CSI information of the third antenna at the third time point is CSI3-3, and the CSI information of the fourth antenna at the third time point is CSI4-3. Subtracting CSI1-2 from CSI1-1 yields the first deviation value Delta1. Subtracting the Delta2 compensation from CSI3-2 yields CSI3-1, the CSI information for the third antenna at the first time. Subtracting CSI3-3 from CSI3-2 yields the second deviation value Delta2. Subtracting the compensation for Delta1 and Delta2 from CSI4-3 yields CSI4-1, the CSI information for the fourth antenna at the first time. The corrected CSI3-1 and corrected CSI4-1, as well as CSI1-1 and CSI2-1, are used to estimate the angle of the second device, and the angle estimation of the second device relative to the first device may be obtained using, for example, a Music algorithm. In this scenario, the distance between the second antenna and the third antenna, the distance between the first antenna and the fourth antenna, and the distance between the second antenna and the fourth antenna are all smaller than the second threshold, so the solution for the angle of arrival at the AOA can be well realized.

[0071] In another possible implementation, the switch assembly 34 and the radio frequency assembly 36 are designed to be integrated to form a front-end assembly (FEM) with a double antenna interface. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the changes in the organizational architecture before and after the integrated design according to the embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, before the integrated design, there are two single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switches, the first switch is connected to the power amplifier (PA) and low-noise amplifier (LNA) in the radio frequency assembly, and the second switch is connected to the two antennas, with each switch having a corresponding signal Attenuation exists. After integrated design, the two SPDT switches are integrated into a single Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch, resulting in signal attenuation at only one switch location. Therefore, integrated design reduces the production cost of the first device and reduces radio frequency signal attenuation through switch integration.

[0072] It should be explained that there is no limit to the number of antennas that can be connected to the switch assembly; it may be two, or more, and should be adjusted appropriately according to the structure of the switch assembly.

[0073] In another possible implementation, the antenna assembly 32, the switch assembly 34, and the radio frequency assembly 36 are integrated and mounted on a PCB board. This further reduces the production cost of the first device. In this case, although the radiation efficiency of the PCB-integrated antenna is lower than that of an external antenna, in actual application results, both the communication optimization effect and AoA measurement capability are maintained. Therefore, this design method can provide stronger functionality with little increase in cost, and enables the implementation of AoA measurement functionality in almost all first devices, such as APs.

[0074] In another possible implementation, at least one antenna in the antenna assembly 36 is mounted outside the PCB. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of external antennas. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of yet another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the design may include two high-performance external antennas, for example, a first antenna 322 and a third antenna 326, with a second antenna 324 and a fourth antenna 328 integrated into the PCB. The distance parameters between each antenna still satisfy the above design requirements, and this mode is a smart antenna mode. The first device maintains a smart antenna mode that supports antenna switching by the external antenna configuration described above, thereby enabling the terminal to select the optimal antenna for communication, and further improving transmission performance compared to a fixed antenna.

[0075] The module classifications in the embodiments of this application are general in nature and merely logical functional classifications; other classification methods may be used in actual implementation. Furthermore, each functional module in each embodiment of this application may be integrated into a single processor, exist physically independently, or two or more modules may be integrated into a single module. The integrated module may be implemented in hardware form or in software functional module form.

[0076] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, referring to Figure 7, which includes at least one processor 72 and a memory 74 connected to at least one processor. Embodiments of this application do not limit the specific connection medium between the processor 72 and the memory 74, and in Figure 7, the processor 72 and the memory 74 are connected via a bus as an example, the bus is represented by a thick line in Figure 7, and the connection methods between other components are described in general terms and are not limited thereto. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc., and for ease of illustration, it is represented by only one thick line in Figure 7, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one bus type.

[0077] In the embodiments of this application, the memory 74 stores instructions that can be executed by at least one processor 72, and the at least one processor 72 can perform the steps included in the communication method described above by executing the instructions stored in the memory 74.

[0078] Here, the processor 72 is the control center of the electronic device, connecting each part of the entire electronic device using various interfaces and lines, executing or running instructions stored in memory 74, and retrieving data stored in memory 74, thereby performing each function and data processing of the electronic device and monitoring the electronic device as a whole.

[0079] Optionally, the processor 72 may include one or more processing units, and the processor 72 may integrate an application processor and a modem processor. Here, the application processor is mainly for processing the operating system, user interface, and application programs, and the modem processor is mainly for processing wireless communication. To be clear, the modem processor does not have to be integrated into the processor 72. In some embodiments, the processor 72 and memory 74 may be implemented on the same chip, and in some embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips.

[0080] The processor 72 may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processor (CPU), a digital signal processor, a dedicated integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware assembly, which can implement or execute each method, step and logic block diagram disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any general-purpose processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of this application may be directly embodied as completion by a hardware processor or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0081] Memory 74 may be used as a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium for storing non-volatile software programs, non-volatile computer-executable programs and modules. Memory 74 may include at least one type of storage medium, such as flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card, card-type memory, random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc. Memory 74 is any other computer-accessible medium that can be used to carry or store program code expected in instruction or data structure format. Memory 74 in the embodiments of this application may further be a circuit or any other device capable of realizing a storage function, used for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0082] By design programming the processor 72, the code corresponding to the communication method described in the above embodiment can be fixed within the chip, thereby enabling the execution of the steps of the communication method described above when the chip is in operation. How to design program the processor 72 is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be explained here.

[0083] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application further provide a storage medium in which computer instructions are stored, and when the computer instructions are executed on the computer, the computer performs the steps of the communication method described above.

[0084] In some possible embodiments, each aspect of the communication method according to this application may further be implemented in the form of a program product including program code, which, when the program product is running on a communication device, is used to cause the communication device to perform the steps in each exemplary embodiment of the communication method of this application as described herein.

[0085] As those skilled in the art will see, embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application may take the form of complete hardware embodiments, complete software embodiments, or embodiments combining software and hardware. Furthermore, this application may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-compatible storage media (including, but not limited to, magnetic disk memory and optical memory) containing computer-compatible program code.

[0086] This application is described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of flows and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to generate a machine. The instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device thereby generate a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowchart and / or one or more blocks in the block diagram.

[0087] These computer program instructions may be stored in computer-readable memory that can operate a computer or other programmable data processing device in a specific manner. The instructions stored in the computer-readable memory generate a product including an instruction unit. This instruction unit implements the functions specified in one or more flows in a flowchart and / or one or more blocks in a block diagram.

[0088] These computer program instructions may be installed on a computer or other programmable data processing device. This allows a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to generate processing realized by the computer. Thus, the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps to realize a function specified in one or more flows in a flowchart, and / or one or more blocks in a block diagram.

[0089] Clearly, a person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if these changes and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and the equivalent art, this application is intended to include such changes and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method used in a first device, wherein the first device includes a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna, and the communication method is The first device includes receiving first data from the second device via the first antenna at a first time, and receiving second data from the second device via the second antenna, Here, the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna is the first distance, the distance between the first antenna and the third antenna is the second distance, the first distance and the second distance are greater than the first threshold, the distance between the second antenna and the third antenna is the third distance, the third distance is less than the second threshold, and the first threshold is greater than or equal to the second threshold. The first device receives third data from the second device via the first antenna at a second time, and also receives fourth data from the second device via the third antenna. The first device acquires first CSI information based on the first data, second CSI information based on the second data, third CSI information based on the third data, and fourth CSI information based on the fourth data. The first device receives a fifth data from the second device via the third antenna at a third time, and also receives a sixth data from the second device via the fourth antenna. The first device acquires fifth CSI information based on the fifth data and acquires sixth CSI information based on the sixth data. A communication method further comprising the first device acquiring incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the first CSI information, the second CSI information, the third CSI information, the fourth CSI information, the fifth CSI information, and the sixth CSI information.

2. The first device acquires incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the first CSI information, the second CSI information, the third CSI information, the fourth CSI information, the fifth CSI information, and the sixth CSI information, The first device acquires a first deviation between the first CSI information and the third CSI information, performs calibration on the fourth CSI information based on the first deviation, and acquires a first correction value for the fourth CSI information. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first device acquires incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the second CSI information and the first correction value.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the third antenna and the fourth antenna is a fourth distance, the fourth distance is greater than the first threshold, the distance between the first antenna and the fourth antenna is a fifth distance, and the distance between the second antenna and the fourth antenna is a sixth distance, the fifth distance and the sixth distance are less than the second threshold.

4. The first device acquires incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the first CSI information, the second CSI information, the third CSI information, the fourth CSI information, the fifth CSI information, and the sixth CSI information, The first device acquires a first deviation between the first CSI information and the third CSI information, performs calibration on the fourth CSI information based on the first deviation, and acquires a first correction value for the fourth CSI information. The first device acquires a second deviation between the fourth CSI information and the fifth CSI information, performs calibration on the sixth CSI information based on the first and second deviations, and acquires a second correction value for the sixth CSI information. The method according to claim 3, wherein the first device acquires incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the first CSI information, the second CSI information, the first correction value, and the second correction value.

5. The first threshold is half the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic wave, Or, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second threshold is half the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic wave.

6. A communication device used in a first device, which includes an antenna assembly and a switch assembly, The antenna assembly is used to communicate with a second device, wherein the antenna assembly includes a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna. The switch assembly is used to control the antenna assembly to receive first data from a second device via the first antenna at a first time, and to receive second data from the second device via the second antenna. Here, the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna is the first distance, the distance between the first antenna and the third antenna is the second distance, the first distance and the second distance are greater than the first threshold, the distance between the second antenna and the third antenna is the third distance, the third distance is less than the second threshold, and the first threshold is greater than or equal to the second threshold. The switch assembly is further used to control the antenna assembly to receive a third data from the second device via the first antenna at a second time, and to receive a fourth data from the second device via the third antenna. The switch assembly is further used to control the antenna assembly to receive a fifth data from the second device via the third antenna at a third time, and a sixth data from the second device via the fourth antenna. The first device further includes a CPU, the CPU being used to acquire first CSI information based on first data, second CSI information based on second data, third CSI information based on third data, fourth CSI information based on fourth data, fifth CSI information based on fifth data, sixth CSI information based on sixth data, and to acquire incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the first CSI information, second CSI information, third CSI information, fourth CSI information, fifth CSI information, and sixth CSI information.

7. The CPU further, A first deviation is obtained between the first CSI information and the third CSI information, and a calibration is performed on the fourth CSI information based on the first deviation to obtain a first correction value for the fourth CSI information. The apparatus according to claim 6, used to acquire incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the second CSI information and the first correction value.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the distance between the third antenna and the fourth antenna is a fourth distance, and the fourth distance is greater than the first threshold, the distance between the first antenna and the fourth antenna is a fifth distance, and the distance between the second antenna and the fourth antenna is a sixth distance, and the fifth distance and the sixth distance are less than the second threshold.

9. The CPU further, A first deviation is obtained between the first CSI information and the third CSI information, and a calibration is performed on the fourth CSI information based on the first deviation to obtain a first correction value for the fourth CSI information. A second deviation is obtained between the fourth CSI information and the fifth CSI information, and the sixth CSI information is calibrated based on the first deviation and the second deviation to obtain a second correction value for the sixth CSI information. The apparatus according to claim 8, used to acquire incident angle information of the second device relative to the first device based on the first CSI information, the second CSI information, the first correction value, and the second correction value.

10. The radio frequency assembly further includes, wherein the switch assembly includes one or more switches, one end of which is connected to a plurality of antennas, and the other end of which is connected to the radio frequency assembly. The switch assembly includes a first switch and a second switch, and the radio frequency assembly includes a first radio frequency subassembly and a second radio frequency subassembly. The first switch, in cooperation with the first radio frequency subassembly, controls the first antenna and the fourth antenna. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the second switch controls the second antenna and the third antenna in cooperation with the second radio frequency subassembly.

11. A computer program product, wherein a computer program is stored in the computer program product, and the computer program is configured to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 4 when in operation.

12. An electronic device comprising memory and a processor, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor is configured to run the computer program and perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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