Relay communication methods, relay devices, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

Relay communication methods, relay devices, a communication system and a storage medium. A method comprises: a relay device receives a first message sent by a first terminal; the relay device sends a second message to a second terminal; and the relay device determines mapping information of a first identifier and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier corresponds to the first message, the second identifier corresponds to the second message, and the first message and the second message are used for the first terminal to request to discover the second terminal. Thus, relay devices can reliably distribute messages according to mapping information during subsequent relay communication processes, thereby ensuring the reliability of relay communication.

Description

Relay communication method, relay device, communication system and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a relay communication method, a relay device, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Currently, two terminal devices can communicate using a sidelink. To further enhance the coverage capability of the sidelink, a UE to UE Relay (U2U Relay) technology has been introduced.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] How to ensure the reliability of terminal-to-terminal relay communication is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a relay communication method is proposed, the method comprising:

[0006] The relay device receives a first message sent by the first terminal;

[0007] The relay device sends a second message to the second terminal;

[0008] The relay device determines mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier;

[0009] The first identifier corresponds to the first message, the second identifier corresponds to the second message, and the first message and the second message are used by the first terminal to request to discover the second terminal.

[0010] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a relay communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0011] The first terminal sends a first message to the relay device;

[0012] The relay device sends a second message to the second terminal;

[0013] The relay device determines mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier;

[0014] The first identifier corresponds to the first message, the second identifier corresponds to the second message, and the first message and the second message are used by the first terminal to request to discover the second terminal.

[0015] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a relay device is provided, the relay device including:

[0016] a transceiver module, configured to receive a first message sent by a first terminal;

[0017] The transceiver module is further configured to send a second message to the second terminal;

[0018] a processing module, wherein the processing module is configured to determine mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier;

[0019] The first identifier corresponds to the first message, the second identifier corresponds to the second message, and the first message and the second message are used by the first terminal to request to discover the second terminal.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a relay device is provided, including:

[0021] one or more processors;

[0022] A memory coupled to the one or more processors, the memory comprising executable instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors, enable the relay device to execute the relay communication method described in the first aspect.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, including a relay device, wherein the relay device is configured to implement the relay communication method described in any one of the first aspects.

[0024] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the relay communication method as described in the first aspect.

[0025] This allows the relay device to reliably distribute messages according to the mapping information during subsequent relay communication processes, thereby ensuring the reliability of relay communication. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] 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.

[0027] FIG1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG2 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a relay communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG3A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow of a relay communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG3B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of a relay communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG3C is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of a relay communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG4 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a relay communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG5 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a relay communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of a relay device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG7A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG7B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a relay communication method, a relay device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0038] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a relay communication method, the method comprising:

[0039] The relay device receives a first message sent by the first terminal;

[0040] The relay device sends a second message to the second terminal;

[0041] The relay device determines mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier;

[0042] The first identifier corresponds to the first message, the second identifier corresponds to the second message, and the first message and the second message are used by the first terminal to request to discover the second terminal.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the relay device can establish response mapping information based on the first identifier and the second identifier corresponding to the first message and the second message respectively, so that the relay device can reliably distribute messages according to the mapping information during subsequent relay communication, thereby ensuring the reliability of relay communication.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first identifier is used to indicate a source address used by the first terminal to send the first message to the relay device; and / or,

[0045] The second identifier is used to indicate a source address used by the relay device to send the second message to the second terminal.

[0046] In the above embodiment, mapping information between the source address of the first message and the source address of the second message can be established, so that the relay device can distribute messages in subsequent relay communication processes based on such mapping information, effectively improving the reliability of relay communication.

[0047] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the source address used by the relay device to send the second message to the second terminal is different from the source address used by the relay device to send the fifth message to the fourth terminal. The fifth message is any message used for relay communication, and the fourth terminal is any terminal different from the second terminal.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the source address selected by the relay device for the second message can be different from the source addresses selected for other messages sent during the relay communication process, effectively ensuring the uniqueness of the mapping relationship in the mapping information and further improving the reliability of the relay communication.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0050] The relay device receives a third message sent by the second terminal;

[0051] The relay device sends a fourth message to the first terminal according to the mapping information;

[0052] The third message and the fourth message are used to respond to the request of the first terminal to discover the second terminal.

[0053] In the above embodiment, when the relay device receives the response message, it can accurately send the corresponding message to the corresponding terminal based on the mapping information, thereby effectively ensuring the reliability of the relay communication.

[0054] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the relay device sending a fourth message to the first terminal according to the mapping information includes:

[0055] The relay device determines that a first condition is satisfied, and sends the fourth message to the first terminal, where the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0056] The identifier corresponding to the third message is the second identifier;

[0057] The third message includes the second identifier;

[0058] The destination address used to send the third message is the address indicated by the second identifier.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the relay device may distribute the fourth message only when it determines that the above conditions are met, thereby effectively avoiding sending the fourth message to an incorrect address or device, thereby ensuring the reliability of relay communication.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the relay device sending the fourth message to the first terminal includes:

[0061] The relay device uses the address indicated by the first identifier as the destination address for sending the fourth message.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the relay device can determine the corresponding first identifier based on the mapping information, and send the fourth message based on the address indicated by the first identifier, which can effectively ensure that the correct destination address can be used to send the fourth message.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third message is sent when the second terminal determines that a second condition is met, and the second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0064] The second terminal is capable of using a relay service corresponding to a relay service code (RSC) indicated by the second message;

[0065] The user identifier of the second terminal is consistent with the user identifier indicated by the second message;

[0066] The signal strength of the second message is greater than or equal to a preset strength threshold.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the second terminal may send the third message only when the above conditions are met, which enables the first terminal to accurately and reliably discover the correct third terminal, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of relay discovery.

[0068] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the relay device is a terminal-to-terminal relay terminal in proximity service.

[0069] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the relay device is one or more relay terminals.

[0070] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the relay device is a relay terminal capable of adopting a Mode B security procedure and / or a converged discovery security procedure.

[0071] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a relay device, the relay device comprising:

[0072] a transceiver module, configured to receive a first message sent by a first terminal;

[0073] The transceiver module is further configured to send a second message to the second terminal;

[0074] a processing module, wherein the processing module is configured to determine mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier;

[0075] The first identifier corresponds to the first message, the second identifier corresponds to the second message, and the first message and the second message are used by the first terminal to request to discover the second terminal.

[0076] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a relay device, the relay device comprising: one or more processors;

[0077] A memory coupled to the one or more processors, the memory comprising executable instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the relay device to perform an optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0078] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, which includes: a relay device; wherein the relay device is configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0079] In a fifth 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 manner of the first aspect.

[0080] In a sixth 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 manner of the first aspect.

[0081] In a seventh 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 manner of the first aspect.

[0082] In an eighth 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 aspect.

[0083] It is understandable that the above-mentioned relay device, first terminal, second terminal, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip or chip system are all used to perform the method proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method and will not be repeated here.

[0084] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a relay service method, terminal, network device, communication system, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "relay communication method" and "information processing method" and "communication method" are interchangeable; the terms "relay communication device" and "information processing device" and "communication device" are interchangeable; and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system" are interchangeable.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0090] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time / frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or the frequency domain.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0099] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

[0100] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / 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)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0101] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "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. can be used interchangeably.

[0102] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it is also possible to set the structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0103] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0104] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0105] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0106] 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.

[0107] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] As shown in Figure 1, a communication system 100 includes a first terminal 101, a relay device 102, and a second terminal 103. Optionally, the relay device 102 can be provided as a terminal or as a network device. Optionally, the network device can include an access network device or a core network device.

[0109] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 may include multiple relay devices 102. Optionally, the first terminal 101 may discover the second terminal 103 through one or more relay devices among the multiple relay devices 102.

[0110] In some embodiments, the relay device 102 can not only implement relay communication with the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 103, but can also be used for relay communication with other terminals.

[0111] In some embodiments, the terminal 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0114] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0115] In some embodiments, the core network device may be a single device including a first network element, a second network element, etc., or may be a plurality of devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc. The network element 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).

[0116] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 may implement 5G Proximity Services (ProSe) UE-to-UE relay discovery using Model B. Optionally, the relay device 102 may be, for example, a 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay. Optionally, the first terminal 101 may be a discoverer end UE. Optionally, the second terminal 102 may be a discoveree end UE.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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).

[0120] In some embodiments, in 5G ProSe UE-to-UE relay discovery using model B, the discoverer terminal UE (discoverer UE) initiates the relay discovery process by sending a request message (Solicitation message), for example, sending the first message in the following embodiment. Based on the received information, the UE-to-UE relay device sends a request message to the discoveree UE (discoveree UE), such as the second message in the following embodiment, and waits for its response message. After receiving the request message from the discoverer UE, the discoverer UE returns a response message to the UE-to-UE relay device, and the UE-to-UE relay device returns the response message to the discoverer UE.

[0121] In some embodiments, in 5G ProSe UE-to-UE relay communication using converged discovery, the source UE (Source End UE) initiates the converged discovery process by sending a direct communication request (Direct Communication Request), for example, sending the first message in the following embodiment. Based on the received message, the UE-to-UE relay sends a direct communication request (Direct Communication Request) to the target UE (Target End UE), such as the second message in the following embodiment, and waits for its response message. After receiving the direct communication request message from the source UE, the target UE returns a response message to the UE-to-UE relay device, and the UE-to-UE relay device returns the response message to the source UE.

[0122] In some embodiments, to protect the privacy of the terminal, the security procedure of mode B or the security procedure of fusion discovery can be adopted. The user information ID of the discoverer UE and the user information ID of the discoverer are included in the protected direct discovery set and transmitted between the discoverer UE and the discoverer UE through the relay device.

[0123] In some embodiments, considering that the terminal user information in the direct discovery set is protected, and the relay device may simultaneously provide relay services to multiple discoverer UEs using the same RSC service, the relay UE may be unable to accurately send the corresponding response message to the discoverer UE.

[0124] FIG2 is an interactive diagram of a relay communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG2 , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a relay communication method, which includes:

[0125] Step S2101: The first terminal sends a first message to a relay device.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first message is used by a first terminal to request discovery of a second terminal. Alternatively, the first message is used by the first terminal to discover the second terminal. Alternatively, the first message is used by the first terminal to discover the second terminal via a relay device. Alternatively, the first message is used by the first terminal to discover and request establishment of a connection with the second terminal. Alternatively, the first message is used by the first terminal to discover and establish a connection with the second terminal via a relay device.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first terminal may be referred to as a discoverer UE. Optionally, the second terminal may be referred to as a discoveree UE. Optionally, the relay device may be a terminal-to-terminal relay device (UE-to-UE Relay), which may be, for example, a relay UE (Relay UE) or any other device capable of relaying. Optionally, the first terminal may discover the second terminal through the relay device. Optionally, the first terminal may discover the second terminal through the relay device using a security procedure of Model B. Optionally, the process of the first terminal discovering the second terminal through the relay device may be a relay discovery process. Optionally, the relay discovery process may be a UE-to-UE Relay Discovery with Model B process.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first terminal may be referred to as a source end UE. Optionally, the second terminal may be referred to as a target end UE. Optionally, the relay device may be a terminal-to-terminal relay device (UE-to-UE Relay), which may be, for example, a relay UE, or any other device capable of relaying. Optionally, the first terminal may discover and establish a connection with the second terminal through the relay device. Optionally, the first terminal may discover and establish a connection with the second terminal through the relay device using an integrated discovery security procedure. Optionally, the process by which the first terminal discovers the second terminal through the relay device may be a relay discovery process. Optionally, the relay discovery process may be an integrated discovery process.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first message may be sent using a source address and a destination address. Optionally, the source address may be used to indicate an address from which the first message is sent. Optionally, the destination address may be used to indicate an address from which the first message is received. Optionally, the source address may be a source layer 2 ID, and the destination address may be a destination layer 2 ID. Optionally, the first message is sent using a source layer 2 ID and a destination layer 2 ID.

[0130] In some embodiments, the source address used by the first terminal to send the first message, such as the source layer 2 identifier, can be selected by the first terminal itself, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0131] In some embodiments, after receiving the first message, the relay device may determine a first identifier corresponding to the first message. Optionally, the first identifier corresponds to the first message. Optionally, the first identifier may be determined based on the first message. Optionally, the first identifier may be used to indicate an address. Optionally, the first identifier may be used to indicate a layer 2 identifier. Optionally, the first identifier is used to indicate the source address used by the first terminal to send the first message to the relay device. Optionally, the first identifier is a source layer 2 identifier used by the first terminal to send the first message to the relay device.

[0132] In some embodiments, after receiving the first message, the relay device may also determine the destination address used by the first terminal to send the first message to the relay device, such as a destination layer 2 identifier.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of the following: the message type of the first message, such as the discovery message type; user information of the first terminal, such as the user information ID of the first terminal; user information of the second terminal, such as the user information ID of the second terminal; and an RSC. Optionally, the first message may also include user information of another terminal, such as a fourth terminal. The first message may also be used by the first terminal to request discovery of the fourth terminal.

[0134] In some implementations, the user information of the first terminal, the user information of the second terminal, and / or the user information of other terminals are in a protected set, such as a protected direct discovery set. Optionally, the relay device cannot obtain information in the protected set. In other words, the relay device cannot obtain information related to the first terminal and other terminals based on the first message.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first terminal may send the first message to multiple terminals. Optionally, the relay device may be any terminal that meets the corresponding RSC requirements in the first message. Optionally, the relay device may be one or more terminals used for relaying. Optionally, the relay device may be one or more relay terminals.

[0136] Step S2102: The relay device sends a second message to the second terminal.

[0137] In some embodiments, the second message is used by the first terminal to request the first terminal to discover the second terminal. Optionally, the second message is used by the first terminal to discover the second terminal.

[0138] In some embodiments, the second message may be sent using a source address and a destination address. Optionally, the source address may be used to indicate an address from which the second message is sent. Optionally, the destination address may be used to indicate an address from which the second message is received. Optionally, the source address may be a Source Layer-2 ID, and the destination address may be a Destination Layer-2 ID. Optionally, the second message is sent using a Source Layer-2 ID and a Destination Layer-2 ID.

[0139] In some embodiments, the source address used by the relay device to send the second message, such as the source layer 2 identifier, can be selected by the relay device, and can be, for example, a self-selected source layer 2 identifier. For example, after receiving the first message, the relay device can select a layer 2 address as the source address used to send the second message, i.e., the source layer 2 identifier, further generate a corresponding second message, and send the second message based on the selected source layer 2 address.

[0140] In some embodiments, when sending the second message, the relay device may determine a second identifier corresponding to the second message. Optionally, the second identifier corresponds to the second message. Optionally, the second identifier may be used to indicate an address. Optionally, the second identifier may be used to indicate a Layer 2 identifier. Optionally, the second identifier indicates the source address used by the relay device to send the second message to the second terminal. Optionally, the second identifier is the source Layer 2 identifier used by the first terminal to send the second message to the relay device.

[0141] In some embodiments, after receiving the second message, the second terminal may determine the destination address and / or source address used by the relay device to send the second message. Optionally, the second terminal may determine the destination layer 2 identifier and / or source layer 2 identifier used by the relay device to send the second message.

[0142] In some embodiments, the source address used by the relay device to send the second message to the second terminal is different from the source address used by the relay device to send the fifth message to the fourth terminal. Optionally, the fifth message is any message used for relay communication. Optionally, the fourth terminal is any terminal different from the second terminal. Optionally, the self-selected source layer 2 identifier used by the relay device to send the second message to the second terminal is different from any other self-selected source layer 2 identifier used in the process of performing the relay service simultaneously. Optionally, the self-selected source layer 2 identifier used by the relay device to send the second message to the second terminal is different from any other self-selected source layer 2 identifier used in the process of performing the relay service corresponding to the same RSC simultaneously.

[0143] In some embodiments, when sending the second message, the relay device may also determine the destination address used by the relay device to send the second message to the second terminal, such as a destination layer 2 identifier, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0144] In some embodiments, the second message includes at least one of the following: the message type of the second message, such as the type of a discovery message; user information of the first terminal, such as the user information identifier of the first terminal; user information of the second terminal, such as the user information identifier of the second terminal; an RSC; user information of the relay device, such as the user information identifier of the relay device. Optionally, the second message may also include user information of another terminal, such as a fourth terminal, and the first message may be used by the first terminal to request discovery of the fourth terminal.

[0145] In some embodiments, part of the information in the second message may be obtained based on the first message. Optionally, the relay device processes the first message to obtain the second message. Optionally, the relay device adds user information of the relay device to the first message to obtain the second message.

[0146] In some embodiments, the second message may further include identification information. Optionally, the identification information may be generated by the relay device. Optionally, the identification information may be determined by the first terminal based on the source address used to send the second message, for example, the first identification.

[0147] In some implementations, the user information of the first terminal and / or the user information of the second terminal is in a protected set, such as a protected direct discovery set. Optionally, the relay device cannot obtain information in the protected set. In other words, the relay device cannot obtain information related to the first terminal based on the second message.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first terminal may send the second message to multiple terminals. Optionally, the relay device may be any terminal that meets the corresponding RSC requirements in the first message. Optionally, the relay device may include one or more relay devices. Optionally, the relay device includes one or more relay terminals.

[0149] Step S2103: The relay device determines mapping information.

[0150] In some embodiments, the relay device determines mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier. Optionally, the relay device establishes a mapping relationship between the first identifier and the second identifier. Optionally, the relay device determines mapping information between an address indicated by the first identifier and an address indicated by the second identifier.

[0151] In some embodiments, the relay device determines mapping information between a first layer 2 identifier and a second layer 2 identifier. Optionally, the first layer 2 identifier may be a source layer 2 identifier used by any discoverer UE (such as a first terminal) to send a discovery request message (such as a first message). Optionally, the second layer 2 identifier may be a source layer 2 identifier used by the relay device to send a discovery request message (such as a second message) to the discoverer UE (such as a second terminal) corresponding to the discovery request message. For example, the first layer 2 identifier is the source layer 2 identifier used by the first terminal to send the first message to the relay device, and the second layer 2 identifier is the source layer 2 identifier used by the relay device to send the second message to the second terminal. Optionally, the relay device may establish and maintain mapping information between the first layer 2 identifier and the second layer 2 identifier.

[0152] It is understandable that, after establishing the mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier, the relay device may determine the second identifier based on the first identifier, or determine the first identifier based on the second identifier.

[0153] In some embodiments, the mapping information may include not only the mapping information of the first identifier and the second identifier, but also the mapping information of the Nth identifier and the Mth identifier. The mapping relationship between the Nth identifier and the Mth identifier may be established by the relay device during the relay discovery process between any discoverer UE and any discovered UE.

[0154] In some embodiments, the relay device determines that a discoverer UE has completed a relay discovery process and / or a relay communication process for a discoverer UE, and deletes the corresponding mapping information. For example, the relay device determines that a first terminal has completed a relay discovery process and / or a relay communication process for a second terminal, and deletes the mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0155] Step S2104: The second terminal sends a third message to the relay device.

[0156] In some embodiments, the third message is used to respond to a relay discovery request. Optionally, the third message is used to respond to a request by the first terminal to discover the second terminal. Optionally, the third message is sent by the second terminal in response to the second message. Optionally, the second terminal sends the third message in response to receiving the second message.

[0157] In some embodiments, the second terminal determines that the second condition is satisfied and sends the third message. Optionally, the third message is sent when the second terminal determines that the second condition is satisfied.

[0158] In some embodiments, the second condition includes at least one of the following: the second terminal can use the relay service corresponding to the RSC indicated by the second message; the user identifier of the second terminal is consistent with the user identifier indicated by the second message; the signal strength of the second message is greater than or equal to a preset strength threshold.

[0159] In some embodiments, the third message may be sent using a source address and a destination address. Optionally, the source address may be used to indicate an address from which the third message is sent. Optionally, the destination address may be used to indicate an address from which the third message is received. Optionally, the source address may be a source layer 2 ID, and the destination address may be a destination layer 2 ID. Optionally, the third message is sent using a source layer 2 ID and a destination layer 2 ID.

[0160] In some embodiments, after receiving the second message, the second terminal may determine the destination address used by the relay device to send the second message. Alternatively, the second terminal may determine the source layer 2 identifier used by the relay device to send the second message.

[0161] In some embodiments, the destination address used by the second terminal to send the third message to the relay device may be the address indicated by the second identifier. Optionally, the second terminal determines the destination address to use for sending the third message based on the second message. Optionally, the second terminal uses the source layer 2 identifier used by the relay device to send the second message as the destination layer 2 address to use for sending the third message.

[0162] In some embodiments, after receiving the third message, the relay device may determine the destination address of the third message. Optionally, after receiving the third message, the relay device may determine a third identifier corresponding to the third message. Optionally, the third identifier corresponds to the third message. Optionally, the third identifier may be used to indicate an address. Optionally, the third identifier may be used to indicate a Layer 2 identifier. Optionally, the third identifier is used to indicate the destination address used by the second terminal to send the third message to the relay device. Optionally, the third identifier is the destination Layer 2 identifier used by the second terminal to send the third message to the relay device. Optionally, the third identifier is the same as the second identifier.

[0163] In some embodiments, the source address used by the second device to send the third message to the relay terminal may be determined by the third device, and this embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0164] In some embodiments, the third message includes at least one of the following: the message type of the third message, such as the type of discovery message (Type of Discovery Message); user information of the first terminal, such as the user information identifier (User Info ID) of the first terminal; user information of the second terminal, such as the user information identifier of the second terminal; RSC.

[0165] In some embodiments, some of the information in the third message may be obtained based on the second message. Optionally, the second terminal processes the second message to obtain the third message. Optionally, the second terminal deletes user information of other terminals excluding the first terminal and the second terminal from the second message to obtain the third message.

[0166] In some embodiments, the third message may further include identification information. Optionally, the identification information may be indicated by the second message. Optionally, the identification information may be used by the relay device to determine the first identifier based on the mapping information. For example, the identification information is used to indicate the first identifier, and the relay device may send a fourth message to the first terminal based on the first identifier, for example, using the first identifier as the destination layer 2 identifier for sending the fourth message. In some implementations, the user information of the first terminal and / or the user information of the second terminal are in a protected set, such as a protected direct discovery set. Optionally, the relay device cannot obtain information in the protected set. That is, the relay device cannot obtain information related to the first terminal and other terminals based on the third message.

[0167] Step S2105: The relay device sends a fourth message to the first terminal according to the mapping information.

[0168] In some embodiments, the fourth message is used to respond to the first terminal's request to discover the second terminal. Optionally, the fourth message is used to indicate that the second terminal has been discovered by the first terminal. Optionally, the fourth message is sent by the relay device in response to the third message. Optionally, the relay device sends the fourth message in response to receiving the third message. Optionally, the relay device determines that the third message has been received and determines whether to send the fourth message to the first terminal based on the mapping information. Optionally, the relay device determines that the third message has been received and sends the fourth message to the first terminal based on the mapping information.

[0169] In some embodiments, the mapping information may be obtained by the optional implementation of the above steps S2101 to S2103. Alternatively, the mapping information may be pre-stored by the relay device.

[0170] In some embodiments, the fourth message may be sent using a source address and a destination address. Optionally, the source address may be used to indicate an address from which the fourth message is sent. Optionally, the destination address may be used to indicate an address from which the fourth message is received. Optionally, the source address may be a source layer 2 ID, and the destination address may be a destination layer 2 ID. Optionally, the fourth message is sent using a source layer 2 ID and a destination layer 2 ID.

[0171] In some embodiments, the address indicated by the first identifier is used as the destination address for sending the fourth message. Alternatively, the first identifier is used as the destination layer 2 identifier for sending the fourth message. Alternatively, the source layer 2 identifier used by the first terminal to send the first message to the relay device is used as the destination layer 2 identifier for sending the fourth message.

[0172] In some embodiments, after receiving the third message, the relay device may determine the destination address used by the second terminal to send the third message. Alternatively, the relay device may determine the destination layer 2 identifier used by the second terminal to send the third message.

[0173] In some embodiments, the relay device determines, based on the mapping information, whether the third message corresponds to the process of the first terminal discovering the second terminal. Alternatively, the relay device determines that the third message corresponds to the process of the first terminal discovering the second terminal and sends a fourth message to the first terminal. Alternatively, the relay device determines that the first condition is met and sends the fourth message to the first terminal. Alternatively, if the first condition is met, the third message corresponds to the process of the first terminal discovering the second terminal.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first condition includes at least one of the following: the identifier corresponding to the third message is the second identifier, or the third message corresponds to the second identifier; the third message includes the second identifier; the destination address used to send the third message is the address indicated by the second identifier.

[0175] Optionally, when the identifier corresponding to the third message is the second identifier, or the third identifier corresponds to the second identifier, or the third message includes the second identifier, the destination address used by the second terminal to send the third message is the address indicated by the second identifier, or the destination layer 2 identifier used by the second terminal to send the third message is the second identifier.

[0176] In some embodiments, the relay device determines that the destination address of the third message is the address indicated by the second identifier and, based on the mapping relationship, uses the address indicated by the first identifier as the destination address of the fourth message. Alternatively, when the relay device determines that the destination Layer 2 identifier of the third message is the second identifier, it uses the first identifier as the destination identifier of the fourth message. In this way, the relay device can send the fourth message to the first terminal based on the first identifier.

[0177] In some embodiments, the fourth message includes at least one of the following: the message type of the fourth message, such as the type of discovery message (Type of Discovery Message); user information of the first terminal, such as the user information identifier (User Info ID) of the first terminal; user information of the second terminal, such as the user information identifier of the second terminal; RSC; user information of the relay device.

[0178] In some embodiments, part of the information in the fourth message may be obtained based on the third message. Optionally, the relay device processes the third message to obtain the fourth message. Optionally, the relay device adds user information of the relay device to the third message to obtain the fourth message.

[0179] It is understood that the relay device can receive not only the third message sent by the second terminal, but also messages sent by other terminals in response to relay discovery, without the relay device being able to obtain the user information of the terminal. Based on the mapping information, the relay device determines which terminal sent the received message and determines to which terminal to further send the message.

[0180] In some embodiments, the relay device may determine the entity to which the fourth message is sent based on the destination address of the third message and the mapping information. For example, if the relay device determines that the destination address of the third message is Layer ID-1 and determines, based on the mapping information, that the address corresponding to Layer ID-1 is Layer ID-2, the relay device may send the fourth message to Layer ID-2, where Layer ID-2 may be the address corresponding to the first terminal.

[0181] 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.

[0182] In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0183] In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0184] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0185] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0186] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0187] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values ​​(for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0188] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the recipient to respond to the content sent.

[0189] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2105. For example, step S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2101 to S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2103 to S2105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2104 to S2105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0190] In some embodiments, the above steps S2102 and S2103 can be swapped in order or performed simultaneously. For example, after receiving the first message, the relay device can first determine the second identifier and determine the mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier, and then send the second message using the second identifier as the source address of the second message. Alternatively, the relay device can also determine and establish the mapping information between the second identifier and the first identifier after sending the second message using the second identifier as the source address of the second message.

[0191] In some embodiments, step S2101 and step S2102 as well as steps S2104 to S2105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0192] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2104 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0193] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2 .

[0194] Figure 3A is an interactive diagram of a relay communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 3A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a relay communication method, which is executed by a relay device. The method includes:

[0195] Step S3101, obtain the first message.

[0196] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0197] In some embodiments, the relay device receives the first message sent by the first terminal, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the first message sent by other entities.

[0198] In some embodiments, the relay device obtains a first message specified by the protocol.

[0199] In some embodiments, the relay device obtains the first message from an upper layer(s).

[0200] In some embodiments, the relay device performs processing to obtain the first message.

[0201] In some embodiments, step S3101 is omitted, and the relay device autonomously implements the function indicated by the first message, or the above function is default or by default.

[0202] Step S3102, sending a second message.

[0203] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0204] In some embodiments, the relay device sends the second message to the second terminal, but is not limited thereto and may also send the second message to other entities.

[0205] Step S3103: Determine mapping information.

[0206] The optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0207] In some embodiments, the relay device determines mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier. Optionally, the relay device may also determine mapping information between other identifiers.

[0208] Step S3104, obtain the third message.

[0209] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0210] In some embodiments, the relay device receives the third message sent by the second terminal, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the third message sent by other entities.

[0211] Step S3105: Send a fourth message according to the mapping information.

[0212] The optional implementation of step S3105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0213] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3105. For example, step S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S3101 to S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S3103 to S3105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3104 to S3105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0214] In some embodiments, the above steps S3102 and S3103 can be swapped in order or performed simultaneously. For example, after receiving the first message, the relay device can first determine the second identifier and determine the mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier, and then send the second message using the second identifier as the source address of the second message. Alternatively, the relay device can also determine and establish the mapping information between the second identifier and the first identifier after sending the second message using the second identifier as the source address of the second message.

[0215] In some embodiments, step S3101 and step S3102 as well as steps S3104 to S3105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0216] In some embodiments, steps S3101 to S3104 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0217] FIG3B is an interactive diagram of a relay communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG3B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a relay communication method, which is executed by a relay device. The method includes:

[0218] Step S3201, obtain the third message.

[0219] Optional implementations of step S3201 can be found in step S2104 of FIG. 2 , optional implementations of step S3104 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0220] In some embodiments, the relay device obtains a third message sent by the second terminal.

[0221] Step S3302: Send a fourth message according to the mapping information.

[0222] The optional implementation of step S3302 can refer to step S2105 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S3105 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0223] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 and S3202. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0224] In some embodiments, step S3201 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0225] Figure 3C is an interactive diagram of a relay communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 3C, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a relay communication method, which is executed by a relay device. The method includes:

[0226] Step S3301, obtain the first message.

[0227] The optional implementation of step S3301 can refer to step S2101 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3A, and 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0228] Step S3302, sending a second message.

[0229] The optional implementation of step S3302 can be found in step S2102 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3102 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 , FIG. 3A , and FIG. 3C , which will not be described in detail here.

[0230] Step S3303: Determine mapping information.

[0231] The optional implementation of step S3303 can be found in step S2103 of FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3103 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 , FIG. 3A , and FIG. 3C , which will not be described in detail here.

[0232] In some embodiments, the above steps S3302 and S3303 can be swapped in order or performed simultaneously. For example, after receiving the first message, the relay device can first determine the second identifier and determine the mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier, and then send the second message using the second identifier as the source address of the second message. Alternatively, the relay device can also determine and establish the mapping information between the second identifier and the first identifier after sending the second message using the second identifier as the source address of the second message.

[0233] In some embodiments, mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier is determined. Optionally, the second identifier corresponds to a second message, and the first message and the second message are used by the first terminal to request to discover the second terminal.

[0234] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3301 to S3303. For example, step S3303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3301 + step S3303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3302 + step S3303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0235] In some embodiments, step S3301 and step S3302 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0236] In some embodiments, the method comprises:

[0237] The relay device receives a first message sent by the first terminal;

[0238] The relay device sends a second message to the second terminal;

[0239] The relay device determines mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier;

[0240] The first identifier corresponds to the first message, the second identifier corresponds to the second message, and the first message and the second message are used by the first terminal to request to discover the second terminal.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first identifier is used to indicate a source address used by the first terminal to send the first message to the relay device; and / or,

[0242] The second identifier is used to indicate a source address used by the relay device to send the second message to the second terminal.

[0243] In some embodiments, the source address used by the relay device to send the first message to the second terminal is different from the source address used by the relay device to send the fifth message to the fourth terminal. The fifth message is any message used for relay communication, and the fourth terminal is any terminal different from the second terminal.

[0244] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0245] The relay device receives a third message sent by the second terminal;

[0246] The relay device sends a fourth message to the first terminal according to the mapping information;

[0247] The third message and the fourth message are used to respond to the request of the first terminal to discover the second terminal.

[0248] In some embodiments, the relay device sends a fourth message to the first terminal according to the mapping information, including:

[0249] The relay device determines that a first condition is satisfied, and sends a fourth message to the first terminal, where the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0250] The identifier corresponding to the third message is the second identifier;

[0251] The third message includes the second identifier;

[0252] The destination address used to send the third message is the address indicated by the second identifier.

[0253] In some embodiments, the relay device sends the fourth message to the first terminal, including:

[0254] The relay device uses the address indicated by the first identifier as the destination address for sending the fourth message.

[0255] In some embodiments, the third message is sent when the second terminal determines that the second condition is satisfied, where the second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0256] The second terminal is capable of using the relay service corresponding to the relay service code (RSC) indicated by the second message;

[0257] The user identifier of the second terminal is consistent with the user identifier indicated by the second message;

[0258] The signal strength of the second message is greater than or equal to a preset strength threshold.

[0259] In some embodiments, the relay device is a terminal-to-terminal relay terminal in proximity service.

[0260] In some embodiments, the relay device is one or more relay terminals.

[0261] In some embodiments, the relay device is a relay terminal capable of employing a Mode B security procedure and / or a Fusion Discovery security procedure.

[0262] Figure 4 is an interactive diagram of a relay communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication discovery method, which includes:

[0263] Step S4101: The first terminal sends a first message to the relay device.

[0264] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2, step S3101 in Figure 3A, step S3301 in Figure 3C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0265] Step S4102: The relay device sends a second message to the second terminal.

[0266] The optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2, step S3102 in Figure 3A, step S3302 in Figure 3C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0267] Step S4103: The relay device determines mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0268] The optional implementation of step S4103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2, step S3103 in Figure 3A, step S3303 in Figure 3C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C, which will not be repeated here.

[0269] In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the above embodiment on the relay device side, which will not be repeated here.

[0270] Figure 5 is an interactive diagram of a relay communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a relay communication method, which includes:

[0271] Step S5101, UE-1 sends a relay discovery request message.

[0272] In some embodiments, UE-1 is a 5G ProSe End UE discoverer. Optionally, UE-1 sends a relay discovery request message to a relay device. Optionally, the relay discovery request message is a 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay Discovery Solicitation message. Optionally, the relay device includes multiple relay devices. Optionally, the relay device is a 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay.

[0273] In some embodiments, the relay discovery request message includes a discovery message type (Type of Discovery Message), a user information ID of UE-1, a user information ID of UE-2, and an RSC.

[0274] In some embodiments, the relay discovery request message is sent using a source layer 2 identifier and a destination layer 2 identifier. Optionally, the source layer 2 identifier and the destination layer 2 identifier may be as specified in clause 5.8.4.

[0275] In some embodiments, the relay device self-selects a source layer 2 identifier for the relay discovery request message.

[0276] In some embodiments, the relay device selects a destination layer 2 identifier for the relay discovery request message based on the configuration in clause 5.1.5.1.

[0277] Step S5102: The relay device sends a relay discovery request message.

[0278] In some embodiments, the relay device is a relay device that matches the RSC. Optionally, the relay device is a 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay. Optionally, if the relay device can use or provide a relay service corresponding to the RSC included in the relay discovery request message in step S5101, the relay device is a relay device that matches the RSC.

[0279] In some embodiments, the 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay matching the RSC sends a 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay Discovery Solicitation message.

[0280] In some embodiments, the relay discovery request message includes a discovery message type, a user information ID of UE-1, a user information ID of UE-2, a user information ID of the relay device, and an RSC.

[0281] In some embodiments, the relay discovery request message is sent using a source layer 2 identifier and a destination layer 2 identifier. Optionally, the source layer 2 identifier and the destination layer 2 identifier may be as specified in clause 5.8.4.

[0282] In some embodiments, UE-1 and / or UE-2 determines a destination layer 2 identity for receiving signaling (eg, a relay discovery request message) according to clause 5.1.

[0283] In some embodiments, the relay device should maintain mapping information between the source layer 2 identifier of the request message from UE-1 and the self-selected source layer 2 identifier of the request message sent to UE-2.

[0284] In some embodiments, the relay device should ensure that the self-selected source layer 2 identifier is different from any other self-selected source layer 2 identifier used by the simultaneous relay communication.

[0285] Step S5103, UE-2 sends a relay discovery response message.

[0286] In some embodiments, UE-1 is a discoveree 5G ProSe End UE. Optionally, UE-2 is a discoverer UE that meets the RSC value and satisfies the user information ID of UE-2. Optionally, the relay discovery response message is a 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay Discovery Response message.

[0287] Optionally, in the case that UE-2 can use the relay service corresponding to the RSC in the relay discovery request message, it is determined that UE-2 meets the value of the RSC.

[0288] In some embodiments, the discoveree 5G ProSe End UE that satisfies the RSC value and the User Info ID of the discoveree 5G ProSe End UE sends a 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay Discovery Response message.

[0289] In some embodiments, the relay discovery response message includes a discovery message type, a user information ID of UE-1, a user information ID of UE-2, a user information ID of the relay device, and an RSC.

[0290] In some embodiments, the relay discovery response message is sent using a source layer 2 identifier and a destination layer 2 identifier. Optionally, the source layer 2 identifier and the destination layer 2 identifier may be as specified in clause 5.8.4.

[0291] In some embodiments, if UE-2 receives multiple relay discovery request messages from different relay devices, it may choose to respond or not, for example, based on the PC5 signal strength of each message received.

[0292] Step S5104, the relay device sends a relay discovery response message.

[0293] In some embodiments, the relay device sends the relay discovery response information according to the mapping information. Optionally, the mapping information may be mapping information.

[0294] In some embodiments, based on mapping information, the 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay sends a 5G ProSe UE-to-UE Relay Discovery Response message.

[0295] In some embodiments, the relay device matches the relevant layer 2 identifier according to the destination layer 2 identifier of the relay discovery response message received from UE-2, and sets it as the destination layer 2 identifier for sending the relay discovery response message to UE-1.

[0296] In some embodiments, the relay device response message includes a discovery message type, a user information ID of UE-1, a user information ID of UE-2, a user equipment ID of the relay device, and RSC.

[0297] In some embodiments, the relay device response message is sent using a source layer 2 identifier and a destination layer 2 identifier. Optionally, the source layer 2 identifier and the destination layer 2 identifier may be as specified in clause 5.8.4.

[0298] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0299] The present disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, a device is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a relay device in any of the above methods. For another example, another device is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0300] 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.

[0301] 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.

[0302] Figure 6 is a structural diagram of the relay device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the relay device 6100 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 6101, a processing module 6102, etc. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to send a first information to the network device, and the first information is used to indicate the service prediction capability of the relay device, and the service prediction capability is used for the relay device to predict whether there is service arrival and / or predict the arrival time of the service. Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving (for example, step S2101, step S2102, step S2104, step S2105, but not limited to this) performed by the relay device in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the above-mentioned processing module is used to execute other steps (for example, step S2103, but not limited to this) performed by the relay device in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0303] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a relay device, a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 7100 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.

[0304] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 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 the communication protocol 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 relay device, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 7100 is used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 7101 are used to call instructions to enable the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0305] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7102. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7102, the transceiver 7102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., step S2101, step S2102, step S2104, step S2105, but not limited thereto), and the processor 7101 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S2103, but not limited thereto). In an optional embodiment, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface may be interchangeable, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be interchangeable, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be interchangeable.

[0306] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7103 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 7103 may be located outside the communication device 7100. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuits 7104 are connected to the memory 7102 and may be configured to receive data from the memory 7102 or other devices, or to send data to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 7104 may read data stored in the memory 7102 and send the data to the processor 7101.

[0307] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7A. 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.

[0308] 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 7200 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 shown in FIG7B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0309] The chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201. The chip 7200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0310] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Alternatively, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pins may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of memory 7203 may be located external to chip 7200. Optionally, interface circuit 7202 is connected to memory 7203 and may be used to receive data from memory 7203 or other devices, or may be used to send data to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7202 may read data stored in memory 7203 and send the data to processor 7201.

[0311] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2104, and S2105) of the aforementioned method, such as sending and / or receiving. For example, the interface circuit 7202 performs the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2104, and S2105) of the aforementioned method. For example, the interface circuit 7202 performs data exchange between the processor 7201, chip 7200, memory 7203, or a transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 7201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S2103, but not limited thereto).

[0312] The modules and / or devices described in various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be arbitrarily combined or separated according to circumstances. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0313] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 7100, the communication device 7100 executes 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.

[0314] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 7100, enables the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0315] 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.

Claims

1. A relay communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The relay device receives a first message sent by the first terminal; The relay device sends a second message to the second terminal; The relay device determines mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier; The first identifier corresponds to the first message, the second identifier corresponds to the second message, and the first message and the second message are used by the first terminal to request to discover the second terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first identifier is used to indicate a source address used by the first terminal to send the first message to the relay device; and / or, The second identifier is used to indicate a source address used by the relay device to send the second message to the second terminal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The source address used by the relay device to send the second message to the second terminal is different from the source address used by the relay device to send the fifth message to the fourth terminal. The fifth message is any message used for relay communication, and the fourth terminal is any terminal different from the second terminal.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The relay device receives a third message sent by the second terminal; The relay device sends a fourth message to the first terminal according to the mapping information; The third message and the fourth message are used to respond to a request of the first terminal to discover the second terminal.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The relay device sends a fourth message to the first terminal according to the mapping information, including: The relay device determines that a first condition is satisfied, and sends the fourth message to the first terminal, where the first condition includes at least one of the following: The identifier corresponding to the third message is the second identifier; The third message includes the second identifier; The destination address used to send the third message is the address indicated by the second identifier.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The relay device sending a fourth message to the first terminal includes: The relay device uses the address indicated by the first identifier as the destination address for sending the fourth message.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The third message is sent by the second terminal when the second condition is determined to be satisfied, where the second condition includes at least one of the following: The second terminal can use the relay service corresponding to the relay service code RSC indicated by the second message; The user identifier of the second terminal is consistent with the user identifier indicated by the second message; The signal strength of the second message is greater than or equal to a preset strength threshold.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The relay device is a terminal-to-terminal relay terminal in proximity service.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The relay device is one or more relay terminals.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The relay device is a relay terminal capable of adopting a Mode B security procedure and / or a Fusion Discovery security procedure.

11. A relay communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The first terminal sends a first message to the relay device; The relay device sends a second message to the second terminal; The relay device determines mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier; The first identifier corresponds to the first message, the second identifier corresponds to the second message, and the first message The second message is used by the first terminal to request to discover the second terminal.

12. A relay device, characterized in that: The relay device comprises: A transceiver module, configured to receive a first message sent by a first terminal; The transceiver module is further configured to send a second message to the second terminal; A processing module, wherein the processing module is configured to determine mapping information between the first identifier and the second identifier; The first identifier corresponds to the first message, the second identifier corresponds to the second message, and the first message and the second message are used by the first terminal to request to discover the second terminal.

13. A relay device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; A memory coupled to the one or more processors, the memory comprising executable instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the relay device to execute the relay communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A communication system, characterized in that: Comprising a relay device, wherein the relay device is configured to implement the relay communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is enabled to execute the relay communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or claim 11.

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