Terminal, information sending method and storage medium

Abstract

Disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a terminal and an information sending method. The terminal comprises: an antenna, which is used for receiving an instruction signal and / or a continuous wave (CW) signal; a receiver, which is used for acquiring the instruction signal received by the antenna, wherein the instruction signal is used for instructing the terminal to send uplink information, or, is used for instructing the terminal to store energy; an energy charging and storage module, which is used for absorbing and storing energy of the received CW signal or instruction signal; and a backscattering module, which is used for performing reflection on the basis of the received CW signal, wherein the reflected CW signal carries the uplink information, such that an ambient Internet-of-Things device can be activated by means of a received electromagnetic signal, thereby realizing backscattering-based communication.

Description

Terminal, information sending method and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to a terminal, an information sending method, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) is a type of IoT. Compared to Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) devices, A-IoT devices offer lower complexity, lower cost, and lower maintenance costs. A-IoT terminals are powered by harvested energy and can be battery-free or have limited energy storage capacity (e.g., using capacitors). They do not require manual charging and instead draw energy from radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose an information sending method and apparatus, which can solve the problem existing in the related art of how intermediate nodes can achieve power sharing when communication between environmental Internet of Things devices and the network is based on intermediate nodes.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising:

[0006] Antenna, used for receiving command signals and / or constant amplitude radio wave CW signals;

[0007] a receiver, configured to obtain a command signal received by the antenna, wherein the command signal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, or the command signal is used by the terminal to store energy;

[0008] an energy charging and storage module, configured to absorb and store the energy of the received CW signal or command signal;

[0009] A backscattering module is configured to perform reflection based on the received CW signal, wherein the reflected CW signal carries the uplink information.

[0010] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for sending information is provided, the method being executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0011] receiving a command signal and / or a constant-amplitude radio wave (CW) signal, wherein the command signal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, or the command signal is used for the terminal to store energy;

[0012] absorbing and storing the energy of the received CW signal based on the instruction signal; or,

[0013] Based on the instruction signal, the received CW signal is reflected, and the reflected CW signal carries the uplink information.

[0014] The solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is that the terminal includes an antenna for receiving command signals and / or constant-amplitude radio wave CW signals; a receiver for obtaining the command signal received by the antenna, wherein the command signal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, or the command signal is used for the terminal to store energy; an energy charging and storage module for absorbing and storing the energy of the received CW signal or command signal; and a backscattering module for reflecting based on the received CW signal, wherein the reflected CW signal carries the uplink information, which can enable the environmental Internet of Things device to be activated by the received electromagnetic signal, thereby realizing communication based on backscattering. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the background technology, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the background technology will be described below.

[0016] FIG1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of some communication systems provided by embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG1B is a schematic diagram of some A-IoT device types provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG2A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG2B is a schematic structural diagram of another terminal proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG2C is a schematic diagram of a directional coupling module port according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG3A is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method for sending information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG3B is a flow chart of a method for sending information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG3C is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method for sending information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG4A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information sending method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0027] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal, comprising:

[0028] Antenna, used for receiving command signals and / or constant amplitude radio wave CW signals;

[0029] a receiver, configured to obtain a command signal received by the antenna, wherein the command signal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, or the command signal is used by the terminal to store energy;

[0030] an energy charging and storage module, configured to absorb and store the energy of the received CW signal or command signal;

[0031] A backscattering module is configured to perform reflection based on the received CW signal, wherein the reflected CW signal carries the uplink information.

[0032] In the above embodiment, the environmental Internet of Things device can be activated by the received electromagnetic signal, thereby realizing communication based on backscattering.

[0033] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal further includes: a directional coupling module, and a through port of the directional coupling module is connected to the receiver.

[0034] In the above embodiment, a directional coupling module is also included, which can couple the input signal with the charging and energy storage module, so that the environmental Internet of Things device can be activated by the received electromagnetic signal, thereby realizing communication based on backscattering.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the command signal is further used to activate the terminal in the first state, and the terminal further includes:

[0036] a first switch and a second switch;

[0037] The first switch is configured to connect the antenna to the input port of the directional coupling module when the terminal is in a first state;

[0038] The second switch is used to connect the energy charging and storage module and the coupling port of the directional coupling module when the terminal is in the first state.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the environmental Internet of Things device can be activated by the received command signal, and can obtain the energy of the command signal, thereby realizing communication based on backscattering.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the instruction signal received by the terminal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, and the terminal adjusts to the second state or the third state according to the need to send the uplink information;

[0041] The first switch is further configured to, when the terminal is in the second state, connect the antenna to the backscatter module and disconnect the antenna from the input port of the directional coupling module; or

[0042] The first switch is further configured to, when the terminal is in a third state, connect the antenna to the second switch and disconnect the antenna from the input port of the directional coupling module; or

[0043] The second switch is further configured to connect the first switch to the energy charging and energy storage module and disconnect the energy charging and energy storage module from the coupling port of the directional coupling module when the terminal is in the third state.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the activated environmental Internet of Things device can reflect the incident electromagnetic wave signal according to the requirements of the information to be sent, or absorb and store the energy of the incident electromagnetic wave, thereby realizing communication based on backscattering.

[0045] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal switches between the second state and the third state at least once during the process of sending the uplink information.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the activated ambient IoT device can switch between states according to the requirements of the information to be sent to achieve backscatter-based communication.

[0047] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after the terminal completes sending the uplink information and / or after the terminal completes storing the energy, the terminal adjusts to the first state.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the activated ambient IoT device can be reset to the initial state after completing uplink transmission or corresponding operation.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the CW signal is further used to activate the terminal in the fourth state, and the terminal further includes:

[0050] a first switch and a second switch;

[0051] The first switch is configured to connect the antenna to the second switch when the terminal is in a fourth state;

[0052] The second switch is used to connect the first switch and the energy charging and storage module when the terminal is in the fourth state.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the environmental IoT device can be activated by the received CW signal, and can obtain the energy of the CW signal, thereby realizing communication based on backscattering.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal is adjusted to a fifth state after being activated, and the terminal in the fifth state is used to receive the command signal;

[0055] The first switch is further configured to, when the terminal is in a fifth state, connect the antenna to the input port of the directional coupling module and disconnect the antenna from the second switch;

[0056] The second switch is further configured to connect the charging and energy storage module to the coupling port of the directional coupling module and disconnect the first switch from the charging and energy storage module when the terminal is in the fifth state.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the activated ambient IoT device can be adjusted to the fifth state to wait for receiving a command signal.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the instruction signal received by the terminal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, and the terminal adjusts to the sixth state or the fourth state according to the need to send the uplink information;

[0059] The first switch is further configured to, when the terminal is in a sixth state, connect the antenna to the backscatter module and disconnect the antenna from the input port of the directional coupling module.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the activated environmental Internet of Things device can reflect the incident electromagnetic wave signal according to the requirements of the information to be sent, or absorb and store the energy of the incident electromagnetic wave, thereby realizing communication based on backscattering.

[0061] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal switches between the sixth state and the fourth state at least once during the process of sending the uplink information.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the activated ambient IoT device can switch between states according to the requirements of the information to be sent to achieve backscatter-based communication.

[0063] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, after the terminal completes sending the uplink information and / or after the terminal completes storing the energy, the terminal adjusts to the fourth state.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the activated ambient IoT device can be reset to the initial state after completing uplink transmission or corresponding operation.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal further includes:

[0066] A matching network is used for the terminal to match the carrier frequency of the command signal and the CW signal.

[0067] In the above embodiment, a matching network is also included, which can enable the environmental Internet of Things device to match the operating frequency of the incident electromagnetic wave signal, so that the environmental Internet of Things device can receive the corresponding electromagnetic signal, thereby realizing communication based on backscattering.

[0068] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal is a backscatter device.

[0069] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for sending information, which is executed by a terminal and includes:

[0070] receiving a command signal and / or a constant-amplitude radio wave (CW) signal, wherein the command signal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, or the command signal is used for the terminal to store energy;

[0071] absorbing and storing the energy of the received CW signal based on the instruction signal; or,

[0072] Based on the instruction signal, the received CW signal is reflected, and the reflected CW signal carries the uplink information.

[0073] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the instruction signal is also used to activate the terminal in the first state.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the instruction signal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, and the method further includes:

[0075] The device is adjusted to a second state, and the received CW signal is reflected in the second state.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0077] The device is adjusted to a third state according to the requirement of sending the uplink information, and absorbs and stores the energy of the received CW signal in the third state.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0079] After determining to terminate the sending of the uplink information and / or after determining to terminate the storage of the energy, adjusting to the first state.

[0080] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the CW signal is also used to activate the terminal in the fourth state.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0082] The controller is adjusted to a fifth state, and receives the command signal in the fifth state.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the instruction signal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, and the method further includes:

[0084] The device is adjusted to a sixth state, and the received CW signal is reflected in the sixth state.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0086] The fourth state is adjusted according to the requirement of sending the uplink information, and the energy of the received CW signal is absorbed and stored in the fourth state.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0088] After determining to terminate the sending of the uplink information and / or after determining to terminate the storage of the energy, adjusting to the fourth state.

[0089] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal is a backscatter device.

[0090] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a terminal, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the first terminal is used to execute the second aspect and the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0091] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, which includes: a terminal and a network device; wherein the terminal is configured to execute the method described in the second aspect and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0092] 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 first aspect and the optional implementation method of the first aspect.

[0093] 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 first aspect and the optional implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0094] 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 first aspect and the optional implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0095] 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 first aspect and the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0096] It is understandable that the first terminal, the second terminal, the network device, the communication device, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, and the computer program are all used to execute 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.

[0097] The present disclosure provides an information transmission method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "information transmission method" and "information processing method" and "communication method" are interchangeable; the terms "information transmission apparatus" and "information processing apparatus" and "communication apparatus" are interchangeable; and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system" are interchangeable.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0103] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] In some embodiments, devices and equipment can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

[0111] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0112] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and / or reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)", etc.

[0113] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal" "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc.

[0114] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0115] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0116] 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.

[0117] In order to better understand a terminal and an information sending method disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system to which the embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable is first described below.

[0118] FIG1A is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] As shown in FIG1A , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102 .

[0120] In some embodiments, terminal 101 is, for example, an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device or an A-IoT tag, which is an IoT device powered by energy harvesting, and provides energy by collecting radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source. Terminal 101 may be battery-free or have limited energy storage capacity (e.g., using a capacitor), and may use energy harvested from radio waves or any other form of energy that can be obtained under specific circumstances. Second terminal 101 may transmit information based on backscatter communication technology.

[0121] In some embodiments, terminals 101 can be classified into three types, as shown in FIG1B . Type A: Terminal 101A has no energy storage and no independent signal generation / amplification, i.e., backscatter transmission. Type B: Terminal 101B has energy storage but no independent signal generation, i.e., backscatter transmission; the use of stored energy may include amplification of reflected signals. Type C: Terminal 101C has energy storage and independent signal generation, i.e., active radio frequency (RF) components for transmission.

[0122] In some embodiments, the network device 102 is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The 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, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, an A-IoT reader, or at least one of an A-IoT base station, but is not limited thereto.

[0123] 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.

[0124] In some embodiments, the 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.

[0125] In some embodiments, as shown in topology 1 in FIG. 1A , terminal 101 may be directly connected to network device 102 , and uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) communications may be performed directly between terminal 101 and network device 102 .

[0126] In some embodiments, as shown in topology 2 in Figure 1A, terminal 101 communicates with an intermediate node, and the intermediate node communicates with network device 102. The link between the intermediate node and network device 102 is a link transmitted via a Uu interface.

[0127] Optionally, a user equipment (UE), a repeater, a relay, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, etc. may serve as the intermediate node.

[0128] In some embodiments, as shown in topology 3 in FIG1A , an assisting node is present on the downlink between terminal 101 and network device 102. The assisting node receives downlink information sent by network device 102 and sends it to terminal 101, and terminal 101 and network device 102 directly communicate uplink. Alternatively, an assisting node is present on the uplink between terminal 101 and network device 102. The assisting node receives uplink information sent by terminal 101 and sends it to network device 102, and terminal 101 and network device 102 directly communicate downlink. The link between the assisting node and network device 102 is a link transmitted via the Uu interface.

[0129] Optionally, a UE, a repeater, a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, etc. may serve as the auxiliary node.

[0130] In some embodiments, as shown in topology structure 4 in FIG. 1A , uplink and downlink communications are performed directly between the terminal 101 and the UE; the UE is responsible for collecting data and forwarding the collected data to the network side.

[0131] In some embodiments, the UE includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A , or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1A are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in FIG1A , or may include other entities other than those shown in FIG1A . The number and form of the entities may be 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.

[0134] 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).

[0135] In the disclosed embodiments, the A-IoT device may be battery-free or have limited power storage capacity (e.g., using a capacitor). Optionally, the A-IoT device may communicate without a traditional power source, and / or avoid human intervention in charging or replacing batteries. The device itself is capable of using energy obtained from radio waves, or any other form of energy that can be obtained under specific circumstances. A-IoT devices have the characteristics of low memory, low processing power, low power, small data transmission, and massive deployment. Since A-IoT devices do not require traditional batteries, they can work under extreme environmental conditions (e.g., high voltage, extremely high / low temperature, humid environment), and are maintenance-free, reducing operation and maintenance costs and having a longer service life.

[0136] For example, in some embodiments, A-IoT devices can harvest energy from radio waves, which may originate from 5G NR network entities or user equipment. In some embodiments, A-IoT devices can also harvest energy from solar energy, light, motion / vibration, heat, pressure, or any other form of energy.

[0137] In some embodiments, to support data transmission between A-IoT devices, the network needs to support the following functions. A device in the network may support one or more of the following functions:

[0138] The Energy Source (ES) function is only used for Type B and Type C A-IoT devices.

[0139] Downlink Transmission (DT) function, which sends instruction information to the A-IoT device, thereby triggering the uplink transmission of the A-IoT device;

[0140] The Continuous Wave (CW) excitation function is only used for Type A and Type B A-IoT devices. A-IoT devices achieve uplink transmission by backscattering CW signals. CW is actually a type of ES. A-IoT devices can receive CW and store energy.

[0141] The uplink receiving (UR) function receives uplink information backscattered by the A-IoT device, or receives uplink information actively transmitted by the A-IoT device.

[0142] Optionally, the device performing the above-mentioned ES, DT, CW, or UR functions may be a UE, a repeater, a relay, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or a base station. A device may support only one of the above functions. Alternatively, a device may also support multiple of the above functions at the same time. Alternatively, a device may also support all of the above functions at the same time.

[0143] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may communicate using backscatter communication technology, which is one of the key technologies for building a green, energy-saving, low-cost, and flexibly deployable future Internet of Things, and is an important means of realizing the "Intelligent Connection of Everything."

[0144] Backscatter communication utilizes the principle of radio frequency signal backscattering to create an extremely low-power modulation and transmission technology. It is crucial to understand how to design a terminal that transmits information based on backscatter technology, and how such a terminal implements this technology.

[0145] The terminal and information sending method provided by the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0146] FIG2A is a schematic diagram of a terminal structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2A , the terminal involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may be a terminal 101 in a communication system 100, and the terminal 101 includes:

[0147] Antenna 1011, receiver 1012, energy storage module 1013, backscattering module 1014, directional coupling module 1015, first switch 1016, second switch 1017, matching network 1018.

[0148] Antenna 1011, for receiving command signals and / or continuous wave (CW) signals;

[0149] Receiver 1012, used to obtain the command signal received by antenna 1011;

[0150] The energy charging and storage module 1013 is used to absorb and store the energy of the received CW signal or the command signal;

[0151] The backscatter module 1014 is configured to perform reflection based on the received CW signal, where the reflected CW signal carries uplink information to be sent.

[0152] Optionally, the backscatter module 1014 may be an impedance (eg, impedance Z11 ), or other devices with similar functions, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] In some embodiments, the backscatter module 1014 may modulate the uplink information to be sent based on the incident CW signal by means of load impedance modulation, and then send out the modulated CW signal carrying the uplink information.

[0154] Optionally, the backscatter module 1014 may adopt multiple modulation modes, such as amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequency shift keying (FSK), phase shift keying (PSK), etc., which is not limited in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] Optionally, the modulated CW signal carrying the uplink information may be sent via antenna 1011 .

[0156] In some embodiments, the command signal or the CW signal may be sent by the network device 102 or other communication devices.

[0157] In some embodiments, the instruction signal is used to instruct the terminal 101 to send uplink information.

[0158] In some embodiments, the command signal may also be used by the terminal 101 to store energy.

[0159] In some embodiments, after receiving the instruction signal, the terminal 101 can send a corresponding response to the network based on the instruction signal, or perform an operation corresponding to the instruction signal.

[0160] In some embodiments, the through port of the directional coupling module 1015 is connected to the receiver 1012 .

[0161] Optionally, the directional coupling module may be a directional coupler, or other devices with similar functions, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0162] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2C , the directional coupling module 1015 includes an input port ( 1015 a ), a through port ( 1015 b ), a coupled port ( 1015 c ), and an isolated port ( 1015 d ).

[0163] Optionally, the isolated port 1015d is a grounded port.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first switch 1016 is a single-pole switch.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second switch 1017 is a single-pole switch.

[0166] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 needs to collect radio waves sent by other nodes to obtain energy before it can drive itself to work. Therefore, before obtaining energy, the terminal 101 is usually in a "powered-off" state, that is, off-network. Before the system is activated, the terminal 101 cannot operate, including being unable to switch on and off.

[0167] In some embodiments, the above instruction signal is also used to activate the terminal 101.

[0168] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned instruction signal is also used to activate the terminal 101 in the first state.

[0169] In some embodiments, when the terminal 101 is in the first state, the first switch 1016 connects the antenna 1011 and the input port ( 1015 a ) of the directional coupling module 1015 , that is, when the terminal 101 is in the first state, the first switch 1016 is in 1 a .

[0170] In some embodiments, when the terminal 101 is in the first state, the second switch 1017 connects the charging and storage module 1013 and the coupling port (1015c) of the directional coupling module 1015, that is, when the terminal 101 is in the first state, the second switch 1017 is in 2a.

[0171] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 is preset to the first state when initially accessing the network.

[0172] In some embodiments, the command signal is used to instruct the terminal 101 to send uplink information, and the terminal 101 adjusts to the second state or the third state based on the command signal and the need to send the uplink information.

[0173] The terminal 101 in the second state can reflect the received CW signal back to the network, and the terminal 101 in the third state can absorb and store the energy of the received CW signal.

[0174] In some embodiments, when terminal 101 is in the second state, first switch 1016 connects antenna 1011 to backscatter module 1014 and disconnects antenna 1011 from the input port (1015a) of directional coupling module 1015. That is, when terminal 101 is in the second state, first switch 1016 switches to position 1c.

[0175] In some embodiments, when the terminal 101 is in the third state, the first switch 1016 connects the antenna 1011 to the second switch 1017, disconnects the antenna 1011 from the input port (1015a) of the directional coupling module 1015, and disconnects the antenna 1011 from the backscatter module 1014. That is, when the terminal 101 is in the third state, the first switch 1016 is switched to 1b.

[0176] In some embodiments, when the terminal 101 is in the third state, the second switch 1017 connects the first switch 1016 to the charging and energy storage module 1013 and disconnects the charging and energy storage module 1013 from the coupling port (1015c) of the directional coupling module 1015. That is, when the terminal 101 is in the third state, the second switch 1017 switches to 2b.

[0177] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 further includes a matching network 1018 , which is configured to match carrier frequencies of the command signal and the CW signal.

[0178] Optionally, the number of matching networks 1018 may be one or more, for example, two matching networks: matching network 10181 and matching network 10182 .

[0179] Optionally, the carrier frequency corresponding to the command signal and the carrier frequency corresponding to the CW signal may be the same or different.

[0180] In some embodiments, the carrier frequency corresponding to the command signal differs from the carrier frequency corresponding to the CW signal, requiring two matching networks to match the two carrier frequencies, respectively. Matching network 10181 is used to match carrier frequency Fc1 corresponding to the command signal, and matching network 10182 is used to match carrier frequency Fc2 corresponding to the CW signal. Matching network 10181 is located between the coupling port (1015c) of directional coupling module 1015 and the second switch 1017, while matching network 10182 is located between the first switch 1016 and the second switch 1017. When terminal 101 is in the first state, matching network 10181 is in operation, matching the carrier frequency corresponding to the command signal. When terminal 101 is in the third state, matching network 10182 is in operation, matching the carrier frequency corresponding to the CW signal.

[0181] In some embodiments, the carrier frequency corresponding to the command signal is the same as the carrier frequency corresponding to the CW signal. Similarly, two matching networks may be used to match the carrier frequencies corresponding to the two signals. Matching network 10181 is used to match the carrier frequency Fc corresponding to the command signal, and matching network 10182 is used to match the carrier frequency Fc corresponding to the CW signal. The positions and operating conditions of the two matching networks are similar to those in the previous embodiment and are not further described here.

[0182] In some embodiments, the carrier frequency corresponding to the command signal is the same as the carrier frequency corresponding to the CW signal. Alternatively, only one matching network may be used to match the carrier frequencies corresponding to the command signal and the CW signal. As shown in FIG1B , the matching network 1018 may also be placed in the charging and energy storage module 1013, or the matching network 1018 may be located between the second switch 1017 and the charging and energy storage module 1013.

[0183] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can switch between the second state and the third state according to the need to send the above-mentioned uplink information.

[0184] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may switch between the second state and the third state once or multiple times during the process of sending the above-mentioned uplink information.

[0185] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 finishes sending the uplink information, or the terminal 101 finishes storing energy, and the terminal 101 will readjust to the first state, that is, the first switch 1016 will be reset to 1a, and the second switch 1017 will be reset to 2a.

[0186] In some embodiments, the CW signal is also used to activate the terminal 101 .

[0187] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned CW signal is also used to activate the terminal 101 in the fourth state.

[0188] In some embodiments, when the terminal 101 is in the fourth state, the first switch 1016 connects the antenna 1011 and the second switch 1017, and the second switch 1017 connects the first switch 1016 and the charging and energy storage module 1013. That is, when the terminal 101 is in the fourth state, the first switch 1016 is in 1b and the second switch 1017 is in 2b.

[0189] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 is preset to the fourth state when initially accessing the network.

[0190] In some embodiments, after the terminal 101 is activated, it is adjusted to the fifth state. When the terminal 101 is in the fifth state, the first switch 1016 connects the antenna 1011 to the input port (1015a) of the directional coupling module 1015, and the first switch 1016 disconnects the antenna 1011 from the second switch 1017. The second switch 1017 connects the charging and energy storage module 1013 to the coupling port (1015c) of the directional coupling module 1015, and the second switch 1017 disconnects the first switch 1016 from the charging and energy storage module 1013. In other words, when the terminal 101 is in the fifth state, the first switch 1016 is switched to 1a, and the second switch is switched to 2a.

[0191] In some embodiments, the command signal is used to instruct the terminal 101 to send uplink information. Based on the command signal and according to the need to send the uplink information, the terminal 101 adjusts to the fourth state or the sixth state.

[0192] The terminal 101 in the sixth state can reflect the received CW signal back to the network, and the terminal 101 in the fourth state can absorb and store the energy of the received CW signal.

[0193] In some embodiments, when terminal 101 is in the sixth state, first switch 1016 connects antenna 1011 to backscatter module 1014 and disconnects antenna 1011 from the input port (1015a) of directional coupling module 1015. That is, when terminal 101 is in the second state, first switch 1016 switches to position 1c.

[0194] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 further includes a matching network 1018 , which is configured to match carrier frequencies of the command signal and the CW signal.

[0195] Optionally, the number of matching networks 1018 may be one or more, for example, two matching networks: matching network 10181 and matching network 10182 .

[0196] Optionally, the carrier frequency corresponding to the command signal and the carrier frequency corresponding to the CW signal may be the same or different.

[0197] In some embodiments, the carrier frequency corresponding to the command signal differs from the carrier frequency corresponding to the CW signal, requiring two matching networks to match the two carrier frequencies, respectively. Matching network 10181 is used to match carrier frequency Fc1 corresponding to the command signal, and matching network 10182 is used to match carrier frequency Fc2 corresponding to the CW signal. Matching network 10181 is located between the coupling port (1015c) of directional coupling module 1015 and the second switch 1017, while matching network 10182 is located between the first switch 1016 and the second switch 1017. When terminal 101 is in the first state, matching network 10181 is in operation, matching the carrier frequency corresponding to the command signal. When terminal 101 is in the third state, matching network 10182 is in operation, matching the carrier frequency corresponding to the CW signal.

[0198] In some embodiments, the carrier frequency corresponding to the command signal is the same as the carrier frequency corresponding to the CW signal. Similarly, two matching networks may be used to match the carrier frequencies corresponding to the two signals. Matching network 10181 is used to match the carrier frequency Fc corresponding to the command signal, and matching network 10182 is used to match the carrier frequency Fc corresponding to the CW signal. The positions and operating conditions of the two matching networks are similar to those in the previous embodiment and are not further described here.

[0199] In some embodiments, the carrier frequency corresponding to the command signal is the same as the carrier frequency corresponding to the CW signal. Alternatively, only one matching network may be used to match the carrier frequencies corresponding to the command signal and the CW signal. As shown in FIG1B , the matching network 1018 may also be placed in the charging and energy storage module 1013, or the matching network 1018 may be located between the second switch 1017 and the charging and energy storage module 1013.

[0200] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can switch between the fourth state and the sixth state according to the need to send the above-mentioned uplink information.

[0201] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may switch between the sixth state and the fourth state once or multiple times during the process of sending the above-mentioned uplink information.

[0202] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 finishes sending the uplink information, or the terminal 101 finishes storing energy, and the terminal 101 will readjust to the fourth state, that is, the first switch 1016 will be reset to 1b, and the second switch 1017 will be reset to 2b.

[0203] The following is an exemplary introduction to the above embodiments.

[0204] As an example, the downlink command signal is sent before the CW signal.

[0205] Sequence 1: When initially joining the network or after completing uplink transmission, the device needs to pre-set the switch connected to the antenna to the receiver to receive future downlink command signals. As shown in Figure 2A or 2B, the first switch 1016 is pre-set to the input terminal 1a of the directional coupling module. The second switch 1017 of the charging and storage module 1013 is pre-set to the coupling port 2a of the directional coupling module to ensure that the system can quickly activate when the command signal arrives.

[0206] Sequence 2: After receiving a downlink command, the device begins sending a corresponding response to the network or performing an uplink operation. When the device sends signal 1, the first switch 1016 connected to the antenna switches to 1c, allowing the CW signal provided by the CW node to be reflected back to the network. When the device sends signal 0, the first switch 1016 connected to the antenna switches to 1b, and the second switch 1017 of the energy storage circuit switches to 2b, allowing the CW signal provided by the CW node to be absorbed by the circuit for energy charging.

[0207] Sequence three: When the uplink communication ends, the first switch 1016 connected to the antenna is reset to the input terminal 1a of the directional coupling module, and the second switch 1017 of the energy storage module 1013 is reset to the coupling port 2a of the directional coupling module 1015.

[0208] As another example, the CW signal is sent before the downlink command signal.

[0209] Sequence 1: When the device initially joins the network or after the uplink transmission ends, the first switch 1016 connected to the antenna needs to be preset to the charging and energy storage module 1013 so that charging can start when the CW signal arrives and the system can be quickly activated. As shown in Figure 2A or 2B, the first switch 1016 is preset to the input interface 1b of the matching network, and the second switch 1017 of the charging and energy storage circuit is preset to the output port 2b of the matching network.

[0210] Sequence 2: After the device is activated, the first switch 1016 connected to the antenna is switched to the input port 1a of the directional coupling module 1015. The second switch 1017 of the charging and energy storage module is switched to the coupling port 2a of the directional coupling module, waiting to receive a downlink command. After receiving the downlink command, the device begins to send a corresponding response to the network or perform the corresponding uplink operation. When the device sends signal 1, the first switch 1016 connected to the antenna is switched to 1c, allowing the CW signal provided by the CW node to be reflected back to the network. When the device sends signal 0, the first switch 1016 connected to the antenna is switched to 1b. At the same time, the second switch 1017 of the charging and energy storage module 1013 is switched to 2b, allowing the CW signal provided by the CW node to be absorbed by the circuit for charging.

[0211] Sequence three: When the uplink communication ends, the first switch 1016 connected to the antenna is reset to the input interface 1b of the matching network, and the second switch 1017 of the charging energy storage module is reset to the output port 2b of the matching network.

[0212] In each of the above examples, the command signal and the CW signal can operate at the same carrier frequency Fc. In this case, the matching network 1018 can be built into the charging and energy storage module. The command signal and the CW signal can also operate at different frequencies Fc1 and Fc2. In this case, the matching networks 10181 and 10182 are matched to Fc1 and Fc2, respectively.

[0213] FIG3A is a flow chart of a method for sending information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for sending information, which is executed by terminal 101 and includes:

[0214] Step S3101: receiving a command signal, where the command signal is used to activate the terminal 101 in the first state.

[0215] In some embodiments, the command signal is sent to the terminal 101 before the CW signal.

[0216] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can receive an instruction signal, which can activate the terminal 101 in the first state.

[0217] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned instruction signal may be sent by the network device 102, or sent by the network device 102 through other nodes, or sent by other nodes, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0218] In some embodiments, the command signal may instruct the terminal 101 to send uplink information.

[0219] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 in the first state can receive the above-mentioned command signal, and can obtain the energy of the command signal to complete the activation of the system, and can send a corresponding response to the network or perform a responsive uplink operation based on the command signal.

[0220] Step S3102: Adjust to the second state or the third state according to the need to send uplink information.

[0221] In some embodiments, the instruction signal may instruct the terminal 101 to send uplink information. The terminal 101 may be adjusted to the second state or the third state according to the need to send the uplink information.

[0222] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 in the second state is capable of reflecting the received CW signal.

[0223] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 in the third state is capable of absorbing and storing energy of the received CW signal.

[0224] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned CW signal may be sent by the network device 102, or sent by the network device 102 through other nodes, or sent by other nodes, etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited here.

[0225] Step S3103: Receive a CW signal, and reflect the received CW signal in the second state, where the reflected CW signal carries uplink information.

[0226] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can adjust to the second state to receive the CW signal according to the need to send uplink information, and can reflect the received CW signal in the second state. The CW signal reflected by the terminal 101 carries the uplink information to be sent, that is, the terminal 101 can modulate the uplink information to be sent based on the incident CW signal, and then send the modulated CW signal carrying the uplink information.

[0227] Step S3104: Receive a CW signal, and absorb and store the energy of the received CW signal in the third state.

[0228] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can be adjusted to the third state to receive the CW signal according to the requirement of sending uplink information, and can absorb and store the energy of the received CW signal in the third state.

[0229] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may independently decide to adjust to the third state at any time after being activated to store the energy of the received CW signal.

[0230] Step S3105: switching between the second state and the third state during the process of sending the uplink information according to the requirement of sending the uplink information.

[0231] In some embodiments, during the process of sending the uplink information, the terminal can independently decide to switch between the second state and the third state according to the demand for sending the uplink information.

[0232] Optionally, the terminal 101 switches between the second state and the third state once or multiple times.

[0233] Step S3106, ending the sending of uplink information, or ending the storage of energy, and adjusting to the first state.

[0234] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can adjust back to the first state after the uplink information is sent or the energy storage operation is completed.

[0235] 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.

[0236] In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0237] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0238] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "some", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "some 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, some A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0239] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps 3101 to 3106. For example, step 3101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3103+3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3102+3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3102+3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3102+3103+3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3103+3104+3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps 3101+3102+3103+3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. 104+3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3102+3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3103+3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3104+3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3101+3102+3103+3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps Step 3101+3102+3104+3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3101+3102+3103+3104+3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3101+3103+3104+3105+3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3101+3102+3103+3104+3105+3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but is not limited to this.

[0240] In some embodiments, steps 3103 and 3104 may be performed in an interchanged order.

[0241] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3A .

[0242] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0243] FIG3B is a flow chart of a method for sending information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for sending information, which is executed by terminal 101 and includes:

[0244] Step S3201: Receive a CW signal, where the CW signal is used to activate the terminal 101 in the fourth state.

[0245] In some embodiments, the CW signal is sent to the terminal 101 before the command signal.

[0246] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can receive a CW signal, and the command signal can activate the terminal 101 in the fourth state.

[0247] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned CW signal may be sent by the network device 102, or sent by the network device 102 through other nodes, or sent by other nodes, etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited here.

[0248] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 in the fourth state is capable of receiving the above-mentioned CW signal, and is capable of absorbing and storing the energy of the received CW signal to complete the activation of the system.

[0249] Step S3202: After being activated, adjust to the fifth state and receive a command signal in the fifth state.

[0250] In some embodiments, after receiving a CW signal and completing activation in the fourth state, the terminal 101 can be adjusted to the fifth state to wait for receiving an instruction signal.

[0251] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 receives the instruction signal in the fifth state.

[0252] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned instruction signal may be sent by the network device 102, or sent by the network device 102 through other nodes, or sent by other nodes, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0253] In some embodiments, the command signal may instruct the terminal 101 to send uplink information.

[0254] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 in the fifth state is capable of receiving the above-mentioned instruction signal, and is capable of sending a corresponding response to the network or performing a corresponding uplink operation based on the instruction signal.

[0255] Step S3203: Adjust to the sixth state or the fourth state according to the need to send uplink information.

[0256] In some embodiments, the instruction signal may instruct the terminal 101 to send uplink information. The terminal 101 may adjust to the sixth state or the fourth state according to the need to send the uplink information.

[0257] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 in the sixth state is capable of reflecting the received CW signal.

[0258] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 in the fourth state is capable of absorbing and storing energy of the received CW signal.

[0259] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned CW signal may be sent by the network device 102, or sent by the network device 102 through other nodes, or sent by other nodes, etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited here.

[0260] Step S3204: Receive a CW signal, and reflect the received CW signal in the sixth state, where the reflected CW signal carries uplink information.

[0261] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can adjust to the sixth state to receive a CW signal based on the need to send uplink information, and can reflect the received CW signal in the sixth state. The CW signal reflected by the terminal 101 carries the uplink information to be sent, that is, the terminal 101 can modulate the uplink information to be sent based on the incident CW signal, and then send the modulated CW signal carrying the uplink information.

[0262] Step S3205: Receive a CW signal, and absorb and store the energy of the received CW signal in the fourth state.

[0263] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can be adjusted to the fourth state to receive the CW signal according to the requirement of sending uplink information, and can absorb and store the energy of the received CW signal in the fourth state.

[0264] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may independently decide to adjust to the fourth state at any time after being activated to store the energy of the received CW signal.

[0265] Step S3206: switching between the sixth state or the fourth state during the process of sending the uplink information according to the requirement of sending the uplink information.

[0266] In some embodiments, during the process of sending the uplink information, the terminal can independently decide to switch between the sixth state and the fourth state according to the demand for sending the uplink information.

[0267] Optionally, the terminal 101 switches between the sixth state and the fourth state once or multiple times.

[0268] Step S3207, ending the sending of uplink information, or ending the storage of energy, and adjusting to the fourth state.

[0269] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 can adjust back to the fourth state after the uplink information is sent or the energy storage operation is completed.

[0270] 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.

[0271] In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0272] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0273] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "some", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "some 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, some A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0274] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps 3201 to 3207. For example, step 3201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3201+3202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3206 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3201+3202+3203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3201+3202+3204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps 3201+3202+3206 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. , steps 3201+3202+3204+3205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3201+3202+3203+3204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3201+3202+3203+3205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3201+3202+3203+3204+3205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3201+3202+3204+3205+3206 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3201+3202+3203+3204+3205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. 02+3203+3204+3205+3206 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3201+3202+3203+3207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3201+3202+3204+3207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3201+3202+3205+3207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3201+3202+3203+3204+3207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. In the embodiment, step 3201+3202+3203+3205+3207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3201+3202+3203+3204+3205+3207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3201+3202+3204+3205+3206+3207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3201+3202+3203+3204+3205+3206+3207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, etc., but is not limited to this.

[0275] In some embodiments, steps 3204 and 3205 may be performed in an interchanged order.

[0276] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3B .

[0277] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0278] FIG3C is a flow chart of a method for sending information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for sending information, which is executed by terminal 101 and includes:

[0279] Step S3301, receiving a command signal and / or a CW signal.

[0280] The optional implementation of step S3301 can refer to the optional implementation of steps 3101, 3103, and 3104 in Figure 3A, steps 3201, 3202, 3204, and 3205 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0281] Step S3302: Based on the instruction signal, absorb and store the energy of the received CW signal; and / or reflect the received CW signal.

[0282] The optional implementation of step S3302 can be found in the optional implementation of steps 3102, 3103, 3104, 3105 in Figure 3A, steps 3203, 3204, 3205, 3206 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0283] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3301 and S3302. For example, step 3301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 3302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps 3301+3302 may be implemented as independent embodiments, etc., but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0284] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus 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.

[0285] 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.

[0286] 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.

[0287] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 4100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 4100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., 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 4100 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.

[0288] As shown in Figure 4A, the communication device 4100 includes one or more processors 4101. Processor 4101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, baseband chip, terminal device, terminal device chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 4100 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0289] In some embodiments, the communication device 4100 further includes one or more memories 4102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 4102 may be located outside the communication device 4100.

[0290] In some embodiments, the communication device 4100 further includes one or more transceivers 4103. When the communication device 4100 includes one or more transceivers 4103, the transceiver 4103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 4101 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0291] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0292] In some embodiments, the communication device 4100 may include one or more interface circuits 4104. Optionally, the interface circuit 4104 is connected to the memory 4102. The interface circuit 4104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 4102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 4102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 4104 may read instructions stored in the memory 4102 and send the instructions to the processor 4101.

[0293] The communication device 4100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 4100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 4100 may not be limited by FIG. 4A. 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.

[0294] 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 4200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 4100 can be a chip or a chip system, reference can be made to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 4200 shown in FIG4B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0295] The chip 4200 includes one or more processors 4201 , and the chip 4200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0296] In some embodiments, chip 4200 further includes one or more interface circuits 4202. Optionally, interface circuit 4202 is connected to memory 4203. Interface circuit 4202 can be used to receive signals from memory 4203 or other devices, or to send signals to memory 4203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 4202 can read instructions stored in memory 4203 and send the instructions to processor 4201.

[0297] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 4202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 4201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0298] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0299] In some embodiments, the chip 4200 further includes one or more memories 4203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 4203 may be located outside the chip 4200.

[0300] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 4100, causes the communication device 4100 to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0301] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 4100, enables the communication device 4100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0302] 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 terminal, characterized in that: The terminal includes: Antenna, used for receiving command signals and / or constant amplitude radio wave CW signals; a receiver, configured to obtain a command signal received by the antenna, wherein the command signal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, or the command signal is used by the terminal to store energy; an energy charging and storage module, configured to absorb and store the energy of the received CW signal or command signal; A backscattering module is configured to perform reflection based on the received CW signal, wherein the reflected CW signal carries the uplink information.

2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein The terminal further includes: A directional coupling module, wherein a through port of the directional coupling module is connected to the receiver.

3. The terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that The command signal is further used to activate the terminal in the first state, and the terminal further includes: a first switch and a second switch; The first switch is configured to connect the antenna to the input port of the directional coupling module when the terminal is in a first state; The second switch is used to connect the energy charging and storage module and the coupling port of the directional coupling module when the terminal is in the first state. The terminal according to claim 3, wherein: The instruction signal received by the terminal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, and the terminal adjusts to the second state or the third state according to the need to send the uplink information; The first switch is further configured to, when the terminal is in the second state, connect the antenna to the backscatter module and disconnect the antenna from the input port of the directional coupling module; or, The first switch is further configured to, when the terminal is in a third state, connect the antenna to the second switch and disconnect the antenna from the input port of the directional coupling module; or The second switch is further configured to connect the first switch to the energy charging and energy storage module and disconnect the energy charging and energy storage module from the coupling port of the directional coupling module when the terminal is in the third state. The terminal according to claim 4 , wherein: The terminal switches between the second state and the third state at least once during the process of sending the uplink information.

6. The terminal according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: After the terminal finishes sending the uplink information and / or after the terminal finishes storing the energy, the terminal adjusts to the first state.

7. The terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that The CW signal is further used to activate the terminal in the fourth state, and the terminal further includes: a first switch and a second switch; The first switch is configured to connect the antenna to the second switch when the terminal is in a fourth state; The second switch is used to connect the first switch and the energy charging and storage module when the terminal is in the fourth state. The terminal according to claim 7 , wherein: After being activated, the terminal is adjusted to a fifth state, and the terminal in the fifth state is used to receive the command signal; The first switch is further configured to, when the terminal is in a fifth state, connect the antenna to the input port of the directional coupling module and disconnect the antenna from the second switch; The second switch is further configured to connect the charging and energy storage module to the coupling port of the directional coupling module and disconnect the first switch from the charging and energy storage module when the terminal is in the fifth state.

9. The terminal according to claim 8, characterized in that The instruction signal received by the terminal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, and the terminal adjusts to the sixth state or the fourth state according to the need to send the uplink information; The first switch is further configured to, when the terminal is in a sixth state, connect the antenna to the backscatter module and disconnect the antenna from the input port of the directional coupling module.

10. The terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that The terminal switches between the sixth state and the fourth state at least once during the process of sending the uplink information.

11. The terminal according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that: After the terminal finishes sending the uplink information and / or after the terminal finishes storing the energy, the terminal adjusts to the fourth state.

12. The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The terminal further includes: A matching network is used for the terminal to match the carrier frequency of the command signal and the CW signal.

13. The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The terminal is a backscatter device.

14. A method for sending information, characterized in that: The method is executed by a terminal, and includes: receiving a command signal and / or a constant-amplitude radio wave (CW) signal, wherein the command signal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, or the command signal is used for the terminal to store energy; absorbing and storing the energy of the received CW signal based on the instruction signal; or, Based on the instruction signal, the received CW signal is reflected, and the reflected CW signal carries the uplink information.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The command signal is also used to activate the terminal in the first state.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The instruction signal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, and the method further includes: The device is adjusted to a second state, and the received CW signal is reflected in the second state.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: The device is adjusted to a third state according to a requirement for sending the uplink information, and absorbs and stores the energy of the received CW signal in the third state.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that: The method further comprises: After determining to terminate the sending of the uplink information and / or after determining to terminate the storage of the energy, adjusting to the first state.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein The CW signal is further used to activate the terminal in the fourth state.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that After the terminal is activated, the method further includes: The controller is adjusted to a fifth state, and receives the command signal in the fifth state.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The instruction signal is used to instruct the terminal to send uplink information, and the method further includes: The device is adjusted to a sixth state, and the received CW signal is reflected in the sixth state.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: The fourth state is adjusted according to the requirement of sending the uplink information, and the energy of the received CW signal is absorbed and stored in the fourth state.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that: The method further comprises: After determining to terminate the sending of the uplink information and / or after determining to terminate the storage of the energy, adjusting to the fourth state.

24. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, characterized in that The terminal is a backscatter device.

25. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the information sending method according to any one of claims 14 to 24.

Images