Device activation methods and devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to device activation methods, a first device, an access network device, and a second device. A method executed by the first device comprises: receiving an activation signal sent by the access network device; and / or sending a first activation response message to the second device according to the received activation signal, the activation signal being used to activate the first device, and the first activation response message being used to indicate an activation state of the first device. In this way, the first device can receive an activation signal sent by the access network device, so as to be activated, and / or can feed back an activation state to the second device when the activation signal is received, so that activation control of the first device can be realized, and communication performance of the first device can be improved.

Description

Device activation method and device Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to a device activation method and a device for executing the device activation method. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, a device without a battery or with limited energy storage capacity is proposed.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] How to activate devices without batteries or with limited energy storage capacity is an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device activation method and device.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a device activation method is proposed, which is performed by a first device and includes: receiving an activation signal sent by an access network device; and / or sending a first activation response message to a second device based on the received activation signal; wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device, and the first activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0007] In the above embodiment, the first device can receive an activation signal sent by the access network device to be activated, and / or when receiving the activation signal, feed back the activation status to the second device to realize feedback of the activation status, thereby being able to perform activation control on the first device and improve the communication performance of the first device.

[0008] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a device activation method is proposed. The method is performed by an access network device and includes: sending an activation signal to a first device, wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the access network device may send an activation signal to the first device to activate the first device, thereby performing activation control on the first device and improving the communication performance of the first device.

[0010] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a device activation method is proposed. The method is executed by a second device, including: receiving a first activation response message sent by a first device, wherein the first activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the second device may obtain the activation status fed back by the first device to implement activation control on the first device and improve the communication performance of the first device.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a device activation method is proposed, including: an access network device sends an activation signal to a first device, wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device; the first device receives the activation signal sent by the access network device, and sends a first activation response message to a second device based on the received activation signal; the second device receives the first activation response message sent by the first device, wherein the first activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0013] According to the fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first device is proposed, comprising: a transceiver module for receiving an activation signal sent by an access network device; and / or a processing module for sending a first activation response message to a second device based on the received activation signal; wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device, and the first activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an access network device is proposed, including: a transceiver module, configured to send an activation signal to a first device, wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device.

[0015] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second device is proposed, including: a transceiver module, configured to receive a first activation response message sent by a first device, wherein the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation state of the first device.

[0016] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the first device is used to execute the method described in the first aspect.

[0017] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, an access network device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the access network device is configured to execute the method described in the second aspect.

[0018] According to a tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the second device is used to execute the method described in the first aspect.

[0019] According to an eleventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG1 is an architecture diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG2 is a topological diagram of a connection between an environmental Internet of Things device and other devices provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG3A is a flow chart of a device activation method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG3B is a flowchart of another device activation method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG3C is a flowchart of another device activation method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG3D is a flowchart of another device activation method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG3E is a flowchart of another device activation method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG4 is a flowchart of another device activation method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG5 is a flowchart of another device activation method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG6 is a flowchart of another device activation method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG7 is a flowchart of another device activation method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG8A is a structural diagram of a first device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG8B is a structural diagram of an access network device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG8C is a structural diagram of a second device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG9A is a structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG9B is a schematic structural diagram of a chip provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device activation method and device.

[0038] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a device activation method, which is executed by a first device, including: receiving an activation signal sent by an access network device; and / or sending a first activation response message to a second device based on the received activation signal; wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device, and the first activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the first device can receive an activation signal sent by the access network device to be activated, and / or when receiving the activation signal, feed back the activation status to the second device to realize feedback of the activation status, thereby being able to perform activation control on the first device and improve the communication performance of the first device.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the activation signal includes at least one of the following:

[0041] an identifier of the second device;

[0042] a group identifier of the second device;

[0043] the type of the second device;

[0044] the location of the second device;

[0045] the capabilities of the second device;

[0046] an identifier of the first device;

[0047] a group identifier of the first device;

[0048] the type of the first device;

[0049] the location of the first device;

[0050] the function of the first device;

[0051] Response cycle.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first activation response message includes at least one of the following:

[0053] Indicates the information that is activated;

[0054] Message indicating activation failure;

[0055] Reasons for activation failure;

[0056] a status of the first device;

[0057] an identifier of the first device;

[0058] a group identifier of the first device;

[0059] the location of the first device;

[0060] the type of the first device;

[0061] Function of the first device.

[0062] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a first activation request message to the second device, wherein the first activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the first device may send a first activation request message for activating the first device to the second device, so as to activate the first device.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first activation request message includes at least one of the following:

[0065] an identifier of the second device;

[0066] a group identifier of the second device;

[0067] the type of the second device;

[0068] the location of the second device;

[0069] the capabilities of the second device;

[0070] an identifier of the first device;

[0071] a group identifier of the first device;

[0072] the type of the first device;

[0073] the location of the first device;

[0074] the function of the first device;

[0075] Response cycle.

[0076] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a device activation method, which is executed by an access network device and includes: sending an activation signal to a first device, wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the access network device may send an activation signal to the first device to activate the first device, thereby performing activation control on the first device and improving the communication performance of the first device.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the activation signal includes at least one of the following:

[0079] an identifier of the second device;

[0080] a group identifier of the second device;

[0081] the type of the second device;

[0082] the location of the second device;

[0083] the capabilities of the second device;

[0084] an identifier of the first device;

[0085] a group identifier of the first device;

[0086] the type of the first device;

[0087] the location of the first device;

[0088] the function of the first device;

[0089] Response cycle.

[0090] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a request message to the core network device, wherein the indication information is used to request information of the first device to be activated; and receiving a response message sent by the core network device, wherein the response message is used to indicate information of the first device.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the access network device may obtain the information of the first device from the core network device to determine the first device that needs to be activated.

[0092] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a second activation request message sent by the second device, wherein the second activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the access network device may send an activation signal to the first device that needs to be activated based on the activation request message sent by the second device, so as to activate the first device.

[0094] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a third activation request message sent by the core network device, wherein the third activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the access network device may send an activation signal to the first device that needs to be activated based on the activation request message sent by the core network device, so as to activate the first device.

[0096] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a second activation response message sent by the second device, wherein the second activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the access network device may receive the second activation response message sent by the second device to determine the activation status of the first device.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second activation request message or the third activation request message includes at least one of the following:

[0099] an identifier of the second device;

[0100] a group identifier of the second device;

[0101] the type of the second device;

[0102] the location of the second device;

[0103] the capabilities of the second device;

[0104] an identifier of the first device;

[0105] a group identifier of the first device;

[0106] the type of the first device;

[0107] the location of the first device;

[0108] the function of the first device;

[0109] Response cycle.

[0110] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second activation response message includes at least one of the following:

[0111] Indicates the information that is activated;

[0112] Message indicating activation failure;

[0113] Reasons for activation failure;

[0114] a status of the first device;

[0115] an identifier of the first device;

[0116] a group identifier of the first device;

[0117] the location of the first device;

[0118] the type of the first device;

[0119] Function of the first device.

[0120] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a device activation method is proposed. The method is executed by a second device, including: receiving a first activation response message sent by a first device, wherein the first activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the second device may obtain the activation status fed back by the first device to implement activation control on the first device and improve the communication performance of the first device.

[0122] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a second activation request message to the access network device, wherein the second activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the second device may send a second activation request message to the access network device to request the access network device to activate the first device.

[0124] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a first activation request message sent by the first device, wherein the first activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the second device may receive the first activation request message sent by the first device to determine the first device to be activated.

[0126] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a fourth activation request message sent by a third device, wherein the fourth activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the second device may receive the first activation request message sent by the third device to determine the first device to be activated.

[0128] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a third activation response message to the third device, wherein the third activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the second device may send a third activation response message to the third device to inform the third device of the activation status of the first device.

[0130] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a second activation response message to the access network device, wherein the second activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the second device may send a second activation response message to the access network device to inform the access network device of the activation status of the first device.

[0132] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a fourth activation response message to the core network device, wherein the fourth activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the second device may send a fourth activation response message to the core network device to inform the core network device of the activation status of the first device.

[0134] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first activation request message, the second activation request message, or the fourth activation request message includes at least one of the following:

[0135] an identifier of the second device;

[0136] a group identifier of the second device;

[0137] the type of the second device;

[0138] the location of the second device;

[0139] the capabilities of the second device;

[0140] an identifier of the first device;

[0141] a group identifier of the first device;

[0142] the type of the first device;

[0143] the location of the first device;

[0144] the function of the first device;

[0145] Response cycle.

[0146] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first activation response message, the second activation response message, the third activation response message, or the fourth activation response message includes at least one of the following:

[0147] Indicates the information that is activated;

[0148] Message indicating activation failure;

[0149] Reasons for activation failure;

[0150] a status of the first device;

[0151] an identifier of the first device;

[0152] a group identifier of the first device;

[0153] the location of the first device;

[0154] the type of the first device;

[0155] Function of the first device.

[0156] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method also includes: sending an auxiliary information request message to the core network device, wherein the auxiliary information request message is used to obtain information of the first device to be activated; receiving an auxiliary information response message sent by the core network device, wherein the auxiliary information response message is used to indicate information of the first device.

[0157] In the above embodiment, the second device may send an auxiliary information request message to the core network device to obtain information of the first device to be activated.

[0158] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the assistance information request message includes at least one of the following:

[0159] an identifier of the second device;

[0160] a group identifier of the second device;

[0161] the type of the second device;

[0162] the location of the second device;

[0163] the capabilities of the second device;

[0164] Request area range;

[0165] Request time;

[0166] Request cycle;

[0167] Request Quality of Service (QoS).

[0168] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the assistance information response message includes at least one of the following:

[0169] an identifier of the first device;

[0170] a group identifier of the first device;

[0171] a candidate device list including the first device;

[0172] A candidate device group list includes the first device.

[0173] candidate device locations including the first device;

[0174] candidate device types including the first device;

[0175] Candidate device capabilities of the first device are included.

[0176] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a device activation method, including: an access network device sends an activation signal to a first device, wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device; the first device receives the activation signal sent by the access network device, and sends a first activation response message to a second device based on the received activation signal; the second device receives the first activation response message sent by the first device, wherein the first activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0177] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a first device, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the terminal is used to execute the optional implementation method of the first aspect.

[0178] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an access network device, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the access network device is used to execute the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0179] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a second device, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the first network element is used to execute the optional implementation method of the third aspect.

[0180] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a first device, which includes: one or more processors; wherein the terminal is used to execute the optional implementation method of the first aspect.

[0181] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an access network device, which includes: one or more processors; wherein the access network device is used to execute the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0182] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a second device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the above-mentioned second device is used to execute the optional implementation method of the third aspect.

[0183] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, which includes: a first device, an access network device, and a second device; wherein the first device is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the access network device is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the second aspect, and the second device is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0184] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the optional implementation of the first, second and third aspects.

[0185] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the optional implementation of the first, second and third aspects.

[0186] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first, second and third aspects.

[0187] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system, which includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first, second, and third aspects above.

[0188] It is understandable that the first device, access network device, second device, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system described above are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0189] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device activation method, a first device, an access network device, and a second device.

[0190] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0191] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0192] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0193] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0194] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0195] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0196] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0197] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0198] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0199] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0200] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0201] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0202] In some embodiments, devices and equipment can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

[0203] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0204] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and / or reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)", etc.

[0205] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal" "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc.

[0206] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0207] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0208] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0209] FIG1 is an architecture diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0210] As shown in FIG1 , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102 .

[0211] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0212] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0213] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0214] In some embodiments, the core network device may be a single device including a first network function, a second network function, etc., or may be a plurality of devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network function, the second network function, etc. The network function may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next generation core (NGC).

[0215] In some embodiments, the first network function is, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0216] In some embodiments, the first network function is used for access control and mobility management of the terminal accessing the operator network, for example, including functions such as mobile status management, allocation of user temporary identity, authentication and authorization of users, etc., and its name is not limited to this.

[0217] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0218] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1 , or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in FIG1 , or may include other entities outside of FIG1 . The number and form of the entities are arbitrary, and the entities may be physical or virtual. The connection relationships between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0219] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0220] First, let’s introduce Ambient IoT.

[0221] Large-scale machine-type communications (MTC) is a key use case for 5G, and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) / MTC has been specified in 3GPP. These low-power wide-area (LPWA) technologies offer low-cost, low-power, and large-scale connectivity, meeting the requirements of many applications. However, these technologies still do not cover many types of use cases and scenarios:

[0222] 1) Under extreme environmental conditions, such as high pressure, extremely high / low temperature, and humid environment,

[0223] 2) Ultra-low complexity, very small device size / form factor (e.g., mm thickness), maintenance-free (e.g., no need to replace the device's traditional battery), and longer service life are strongly desired, and

[0224] 3) Not applicable to devices powered by traditional batteries

[0225] Ambient-powered IoT, an IoT service where IoT end devices are powered by energy harvesting, either battery-free or with limited energy storage capabilities (e.g., using capacitors), offers a promising approach to addressing these unmet requirements. It enables communication with IoT end devices without traditional batteries and / or avoids human intervention for charging or replacement. Ambient-powered IoT end devices offer advantages such as low power consumption and complexity, very small size, and a longer lifecycle.

[0226] Ambient IoT terminal devices have lower complexity, smaller size, and lower functionality than 3GPP IoT terminal devices (e.g., NB-IoT / eMTC devices). Ambient IoT terminal devices can be maintenance-free (e.g., require no human intervention) and can have a long service life (e.g., more than 10 years).

[0227] Typically, ambient-powered IoT devices lack traditional batteries. Instead, they use energy harvested from wireless radio waves or any other form of energy that can be harvested for a specific use case. For example, in some cases, ambient-powered IoT devices can harvest energy from radio waves, which can originate from 5G NR network entities or user equipment. In other cases, ambient-powered IoT devices can harvest energy from solar energy, light, motion / vibration, heat, pressure, or any other energy source.

[0228] Since IoT terminal devices that support ambient power do not require traditional batteries, they are also friendly to the environment.

[0229] Some potential challenges for enabling ambient power IoT include:

[0230] First, ambient power-enabled IoT end devices are expected to harvest energy and use the harvested energy to support communications.

[0231] Secondly, despite the limitations of complexity, size, power consumption, etc., IoT terminal devices that support ambient power must be able to provide sufficient communication services to meet the corresponding requirements. In addition, user privacy and security need to be guaranteed.

[0232] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT network and devices have the following connectivity topologies. In all of these topologies, the Ambient IoT devices can be provisioned with carriers from other nodes within or outside the topology. Links in each topology can be bidirectional or unidirectional.

[0233] A base station, terminal, secondary device, or intermediate node can be multiple base stations or terminals, respectively. This mix of indoor and outdoor node placement is considered a network implementation choice. The potential impact on device or node complexity needs to be considered. This does not imply the presence of multiple hops of secondary devices or intermediate nodes in the connection topology.

[0234] As shown in Figure 2, the topology structure is: base station Second device, second device Environmental IoT devices base station

[0235] In this topology, the ambient IoT device sends data / signaling to the base station and receives data / signaling from the second device; or the ambient IoT device receives data / signaling from the base station and sends data / signaling to the second device. In this topology, the second device can be a relay, IAB, terminal, repeater, etc., which can perform ambient IoT.

[0236] In some embodiments, devices may be categorized based on their storage capacity.

[0237] -Type A device: no energy storage capability, no independent signal generation capability, transmission via backscatter.

[0238] -Type B devices: have energy storage capabilities, no independent signal generation capabilities, and transmit via backscatter.

[0239] -Type C devices: have energy storage capabilities and independent signal generation capabilities, that is, they have active radio frequency (RF) components for transmission.

[0240] There are three types of ambient IoT devices: Type A, Type B, and Type C. These devices have varying energy storage and signal generation capabilities. Type A and Type B devices, in particular, lack independent signal generation capabilities and rely solely on backscatter transmission. Activation of the ambient IoT device may be required before data transmission. This may also be required for Type C devices.

[0241] Based on this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device activation method, in which a first device receives an activation signal sent by an access network device; and / or, based on the received activation signal, sends a first activation response message to a second device. The activation signal activates the first device, and the first activation response message indicates the activation status of the first device. This enables activation control of the first device, improving the communication performance of the first device.

[0242] FIG3A is an interactive diagram of a device activation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3A , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a device activation method, the method comprising:

[0243] S301: A first device sends a first activation request message to a second device, where the first activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0244] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device may be an environmental Internet of Things device.

[0245] In some embodiments, the first device may be a battery-less device or a device with limited power storage capabilities.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first device may be a backscatter transmitter, a passive Internet of Things device, or the like.

[0247] In some embodiments, the second device may be at least one of a repeater, an IAB node, a terminal device, a transponder, a backscatter receiver, etc. In some implementations, the second device may receive an activation request message sent by the first device and forward the activation request message to an access network such as a base station, so that the access network configures and activates the first device.

[0248] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device may send a first activation request message to the second device, where the first activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0249] In some embodiments, the signaling between the first device and the second device may be based on a PC5 interface, a simplified PC5, or other new interfaces between terminals.

[0250] It can be understood that, in the topology structure shown in FIG2 , the first device is an environmental IoT device to be activated, and the first device can send a first activation request message to the second device to request activation of the first device.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first activation request message includes at least one of the following:

[0252] an identifier of the second device;

[0253] a group identifier of the second device;

[0254] the type of the second device;

[0255] the location of the second device;

[0256] the capabilities of the second device;

[0257] an identifier of the first device;

[0258] a group identifier of the first device;

[0259] the type of the first device;

[0260] the location of the first device;

[0261] the function of the first device;

[0262] Response cycle.

[0263] In the disclosed embodiments, the first activation request message includes at least one of the second device's identifier, group identifier, type, location, and capabilities, and can be sent to a designated second device. Thus, upon receiving the first activation request message, the designated second device can perform subsequent steps to activate the first device.

[0264] In some embodiments, the capability of the second device may also be referred to as a function of the second device.

[0265] It can be understood that if other devices receive the first activation request message sent by the first device, because at least one of its identification, group identification, type, location, capability, etc. is different from the identification, group identification, type, location, capability of the second device indicated by the first activation request message, the other devices can ignore the first activation request message.

[0266] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first activation request message includes at least one of the identification, group identification, type, location, function, etc. of the first device. The second device can determine the information of the first device, which can be used by the second device to send the information of the first device to the access network device to activate the first device when performing subsequent steps to activate the first device.

[0267] In some embodiments, the function of the first device may also be referred to as the capability of the first device.

[0268] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first activation request message may include a response period, which is used to indicate that a response message to the first activation request message is expected to be received within the response period.

[0269] S302: The second device sends a second activation request message to the access network device, where the second activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0270] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second device may send a second activation request message to the access network device, where the second activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0271] In some embodiments, upon receiving the first activation request message sent by the first device, the second device sends a second activation request message to the access network device, requesting activation of the first device.

[0272] In some embodiments, the access network device may be at least one of a gNodeB, an eNodeB, a carrier transmitter, and the like.

[0273] In some embodiments, the signaling between the second device and the access network device may be based on a Uu interface or other new interface between the terminal and the base station.

[0274] In some embodiments, the second activation request message includes at least one of the following:

[0275] an identifier of the second device;

[0276] a group identifier of the second device;

[0277] the type of the second device;

[0278] the location of the second device;

[0279] the capabilities of the second device;

[0280] an identifier of the first device;

[0281] a group identifier of the first device;

[0282] the type of the first device;

[0283] the location of the first device;

[0284] the function of the first device;

[0285] Response cycle.

[0286] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second activation request message includes at least one of the identification, group identification, type, location, capability, etc. of the second device, which can enable the access network device to determine the information of the second device, and then indicate the information of the second device to the first device, so that the first device can send it to the access network device through the second device when feeding back the activation response.

[0287] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second activation request message includes at least one of the identification, group identification, type, location, function, etc. of the first device, which can inform the access network device of the information of the first device to be activated so that the access network device activates the first device.

[0288] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second activation request message may include a response period, which is used to indicate that a response message to the second activation request message is expected to be received within the response period.

[0289] It should be understood that the second activation request message and the first activation request message may be the same or different. That is, after receiving the first activation request message sent by the first device, the second device may directly forward all contents of the first activation request message to the access network device. Alternatively, it may send a portion of the contents of the first activation request message to the access network device. Alternatively, the second device may generate a second activation request message based on the first activation request message and send it to the access network device. For example, the first device sends a first activation request message to the second device, where the first activation request message carries information about the first device, such as at least one of the first device's identifier, the first device's group identifier, the first device's type, the first device's location, and the first device's capabilities. After receiving the first activation request message, the second device generates a second activation request message, which includes the first device's information (the contents of the first activation request message) and also includes information about the second device, such as at least one of the second device's identifier, the second device's group identifier, the second device's type, the second device's location, and the second device's capabilities. The second device may then send the second activation request message to the access network device so that the access network device can perform corresponding configuration to activate the first device.

[0290] S303: The access network device sends an activation signal to the first device, where the activation signal is used to activate the first device.

[0291] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the access network device may send an activation signal to the first device, where the activation signal is used to activate the first device.

[0292] In some embodiments, upon receiving the second activation request message sent by the second device, the access network device determines to send an activation signal to the first device to activate the first device.

[0293] In some embodiments, the activation signal may also be referred to as an excitation signal, and the excitation signal is used to activate the first device.

[0294] In some embodiments, the activation signal includes at least one of the following:

[0295] an identifier of the second device;

[0296] a group identifier of the second device;

[0297] the type of the second device;

[0298] the location of the second device;

[0299] the capabilities of the second device;

[0300] an identifier of the first device;

[0301] a group identifier of the first device;

[0302] the type of the first device;

[0303] the location of the first device;

[0304] the function of the first device;

[0305] Response cycle.

[0306] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the activation signal includes at least one of the identification, group identification, type, location, capability, etc. of the second device. The access network device sends the activation signal to the first device, which enables the first device to determine the second device, and then when performing activation feedback, the activation feedback can be sent to the access network device through the second device.

[0307] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the activation signal includes at least one of an identifier, a group identifier, a type, a location, and a capability of the first device.

[0308] Exemplarily, the activation signal sent by the access network device may be sent via broadcast, and the activation signal is used to request activation of the first device indicated by at least one of the first device's identification, group identification, type, location, capability, etc. Thus, the activation signal can be used to activate the first device.

[0309] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the activation signal may include a response period, which is used to indicate that a response message to the activation signal is expected to be received within the response period.

[0310] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device may determine the second device according to the activation signal, and send a first activation response message to the determined second device.

[0311] S304: The first device sends a first activation response message to the second device, where the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation state of the first device.

[0312] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, after the first device receives the activation signal sent by the access network device, the first device may be activated, or the first device may fail to be activated.

[0313] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device may send a first activation response message to the second device, where the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation status of the first device.

[0314] In some embodiments, the first activation response message includes at least one of the following:

[0315] Indicates the information that is activated;

[0316] Message indicating activation failure;

[0317] Reasons for activation failure;

[0318] a status of the first device;

[0319] an identifier of the first device;

[0320] a group identifier of the first device;

[0321] the location of the first device;

[0322] the type of the first device;

[0323] Function of the first device.

[0324] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first activation response message may include information indicating activation. The first device may send the first activation response message to the second device when it is activated. The first activation response message includes information indicating activation.

[0325] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first activation response message may include information indicating activation failure. When activation fails, the first device may send the first activation response message to the second device, where the first activation response message includes information indicating activation failure.

[0326] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first activation response message may include a reason for activation failure. When activation fails, the first device may send the first activation response message to the second device, where the first activation response message includes the reason for activation failure.

[0327] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first activation response message includes at least one of an identifier, a group identifier, a type, a location, and a capability of the first device, and can be used to indicate an activation status of a specific first device.

[0328] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second device receives the first activation response message sent by the first device and can determine whether the first device is activated, or the reason for activation failure if the first device is not activated, etc. based on the first activation response message.

[0329] S305: The second device sends a second activation response message to the access network device, where the second activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0330] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second device may send a second activation response message to the access network device, where the second activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0331] In some embodiments, the second activation response message includes at least one of the following:

[0332] Indicates the information that is activated;

[0333] Message indicating activation failure;

[0334] Reasons for activation failure;

[0335] a status of the first device;

[0336] an identifier of the first device;

[0337] a group identifier of the first device;

[0338] the location of the first device;

[0339] the type of the first device;

[0340] Function of the first device.

[0341] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second activation response message includes at least one of the identifier, group identifier, type, location, capability, etc. of the first device, and can be used to indicate the activation status of a specific first device.

[0342] It should be understood that the second activation response message may be identical to or different from the first activation response message. That is, the second device may directly forward the first activation response message received from the first device to the access network device to inform it of the success or failure of the activation or the reason for the activation failure. Alternatively, the second device may send a portion of the first activation response message received from the first device to the access network device, that is, only sending the necessary information that the access network device needs to obtain to the access network device to conserve resources. Alternatively, the first device sends the first activation response message to the second device, and the second device generates a second activation response message based on the first activation response message and sends it to the access network device.

[0343] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0344] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of S301 to S305. For example, S301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S305 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S303+S304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and S302+S303+S304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0345] In some embodiments, S301, S302, and S305 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0346] In some embodiments, S304 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0347] FIG3B is an interactive diagram of a device activation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3B , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a device activation method, which includes:

[0348] S311. The core network device sends a third activation request message to the access network device, where the third activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0349] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the core network device may send a third activation request message to the access network device, requesting activation of the first device.

[0350] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device may be an environmental Internet of Things device.

[0351] In some embodiments, the first device may be a device without a battery or with limited storage capabilities.

[0352] In some embodiments, the first device may be a backscatter transmitter, a passive Internet of Things device, or the like.

[0353] In some embodiments, the core network device may be at least one of a 4G core network device, a 5G core network device, and a 6G core network device.

[0354] In some embodiments, the access network device may be at least one of a gNodeB, an eNodeB, a carrier transmitter, and the like.

[0355] In some embodiments, the core network device receives an activation request message sent by a third-party application server, and then sends a third activation request message to the access network device.

[0356] In some embodiments, the third activation request message includes at least one of the following:

[0357] an identifier of the second device;

[0358] a group identifier of the second device;

[0359] the type of the second device;

[0360] the location of the second device;

[0361] the capabilities of the second device;

[0362] an identifier of the first device;

[0363] a group identifier of the first device;

[0364] the type of the first device;

[0365] the location of the first device;

[0366] the function of the first device;

[0367] Response cycle.

[0368] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the third activation request message may include a response period, which is used to indicate that a response message to the third activation request message is expected to be received within the response period.

[0369] S312: The access network device sends an activation signal to the first device, where the activation signal is used to activate the first device.

[0370] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the access network device may send an activation signal to the first device, where the activation signal is used to activate the first device.

[0371] In some embodiments, upon receiving the third activation request message sent by the core network device, the access network device may send an activation signal to the first device to activate the first device.

[0372] S313: The first device sends a first activation response message to the second device, where the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation state of the first device.

[0373] S314: The second device sends a second activation response message to the access network device, where the second activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0374] It should be noted that the relevant descriptions of S312 to S314 can refer to the relevant descriptions of S303 to S305 in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0375] S315. The second device sends a fourth activation response message to the core network device, where the fourth activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0376] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second device may send a fourth activation response message to the core network device, where the fourth activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0377] In some embodiments, the fourth activation response message includes at least one of the following:

[0378] Indicates the information that is activated;

[0379] Message indicating activation failure;

[0380] Reasons for activation failure;

[0381] a status of the first device;

[0382] an identifier of the first device;

[0383] a group identifier of the first device;

[0384] the location of the first device;

[0385] the type of the first device;

[0386] Function of the first device.

[0387] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth activation response message includes at least one of the identifier, group identifier, type, location, capability, etc. of the first device, and can be used to indicate the activation status of a specific first device.

[0388] It should be understood that the fourth activation response message may be identical to or different from the first activation response message. That is, the second device may directly forward the first activation response message received from the first device to the core network device to inform it of the success or failure of the activation or the reason for the activation failure. Alternatively, the second device may send a portion of the first activation response message received from the first device to the core network device, that is, only send the necessary information that the core network device needs to obtain to the core network device, to conserve resources. Alternatively, the first device sends the first activation response message to the second device, and the second device generates a fourth activation response message based on the first activation response message and sends it to the core network device.

[0389] In some embodiments, upon receiving the fourth activation response message sent by the second device, the core network device may send an activation response message to the third-party application server to inform the third-party application server of the activation status of the first device.

[0390] The communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of S311 to S315. For example, S311 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S312 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S313 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S314 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S315 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S312+S313 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and S312+S313+S314 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0391] In some embodiments, S311, S312, and S315 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0392] In some embodiments, S314 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0393] FIG3C is an interactive diagram illustrating a device activation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3C , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a device activation method, which includes:

[0394] S321: The third device sends a fourth activation request message to the second device, where the fourth activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0395] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the third device may send a fourth activation request message to the second device, where the fourth activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0396] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device may be an environmental Internet of Things device.

[0397] In some embodiments, the first device may be a battery-less device or a device with limited power storage capabilities.

[0398] In some embodiments, the first device may be a backscatter transmitter, a passive Internet of Things device, or the like.

[0399] In some embodiments, the third device may be an ambient IoT device.

[0400] In some embodiments, the third device may be a device with energy storage and independent signal generation.

[0401] Exemplarily, the third device may be a Type C device.

[0402] In some embodiments, the second device may be at least one of a repeater, an IAB node, a terminal device, a transponder, a backscatter receiver, and the like.

[0403] In some embodiments, signaling between the third device and the second device may be based on PC5, simplified PC5, or other new interfaces.

[0404] In some embodiments, the fourth activation request message includes at least one of the following:

[0405] an identifier of the second device;

[0406] a group identifier of the second device;

[0407] the type of the second device;

[0408] the location of the second device;

[0409] the capabilities of the second device;

[0410] an identifier of the first device;

[0411] a group identifier of the first device;

[0412] the type of the first device;

[0413] the location of the first device;

[0414] the function of the first device;

[0415] Response cycle.

[0416] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth activation request message includes at least one of the identifier, group identifier, type, location, capability, etc. of the second device, and may instruct the designated second device to activate the first device.

[0417] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth activation request message includes at least one of the identification, group identification, type, location, function, etc. of the first device, which can inform the second device of the information of the first device to be activated so that the second device can activate the first device.

[0418] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth activation request message may include a response period, which is used to indicate that a response message to the fourth activation request message is expected to be received within the response period.

[0419] S322: The second device sends a second activation request message to the access network device, where the second activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0420] It should be understood that the fourth activation request message may be identical to or different from the second activation request message. That is, upon receiving the fourth activation request message sent by the third device, the second device may directly forward all contents of the fourth activation request message to the access network device. Alternatively, a portion of the contents of the fourth activation request message may be sent to the access network device. Alternatively, the second device may generate a second activation request message based on the fourth activation request message and send it to the access network device.

[0421] Exemplarily, the third device sends a fourth activation request message to the second device, and the fourth activation request message carries information about the first device, for example, at least one of the identifier of the first device, the group identifier of the first device, the type of the first device, the location of the first device, and the function of the first device. After receiving the fourth activation request message, the second device generates a second activation request message, which includes the above-mentioned information of the first device (the content of the first activation request message) and also includes information of the second device, for example, at least one of the identifier of the second device, the group identifier of the second device, the type of the second device, the location of the second device, and the capability of the second device. The second device can send the second activation request message to the access network device so that the access network device can perform corresponding configuration to activate the first device.

[0422] S323: The access network device sends an activation signal to the first device, where the activation signal is used to activate the first device.

[0423] S324: The first device sends a first activation response message to the second device, where the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation status of the first device.

[0424] S325: The second device sends a second activation response message to the access network device, where the second activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0425] It should be noted that, for the relevant descriptions of S322 to S325, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of S302 to S305 in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0426] S326: The second device sends a third activation response message to the third device, where the third activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0427] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second device may send a third activation response message to the third device, where the third activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0428] In some embodiments, the third activation response message includes at least one of the following:

[0429] Indicates the information that is activated;

[0430] Message indicating activation failure;

[0431] Reasons for activation failure;

[0432] a status of the first device;

[0433] an identifier of the first device;

[0434] a group identifier of the first device;

[0435] the location of the first device;

[0436] the type of the first device;

[0437] Function of the first device.

[0438] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the third activation response message includes at least one of the identifier, group identifier, type, location, capability, etc. of the first device, and can be used to indicate the activation status of a specific first device.

[0439] It should be understood that the fourth activation response message may be identical to or different from the first activation response message. That is, the second device may directly forward the first activation response message received from the first device to the third device to inform it of the success or failure of the activation or the reason for the activation failure. Alternatively, the second device may send a portion of the first activation response message received from the first device to the third device, that is, only sending the necessary information that the third device needs to obtain to the third device to conserve resources. Alternatively, the first device sends the first activation response message to the second device, and the second device generates a fourth activation response message based on the first activation response message and sends it to the third device.

[0440] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of S321 to S326. For example, S321 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S322 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S323 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S324 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S325 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S326 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S323+S324 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and S322+S323+S324 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0441] In some embodiments, S321, S322, S325, and S326 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0442] In some embodiments, S324 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0443] FIG3D is an interactive diagram of a device activation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3D , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a device activation method, which includes:

[0444] S331: The second device sends an auxiliary information request message to the core network device, where the auxiliary information request message is used to obtain information of the first device to be activated.

[0445] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second device may send an auxiliary information request message to the core network device, where the auxiliary information request message is used to obtain information about the first device to be activated.

[0446] It is understandable that, when the second device is unclear about which devices need to be activated, it can send an auxiliary information request message to the core network device, where the auxiliary information request message is used to obtain information about the first device to be activated.

[0447] In some embodiments, the assistance information request message includes at least one of the following:

[0448] an identifier of the second device;

[0449] a group identifier of the second device;

[0450] the type of the second device;

[0451] the location of the second device;

[0452] the capabilities of the second device;

[0453] Request area range;

[0454] Request time;

[0455] Request cycle;

[0456] Request quality of service (QoS).

[0457] S332. The core network device sends an auxiliary information response message to the second device, where the auxiliary information response message is used to indicate information of the first device.

[0458] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the core network device may send an auxiliary information response message to the second device, where the auxiliary information response message is used to indicate information of the first device.

[0459] In some embodiments, upon receiving the auxiliary information request message sent by the second device, the core network device sends an auxiliary information response message to the second device, where the auxiliary information response message is used to indicate information of the first device.

[0460] In some embodiments, the assistance information response message includes at least one of the following:

[0461] an identifier of the first device;

[0462] a group identifier of the first device;

[0463] a candidate device list including the first device;

[0464] A candidate device group list includes the first device.

[0465] candidate device locations including the first device;

[0466] candidate device types including the first device;

[0467] Candidate device capabilities of the first device are included.

[0468] S333: The second device sends a second activation request message to the access network device, where the second activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0469] S334: The access network device sends an activation signal to the first device, where the activation signal is used to activate the first device.

[0470] S335: The first device sends a first activation response message to the second device, where the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation state of the first device.

[0471] S336: The second device sends a second activation response message to the access network device, where the second activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0472] Among them, the relevant descriptions of S333 to S336 can refer to the relevant descriptions of S302 to S305 in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0473] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of S331 to S336. For example, S331 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S332 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S333 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S334 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S335 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S336 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S333+S334 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and S332+S333+S334 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0474] In some embodiments, S331, S332, S335, and S336 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0475] In some embodiments, S334 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0476] FIG3E is an interactive diagram of a device activation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3E , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a device activation method, the method comprising:

[0477] S341: The access network device sends a request message to the core network device, wherein the indication information is used to request information of the first device to be activated.

[0478] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the access network device may send a request message to the core network device, where the indication information is used to request to obtain information of the first device to be activated.

[0479] It is understandable that, when the access network device is unclear about which devices need to be activated, it can send a request message to the core network device, indicating that the information is used to request information of the first device to be activated.

[0480] S342. The core network device sends a response message to the access network device, where the response message is used to indicate information of the first device.

[0481] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the core network device may send a response message to the access network device, where the response message is used to indicate information about the first device.

[0482] S343: The access network device sends an activation signal to the first device, where the activation signal is used to activate the first device.

[0483] S344: The first device sends a first activation response message to the second device, where the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation status of the first device.

[0484] S345: The second device sends a second activation response message to the access network device, where the second activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0485] Among them, the relevant descriptions of S343 to S345 can refer to the relevant descriptions of S303 to S305 in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0486] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of S331 to S336. For example, S331 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S332 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S333 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S334 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S335 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S336 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S333+S334 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and S332+S333+S334 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0487] In some embodiments, S331, S332, S335, and S336 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0488] In some embodiments, S334 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0489] FIG4 is a flow chart of a device activation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4 , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a device activation method, which is executed by a first device and includes:

[0490] S401, obtaining an activation signal, and / or sending a first activation response message according to the received activation signal; wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device, and the first activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0491] It should be noted that, for optional implementations of S401, reference may be made to the optional implementations of S303 and S304 in FIG3A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG3A, which will not be described in detail here.

[0492] In some embodiments, the first device receives an activation signal sent by an access network device, but is not limited thereto and may also receive an activation signal sent by other entities.

[0493] In some embodiments, the first device performs processing to obtain the activation signal.

[0494] In some embodiments, S401 is omitted, and the first device autonomously implements the function indicated by the activation signal, or the above function is default or by default.

[0495] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device may be an environmental Internet of Things device.

[0496] In some embodiments, the first device may be a battery-less device or a device with limited power storage capabilities.

[0497] In some embodiments, the first device may be a backscatter transmitter, a passive Internet of Things device, or the like.

[0498] In some embodiments, the activation signal includes at least one of the following:

[0499] an identifier of the second device;

[0500] a group identifier of the second device;

[0501] the type of the second device;

[0502] the location of the second device;

[0503] the capabilities of the second device;

[0504] an identifier of the first device;

[0505] a group identifier of the first device;

[0506] the type of the first device;

[0507] the location of the first device;

[0508] the function of the first device;

[0509] Response cycle.

[0510] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the activation signal may include a response period, which is used to indicate that a response message to the activation signal is expected to be received within the response period.

[0511] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device may determine the second device according to the activation signal, and send a first activation response message to the determined second device.

[0512] In some embodiments, the first activation response message includes at least one of the following:

[0513] Indicates the information that is activated;

[0514] Message indicating activation failure;

[0515] Reasons for activation failure;

[0516] a status of the first device;

[0517] an identifier of the first device;

[0518] a group identifier of the first device;

[0519] the location of the first device;

[0520] the type of the first device;

[0521] Function of the first device.

[0522] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second device receives the first activation response message sent by the first device and can determine whether the first device is activated, or the reason for activation failure if the first device is not activated, etc. based on the first activation response message.

[0523] In some embodiments, the first device sends a first activation request message to the second device, where the first activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0524] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device may send a first activation request message to the second device, requesting activation of the first device.

[0525] In some embodiments, the second device may be at least one of a repeater, an IAB node, a terminal device, a transponder, a backscatter receiver, and the like.

[0526] In some embodiments, the signaling between the first device and the second device may be based on a PC5 interface, a simplified PC5, or other new interfaces between terminals.

[0527] In some embodiments, the first activation request message includes at least one of the following:

[0528] an identifier of the second device;

[0529] a group identifier of the second device;

[0530] the type of the second device;

[0531] the location of the second device;

[0532] the capabilities of the second device;

[0533] an identifier of the first device;

[0534] a group identifier of the first device;

[0535] the type of the first device;

[0536] the location of the first device;

[0537] the function of the first device;

[0538] Response cycle.

[0539] It should be noted that the detailed description of S401 can be found in the detailed description of the embodiments shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E , and will not be repeated here.

[0540] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first device receives an activation signal sent by an access network device and / or sends a first activation response message to a second device based on the received activation signal. The activation signal is used to activate the first device, and the first activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device. This allows activation control of the first device and improves the communication performance of the first device.

[0541] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a device activation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the present disclosure embodiment relates to a device activation method, which is executed by an access network device and includes:

[0542] S501: Send an activation signal, where the activation signal is used to activate a first device.

[0543] In some embodiments, the access network device sends an activation signal, which may be sent to the first device to activate the first device.

[0544] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device may be an environmental Internet of Things device.

[0545] In some embodiments, the first device may be a battery-less device or a device with limited power storage capabilities.

[0546] In some embodiments, the first device may be a backscatter transmitter, a passive Internet of Things device, or the like.

[0547] In some embodiments, the access network device may be at least one of a gNodeB, an eNodeB, a carrier transmitter, and the like.

[0548] It should be noted that, for optional implementations of S501, reference may be made to S303 in FIG. 3A, optional implementations of S401 in FIG. 4, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 3A and FIG. 4, which will not be described in detail here.

[0549] In some embodiments, the activation signal includes at least one of the following:

[0550] an identifier of the second device;

[0551] a group identifier of the second device;

[0552] the type of the second device;

[0553] the location of the second device;

[0554] the capabilities of the second device;

[0555] an identifier of the first device;

[0556] a group identifier of the first device;

[0557] the type of the first device;

[0558] the location of the first device;

[0559] the function of the first device;

[0560] Response cycle.

[0561] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the activation signal may include a response period, which is used to indicate that a response message to the activation signal is expected to be received within the response period.

[0562] In some embodiments, the access network device sends a request message to the core network device, wherein the indication information is used to request information of the first device to be activated; and receives a response message sent by the core network device, wherein the response message is used to indicate information of the first device.

[0563] In some embodiments, the access network device receives a second activation request message sent by the second device, where the second activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0564] In some embodiments, the signaling between the second device and the access network device may be based on a Uu interface or other new interface between the terminal and the base station.

[0565] In some embodiments, the access network device receives a third activation request message sent by the core network device, where the third activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0566] In some embodiments, the access network device receives a second activation response message sent by the second device, where the second activation response message is used to indicate an activation status of the first device.

[0567] In some embodiments, the second activation request message or the third activation request message includes at least one of the following:

[0568] an identifier of the second device;

[0569] a group identifier of the second device;

[0570] the type of the second device;

[0571] the location of the second device;

[0572] the capabilities of the second device;

[0573] an identifier of the first device;

[0574] a group identifier of the first device;

[0575] the type of the first device;

[0576] the location of the first device;

[0577] the function of the first device;

[0578] Response cycle.

[0579] In some embodiments, the second activation response message includes at least one of the following:

[0580] Indicates the information that is activated;

[0581] Message indicating activation failure;

[0582] Reasons for activation failure;

[0583] a status of the first device;

[0584] an identifier of the first device;

[0585] a group identifier of the first device;

[0586] the location of the first device;

[0587] the type of the first device;

[0588] Function of the first device.

[0589] It should be noted that the detailed description of S501 can be found in the detailed description of the embodiments shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E , and will not be repeated here.

[0590] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the access network device sends an activation signal to the first device, wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device. Thus, the access network device can send the activation signal to the first device to activate the first device, thereby enabling activation control of the first device and improving the communication performance of the first device.

[0591] FIG6 is a flow chart of a device activation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6 , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a device activation method, which is executed by a second device and includes:

[0592] S601: Receive a first activation response message sent by a first device, where the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation state of the first device.

[0593] In some embodiments, the second device may be at least one of a repeater, an IAB node, a terminal device, a transponder, a backscatter receiver, and the like.

[0594] In some embodiments, the signaling between the first device and the second device may be based on a PC5 interface, a simplified PC5, or other new interfaces between terminals.

[0595] In some embodiments, the second device sends a second activation request message to the access network device, where the second activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0596] In some embodiments, the second device receives a first activation request message sent by the first device, where the first activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0597] In some embodiments, the second device receives a fourth activation request message sent by the third device, where the fourth activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

[0598] In some embodiments, the second device sends a third activation response message to the third device, where the third activation response message is used to indicate an activation status of the first device.

[0599] In some embodiments, the second device sends a second activation response message to the access network device, where the second activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0600] In some embodiments, the second device sends a fourth activation response message to the core network device, where the fourth activation response message is used to indicate the activation status of the first device.

[0601] In some embodiments, the first activation request message, the second activation request message, or the fourth activation request message includes at least one of the following:

[0602] an identifier of the second device;

[0603] a group identifier of the second device;

[0604] the type of the second device;

[0605] the location of the second device;

[0606] the capabilities of the second device;

[0607] an identifier of the first device;

[0608] a group identifier of the first device;

[0609] the type of the first device;

[0610] the location of the first device;

[0611] the function of the first device;

[0612] Response cycle.

[0613] In some embodiments, the first activation response message, the second activation response message, the third activation response message, or the fourth activation response message includes at least one of the following:

[0614] Indicates the information that is activated;

[0615] Message indicating activation failure;

[0616] Reasons for activation failure;

[0617] a status of the first device;

[0618] an identifier of the first device;

[0619] a group identifier of the first device;

[0620] the location of the first device;

[0621] the type of the first device;

[0622] Function of the first device.

[0623] In some embodiments, the second device sends an auxiliary information request message to the core network device, wherein the auxiliary information request message is used to obtain information of the first device to be activated; and receives an auxiliary information response message sent by the core network device, wherein the auxiliary information response message is used to indicate information of the first device.

[0624] In some embodiments, the assistance information request message includes at least one of the following:

[0625] an identifier of the second device;

[0626] a group identifier of the second device;

[0627] the type of the second device;

[0628] the location of the second device;

[0629] the capabilities of the second device;

[0630] Request area range;

[0631] Request time;

[0632] Request cycle;

[0633] Request Quality of Service (QoS).

[0634] In some embodiments, the assistance information response message includes at least one of the following:

[0635] an identifier of the first device;

[0636] a group identifier of the first device;

[0637] a candidate device list including the first device;

[0638] A candidate device group list includes the first device.

[0639] candidate device locations including the first device;

[0640] candidate device types including the first device;

[0641] Candidate device capabilities of the first device are included.

[0642] It should be noted that the detailed description of S601 can be found in the detailed description of the embodiments shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E , and will not be repeated here.

[0643] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, a second device receives a first activation response message sent by a first device, where the first activation response message indicates the activation status of the first device. Thus, the second device can obtain the activation status reported by the first device to control the activation of the first device and improve the communication performance of the first device.

[0644] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary embodiment is provided.

[0645] In the exemplary embodiment, the first device is an environmental Internet of Things device and the access network device is a base station.

[0646] As shown in Figure 7, core network devices can include 5G core network devices, 4G core network devices, and 6G core network devices. Base stations can include gNodeBs, eNodeBs, and carrier transmitters. Secondary devices can include repeaters, IAB nodes, terminal devices, transponders, and backscatter receivers. Ambient IoT devices can include backscatter transmitters and passive IoT devices. Third-party servers can include application servers. Signaling between secondary devices and ambient IoT devices can be based on PC5, simplified PC5, or other new interfaces. Signaling between secondary devices and base stations can be based on the Uu interface or other new interfaces.

[0647] 0a. The second device sends an assistance information request to the core network device. The request contains the second device's device ID, group ID, device type, device location, device capabilities, topology type, requested device type, service code, service period, association ID, requested device number, requested area range, request time, request period, and requested QoS. The assistance information helps the second device locate ambient IoT devices, potentially within a specific area and time with a specific QoS. The service code may indicate that this is an activated ambient IoT device. The service period indicates that the service can be triggered periodically.

[0648] Device capabilities include energy storage capabilities, signal generation capabilities, data processing capabilities, types of environmental IoT devices, supported protocol stacks, supported topology types, supported signal types, etc.

[0649] If a group ID is applied, the target Ambient IoT device belongs to a group. Group members can be all Ambient IoT devices or different devices, such as Ambient IoT devices, terminals, and IAB nodes. The group ID can be configured locally or by core network devices or other devices.

[0650] The target environment IoT devices can be a single device, a single device with / without a group ID, multiple devices with the same / different group IDs, multiple devices without a group ID, devices with the same / different group IDs.

[0651] The association ID can associate the target environment IoT device ID, the relevant network function ID and the base station ID.

[0652] 0b. The core network device receives the auxiliary information request and provides a list of candidate requesting devices and their associated IDs (or target base station IDs) that can satisfy the request from the second device. Optionally, the core network device can be triggered to verify and authorize the second device and the ambient IoT devices. If the second device and the ambient IoT are authorized to perform the service, the core network device shall send the result and the list of candidate requesting devices and their associated IDs to the second device. The list of requesting devices includes the device number, device ID, group ID, location, and function of each device.

[0653] 1a. The second device triggers activation. Triggered by a service from its application layer, the second device may send an activation request to the base station, including the second device ID, second device type, service code, service period, and a destination environment IoT list, including the target environment IoT device ID, target environment IoT device group ID, target environment IoT device type, target environment IoT device location, and target environment IoT device functions. The second device may send the request to the base station or core network device through the base station, and the core network device may send the request to the base station. The information of the environment IoT device may be pre-configured locally, configured by the network, obtained in steps 0a and 0b, stored in the last used second device, or received from its application layer.

[0654] 1b. Ambient IoT device triggers activation. The Ambient IoT device (e.g., a Class C Ambient IoT device) may send an activation request to a second device, which may forward the request to the base station. The Ambient IoT device may or may not be one of the target Ambient IoT devices.

[0655] 1c. The core network device triggers activation. The network can send an activation request to the base station, including the service code, service period, and destination environment IoT list, including the target environment IoT device ID, target environment IoT device group ID, target environment IoT device type, and target environment IoT device function. This can be network-initiated activation or second-device-initiated activation (for example, the second device can also send the activation request in step 1a to the core network device through the base station, and the core network device can send the message in this step).

[0656] 1d. Activation is triggered by a third-party server. The third-party server, triggered by the service, sends an activation request to the core network device. If authorized, it can trigger the core network device to send an activation request to the base station.

[0657] 2. The base station decides to send an activation signal to the ambient IoT device. This step can be based on the message received in step 1, or it can be initiated by the base station without the message in step 1. If the base station does not have sufficient information about the ambient IoT device, it may send a message to the core network device to request information, and the core network device can provide the information to the base station.

[0658] 3. The base station sends an activation signal to activate the environmental IoT device. The activation signal can be a modulated signal or an unmodulated signal. The activation signal can be a simple activation signal that does not contain information, or it can carry some information, such as the second device device ID, the device type of the second device, the service code, the service period, etc. The environmental IoT device can be activated by the activation signal. (For example, from an idle state to an activated state, or from an inactive state to an activated state) or can be activated conditionally. (The environmental IoT device can send an activation signal, an authorized service code, an authorized service period, and an authorized service device ID, etc. The authorization information can be locally configured or pre-configured by the second device / core network device).

[0659] 4. The ambient IoT device sends a response to the activation signal to the second device. The response signal can be a backscattered signal of the activation signal (for example, devices a and B), or it can be a signal generated from the ambient IoT (for example, device C). The response can transmit information including the activation result (success or failure), the failure reason (if failed), the ambient IoT device status, the ambient IoT device ID, the ambient IoT device group ID, the ambient IoT device type, the ambient IoT device function, and all the above information of the target ambient IoT device to the second device. The response can be optional (once the message is received, all ambient IoT devices are activated and whether they send a response) or conditional (for example, only activation failure or only activation success, send a response).

[0660] 5. The second device and the optional core network device may obtain an activation response. The second device may store the information in the activation response. Optionally, the second device may forward the received response to the core network device, or package the stored information into a message until all responses are received or the relevant timer completes (marking the result as failed due to timer expiration). The core network device may also send an acknowledgment (ACK) in its response to the second device.

[0661] If the activation is triggered by the second device, the second device may obtain the requested information in this step.

[0662] 6a. The second device sends an activation response to the base station, including information about each target IoT device, such as the IoT device ID, IoT device group ID, IoT device type, IoT device function, and IoT device status. The activation information can come from the second device or from a core network device.

[0663] 6b. The second device sends an activation response to the ambient IoT device.

[0664] 6c. The second device sends an activation response to the core network device.

[0665] 6d. The second device sends an activation response to the core network device, and the core network device opens to the third-party server.

[0666] In some embodiments, 0a, 0b, 4, and 5 are all optional options.

[0667] In some embodiments, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are all optional.

[0668] In some embodiments, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are parallel solutions, and only any one of 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d may be executed.

[0669] In some embodiments, 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are all optional.

[0670] In some embodiments, 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are parallel schemes, and only any one of 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d may be executed.

[0671] It should be noted that the relevant description of the embodiment of FIG. 7 has been described in detail in the embodiments of FIG. 3A to FIG. 6 . For details, please refer to the relevant description of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0672] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide apparatuses for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by a first device in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by an access network device in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by a second device in any of the above methods.

[0673] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0674] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0675] FIG8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8A , the first device 10 may include at least one of a transceiver module 11 and a processing module 12 .

[0676] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 11 is used to receive an activation signal sent by an access network device; and / or

[0677] The processing module 12 is configured to send a first activation response message to the second device according to the received activation signal; wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device, and the first activation response message is used to indicate the activation state of the first device.

[0678] The transceiver module 11 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first device 10 in any of the above methods (for example, S301 to S305, S311 to S315, S321 to S326, S331 to S336, S341 to S345, but not limited thereto), which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 12 is used to execute at least one of the other steps (for example, S301 to S305, S311 to S315, S321 to S326, S331 to S336, S341 to S345, but not limited thereto) performed by the first device 10 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0679] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0680] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules respectively execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0681] FIG8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8B , the access network device 20 may include at least one of a transceiver module 21 and a processing module.

[0682] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 21 is configured to send an activation signal to the first device, wherein the activation signal is configured to activate the first device.

[0683] The above-mentioned transceiver module 21 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the access network device 20 in any of the above methods (for example, S301 to S305, S311 to S315, S321 to S326, S331 to S336, S341 to S345, but not limited to these), which will not be repeated here.

[0684] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0685] FIG8C is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8C , the second device 30 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 31 and a processing module.

[0686] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 31 is configured to receive a first activation response message sent by the first device, where the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation state of the first device.

[0687] The above-mentioned transceiver module 31 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second device 30 in any of the above methods (for example, S301 to S305, S311 to S315, S321 to S326, S331 to S336, S341 to S345, but not limited to these), which will not be repeated here.

[0688] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0689] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 8100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 8100 can be an access network device, a first device, a second device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the access network device in implementing any of the above methods. It can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first device in implementing any of the above methods. It can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the second device in implementing any of the above methods. Communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0690] As shown in Figure 9A, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 8100 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0691] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8102 may be located outside the communication device 8100.

[0692] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the transceiver 8103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, S301 to S305, S311 to S315, S321 to S326, S331 to S336, S341 to S345, but not limited thereto), and the processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, S301 to S305, S311 to S315, S321 to S326, S331 to S336, S341 to S345, but not limited thereto).

[0693] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0694] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuit 8104 is connected to the memory 8102. The interface circuit 8104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8104 may read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0695] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a first device, an access network device, or a second device, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG. 9A . The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0696] 9B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 8200 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 8200 shown in FIG9B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0697] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201 , and the chip 8200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0698] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, the interface circuit 8202 is connected to the memory 8203. The interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 8203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in the memory 8203 and send the instructions to the processor 8201.

[0699] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, steps S301 to S305, S311 to S315, S321 to S326, S331 to S336, S341 to S345, but not limited to these), and the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, S301 to S305, S311 to S315, S321 to S326, S331 to S336, S341 to S345, but not limited to these).

[0700] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0701] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 8203 may be outside the chip 8200.

[0702] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0703] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 8100, enables the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0704] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

[0705] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0706] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0707] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A device activation method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a first device and includes: Receiving an activation signal sent by an access network device; and / or Sending a first activation response message to the second device according to the received activation signal; The activation signal is used to activate the first device, and the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation state of the first device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The activation signal includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the first device; a group identifier of the first device; the type of the first device; the location of the first device; the function of the first device; an identification of the second device; a group identifier of the second device; the type of the second device; the location of the second device; The capabilities of the second device; Response cycle.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first activation response message includes at least one of the following: information indicating that the first device is activated; Information indicating that activation of the first device failed; Reasons for activation failure; a status of the first device; an identifier of the first device; a group identifier of the first device; the location of the first device; the type of the first device; The function of the first device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: A first activation request message is sent to a second device, wherein the first activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first activation request message includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the first device; a group identifier of the first device; the type of the first device; the location of the first device; the function of the first device; an identification of the second device; a group identifier of the second device; the type of the second device; the location of the second device; The capabilities of the second device; Response cycle.

6. A device activation method, characterized in that: The method is performed by an access network device, and includes: An activation signal is sent to a first device, wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The activation signal includes at least one of the following: an identification of the second device; a group identifier of the second device; the type of the second device; the location of the second device; The capabilities of the second device; an identifier of the first device; a group identifier of the first device; the type of the first device; the location of the first device; the function of the first device; Response cycle.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending a request message to a core network device, wherein the indication information is used to request obtaining information of the first device to be activated; Receive a response message sent by the core network device, wherein the response message is used to indicate information of the first device.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second activation request message sent by a second device is received, wherein the second activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

10. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A third activation request message sent by a core network device is received, wherein the third activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second activation response message sent by a second device is received, wherein the second activation response message is used to indicate an activation state of the first device.

12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The second activation request message or the third activation request message includes at least one of the following: an identification of the second device; a group identifier of the second device; the type of the second device; the location of the second device; The capabilities of the second device; an identifier of the first device; a group identifier of the first device; the type of the first device; the location of the first device; the function of the first device; Response cycle.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The second activation response message includes at least one of the following: Indicating the information being activated; Message indicating activation failure; Reasons for activation failure; a status of the first device; an identifier of the first device; a group identifier of the first device; the location of the first device; the type of the first device; The function of the first device.

14. A device activation method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a second device, including: A first activation response message sent by a first device is received, wherein the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation state of the first device.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second activation request message is sent to the access network device, wherein the second activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: A first activation request message sent by the first device is received, wherein the first activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: A fourth activation request message sent by a third device is received, wherein the fourth activation request message is used to request activation of the first device.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: A third activation response message is sent to the third device, wherein the third activation response message is used to indicate an activation state of the first device.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending a second activation response message to the access network device, wherein the second activation response message is used to indicate an activation status of the first device.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that The method further comprises: A fourth activation response message is sent to the core network device, wherein the fourth activation response message is used to indicate an activation status of the first device.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that The first activation request message, the second activation request message, or the fourth activation request message includes at least one of the following: an identification of the second device; a group identifier of the second device; the type of the second device; the location of the second device; The capabilities of the second device; an identifier of the first device; a group identifier of the first device; the type of the first device; the location of the first device; the function of the first device; Response cycle.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14, 18 to 20, characterized in that The first activation response message, the second activation response message, the third activation response message, or the fourth activation response message includes at least one of the following: Indicating the information being activated; Message indicating activation failure; Reasons for activation failure; a status of the first device; an identifier of the first device; a group identifier of the first device; the location of the first device; the type of the first device; The function of the first device.

23. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending an auxiliary information request message to a core network device, wherein the auxiliary information request message is used to obtain information of the first device to be activated; Receive an auxiliary information response message sent by the core network device, wherein the auxiliary information response message is used to indicate information of the first device.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein: The auxiliary information request message includes at least one of the following: an identification of the second device; a group identifier of the second device; the type of the second device; the location of the second device; The capabilities of the second device; Request area range; Request time; Request cycle; Request Quality of Service (QoS).

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that The auxiliary information response message includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the first device; a group identifier of the first device; a candidate device list including the first device; A candidate device group list including the first device. candidate device locations including the first device; candidate device types including the first device; Candidate device capabilities of the first device are included.

26. A device activation method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The access network device sends an activation signal to the first device, wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device; The first device receives the activation signal sent by the access network device, and sends a first activation response message to the second device according to the received activation signal; The second device receives a first activation response message sent by the first device, wherein the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation state of the first device.

27. A first device, characterized in that: include: A transceiver module, used for receiving an activation signal sent by an access network device; and / or A processing module, configured to send a first activation response message to the second device according to the received activation signal; The activation signal is used to activate the first device, and the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation state of the first device.

28. An access network device, characterized in that: include: The transceiver module is used to send an activation signal to the first device, wherein the activation signal is used to activate the first device.

29. A second device, characterized in that: include: The transceiver module is used to receive a first activation response message sent by a first device, wherein the first activation response message is used to indicate an activation state of the first device.

30. A first device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The first device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

31. An access network device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The access network device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 6 to 13.

32. A second device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The second device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 14 to 25.

33. A communication system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a first device, an access network device, and a second device, wherein the first device is configured to implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 5, the access network device is configured to implement the method described in any one of claims 6 to 13, and the second device is configured to implement the method described in any one of claims 14 to 25.

34. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 6 to 13, or 14 to 25.

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