Communication method, apparatus and device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communications, and discloses a communication method, apparatus and device, and a storage medium. The method is executed by a network device. The method comprises: sending a first signal, the first signal being used for triggering communication between a first device and a second device. The present application allows the first signal to trigger the first device to assist in communication between the network device and the second device, thereby providing a feasible solution for indirect communication between the network device and the second device.

Description

Communication method, device, equipment and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] To meet the low-power requirements of communication scenarios, it is possible to consider introducing devices that collect ambient energy for communication. Such devices can communicate directly with network devices in a two-way manner or indirectly through other devices.

[0003] Currently, there is no concrete and feasible solution for how such devices can communicate indirectly with network devices.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium, the technical solution of which at least includes:

[0006] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0007] A first signal is sent, where the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device.

[0008] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a first device, the method including:

[0009] A first signal is received, where the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and a second device.

[0010] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a second device, the method including:

[0011] Receive a second signal sent by a first device, and / or send a third signal to the first device; wherein the sending of the second signal and / or the third signal is triggered by the first signal.

[0012] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a communication device is provided, the device including:

[0013] A sending module is used to send a first signal, where the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device.

[0014] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a communication device is provided, the device including:

[0015] A receiving module is used to receive a first signal, where the first signal is used to trigger the apparatus to communicate with a second device.

[0016] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a communication device is provided, the device including:

[0017] A receiving module and / or a sending module, wherein the receiving module is used to receive a second signal sent by a first device, and the sending module is used to send a third signal to the first device; wherein the sending of the second signal and / or the third signal is triggered by the first signal.

[0018] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a network device is provided, comprising: a processor; a transmitter connected to the processor; a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; and the network device is used to implement the communication method described above.

[0019] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; a receiver connected to the processor; a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; and the communication device is used to implement the communication method described above.

[0020] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a communication device is provided, comprising: a receiver and / or a transmitter; the communication device is used to implement the communication method described above.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which executable instructions are stored. The executable instructions are loaded and executed by the processor to implement the communication method as described in the above aspect.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present application, a computer program product is provided, which includes computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions are stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and a processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes to implement the communication method described in the above aspect.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present application, a chip is provided, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions, and is used to implement the communication method described in the above aspects when the chip is running.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present application, a computer program is provided, which includes computer instructions. A processor of a computer device executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes the communication method as described in the above aspect.

[0025] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application may have the following beneficial effects:

[0026] The communication between the first device-assisted network device and the second device is triggered by the first signal, which provides a specific and feasible indirect communication solution and helps to ensure the reliability, success rate and efficiency of the indirect communication. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0028] FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG2 shows a schematic diagram of a zero-power communication system provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of radio frequency energy harvesting provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG4 is a schematic diagram showing a backscatter communication process provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG5 shows a schematic diagram of resistive load modulation provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG6 shows a schematic diagram of a topological structure provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG7 shows a schematic diagram of a topological structure provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG8 is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG9 is a schematic flow chart showing a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG10 is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG11 is a schematic diagram showing a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG12 is a schematic diagram showing a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG13 shows a schematic diagram of a first time window provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG14 shows a schematic diagram of a first time window provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG15 is a schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG16 shows a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG17 is a schematic diagram showing a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG18 is a schematic diagram showing a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG19 is a schematic diagram showing a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG20 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG21 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG22 shows a structural block diagram of a communication device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG23 shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG24 shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application more clear, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present application, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0053] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. As used in this application and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0054] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in this application to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining".

[0055] In the embodiments of the present application, "agreement" can be implemented by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a communication device (such as a terminal device, a network device), and the present application does not limit its specific implementation method. The communication protocol agreement can also be understood as a predefined communication protocol.

[0056] FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The wireless communication system includes a network device 110 and a terminal device 120 .

[0057] The network device 110 in the present application provides wireless communication functions, and the network device 110 includes but is not limited to: Evolved Node B (eNB), Radio Network Controller (RNC), Node B (NB), Base Station Controller (BSC), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), Home Base Station (e.g., Home Evolved Node B, or Home Node B, HNB), Baseband Unit (BBU), Access Point (AP) in Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, Wireless Relay Node, Wireless Backhaul Node, Transmission Point (TP) or Transmission and Reception Point (TRP), etc., and can also be the Next Generation Node B (NGNB) in the 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication system. B, gNB) or transmission point (TRP or TP), or one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or it can also be a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or distributed unit (DU), or a base station in a Beyond Fifth Generation (B5G) mobile communication system or a sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, or a core network (CN), fronthaul, backhaul, radio access network (RAN), network slice, etc., or a reader / writer of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system.

[0058] The number of terminal devices 120 in this application can be one or more, terminal devices also known as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, user device. The terminal devices 120 include, but are not limited to, handheld devices, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as electronic tags, controllers, mobile phones, tablet computers, e-book readers, laptop computers, desktop computers, televisions, game consoles, mobile Internet devices (MIDs), augmented reality (AR) terminals, virtual reality (VR) terminals, and mixed reality (MR) terminals, wearable devices, handles, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, cellular phones, cordless phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loops (WLANs), and wireless terminals in smart cities. Loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), TV set-top boxes (STBs), customer premises equipment (CPEs), etc.

[0059] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, 5G mobile communication system, New Radio (NR) system, NR system evolution system, LTE on unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U) system, NR on unlicensed spectrum (NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum) system. Unlicensed spectrum, NR-U) system, terrestrial communication network (Terrestrial Networks, TN) system, non-terrestrial communication network (Non-Terrestrial Networks, NTN) system, wireless local area network (Wireless Local Area Networks, WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wireless Fidelity, Wi-Fi), cellular Internet of Things system, cellular passive Internet of Things system, can also be applied to the subsequent evolution system of the 5G NR system, and can also be applied to B5G, 6G and subsequent evolution systems. In some embodiments of the present application, "NR" may also be referred to as a 5G NR system or a 5G system. Among them, the 5G mobile communication system may include non-standalone networking (NSA) and / or standalone networking (SA).In the embodiments of the present application, “terminal device” and “UE” are often used interchangeably, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings.

[0060] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to machine type communication (MTC), long term evolution technology for machine-to-machine communication (LTE-M), device-to-device (D2D) network, machine-to-machine (M2M) network, Internet of Things (IoT) network or other networks. Among them, the IoT network can include, for example, the Internet of Vehicles. Among them, the communication mode in the Internet of Vehicles system is collectively referred to as vehicle to other devices (Vehicle to X, V2X, X can represent anything), for example, the V2X can include: vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle to pedestrian communication (V2P) or vehicle to network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0061] In some embodiments, the network device 110 and the terminal device 120 communicate with each other via some air interface technology, such as a Uu interface.

[0062] Zero-power devices:

[0063] With the development of communication technology and the expansion of communication needs, the demand for low power consumption in communication equipment is becoming increasingly urgent. To this end, zero-power communication technology has been introduced to reduce power consumption on the UE side. Zero-power communication technology can also be referred to as at least one of the following: ultra-low-power communication technology, low-power communication technology, etc. Communication equipment used to implement zero-power communication technology can be referred to as zero-power devices. Zero-power devices can also be referred to as at least one of the following: ultra-low-power devices, low-power devices, etc.

[0064] Specifically, from the perspective of energy sources and usage, zero-power devices can be divided into the following three types:

[0065] (1) Passive devices; Passive devices do not require built-in batteries. When a passive device approaches a network device (such as the reader of an RFID system), the passive device is within the near field formed by the radiation of the network device antenna. Therefore, the passive device antenna generates an induced current through electromagnetic induction, and the induced current drives the low-power chip circuit of the passive device. This realizes the demodulation of the forward link signal and the modulation of the backward link signal. For the backscatter link, the passive device can use backscatter or extremely low-power active transmission to transmit the signal. Passive devices do not require built-in batteries to drive either the forward link or the reverse link. Therefore, passive devices can be considered as true zero-power devices.

[0066] In addition to not requiring batteries, the RF circuits and baseband circuits of passive devices are also very simple. For example, they do not require low-noise amplifiers (LNA), power amplifiers (PA), crystal oscillators, analog to digital converters (ADC) and other devices, making passive devices have many advantages such as small size, light weight, very low price and long service life.

[0067] Passive devices can also support other energy harvesting methods, by harvesting energy from the environment (such as light energy, heat energy, kinetic energy, mechanical energy, etc.) to obtain energy for driving circuits to achieve communication.

[0068] (2) Semi-passive devices: Semi-passive devices do not have conventional batteries installed. Radio wave energy is collected through a radio frequency energy collection module, or energy in the environment (such as light energy, heat energy, kinetic energy, mechanical energy, etc.) is collected using an energy collection module, and the collected energy is stored in an energy storage unit (such as a capacitor). After the energy storage unit obtains energy, it can drive the low-power chip circuit of the semi-passive device. It can realize the demodulation of the forward link signal and the modulation of the backward link signal. For the backscatter link, the semi-passive device can use backscatter or low-power active transmission to transmit the signal.

[0069] Semi-passive devices require no internal batteries for either the forward or reverse link. While they utilize energy stored in capacitors, this energy is derived from RF energy. Therefore, they can be considered truly zero-power devices. They inherit many of the advantages of passive devices, including small size, light weight, very low price, and long service life.

[0070] (3) Active devices; Active devices can have built-in batteries. The battery is used to drive the low-power chip circuit of the active device. It can realize the demodulation of the forward link signal and the modulation of the reverse link signal. The reverse link signal transmission of the active device can be realized by backscattering without consuming the active device's own power. Alternatively, the active device can realize reverse link transmission by low-power active transmission. Although the battery is built in, this type of active device has extremely low power consumption and complexity, so the battery capacity can be set within a smaller range, thereby achieving smaller cost and size. The built-in battery of the active device can also be used as an energy storage unit to store the ambient energy collected by the energy harvesting module, so that the maintenance cycle of the active device is longer or even maintenance-free.

[0071] Active devices use built-in batteries to increase their communication range and improve communication reliability. Therefore, active devices are used in scenarios with relatively high requirements for communication distance and read latency.

[0072] Specifically, from the perspective of transmitter type, zero-power devices can be divided into the following three types:

[0073] (1) Devices equipped with a backscatter module use the backscatter method described above for uplink transmission. This type of device does not have an active transmitter for active transmission, but only a transmitter with a backscatter module. Therefore, when performing uplink transmission, the network device needs to provide a carrier. This type of device performs backscatter based on the carrier to achieve uplink transmission.

[0074] (2) Devices with active transmitters use active transmitters with active transmission capabilities for uplink transmission. Therefore, when performing uplink transmission, such devices can use their own active transmitters to send uplink data without the need for network equipment to provide a carrier. Active transmitters suitable for such devices include, for example, low-power Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) transmitters and low-power Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) transmitters. Based on current implementations, when such transmitters transmit a 100 microwatt (μW) signal, the overall power consumption of the device can be reduced to 400-600 μW.

[0075] (3) Devices that have both backscatter modules and active transmitters support both backscatter and active transmission. This type of device can determine whether to use backscatter or active transmission based on different situations (such as different power levels, different available environmental energy levels), or based on the scheduling of network devices.

[0076] Cellular Passive IoT:

[0077] As 5G industry applications expand, the types of connected objects and application scenarios will increase, placing higher demands on the price and power consumption of communication equipment. The application of battery-free, low-cost Passive IoT devices has become a key technology for cellular IoT, expanding the types and number of terminals connected to 5G networks and truly realizing the Internet of Everything. Passive IoT devices can be extended based on these zero-power devices to be suitable for cellular IoT.

[0078] In NR and Wi-Fi systems, the advantages of being battery-free and low-cost can support low-cost, large-scale deployment and maintenance-free IoT devices. Research is currently underway on IoT devices based on ambient energy to address energy supply issues. IoT devices based on ambient energy can be called ambient power enabled IoT (Ambient Power Enabled IoT, Ambient IoT / A-IoT / AMP) devices, and the energy required for their operation comes from ambient energy harvesting, which can be radio frequency energy, light energy, solar energy, thermal energy, mechanical energy, and so on. Devices that harvest radio frequency energy to power their own operations may require other devices to provide them with radio frequency power signals.

[0079] These A-IoT devices are similar to passive or semi-passive devices in zero-power communications. They harvest ambient energy and store it in an energy storage unit. Once the energy storage unit receives sufficient energy, it drives low-power circuits for forward link signal demodulation and reverse link signal modulation and transmission.

[0080] A-IoT devices can be divided into three types, each with its own level of complexity and communication capabilities: Device A: Lacks energy storage capabilities. It cannot transmit independent signals, employing backscatter transmission. Device B: Has energy storage capabilities. It cannot transmit independent signals, employing backscatter transmission. It can use stored energy to amplify backscattered signals. Device C: Has energy storage capabilities. It can transmit independent signals, demonstrating active transmission capabilities.

[0081] Among them, device A has the lowest complexity and power consumption, which can be as low as 1 microwatt, but its communication distance is limited, generally only a few meters. Device A requires network equipment to provide a carrier signal for backscattering transmission. Device C generally has a large-capacity capacitor to store energy from the environment, and its power consumption can support hundreds of microwatts. It can support active signal transmission and has a longer communication distance. Because device C can actively transmit, there is no need for network equipment to provide a carrier signal for device C. The complexity and power consumption of device B are between devices A and C.

[0082] In general, compared with other IoT devices, A-IoT devices have many advantages such as no need for conventional batteries, no maintenance, small size, low complexity and low cost, and long life cycle.

[0083] In this application, A-IoT devices can be considered equivalent to zero-power devices, or A-IoT devices can be considered to belong to zero-power devices. The following text may mix zero-power devices and A-IoT devices, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning.

[0084] FIG2 shows a zero-power communication system 200 provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application, which includes a network device 210 and an A-IoT device 220. The network device 210 can refer to the design of the network device 110. FIG2 takes the network device 210 as an example of a reader / writer.

[0085] The A-IoT device 220 includes an energy harvesting module 321. Optionally, in addition to the energy harvesting module 321, the A-IoT device 220 also includes one or more of a backscatter communication module 322, a logic processing module 323, a sensor module 324, and a memory (not shown in the figure). Exemplarily, the logic processing module 323 includes a low-power computing module. It should be understood that the modules included in the A-IoT device 220 shown in Figure 2 are only examples and not limiting.

[0086] Exemplarily, the energy collection module 321 can collect environmental energy, such as radio frequency energy, light energy, kinetic energy, mechanical energy, solar energy, etc., to power the various modules of the A-IoT device 220. After the A-IoT device 220 obtains energy, it can receive signals from the network device 210 through the receiver, or reflect signals to the network device 210 through the backscatter communication module 322, or transmit signals to the network device 210 through the transmitter (not shown in the figure). The data reflected or transmitted by the A-IoT device 220 can be data stored in itself (such as an identity or pre-written information, such as the production date, brand, manufacturer, etc. of the product). The sensor module 324 can include various sensors, and the A-IoT device 220 can report the data collected by various sensors based on a low-power mechanism. The memory is used to store some basic information (such as item identification, etc.) or obtain sensor data such as ambient temperature and ambient humidity.

[0087] The A-IoT device 220 can use the logic processing module 323 to implement simple signal demodulation, decoding or encoding, modulation and other simple computing tasks. The hardware design can be very simple, making the A-IoT device 220 very low in cost and small in size.

[0088] In the wireless communication system shown in Figure 1 or the zero-power communication system shown in Figure 2, different codes can be used to represent binary "1" and "0," that is, different pulse signals are used to represent "0" and "1." Commonly, one of the following encoding methods is used: non-return to zero (NRZ) encoding; Manchester encoding; unipolar return to zero (URZ) encoding; differential binary phase (DBP) encoding; Miller encoding; and differential encoding.

[0089] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of radio frequency power harvesting (RFP) performed by energy harvesting module 321. RF energy harvesting is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Using the RF module RF, connected in parallel with a capacitor C and a load resistor RL, it harvests electromagnetic wave energy from space, generating the energy needed to power A-IoT devices. This energy is used to drive low-power demodulation modules, modulation modules, sensors, and memory access. This enables A-IoT devices to eliminate the need for traditional batteries.

[0090] In backscatter communication, the backscatter signal can be modulated or unmodulated. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of modulated backscatter communication. The A-IoT device 220 receives the wireless signal carrier 131 transmitted by the network device 210's transmitter module (TX) 111 using the amplifier (AMP) 112. It modulates the wireless signal carrier 131, loads the information to be transmitted using the logic processing module 323, and harvests radio frequency energy using the energy harvesting module 321. The A-IoT device 220 uses the antenna 316 to radiate the modulated reflected signal 132. This information transmission process is called backscatter communication. The network device 210's receiver module (RX) 113 uses the low-noise amplifier (LNA) 114 to receive the modulated reflected signal 132. Backscatter and load modulation are closely related. Load modulation achieves the modulation process by adjusting and controlling the circuit parameters of the A-IoT device 220's oscillator circuit according to the data stream's rhythm, causing parameters such as the impedance of the A-IoT device 220 to change accordingly.

[0091] Load modulation technology mainly includes resistance load modulation and capacitance load modulation. Figure 5 shows the principle diagram of resistance load modulation. In resistance load modulation, the load resistor R L The third resistor R3 is connected in parallel, and the switch S based on the binary code control is turned on or off. The on and off of the third resistor R3 will cause the voltage on the circuit to change. The load resistor R L Maintaining a parallel connection relationship with the first capacitor C1, the load resistor R L The first inductor L1 is connected in series with the second inductor R2, and the second inductor R2 is connected in series with the first inductor L1. The first inductor L1 is coupled to the second inductor L2, and the second inductor L2 is connected in series with the second capacitor C2. For example, amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation can be implemented, that is, the modulation and transmission of the signal is achieved by adjusting the amplitude of the backscattered signal of the terminal device. Similarly, in capacitive load modulation, the resonant frequency of the circuit can be changed by turning the capacitor on and off, thereby achieving frequency shift keying (FSK), that is, the modulation and transmission of the signal is achieved by adjusting the operating frequency of the backscattered signal of the terminal device.

[0092] The A-IoT device 220 can use load modulation to modulate the incoming signal, thereby realizing the backscatter communication process.

[0093] Therefore, A-IoT devices have the following significant advantages: (1) They do not actively transmit signals, so they do not require complex RF links such as PAs and RF filters; (2) They do not need to actively generate high-frequency signals, so they do not need high-frequency crystal oscillators; (3) With the help of backscatter communication, signal transmission does not consume its own energy. In general, compared with other terminal devices, A-IoT devices have many advantages such as no conventional battery, no maintenance, small size, low complexity and low cost, and long life cycle. They can be widely used in various industries, such as logistics for vertical industries, object recognition, smart warehousing, smart agriculture, energy and power, industrial Internet, etc., as well as smart wearables, smart homes, smart control, and environmental monitoring, positioning and other services.

[0094] In the zero-power communication system 200 shown in FIG2 , the communication between the network device 210 and the A-IoT device 220 can be direct communication or indirect communication.

[0095] For direct communication, see the topology shown in Figure 6. Network device 210 and A-IoT device 220 engage in bidirectional communication. Network device 210 can directly send data and / or signaling to A-IoT device 220, and A-IoT device 220 can also directly send data and / or signaling to network device 210. Furthermore, the network device that sends data and / or signaling to A-IoT device 220 may be different from the network device that receives data and / or signaling from A-IoT device 220.

[0096] For indirect communication, see the topology shown in Figure 7. Network device 210 and A-IoT device 220 communicate through intermediate node 230. Intermediate node 230 transmits data and / or signaling between network device 210 and A-IoT device 220. An intermediate node can be, for example, at least one of the following: a relay, an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, a UE, or a repeater.

[0097] However, there is no concrete and feasible solution for how intermediate nodes can facilitate communication between network devices and A-IoT devices. Therefore, the following article designs a communication method mainly for indirect communication, that is, provides a concrete and feasible communication solution for the topology shown in Figure 7.

[0098] FIG8 shows a flow chart of a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is executed by a network device and includes:

[0099] Step 820: Send a first signal, where the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device.

[0100] In the embodiment of the present application, the network device that performs step 820 may be the network device 110 shown in FIG. 1 , or the network device 210 shown in FIG. 2 , and so on.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first device is a device used to assist the network device in communicating with the second device. It can also be understood that the first device is a device for transmitting data and / or signaling between the network device and the second device. It can also be understood that the first device is used to realize indirect communication between the network device and the second device.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first device includes at least one of the following: an intermediate device, an intermediate node, a relay, an IAB node, a UE, a relay apparatus, etc. The UE may be the terminal device 120 shown in FIG1 .

[0103] In some embodiments, the energy used by the second device for communication comes from ambient energy collected by the second device. The ambient energy includes, for example, at least one of the following: radio frequency energy, light energy, solar energy, thermal energy, mechanical energy, kinetic energy, etc.

[0104] In some embodiments, the second device includes at least one of the following: an AMP device, an A-IOT device, a passive Internet of Things device, a zero-power device, a low-power device, and an ultra-low-power device.

[0105] In some embodiments, the second device supports backscatter and / or low-power active transmission communication methods.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to trigger communication between a first device and a second device, or the first signal is used to trigger communication between multiple first devices and second devices. Optionally, the first signal can be called a trigger signal or an auxiliary signal.

[0107] In some embodiments, the following three communication scenarios may exist between a first device and a second device: 1. The first device sends data and / or signaling to the second device; 2. The second device sends data and / or signaling to the first device; 3. The first device sends data and / or signaling to the second device, and the second device sends data and / or signaling to the first device. Optionally, the first device that sends data and / or signaling to the second device is different from the first device that receives data and / or signaling from the second device.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device, which can also be understood as the first signal being used to schedule communication between the first device and the second device. Optionally, the first signal can also be called a scheduling signal.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device, which can also be understood as the first signal being used to control communication between the first device and the second device. Optionally, the first signal can also be called a control signal.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device, which can also be understood as the first signal being used to activate communication between the first device and the second device. Optionally, the first signal can also be called an activation signal.

[0111] In some embodiments, the communication between the first device and the second device is associated with a network device. The association here can be reflected in at least one of the following aspects: the communication between the first device and the second device is triggered by the network device; the communication between the first device and the second device is scheduled by the network device; the communication between the first device and the second device is controlled by the network device; the communication between the first device and the second device is activated by the network device; the first device forwards data from the network device to the second device; the first device forwards signaling from the network device to the second device; the first device forwards data from the second device to the network device; the first device forwards signaling from the second device to the network device.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first signal carries control information and / or data.

[0113] In some embodiments, the data carried by the first signal is data that the network device needs or expects to send to the second device through the first device.

[0114] In some embodiments, the control information carried by the first signal is used to control the second device to send data and / or signaling. When the first signal carries control information, the first signal can be considered as control signaling.

[0115] In summary, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application triggers the communication between the first device-assisted network device and the second device through the first signal, provides a specific and feasible indirect communication solution, and helps to ensure the reliability, success rate and efficiency of indirect communication.

[0116] FIG9 shows a flow chart of a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a first device and includes at least some of the following steps:

[0117] Step 920: Receive a first signal, where the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device.

[0118] In an embodiment of the present application, the first device is a device used to assist the network device in communicating with the second device. It can also be understood that the first device is a device for transmitting data and / or signaling between the network device and the second device. It can also be understood that the first device is used to realize indirect communication between the network device and the second device.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first device includes at least one of the following: an intermediate device, an intermediate node, a relay, an IAB node, a UE, a relay apparatus, etc. The UE may be the terminal device 120 shown in FIG1 .

[0120] In some embodiments, the first signal comes from a network device, such as the network device 110 shown in FIG1 , or the network device 210 shown in FIG2 , and so on.

[0121] In some embodiments, the energy used by the second device for communication comes from ambient energy collected by the second device. The ambient energy includes, for example, at least one of the following: radio frequency energy, light energy, solar energy, thermal energy, mechanical energy, kinetic energy, etc.

[0122] In some embodiments, the second device includes at least one of the following: an AMP device, an A-IOT device, a passive Internet of Things device, a zero-power device, a low-power device, and an ultra-low-power device.

[0123] In some embodiments, the second device supports backscatter and / or low-power active transmission communication methods.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to trigger communication between a first device and a second device, or the first signal is used to trigger communication between multiple first devices and second devices.

[0125] For other related contents, please refer to step 820, which will not be repeated here.

[0126] Step 940: Send a second signal to the second device, and / or receive a third signal from the second device.

[0127] In some embodiments, the second signal carries data and / or signaling. Optionally, the data and / or signaling carried by the second signal originates from a network device. Optionally, the data and / or signaling carried by the second signal is generated by the first device. Optionally, the network device triggers the first device to send the second signal via the first signal. Optionally, the network device schedules the first device to send the second signal via the first signal. Optionally, the network device controls the first device to send the second signal via the first signal. Optionally, the network device activates the first device to send the second signal via the first signal.

[0128] In some embodiments, the third signal carries data and / or signaling. Optionally, the network device triggers the first device to receive the third signal via the first signal. Optionally, the network device schedules the first device to receive the third signal via the first signal. Optionally, the network device controls the first device to receive the third signal via the first signal. Optionally, the network device activates the first device to receive the third signal via the first signal.

[0129] In summary, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application supports the first device to assist the communication between the network device and the second device under the triggering of the first signal, and provides a feasible indirect communication solution.

[0130] FIG10 shows a flow chart of a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a second device and includes:

[0131] Step 1020: Receive a second signal, and / or send a third signal.

[0132] In some embodiments, the energy used by the second device for communication comes from ambient energy collected by the second device. The ambient energy includes, for example, at least one of the following: radio frequency energy, light energy, solar energy, thermal energy, mechanical energy, kinetic energy, etc.

[0133] In some embodiments, the second device includes at least one of the following: an AMP device, an A-IOT device, a passive Internet of Things device, a zero-power device, a low-power device, and an ultra-low-power device.

[0134] In some embodiments, the second device supports backscatter and / or low-power active transmission communication methods.

[0135] In some embodiments, the second signal is from the first device.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first device is a device used to assist the network device in communicating with the second device. It can also be understood that the first device is a device for transmitting data and / or signaling between the network device and the second device. It can also be understood that the first device is used to realize indirect communication between the network device and the second device.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first device includes at least one of the following: an intermediate device, an intermediate node, a relay, an IAB node, a UE, a relay apparatus, etc. The UE may be the terminal device 120 shown in FIG1 .

[0138] In some embodiments, the second signal carries data and / or signaling. Optionally, the data and / or signaling carried by the second signal originates from a network device. Optionally, the data and / or signaling carried by the second signal is generated by the first device. Optionally, the network device triggers the first device to send the second signal via the first signal. Optionally, the network device schedules the first device to send the second signal via the first signal. Optionally, the network device controls the first device to send the second signal via the first signal. Optionally, the network device activates the first device to send the second signal via the first signal.

[0139] In some embodiments, the third signal carries data and / or signaling. Optionally, the network device triggers the first device to receive the third signal via the first signal. Optionally, the network device schedules the first device to receive the third signal via the first signal. Optionally, the network device controls the first device to receive the third signal via the first signal. Optionally, the network device activates the first device to receive the third signal via the first signal.

[0140] For other related contents, please refer to step 820, which will not be repeated here.

[0141] In summary, the method provided in the embodiments of the present application enables indirect communication between a network device and a second device by enabling a first device to assist in communication between the second device and the network device, thereby improving the reliability, success rate, and efficiency of indirect communication. Furthermore, the first device communicates with the second device within the first time domain resource, thereby improving the utilization of the time domain resource and enhancing the efficiency and reliability of communication between the first and second devices.

[0142] In the embodiments shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, one or more first devices may exist within the coverage area of ​​a single network device. If multiple first devices exist, which first device should be triggered to implement indirect communication? In other words, is there room for selection of the first device used to assist in indirect communication? These issues deserve further discussion.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first signal is a unicast signal, a broadcast signal, a multicast signal, or a groupcast signal.

[0144] In some embodiments, the network device sends a first signal to at least one first device in the cell one by one until any first device in the cell successfully communicates with the second device. In other words, the network device always uses a one-by-one triggering method to sequentially enable the first devices in the cell to attempt to communicate with the second devices.

[0145] In some embodiments, the network device uses a multicast, multicast, or broadcast method to send a first signal to at least one first device in the cell until any first device in the cell successfully communicates with the second device. In other words, the network device always uses a multicast, multicast, or broadcast method to enable multiple first devices in the cell to attempt to communicate with the second device.

[0146] However, the above two triggering methods are not flexible or targeted enough, and may lead to problems such as wasting transmission resources and increasing transmission delays, which are not conducive to the efficiency of indirect communication. Therefore, this application considers how to more reasonably trigger one or more first devices to assist in indirect communication from the perspective of the communication status between the network device, the first device, and the second device, so as to improve the flexibility, success rate, and efficiency of indirect communication and save transmission resources.

[0147] Based on the embodiments shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, there may be two communication states between the network device, the first device, and the second device: a first communication state and a second communication state. The related design of the first communication state and the second communication state greatly improves the flexibility and reliability of indirect communication. Even if the association between the first device and the second device fails, for example, because the first device and / or the second device moves, and the network device is unsure which second device to use to assist in indirect communication, the following solution can be used to achieve indirect communication in a timely and reasonable manner, thereby ensuring the transmission efficiency and transmission success rate between the network device and the second device.

[0148] (1) First communication state

[0149] In some embodiments, in the first communication state, the network device sends a first signal to a target first device.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first communication state includes at least one of the following states: the network device determines the association relationship between the second device and the target first device; the network device determines that the second device is within the coverage range of the target first device; the network device determines that the second device communicates with the target first device; the network device determines that the second device has communicated with the target first device; the network device determines that the second device has communicated indirectly with the assistance of the target first device; the network device determines the location of the second device. In other words, it can be considered that in the first communication state, the association relationship between the target first device and the second device is fixed, known, or determined for the network device. The target first device is the first device that has a determined association relationship with the second device. Therefore, when the network device needs or expects to communicate with the second device, it can accurately trigger the target first device to assist in indirect communication, that is, the network device can directly schedule the target first device associated with the second device.

[0151] In some embodiments, the location of the second device can be an absolute geographical location, a relative geographical location, or the area where the second device is located. The absolute geographical location is represented by, for example, longitude and latitude or coordinates. The relative geographical location refers to the location relative to a reference point, and the reference point can be a network device or a zero-power device or other device. The relative geographical location is represented by parameters such as coordinates, longitude and latitude offset values, angles, and distances. The area includes at least one of the following: a cell, a radio access network area (Radio Access Network Area ID, RAN Area), a tracking area (Tracking Area), and an area divided by a communication protocol or a network device. The area where the second device is located can be represented by an area identifier (ID) or an area number.

[0152] For example, as shown in FIG11 , the coverage area of ​​network device 1101 includes three first devices: first device 1102, first device 1103, and first device 1104. Network device 1101 can determine that second device 1105 is associated with first device 1102, that second device 1106 is within the coverage area of ​​first device 1103, and the location of second device 1107. When communication with second device 1105 is required, network device 1101 sends a first signal to first device 1102 to trigger first device 1102 to assist communication between network device 1101 and second device 1105. When communication with second device 1106 is required, network device 1101 sends a first signal to first device 1103 to trigger first device 1103 to assist communication between network device 1101 and second device 1106. When communication with the second device 1107 is required, the network device 1101 sends a first signal to the first device 1104 to trigger the first device 1104 to assist the communication between the network device 1101 and the second device 1107 .

[0153] In some embodiments, in the first communication state, the first signal is a dynamically scheduled signal. It can also be understood that the communication between the network device and the first device is dynamically scheduled. It can also be understood that the network device dynamically schedules the communication between the first device and the second device. Dynamic scheduling can also be understood as dynamic configuration, dynamic activation, dynamic indication, etc. The dynamic scheduling signal is implemented, for example, as control signaling or downlink control information (DCI).

[0154] In some embodiments, in the first communication state, the first signal is a unicast signal. It can also be understood that the first signal is directed to a single first device, and taking the first device as an intermediate node as an example, the first signal is directed to a single intermediate node (Per Intermediate Node).

[0155] In some embodiments, the network device maintains a first communication state.

[0156] In some embodiments, the network device maintains the first communication state by one or more of the following operations: determining the target first device associated with the second device, determining the association relationship between the second device and the target first device, determining the valid state (or validity, that is, whether the association relationship is valid) of the association relationship between the second device and the target first device, determining whether the association relationship between the second device and the target first device needs to be updated, updating the target first device associated with the second device, and updating the second device associated with the (target) first device.

[0157] In some embodiments, the operation of the network device maintaining the first communication state may occur at any time and is not limited by specific conditions.

[0158] In some embodiments, the operation of the network device maintaining the first communication state is performed based on data and / or signaling fed back by the target first device, such as whether the signal quality reaches a threshold, whether the data reaches a threshold, and so on.

[0159] In some embodiments, the operation of the network device to maintain the first communication state is performed based on the communication result / measurement result fed back by the target first device. The communication result / measurement result may include, for example, one or more of: whether the second device exists, which second devices exist within the coverage of the target first device, and the communication quality between the target first device and the second device. For details, please refer to step 1504 below. Exemplarily, when the target first device feeds back that there is a second device within its own coverage, that is, when the target first device is able to communicate with the second device, the network device performs or does not perform the operation of maintaining the first communication state. Exemplarily, when the target first device feeds back that there is no second device within its own coverage, that is, when the target first device is unable to communicate with the second device, the network device performs or does not perform the operation of maintaining the first communication state. Optionally, the target first device feeds back the communication result / measurement result through the fifth signal described below.

[0160] In some embodiments, the operation of maintaining the first communication state by the network device is performed according to a service demand. For example, when the network device has a service demand to communicate with a second device, the operation of maintaining the first communication state is performed.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first communication state has a validity period. For example, the first communication state is valid within a first time period. This can also be understood as meaning that the association between the second device and the target first device is valid within the first time period. After the first time period has expired, the network device can maintain the first communication state through one or more of the above-mentioned operations. The length of the first time period can be specified by a communication protocol, determined by the network device, or negotiated between the network device and the first device.

[0162] For example, when the association relationship between the second device A and the first device B fails, the network device needs to communicate with the second device A based on other first devices (such as the first device C). The network device updates the target first device associated with the second device A and determines the first device C as the target first device associated with the second device A.

[0163] (2) Second communication state

[0164] In some embodiments, in the second communication state, the network device sends a first signal to at least one first device within the cell.

[0165] In some embodiments, in the second communication state, the network device sends a first signal to at least one first device in the cell one by one until any first device in the cell successfully communicates with the second device.

[0166] In some embodiments, in the second communication state, a first signal is sent to at least one first device in the cell by groupcast, multicast, or broadcast, until any first device in the cell successfully communicates with the second device.

[0167] Successful communication between any one of the first devices and the second device may be that any one of the first devices successfully sends data and / or signaling to the second device, or that any one of the first devices successfully receives data and / or signaling sent by the second device.

[0168] In some embodiments, the second communication state includes at least one of the following: the network device is unsure of the association between the second device and the target first device; the network device is unsure that the second device is within the coverage range of the target first device; the network device is unsure whether the second device is communicating with the target first device; the network device is unsure whether the second device has previously communicated with the target first device; the network device is unsure whether the second device has previously communicated indirectly with the target first device; or the network device is unsure of the location of the second device. In other words, in the second communication state, the association between the target first device and the second device is considered to be fluid, unknown, or uncertain to the network device. Therefore, when the network device needs or desires to communicate with the second device, it is difficult to accurately trigger one or more target first devices to assist in indirect communication, and indirect communication must be established through trial and error. Alternatively, the network device can cause each first device in the cell to attempt to communicate with the second device, i.e., the network device triggers each first device in the cell to communicate with the second device. Alternatively, multiple first devices in the cell can be simultaneously caused to attempt to communicate with the second device, i.e., the network device simultaneously triggers multiple first devices in the cell to attempt to communicate with the second device.

[0169] In some embodiments, the uncertainty of the association relationship between the target first device and the second device may be caused by one or more of the following reasons: the location of the target first device changes, the location of the second device changes, the location of the network device changes, the communication status of the target first device changes, the communication status of the second device changes, the communication status of the network device changes, the association relationship between the target first device and the second device fails, the second device updates the associated target first device, and the target first device updates the associated second device.

[0170] For example, when a network device needs or expects to communicate with a second device A, the network device does not know the location of the second device A. Therefore, the network device does not know which of the multiple first devices in the cell can communicate with the second device. In this case, the network device needs to trigger multiple first devices or even all first devices in the cell to attempt to communicate with the second device. When a first device (such as first device B) successfully communicates with the second device A, that is, when first device B successfully assists the network device in indirect communication with the second device A, the first device B can be considered to be associated with the second device A during the next first time period. If the network device subsequently needs or expects to communicate with the second device A, it can directly schedule, trigger, instruct, or control the first device B to communicate with the second device A. Optionally, if the first time period is exceeded, the association between the first device B and the second device A can be considered invalid, that is, the network device can no longer communicate indirectly with the second device A through the assistance of the first device B. In this case, the network device can schedule the first device B again to determine whether the indirect communication is successful, or the network device can trigger multiple or all first devices in the cell to attempt to communicate with the second device A.

[0171] For example, as shown in FIG12 , due to a change in the location of first device 1102, communication between first device 1102 and second device 1105 is impossible. Alternatively, the association between first device 1102 and second device 1105 becomes invalid. Consequently, network device 1101 is unable to indirectly communicate with second device 1105 by triggering first device 1102. Network device 1101 can trigger first device 1102, first device 1103, and first device 1104 one by one until one of the first devices successfully communicates with second device 1105. Similarly, second device 1107 moves outside the coverage area of ​​first device 1104, resulting in a communication failure between first device 1104 and second device 1107. Consequently, network device 1101 is unable to indirectly communicate with second device 1107 by triggering first device 1104. The network device 1101 may trigger the first device 1102 , the first device 1103 , and the first device 1104 one by one until one of the first devices successfully communicates with the second device 1107 .

[0172] The time-frequency resources used in the communication between the first device and the second device triggered by the first signal may be random or specific.

[0173] In some embodiments, the time and frequency resources used for communication between the first device and the second device are agreed upon by a communication protocol, or configured by a network device, or determined by negotiation between the network device and the first device, or determined by negotiation between the first device and the second device.

[0174] In some embodiments, the time-frequency resources used for communication between the first device and the second device are dynamically configured by the network device, or semi-statically configured by the network device, or semi-statically configured by the network device and dynamically activated.

[0175] Dynamic configuration / dynamic activation is achieved, for example, through control signaling or DCI, and semi-static configuration is achieved, for example, through broadcast signals, paging signals, dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or media access control (MAC) control elements (CE).

[0176] The following mainly describes the time domain resources used for communication between the first device and the second device. For details about frequency domain resources, please refer to the design of time domain resources. For ease of explanation, the time domain resources used for communication between the first device and the second device are referred to as first time domain resources.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device within the first time domain resource. It can also be understood that the communication between the first device and the second device triggered / scheduled / controlled / instructed by the first signal is performed within the first time domain resource.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or configured by a network device, or determined by negotiation between the network device and the first device, or determined by negotiation between the first device and the second device.

[0179] Exemplarily, the first signal sent by the network device carries configuration information of the first time domain resource.

[0180] In some embodiments, the length of the first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or configured by a network device, or determined by negotiation between the network device and the first device, or determined by negotiation between the first device and the second device. The length of the first time domain resource can also be understood as the number of time domain units included in the first time domain resource. In an embodiment of the present application, the time domain unit includes at least one of the following: frame, subframe, slot, mini-slot, subslot, symbol, symbol group, and time domain unit based on other time domain units.

[0181] In some embodiments, the location of the first time domain resource is determined based on the first signal. Optionally, the first signal indicates a starting location and / or an ending location of the first time domain resource. Optionally, the location of the first time domain resource is determined based on a transmission timing and / or a reception timing of the first signal.

[0182] In some embodiments, the location of the first time domain resource is determined based on a fourth signal. Optionally, the fourth signal indicates a starting location and / or an ending location of the first time domain resource. Optionally, the location of the first time domain resource is determined based on a sending timing and / or a receiving timing of the fourth signal.

[0183] In some embodiments, the fourth signal is sent by the network device to the first device, and the fourth signal is different from the first signal. Exemplarily, the fourth signal is a synchronization signal used for time domain synchronization and / or frequency domain synchronization of the first device. Exemplarily, the fourth signal is a reference signal. Exemplarily, the fourth signal carries a system message. Exemplarily, the fourth signal is a broadcast signal.

[0184] In some embodiments, the position of the first time domain resource satisfies at least one of the following: the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the first offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the second offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the third offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal The first offset value to the eighth offset value all represent offsets in the time domain.

[0185] In some embodiments, the starting position of the first time domain resource is equal to the transmission timing of the first signal. Alternatively, the starting position of the first time domain resource is equal to the transmission timing of the first signal plus the first offset value. Alternatively, the starting position of the first time domain resource is equal to the reception timing of the first signal. Alternatively, the starting position of the first time domain resource is equal to the reception timing of the first signal plus the third offset value. Alternatively, the starting position of the first time domain resource is equal to the transmission timing of the fourth signal. Alternatively, the starting position of the first time domain resource is equal to the transmission timing of the fourth signal plus the fifth offset value. Alternatively, the starting position of the first time domain resource is equal to the reception timing of the fourth signal. Alternatively, the starting position of the first time domain resource is equal to the reception timing of the fourth signal plus the seventh offset value.

[0186] In some embodiments, the end position of the first time domain resource is equal to the transmission timing of the first signal. Alternatively, the end position of the first time domain resource is equal to the transmission timing of the first signal plus the second offset value. Alternatively, the end position of the first time domain resource is equal to the reception timing of the first signal. Alternatively, the end position of the first time domain resource is equal to the reception timing of the first signal plus the fourth offset value. Alternatively, the end position of the first time domain resource is equal to the transmission timing of the fourth signal. Alternatively, the end position of the first time domain resource is equal to the transmission timing of the fourth signal plus the sixth offset value. Alternatively, the end position of the first time domain resource is equal to the reception timing of the fourth signal. Alternatively, the end position of the first time domain resource is equal to the reception timing of the fourth signal plus the eighth offset value.

[0187] Optionally, one or more of the first offset value, the second offset value, the third offset value, the fourth offset value, the fifth offset value, the sixth offset value, the seventh offset value and the eighth offset value are agreed upon by the communication protocol, or indicated by the network device, or determined by negotiation between the network device and the first device.

[0188] Optionally, the first offset value, the second offset value, the third offset value, the fourth offset value, the fifth offset value, the sixth offset value, the seventh offset value and the eighth offset value are all different, or all the same, or some of the offset values ​​are the same.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first time domain resource includes a first time window.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are the same, that is, different first devices use the same first time domain resources to communicate with the second device. Alternatively, the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are partially overlapping, that is, the first time domain resources used by different first devices to communicate with the second device are partially the same. Alternatively, the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are different, that is, different first devices use different first time domain resources to communicate with the second device. Exemplarily, the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are time division multiplexed (TDM).

[0191] Optionally, the first time domain resource includes several time domain units, the same first time domain resources means that the several time domain units are the same, different first time domain resources means that the several time domain units are different, and partial overlap of the first time domain resources means that there are overlapping time domain units within the several time domain units.

[0192] For example, as shown in FIG13(a), the first time windows corresponding to the first device 1301, the second device 1302, and the third device 1303 are TDM. As shown in FIG13(b), the first time windows corresponding to the first device 1301, the second device 1302, and the third device 1303 are the same. As shown in FIG13(c), the first time windows corresponding to the first device 1301, the second device 1302, and the third device 1303 partially overlap.

[0193] In some embodiments, all first devices within a cell can be divided into several first device groups, that is, the coverage range of the network device includes at least one first device group. Optionally, the first time domain resources corresponding to all first devices in the same first device group are the same. Optionally, the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are the same, that is, different first device groups use the same first time domain resources to communicate with the second device. Optionally, the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are partially overlapping, that is, the first time domain resources used by different first device groups to communicate with the second device are partially the same. Alternatively, the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are different, that is, different first device groups use different first time domain resources to communicate with the second device. Exemplarily, the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are TDM. Optionally, the number of first devices included in different first device groups is the same or different.

[0194] Exemplarily, it is assumed that the cell includes three intermediate node groups, namely intermediate node group 1410, intermediate node group 1420, and intermediate node group 1430. Among them, intermediate node group 1410 includes intermediate node 1412 and intermediate node 1414. Intermediate node group 1420 includes intermediate node 1422, intermediate node 1424, and intermediate node 1426. Intermediate node group 1430 includes intermediate node 1432 and intermediate node 1434. Optionally, the first time windows corresponding to all intermediate nodes in the same intermediate node group are the same. As shown in (a) of Figure 14, the first time windows corresponding to the three intermediate node groups are TDM. As shown in (b) of Figure 14, the first time windows corresponding to the three intermediate node groups are the same. As shown in (c) of Figure 14, the first time windows corresponding to the three intermediate node groups partially overlap.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first time windows corresponding to different first device groups are TDM-ed within the same time domain resource segment, for example, the first time windows corresponding to different first device groups are TDM-ed within the same frame. Alternatively, the first time windows corresponding to different first device groups partially overlap within the same time domain resource segment, for example, the first time windows corresponding to different first device groups have overlapping time slots / symbols within the same frame.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first time domain resource is updated by the first device, or is updated by negotiation between the first device and the network device. Exemplarily, the first time domain resource is extended or terminated early based on the communication result between the first device and the second device. For example, the starting position of the first time domain resource and / or the ending position of the first time domain resource are changed, and / or the length of the first time domain resource are changed.

[0197] Exemplarily, if the first device completes communication with the second device ahead of schedule, the first device may send Uu signaling to the network device to notify or negotiate the early termination of the first time window. Exemplarily, if the first device cannot complete communication with the second device even after the first time window expires, the first device may send Uu signaling to the network device to notify or negotiate the extension of the first time window.

[0198] FIG15 is a flow chart showing a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application, which is performed by a network device, a first device, and a second device. The method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0199] Step 1501: A network device sends a first signal to a first device.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to trigger / schedule / control / instruct the first device to communicate with the second device.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first signal carries control information and / or data, wherein the control information is used to control the second device to send data and / or signaling to the first device.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first signal carries configuration information of a first time window. The first time window is a time window for communication between the first device and the second device.

[0203] In some embodiments, in the first communication state, the network device sends a first signal to the target first device. In the second communication state, the network device sends the first signal to at least one first device in the cell one by one until any first device in the cell successfully communicates with the second device.

[0204] In some embodiments, in the second communication state, a first signal is sent to at least one first device in the cell by groupcast, multicast, or broadcast, until any first device in the cell successfully communicates with the second device.

[0205] In some embodiments, the network device further transmits a fourth signal to the first device, where the fourth signal is different from the first signal. Exemplarily, the fourth signal is a synchronization signal used for time domain synchronization and / or frequency domain synchronization of the first device. Exemplarily, the fourth signal is a reference signal. Exemplarily, the fourth signal carries a system message. Exemplarily, the fourth signal is a broadcast signal.

[0206] In some embodiments, if there is one first device, it can also be understood that the network device triggers / schedules / controls / instructs one first device to assist in indirect communication. Alternatively, if there are multiple first devices, it can also be understood that the network device simultaneously triggers / schedules / controls / instructs multiple first devices to assist in indirect communication.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to trigger at least one of the following communications: communication between a single first device and a single second device; communication between a single first device and multiple second devices; communication between multiple first devices and a single second device; communication between multiple first devices and multiple second devices; one communication between the first device and the second device; multiple communications between the first device and the second device.

[0208] For other related content, please refer to the previous article and will not be repeated here.

[0209] Step 1502: The first device sends a second signal to the second device.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first device sends a second signal to the second device within a first time domain resource (such as a first time window).

[0211] In some embodiments, the second signal carries signaling and / or data.

[0212] In some embodiments, the second signal is used to forward control information and / or data carried by the first signal.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first time window is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or configured by the network device, or negotiated between the first device and the network device.

[0214] In some embodiments, the starting position and / or ending position of the first time window is determined based on the first signal and the time domain offset. For details, please refer to the above-mentioned "position of the first time domain resource".

[0215] In some embodiments, the starting position and / or the ending position of the first time window is determined according to the fourth signal and the time domain offset. For details, please refer to the relevant content of the above "position of the first time domain resource".

[0216] In some embodiments, the first device updates the first time window, or the first device negotiates with the network device to update the first time window.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first device initiates communication with the second device within the first time window at a time domain unit indicated / configured by the network device. That is, the time domain unit within the first time window used by the first device to send the second signal is indicated / configured by the network device.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first device sends the second signal using pre-configured semi-static communication uplink resources, such as configured grant (CG)-physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first device randomly selects a time domain unit within the first time window to initiate communication with the second device. That is, the first device randomly selects a time domain unit within the first time window to send the second signal.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first device selects a time domain unit for sending the second signal based on at least one of the following: an identifier of the first device, a group identifier of the first device, an identifier of the second device, a group identifier of the second device, a service type, and a payload size of the second signal.

[0221] Among them, the identification of the first device includes at least one of the following: the network identification (Network Identity, Network ID) of the first device, the access identification (Access ID) of the first device, the physical identification (Physical ID) of the first device, and the hardware identification of the first device. The group identification (Group ID) of the first device refers to the identification of the first device group where the first device is located, for example, it includes at least one of the following: the network ID of the first device group, the access group identification (AG ID) of the first device, the physical ID of the first device group, and the hardware identification of the first device group. The identification of the second device includes at least one of the following: the network ID of the second device, the access ID of the second device, the physical ID of the second device, and the hardware identification of the second device. The group identification of the second device refers to the identification of the second device group where the second device is located, for example, it includes at least one of the following: the network ID of the second device group, the AG ID of the second device, the physical ID of the second device group, and the hardware identification of the second device group.

[0222] Exemplarily, the first device selects a time domain unit for sending the second signal based on the identifier of the first device and / or the group identifier of the first device. Exemplarily, the first device selects a time domain unit for sending the second signal based on the identifier of the second device and / or the group identifier of the second device. Exemplarily, the first device selects a time domain unit for sending the second signal based on the identifier of the first device and / or the identifier of the second device group. Exemplarily, the first device selects a time domain unit for sending the second signal based on the identifier of the first device group and / or the identifier of the second device group. Exemplarily, the first device selects a time domain unit for sending the second signal based on the identifier of the first device and / or the identifier of the second device group. Exemplarily, the first device selects a time domain unit for sending the second signal based on the identifier of the first device group and / or the identifier of the second device.

[0223] In some embodiments, if there are multiple first devices and the first time windows corresponding to the multiple first devices are the same, then different first devices may send the second signal in different time domain units within the first time window.

[0224] In some embodiments, if there are multiple first devices and the first time windows corresponding to these multiple first devices are different or partially overlapped, then each first device can determine the time domain unit for communication based on the configuration of the network device or autonomous selection (for example, based on the identification of the first device / second device, group identification).

[0225] In some embodiments, the number of second devices is one, that is, the first device can communicate with one second device under the triggering / scheduling / control / instruction of the network device. Alternatively, the number of second devices is multiple, that is, the first device can communicate with at least two second devices under the triggering / scheduling / control / instruction of the network device.

[0226] In some embodiments, step 1502 is performed once, that is, the first device sends the second signal only once within the first time window. Alternatively, step 1502 is performed multiple times, that is, the first device sends the second signal multiple times within the first time window.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first device initiates multiple communications with the same second device within the first time window, that is, the first device sends the second signal to the same second device multiple times within the first time window.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first device initiates communication with multiple second devices within the first time window, that is, sends the second signal to at least two second devices respectively within the first time window.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first device initiates communication with the same second device only once within the first time window, that is, the first device can send the second signal to the same second device at most once within the first time window.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first device sends the second signal to the second device in a frequency division duplexing (FDD) frequency band. Alternatively, the first device sends the second signal to the second device in a time division duplexing (TDD) frequency band.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first device sends a second signal to the second device on an uplink time domain resource corresponding to the TDD frequency band, and receives a third signal from the second device on a downlink time domain resource corresponding to the TDD frequency band.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first device sends a second signal to the second device in an uplink frequency band within the TDD frequency band, and receives a third signal from the second device in a downlink frequency band within the TDD frequency band.

[0233] It should be noted that step 1502 is an optional step.

[0234] Step 1503: The second device sends a third signal to the first device.

[0235] In some embodiments, the second device sends a third signal to the first device within a first time domain resource (such as a first time window), wherein the third signal carries signaling and / or data.

[0236] Step 1503 may be performed once or multiple times. For example, within the first time window, the second device sends the third signal to the first device only once. For another example, within the first time window, the second device sends the third signal to the first device multiple times.

[0237] In some embodiments, the second device communicates with the second device in the first time window at the time domain unit indicated / configured by the network device. That is, the time domain unit in the first time window used by the second device to send the third signal is indicated / configured by the network device.

[0238] In some embodiments, the second device randomly selects a time domain unit within the first time window to communicate with the second device. That is, the second device randomly selects a time domain unit within the first time window to send the third signal.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second device selects a time domain unit for sending the third signal based on at least one of the following: an identifier of the first device, a group identifier of the first device, an identifier of the second device, a group identifier of the second device, a service type, and a payload size of the third signal.

[0240] In some embodiments, a time interval exists between the time domain unit used to transmit the third signal and the time domain unit used to transmit the second signal. Optionally, the time interval is determined by the second device, negotiated between the first device and the second device, negotiated between the first device and the network device, configured by the network device, or agreed upon by a communication protocol.

[0241] In some embodiments, the number of first devices is one, that is, the second device can communicate with one first device. Alternatively, the number of first devices is multiple, that is, the second device can communicate with at least two first devices.

[0242] In some embodiments, step 1503 is performed once, that is, the second device sends the third signal only once within the first time window. Alternatively, step 1503 is performed multiple times, that is, the second device sends the third signal multiple times within the first time window.

[0243] In some embodiments, the second device communicates with the same first device multiple times within the first time window, that is, the second device sends the third signal to the same first device multiple times within the first time window.

[0244] In some embodiments, the second device communicates with multiple first devices within the first time window, that is, the second device sends the third signal to at least two first devices respectively within the first time window.

[0245] In some embodiments, the second device initiates communication with the same first device only once within the first time window, that is, the second device can only send the third signal to the same first device at most once within the first time window.

[0246] In some embodiments, the second device sends the third signal to the first device in an FDD frequency band. Alternatively, the second device sends the third signal to the first device in a TDD frequency band.

[0247] In some embodiments, the second device determines the first time domain resource and / or determines the time domain unit used by the third signal within the first time domain resource. The second device may determine the first time domain resource with reference to the first device determining the first time domain resource.

[0248] It should be noted that step 1503 is an optional step.

[0249] Step 1504: The first device sends a fifth signal to the network device.

[0250] In some embodiments, the fifth signal is used to feed back a communication result between the first device and the second device.

[0251] In some embodiments, the communication result between the first device and the second device includes at least one of the following: data related to the second device, signaling related to the second device, data sent by the second device to the first device, signaling sent by the second device to the first device, the presence of the second device within the coverage of the first device, successful communication between the first device and the second device, the absence of the second device within the coverage of the first device, failed communication between the first device and the second device, the quality of communication between the first device and the second device, the presence of the second device within the coverage of the first device, and whether the second device is within the coverage of the first device. Among them, whether the second device is within the coverage of the first device, the quality of communication between the first device and the second device, the presence of the second device within the coverage of the first device, and whether the second device is within the coverage of the first device can also be collectively referred to as measurement results.

[0252] In some embodiments, the fifth signal may be referred to as a feedback signal.

[0253] In some embodiments, the time-frequency resources used by the fifth signal are agreed upon by a communication protocol, or configured by a network device, or negotiated between the first device and the network device, or determined by the first device.

[0254] In some embodiments, the time domain resource used by the fifth signal is referred to as a second time domain resource. The second time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or configured by a network device, or negotiated between the first device and the network device.

[0255] In some embodiments, the second time domain resource is associated with the first signal, or the second time domain resource is associated with the first time domain resource.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first signal indicates a starting position and / or an ending position of the second time domain resource.

[0257] In some embodiments, the position of the second time domain resource is determined according to at least one of the following: a sending timing of the first signal, a receiving timing of the first signal, a starting position of the first time domain resource, and an ending position of the first time domain resource.

[0258] In some embodiments, the position of the second time domain resource satisfies at least one of the following: the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the first time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the second time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the third time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the fourth time interval. interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the starting position of the first time domain resource; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the starting position of the first time domain resource; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the ending position of the first time domain resource; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the ending position of the first time domain resource; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the starting position of the first time domain resource and the fifth time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the starting position of the first time domain resource and the sixth time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the ending position of the first time domain resource and the seventh time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the ending position of the first time domain resource and the eighth time interval.

[0259] In some embodiments, the starting position of the second time domain resource is equal to the transmission timing of the first signal. Alternatively, the starting position of the second time domain resource is equal to the transmission timing of the first signal plus the first time interval. Alternatively, the starting position of the second time domain resource is equal to the reception timing of the first signal. Alternatively, the starting position of the second time domain resource is equal to the reception timing of the first signal plus the third time interval. Alternatively, the starting position of the second time domain resource is equal to the starting position of the first time domain resource. Alternatively, the starting position of the second time domain resource is equal to the starting position of the first time domain resource plus the fifth time interval. Alternatively, the starting position of the second time domain resource is equal to the ending position of the first time domain resource. Alternatively, the starting position of the second time domain resource is equal to the ending position of the first time domain resource plus the seventh time interval.

[0260] In some embodiments, the end position of the second time domain resource is equal to the transmission timing of the first signal. Alternatively, the end position of the second time domain resource is equal to the transmission timing of the first signal plus the second time interval. Alternatively, the end position of the second time domain resource is equal to the reception timing of the first signal. Alternatively, the end position of the second time domain resource is equal to the reception timing of the first signal plus the fourth time interval. The end position of the second time domain resource is equal to the starting position of the first time domain resource. Alternatively, the end position of the second time domain resource is equal to the starting position of the first time domain resource plus the sixth time interval. Alternatively, the end position of the second time domain resource is equal to the end position of the first time domain resource. Alternatively, the end position of the second time domain resource is equal to the end position of the first time domain resource plus the eighth time interval.

[0261] Optionally, one or more of the first time interval, the second time interval, the third time interval, the fourth time interval, the fifth time interval, the sixth time interval, the seventh time interval and the eighth time interval is agreed upon by the communication protocol, or indicated by the network device, or determined by negotiation between the network device and the first device.

[0262] Optionally, the first time interval, the second time interval, the third time interval, the fourth time interval, the fifth time interval, the sixth time interval, the seventh time interval and the eighth time interval are all different, or all the same, or some of the time intervals are the same.

[0263] In some embodiments, the second time domain resource includes the time domain unit immediately following the end of the first time domain resource (eg, the first time window), that is, the second time domain resource includes the first time domain unit after the end of the first time domain resource.

[0264] In some embodiments, the second time domain resource includes the first time domain unit available for communication between the first device and the network device after the first time domain resource ends. In other words, the second time domain resource includes the nearest time domain unit available for communication between the first device and the network device after the first time domain resource ends.

[0265] In some embodiments, the first device sends the fifth signal in the second time domain resource at a time domain unit indicated / configured by the network device. That is, the time domain unit in the second time domain resource used by the first device to send the fifth signal is indicated / configured by the network device.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first device sends the second signal using pre-configured semi-static communication uplink resources, such as CG-PUSCH resources.

[0267] In some embodiments, the first device randomly selects a time domain unit within the second time domain resource to send the fifth signal.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first device selects a time domain unit for sending the fifth signal based on at least one of the following: an identifier of the first device, a group identifier of the first device, an identifier of the second device, a group identifier of the second device, a service type, a payload size of the second signal, an identifier of the network device, and a group identifier of the network device.

[0269] In some embodiments, the second time domain resources used by different first devices to send the fifth signal are TDM or partial TDM.

[0270] In some embodiments, the network device monitors the fifth signal on the second time domain resources corresponding to all first devices.

[0271] In some embodiments, the network device determines the target first device associated with the second device based on the received fifth signal.

[0272] In some embodiments, the second time domain resource includes a second time window.

[0273] In some embodiments, the second time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are the same, that is, different first devices use the same second time domain resources to send the fifth signal to the network device. Alternatively, the second time domain resources corresponding to different first devices partially overlap, that is, the second time domain resources used by different first devices to send the fifth signal are partially the same. Alternatively, the second time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are different, that is, different first devices use different second time domain resources to send the fifth signal. Exemplarily, the second time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are TDM.

[0274] In some embodiments, all first devices within a cell can be divided into several first device groups, that is, the coverage range of the network device includes at least one first device group. Optionally, the second time domain resources corresponding to all first devices in the same first device group are the same. Optionally, the second time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are the same, that is, different first device groups use the same second time domain resources to send the fifth signal. Optionally, the second time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are partially overlapping, that is, the second time domain resources used by different first device groups to send the fifth signal are partially the same. Alternatively, the second time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are different, that is, different first device groups use different second time domain resources to send the fifth signal. Exemplarily, the second time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are TDM. Optionally, the number of first devices included in different first device groups is the same or different.

[0275] It should be noted that step 1504 is an optional step.

[0276] In summary, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application supports triggering a first device to assist in indirect communication between a network device and a second device through a first signal, providing a specific and feasible solution for indirect communication. Furthermore, a flexible usage scheme is designed for the time-frequency resources required for communication between the first device and the second device, supporting single or multiple communications between the first device and the second device within the first time domain resources, meeting various possible communication needs. It also supports the first device feeding back the communication results between itself and the second device to the network device, so that the network device can obtain information about the second device in a timely manner, which helps maintain the first communication status.

[0277] Figure 16 shows a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. A network device sends a first signal to a first device in time domain unit #a. The first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device in a first time window. The first signal carries configuration information for the first time window. There is a time domain offset of Δt1 between the start position of the first time window and the timing of sending the first signal. The first device randomly selects or determines based on the configuration of the network device to send a second signal to the second device in time domain unit #b within the first time window. The second device randomly selects or determines based on the configuration of the network device to send a third signal to the first device in time domain unit #c within the first time window. There is a time interval of Δt2 between time domain unit #b and time domain unit #c. After the end of the first time window, the first device sends a fifth signal to the network device in time domain unit #d. The fifth signal is used to provide feedback on the communication results / measurement results between the first device and the second device. There is a time interval of Δt3 between time domain unit #d and the end position of the first time window.

[0278] Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. A network device transmits a first signal to a first device in time domain unit #a. The first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device in a first time window. The network device transmits a fourth signal to the first device in time domain unit #b. The fourth signal is a synchronization signal or reference signal. There is a time domain offset of Δt1 between the start position of the first time window and the timing of transmitting the fourth signal. The first device randomly selects a time domain unit #c within the first time window or determines based on the configuration of the network device to transmit a second signal to the second device. The second device randomly selects a time domain unit #d within the first time window or determines based on the configuration of the network device to transmit a third signal to the first device. There is a time interval of Δt2 between time domain units #c and #d. After the end of the first time window, the first device transmits a fifth signal to the network device in time domain unit #e. The fifth signal is used to provide feedback on the communication results / measurement results between the first device and the second device. Time domain unit #e is the first time domain unit after the end of the first time window.

[0279] Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. A network device sends a first signal to a first device in time domain unit #a. The first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device in a first time window. The first signal carries the configuration information of the first time window. There is a time domain offset of Δt1 between the starting position of the first time window and the reception timing of the first signal. The first device randomly selects or determines based on the configuration of the network device to send a second signal to multiple second devices in multiple time domain units within the first time window. Multiple second devices randomly select or determine based on the configuration of the network device to send a third signal to the first device in multiple time domain units within the first time window. Even if the first device cannot complete communication with the multiple second devices after the first time window ends, the first device autonomously extends the first time window, or the first device negotiates with the network device to extend the first time window (for example, the first device sends a negotiation request to the network device, and the network device sends a negotiation response to the first device). After the extended first time window ends, the first device sends a fifth signal to the network device in time domain unit #d. The fifth signal is used to feedback the communication results / measurement results between the first device and the second device. There is a time interval of Δt3 between the time domain unit #d and the end position of the extended first time window.

[0280] Figure 19 shows a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. A network device sends a first signal to a first device in time domain unit #a. The first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device in a first time window. The first signal carries configuration information for the first time window. There is a time domain offset of Δt1 between the start position of the first time window and the timing of receiving the first signal. The first device randomly selects or determines based on the configuration of the network device to send a second signal to the second device in time domain unit #b within the first time window. The second device randomly selects or determines based on the configuration of the network device to send a third signal to the first device in time domain unit #c within the first time window. There is a time interval of Δt2 between time domain units #b and #c. The first device completes communication with the second device before the end of the first time window. The first device autonomously shortens the first time window, or the first device negotiates with the network device to shorten the first time window (for example, the first device sends a negotiation request to the network device, and the network device sends a negotiation response to the first device). After the first time window ends prematurely, the first device sends a fifth signal to the network device in time domain unit #d. The fifth signal provides feedback on the communication results / measurement results between the first and second devices. There is a time interval of Δt3 between the time domain unit #d and the end position of the first time window.

[0281] FIG20 shows a block diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The device may be implemented as, or part of, the aforementioned network device. The device includes a sending module 2010. Optionally, the device also includes a processing module 2030 and / or a receiving module 2050.

[0282] The sending module 2010 is configured to send a first signal, where the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device.

[0283] In some embodiments, the sending module 2010 is configured to: send the first signal to a target first device in a first communication state; and / or send the first signal to at least one first device in a cell in a second communication state.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first communication state includes at least one of the following states: the device determines the association relationship between the second device and the target first device; the device determines that the second device is within the coverage range of the target first device; the device determines that the second device communicates with the target first device; the device determines the location of the second device.

[0285] In some embodiments, the second communication state includes at least one of the following states: the device is not sure about the association relationship between the second device and the target first device; the device is not sure about whether the second device is within the coverage range of the target first device; the device is not sure about whether the second device communicates with the target first device; the device is not sure about the location of the second device.

[0286] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a processing module 2030 configured to determine the first communication state, and / or maintain the first communication state, and / or determine the second communication state.

[0287] In some embodiments, the processing module 2030 is used to perform at least one of the following operations: determining the target first device associated with the second device; determining whether the association relationship between the second device and the target first device is valid; updating the target first device associated with the second device; and updating the second device associated with the target first device.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first signal is a unicast signal, or a broadcast signal, or a multicast signal, or a groupcast signal.

[0289] In some embodiments, in the first communication state, the first signal is a dynamic scheduling signal.

[0290] In some embodiments, in the first communication state, the first signal is a unicast signal.

[0291] In some embodiments, the sending module 2010 is configured to send the first signal to at least one first device in the cell one by one in the second communication state until any first device in the cell successfully communicates with the second device.

[0292] In some embodiments, the sending module 2010 is used to send the first signal to at least one first device in the cell in a groupcast, multicast or broadcast manner in the second communication state until any first device in the cell successfully communicates with the second device.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first signal carries control information and / or data, and the control information is used to control the second device to send data.

[0294] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device within a first time domain resource.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the first time domain resource is configured by the apparatus, or the first time domain resource is negotiated between the first device and the apparatus.

[0296] In some embodiments, the length of the first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the length of the first time domain resource is configured by the apparatus, or the length of the first time domain resource is negotiated between the first device and the apparatus.

[0297] In some embodiments, the position of the first time domain resource is determined based on at least one of the following: the sending timing of the first signal, the receiving timing of the first signal, the sending timing of the fourth signal, and the receiving timing of the fourth signal; wherein, the fourth signal is sent by the apparatus to the first device, and the fourth signal is different from the first signal.

[0298] In some embodiments, the fourth signal comprises a synchronization signal or a reference signal.

[0299] In some embodiments, the first time domain resource satisfies at least one of the following: the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the first offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the second offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the third offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the fourth offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the fourth signal and the fifth offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the fourth signal and the sixth offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the fourth signal and the seventh offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the fourth signal and the eighth offset value.

[0300] In some embodiments, the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are completely different, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices partially overlap, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are the same.

[0301] In some embodiments, the first device includes at least one first device group; the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are completely different, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups partially overlap, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are the same.

[0302] In some embodiments, the first time domain resource includes a first time window.

[0303] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a receiving module 2050 configured to receive a fifth signal, where the fifth signal is used to feed back a communication result between the first device and the second device.

[0304] In some embodiments, the communication result between the first device and the second device includes at least one of the following: data related to the second device, signaling related to the second device, data sent by the second device to the first device, signaling sent by the second device to the first device, the presence of the second device within the coverage of the first device, successful communication between the first device and the second device, the absence of the second device within the coverage of the first device, failure of communication between the first device and the second device, communication quality between the first device and the second device, the presence of the second device within the coverage of the first device, and whether the second device is within the coverage of the first device.

[0305] In some embodiments, the fifth signal uses a second time domain resource; the second time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the second time domain resource is configured by the apparatus, or the second time domain resource is negotiated between the first device and the apparatus.

[0306] In some embodiments, the second time domain resource is associated with the first signal, or the second time domain resource is associated with the first time domain resource.

[0307] In some embodiments, the position of the second time domain resource is determined according to at least one of the following: a sending timing of the first signal, a receiving timing of the first signal, a starting position of the first time domain resource, and an ending position of the first time domain resource.

[0308] In some embodiments, the second time domain resource satisfies at least one of the following: the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the first time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the second time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the third time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the fourth time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the starting position of the first time domain resource and the fifth time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the starting position of the first time domain resource and the sixth time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the ending position of the first time domain resource and the seventh time interval; and the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the ending position of the first time domain resource and the eighth time interval.

[0309] In some embodiments, the time domain unit used for communication between the first device and the second device is determined by at least one of the following methods: random selection; determination based on the identification of the first device; determination based on the group identification of the first device; determination based on the identification of the second device; determination based on the group identification of the second device; determination based on the configuration of the device.

[0310] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to trigger at least one of the following communications: communication between a single first device and a single second device; communication between a single first device and multiple second devices; communication between multiple first devices and a single second device; communication between multiple first devices and multiple second devices; one communication between the first device and the second device; multiple communications between the first device and the second device.

[0311] In some embodiments, the sending module 2010 is used to perform one or more of the following steps: step 820, step 1501.

[0312] In some embodiments, the processing module 2030 is used to execute the operations or steps related to processing, determination, negotiation, judgment, and maintenance performed by the network device in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0313] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2050 is used to execute the reception-related operations or steps performed by the network device in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0314] In summary, the apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present application supports triggering a first device to assist communication between the apparatus and a second device via a first signal, providing a specific and feasible indirect communication solution that helps ensure the reliability, success rate, and efficiency of indirect communication. The design of the first and second communication states significantly enhances the flexibility and reliability of indirect communication.

[0315] Figure 21 shows a block diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The device may be implemented as the first device described above, or may be implemented as a portion of the first device described above. The device includes a receiving module 2110. Optionally, the device also includes a sending module 2130 and / or a processing module 2150.

[0316] The receiving module 2110 is configured to receive a first signal, where the first signal is configured to trigger the apparatus to communicate with a second device.

[0317] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a sending module 2130 configured to send a second signal to the second device.

[0318] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2110 is configured to receive a third signal sent by the second device.

[0319] In some embodiments, the sending module 2130 is used to perform at least one of the following: sending the second signal to one second device; sending the second signal to multiple second devices; sending the second signal to one second device multiple times; sending the second signal to multiple second devices multiple times.

[0320] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2110 is used to perform at least one of the following: receiving the third signal sent by one second device; receiving the third signal sent by multiple second devices; receiving the third signal sent by one second device multiple times; receiving the third signal sent by multiple second devices multiple times.

[0321] In some embodiments, the second signal and / or the third signal is transmitted within a first time domain resource.

[0322] In some embodiments, the first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the first time domain resource is configured by a network device, or the first time domain resource is negotiated between the apparatus and the network device.

[0323] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a processing module 2150 configured to determine the first time domain resource.

[0324] In some embodiments, the length of the first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the length of the first time domain resource is configured by the network device, or the length of the first time domain resource is negotiated between the apparatus and the network device.

[0325] In some embodiments, the processing module 2150 is configured to determine the length and / or starting position and / or ending position of the first time domain resource.

[0326] In some embodiments, the position of the first time domain resource is determined based on at least one of the following: the sending timing of the first signal, the receiving timing of the first signal, the sending timing of the fourth signal, and the receiving timing of the fourth signal; wherein, the fourth signal is sent by the network device to the apparatus, and the fourth signal is different from the first signal.

[0327] In some embodiments, the fourth signal comprises a synchronization signal or a reference signal.

[0328] In some embodiments, the first time domain resource satisfies at least one of the following: the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the first offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the second offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the third offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the fourth offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the fourth signal and the fifth offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the fourth signal and the sixth offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the fourth signal and the seventh offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the fourth signal and the eighth offset value.

[0329] In some embodiments, the first time domain resources corresponding to different devices are completely different, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different devices partially overlap, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different devices are the same.

[0330] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes at least one first device group; the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are completely different, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups partially overlap, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are the same.

[0331] In some embodiments, the time domain unit used by the second signal within the first time domain resource is determined by the device in at least one of the following ways: random selection; determination based on the identification of the device; determination based on the group identification of the device; determination based on the identification of the second device; determination based on the group identification of the second device; determination based on the configuration of the network device.

[0332] In some embodiments, the processing module 2150 is configured to determine a time domain unit used by the second signal within the first time domain resource.

[0333] In some embodiments, the first time domain resource includes a first time window.

[0334] In some embodiments, the processing module 2150 is used to perform at least one of the following: extending the first time domain resources, shortening the first time domain resources, negotiating with the network device to extend the first time domain resources, and negotiating with the network device to shorten the first time domain resources.

[0335] In some embodiments, the second signal includes data and / or signaling, and the third signal includes data and / or signaling.

[0336] In some embodiments, the first signal is sent by the network device in a first communication state; the first communication state includes at least one of the following states: the network device determines the association relationship between the second device and the target first device; the network device determines that the second device is within the coverage range of the target first device; the network device determines that the second device communicates with the target first device; the network device determines the location of the second device.

[0337] In some embodiments, the first signal is sent by the network device in a second communication state; the second communication state includes at least one of the following states: the network device is not sure about the association relationship between the second device and the target first device; the network device is not sure about whether the second device is within the coverage range of the target first device; the network device is not sure about whether the second device communicates with the target first device; the network device is not sure about the location of the second device.

[0338] In some embodiments, the first signal is a dynamic scheduling signal.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first signal is a unicast signal, or a groupcast signal, or a multicast signal, or a broadcast signal.

[0340] In some embodiments, the first signal carries control information and / or data, and the control information is used to control the second device to send data.

[0341] In some embodiments, the sending module 2130 is configured to send a fifth signal, where the fifth signal is used to feed back a communication result between the apparatus and the second device.

[0342] In some embodiments, the communication result between the device and the second device includes at least one of the following: data related to the second device, signaling related to the second device, data sent by the second device to the device, signaling sent by the second device to the device, the presence of the second device within the coverage of the device, successful communication between the device and the second device, the absence of the second device within the coverage of the device, failure of communication between the device and the second device, the communication quality between the device and the second device, the presence of the second device within the coverage of the device, and whether the second device is within the coverage of the device.

[0343] In some embodiments, the fifth signal uses a second time domain resource; the second time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the second time domain resource is configured by a network device, or the second time domain resource is negotiated between the apparatus and the network device.

[0344] In some embodiments, the processing module 2150 is configured to determine the second time domain resource.

[0345] In some embodiments, the second time domain resource is associated with the first signal, or the second time domain resource is associated with the first time domain resource.

[0346] In some embodiments, the position of the second time domain resource is determined according to at least one of the following: a sending timing of the first signal, a receiving timing of the first signal, a starting position of the first time domain resource, and an ending position of the first time domain resource.

[0347] In some embodiments, the second time domain resource satisfies at least one of the following: the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the first time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the second time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the third time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the fourth time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the starting position of the first time domain resource and the fifth time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the starting position of the first time domain resource and the sixth time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the ending position of the first time domain resource and the seventh time interval; and the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the ending position of the first time domain resource and the eighth time interval.

[0348] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2110 is used to execute the operations or steps related to reception performed by the first device in the above embodiments, such as step 920.

[0349] In some embodiments, the sending module 2130 is used to execute the operations or steps related to sending executed by the first device in the above embodiments, such as step 1502 and step 1504.

[0350] In some embodiments, the processing module 2150 is used to execute the operations or steps related to processing, determination, negotiation, judgment, and maintenance performed by the first device in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0351] In summary, the apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present application supports communication between an auxiliary network device and a second device triggered by a first signal, providing a feasible indirect communication solution that helps ensure the reliability, success rate, and efficiency of indirect communication. Furthermore, the apparatus supports autonomous or negotiated extension or early termination of the first time domain resource, further enhancing the flexibility of indirect communication.

[0352] FIG22 shows a block diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The device may be implemented as the second device described above, or may be implemented as a portion of the second device described above. The device includes a receiving module 2210 and / or a sending module 2230. Optionally, the device also includes a processing module 2250.

[0353] The receiving module 2210 is configured to receive a second signal sent by a first device. The sending module 2230 is configured to send a third signal to the first device. The sending of the second signal and / or the third signal is triggered by the first signal.

[0354] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2210 is used to perform at least one of the following: receiving the second signal sent by one of the devices; receiving the second signal sent by multiple devices; receiving the second signal sent by one of the devices multiple times; receiving the second signal sent by multiple devices multiple times.

[0355] In some embodiments, the sending module 2230 is used to perform at least one of the following: sending the third signal to one of the devices; sending the third signal to multiple devices; sending the third signal to one of the devices multiple times; sending the third signal to multiple devices multiple times.

[0356] In some embodiments, the second signal and / or the third signal is transmitted within a first time domain resource.

[0357] In some embodiments, the first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the first time domain resource is configured by a network device, or the first time domain resource is negotiated between the first device and the network device.

[0358] In some embodiments, the length of the first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the length of the first time domain resource is configured by the network device, or the length of the first time domain resource is negotiated between the first device and the network device.

[0359] In some embodiments, the position of the first time domain resource is determined based on at least one of the following: the sending timing of the first signal, the receiving timing of the first signal, the sending timing of the fourth signal, and the receiving timing of the fourth signal; wherein, the fourth signal is sent by the network device to the first device, and the fourth signal is different from the first signal.

[0360] In some embodiments, the first time domain resource satisfies at least one of the following: the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the first offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the second offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the third offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the fourth offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the fourth signal and the fifth offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the fourth signal and the sixth offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the fourth signal and the seventh offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the fourth signal and the eighth offset value.

[0361] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a processing module 2250 configured to determine the first time domain resource.

[0362] In some embodiments, the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are completely different, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices partially overlap, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are the same.

[0363] In some embodiments, the first device includes at least one first device group; the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are completely different, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups partially overlap, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are the same.

[0364] In some embodiments, the time domain unit used by the third signal within the first time domain resource is determined by the device in at least one of the following ways: random selection; determination based on the identification of the first device; determination based on the group identification of the first device; determination based on the identification of the device; determination based on the group identification of the device; determination based on the configuration of the network device.

[0365] In some embodiments, the processing module 2250 is configured to determine a time domain unit used by the third signal in the first time domain resource.

[0366] In some embodiments, the first time domain resource includes a first time window.

[0367] In some embodiments, the second signal includes data and / or signaling, and the third signal includes data and / or signaling.

[0368] In some embodiments, the first signal is sent by the network device in a first communication state; the first communication state includes at least one of the following states: the network device determines the association relationship between the device and the target first device; the network device determines that the device is within the coverage range of the target first device; the network device determines that the device communicates with the target first device; the network device determines the location of the device.

[0369] In some embodiments, the first signal is sent by the network device in a second communication state; the second communication state includes at least one of the following states: the network device is not sure about the association relationship between the device and the target first device; the network device is not sure about the location of the device.

[0370] In some embodiments, the first signal is a dynamic scheduling signal.

[0371] In some embodiments, the first signal is a unicast signal, or a groupcast signal, or a multicast signal, or a broadcast signal.

[0372] In some embodiments, the first signal carries control information and / or data, and the control information is used to control the device to send data.

[0373] In some embodiments, the receiving module 2210 is used to execute the operations or steps related to reception performed by the second device in the above embodiments, such as step 1020.

[0374] In some embodiments, the sending module 2230 is used to execute the operations or steps related to sending executed by the second device in the above embodiments, such as step 1020 and step 1503.

[0375] In some embodiments, the processing module 2250 is used to execute the operations or steps related to processing, determination, and negotiation performed by the second device in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0376] In summary, the apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present application utilizes a first device to facilitate communication between a network device and the apparatus under the triggering of a first signal, thereby enabling indirect communication between the apparatus and the network device and improving the reliability, success rate, and efficiency of indirect communication. Furthermore, the first device communicates with the apparatus within the first time domain resource, thereby improving the utilization of the time domain resource and enhancing the efficiency and reliability of communication between the first device and the apparatus.

[0377] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in the above embodiments is merely illustrated by the division of the above functional modules when implementing its functions. In actual applications, the above functions can be distributed and completed by different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the communication device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. In addition, the apparatus and method embodiments provided in the above embodiments are based on the same concept.

[0378] Figure 23 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 2300 provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application, which includes at least one of the following: a receiver 2301, a transmitter 2302, a processor 2303, a memory 2304, and a bus (not shown in the figure). Optionally, the communication device 2300 is configured to execute some or all of the steps executed by the aforementioned network device. Optionally, the communication device 2300 is configured to execute some or all of the steps executed by the aforementioned first device.

[0379] The receiver 2301 is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter 2302 is used to implement the sending function.

[0380] In some embodiments, the receiver 2301 and the transmitter 2302 may be implemented as a communication component, which may be a communication chip, and may be referred to as a transceiver.

[0381] In some embodiments, the receiver 2301 may be used to implement the functions and steps of the above-mentioned receiving module 2050 and / or receiving module 2110 , and the transmitter 2302 may be used to implement the functions and steps of the above-mentioned sending module 2010 and / or sending module 2130 .

[0382] In some embodiments, the receiver 2301 and the transmitter 2302 can be implemented as a wireless communication component and / or a wired communication component. Optionally, the wireless communication component includes a wireless communication chip and / or a radio frequency antenna. Optionally, the wired communication component includes a wired communication chip and / or a wired interface.

[0383] The processor 2303 includes one or more processing cores, and the processor 2303 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules. In some embodiments, the processor 2303 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the processing module 2030 and / or the processing module 2150 described above.

[0384] The memory 2304 may be used to store a computer program executed by the processor 2303 , and the processor 1401 may be used to execute the computer program to implement each step in the above method embodiment.

[0385] In some embodiments, the memory 2304 may be connected to the processor 2303 as well as the receiver 2301 and the transmitter 2302 .

[0386] In addition, the memory 2304 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof. Volatile or non-volatile storage devices include but are not limited to: magnetic disks or optical disks, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory (PROM).

[0387] In some embodiments, the receiver 2301 receives signals / data independently, or the processor 2303 controls the receiver 2301 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2303 requests the receiver 2301 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2303 cooperates with the receiver 2301 to receive signals / data.

[0388] In some embodiments, the transmitter 2302 independently sends signals / data, or the processor 2303 controls the transmitter 2302 to send signals / data, or the processor 2303 requests the transmitter 2302 to send signals / data, or the processor 2303 cooperates with the transmitter 2302 to send signals / data.

[0389] For details not described in detail in this embodiment, please refer to the above embodiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0390] Figure 24 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 2400 provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application, which includes at least one of the following: a receiver 2410, a transmitter 2420, a processor 2430, a memory 2440, and a bus (not shown in the figure). The communication device 2400 can be used to perform some or all of the steps performed by the second device described above.

[0391] The receiver 2410 is used to implement a receiving function, and the transmitter 2420 is used to implement a sending function.

[0392] In some embodiments, receiver 2410 and transmitter 2420 may be implemented as a communication component, which may be a communication chip and may be referred to as a transceiver. For example, receiver 2410 and transmitter 2420 may be implemented as a wireless communication component. Optionally, the wireless communication component may include a wireless communication chip and / or a radio frequency antenna (not shown).

[0393] In some embodiments, the receiver 2410 may be used to implement the functions and steps of the above-mentioned receiving module 2210 , and the transmitter 2420 may be used to implement the functions and steps of the above-mentioned sending module 2230 .

[0394] In some embodiments, the receiver 2410 can be implemented as a first receiver 2413 and a second receiver 2415. Optionally, the first receiver 2413 and the second receiver 2415 are two independently operating receivers, that is, the receiver 2410 includes two mutually independent first receivers 2413 and second receivers 2415. Optionally, the receiver 2410 is implemented as a combined receiver of the first receiver 2413 and the second receiver 2415.

[0395] In some embodiments, the first receiver 2413 is implemented as a wake-up receiver (WUR), which can also be called a low power WUR (LP-WUR), an ultra low power WUR (ULP-WUR), a low power receiver, an ultra low power receiver, a zero power receiver, an auxiliary receiver, etc.

[0396] In some embodiments, the second receiver 2415 is implemented as a main receiver or a legacy receiver.

[0397] In some embodiments, transmitter 2420 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the aforementioned transmitting module 2230. Optionally, transmitter 2420 can be implemented as a first transmitter 2423 and / or a second transmitter 2425. Optionally, first transmitter 2423 and second transmitter 2425 are two independently operating transmitters, that is, transmitter 2420 includes two mutually independent first transmitters 2423 and second transmitters 2425. Optionally, transmitter 2420 is implemented as a combined transmitter of first transmitter 2423 and second transmitter 2425.

[0398] In some embodiments, the first transmitter 2423 is implemented as a backscatter transmitter and the second transmitter 2425 is implemented as a main transmitter.

[0399] In some embodiments, the processor 2430 and the receiver 2410 may be implemented as one module, or the processor 2430 may be implemented as a part of the receiver 2410 .

[0400] The processor 2430 includes one or more processing cores, and the processor 2430 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules. In some embodiments, the processor 2430 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the processing module 2250 described above.

[0401] The memory 2440 may be used to store a computer program executed by the processor 2430 , and the processor 2430 is used to execute the computer program to implement each step in the above method embodiment.

[0402] In some embodiments, the memory 2440 may be connected to the processor 2430 as well as the receiver 2410 and the transmitter 2420 .

[0403] In addition, the memory 2440 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, including but not limited to: magnetic or optical disks, EEPROM, EPROM, SRAM, ROM, magnetic storage, flash memory, PROM.

[0404] In some embodiments, the receiver 2410 receives signals / data independently, or the processor 2430 controls the receiver 2410 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2430 requests the receiver 2410 to receive signals / data, or the processor 2430 cooperates with the receiver 2410 to receive signals / data.

[0405] In some embodiments, the transmitter 2420 independently sends signals / data, or the processor 2430 controls the transmitter 2420 to send signals / data, or the processor 2430 requests the transmitter 2420 to send signals / data, or the processor 2430 cooperates with the transmitter 2420 to send signals / data.

[0406] For details not described in detail in this embodiment, please refer to the above embodiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0407] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a chip is further provided. The chip includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions. When the chip runs on a communication device, it is used to implement the measurement methods provided by the above-mentioned various method embodiments.

[0408] In some embodiments, the chip includes a sending module 2010. Optionally, the chip further includes a processing module 2030 and / or a receiving module 2050. For related contents, please refer to the above description and will not be repeated here.

[0409] In some embodiments, the chip includes a receiving module 2110. Optionally, the chip further includes a sending module 2130 and / or a processing module 2150. For related content, please refer to the above description and will not be repeated here.

[0410] In some embodiments, the chip includes a receiving module 2210 and / or a sending module 2230. Optionally, the chip further includes a processing module 2250. For related content, please refer to the above description and will not be repeated here.

[0411] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is further provided, in which at least one program is stored. The at least one program is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the communication method provided by the above-mentioned various method embodiments.

[0412] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a computer program product is further provided. When the computer program product is executed on a processor of a computer device, the computer device is enabled to execute the above communication method.

[0413] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a computer program is further provided. The computer program includes computer instructions. A processor of a computer device executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes the above communication method.

[0414] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps to implement the above embodiments may be accomplished by hardware, or may be accomplished by a program instructing the relevant hardware, and the program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the above-mentioned storage medium may be a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk, etc.

[0415] The above are only optional embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a network device, and includes: A first signal is sent, where the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The sending of the first signal includes: In a first communication state, sending the first signal to a target first device; and / or, In the second communication state, the first signal is sent to at least one first device in the cell.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first communication state includes at least one of the following states: the network device determines the association relationship between the second device and the target first device; the network device determines that the second device is within the coverage range of the target first device; the network device determines that the second device communicates with the target first device; The network device determines a location of the second device.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The second communication state includes at least one of the following states: the network device is not sure about the association relationship between the second device and the target first device; the network device is not sure about the second device being within the coverage range of the target first device; the network device is not sure about the second device communicating with the target first device; The network device does not determine the location of the second device.

5. The method according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that: The method further includes maintaining the first communication state.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that Maintaining the first communication state includes at least one of the following operations: determining the target first device associated with the second device; determining whether the association relationship between the second device and the target first device is valid; updating the target first device associated with the second device; and updating the second device associated with the target first device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: In the first communication state, the first signal is a dynamic scheduling signal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: In the first communication state, the first signal is a unicast signal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: The sending the first signal to at least one first device in the cell in the second communication state includes: In the second communication state, the first signal is sent to at least one first device in the cell one by one until any first device in the cell successfully communicates with the second device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: The sending the first signal to at least one first device in the cell in the second communication state includes: In the second communication state, the first signal is sent to at least one first device in the cell in a groupcast, multicast or broadcast manner until any first device in the cell successfully communicates with the second device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The first signal carries control information and / or data, and the control information is used to control the second device to send data.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device in a first time domain resource.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the first time domain resource is configured by the network device, or the first time domain resource is negotiated between the first device and the network device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The length of the first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the length of the first time domain resource is configured by the network device, or the length of the first time domain resource is negotiated between the first device and the network device.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The position of the first time domain resource is determined according to at least one of the following: the sending timing of the first signal, the receiving timing of the first signal, the sending timing of the fourth signal, and the receiving timing of the fourth signal; wherein, the fourth signal is sent by the network device to the first device, and the fourth signal is different from the first signal.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The first time domain resource satisfies at least one of the following: the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the first offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the second offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the third offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the fourth offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the fourth signal and the fifth offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the fourth signal and the sixth offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the fourth signal and the seventh offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the fourth signal and the eighth offset value.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are completely different, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices partially overlap, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are the same.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The first device includes at least one first device group; The first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are completely different, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups partially overlap, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are the same.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that: The first time domain resource includes a first time window.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that The method further comprises: A fifth signal is received, where the fifth signal is used to feed back a communication result between the first device and the second device.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The communication result between the first device and the second device includes at least one of the following: data related to the second device, signaling related to the second device, data sent by the second device to the first device, signaling sent by the second device to the first device, the presence of the second device within the coverage of the first device, successful communication between the first device and the second device, the absence of the second device within the coverage of the first device, failure of communication between the first device and the second device, communication quality between the first device and the second device, the presence of the second device within the coverage of the first device, and whether the second device is within the coverage of the first device.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The fifth signal uses a second time domain resource; The second time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the second time domain resource is configured by the network device, or the second time domain resource is negotiated between the first device and the network device.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The second time domain resource is associated with the first signal, or the second time domain resource is associated with the first time domain resource.

24. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The position of the second time domain resource is determined according to at least one of the following: a sending timing of the first signal, a receiving timing of the first signal, a starting position of the first time domain resource, and an ending position of the first time domain resource.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The second time domain resource satisfies at least one of the following: the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the first time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the second time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the third time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the fourth time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the starting position of the first time domain resource and the fifth time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the starting position of the first time domain resource and the sixth time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the ending position of the first time domain resource and the seventh time interval; and the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the ending position of the first time domain resource and the eighth time interval.

26. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that The time domain unit used for communication between the first device and the second device is determined by at least one of the following methods: random selection; determination based on the identification of the first device; determination based on the group identification of the first device; determination based on the identification of the second device; determination based on the group identification of the second device; determination based on the configuration of the network device.

27. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that The first signal is used to trigger at least one of the following communications: communication between a single first device and a single second device; communication between a single first device and multiple second devices; communication between multiple first devices and a single second device; A plurality of said first devices communicate with a plurality of said second devices; a communication between the first device and the second device; Multiple communications between the first device and the second device.

28. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a first device, and includes: A first signal is received, where the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and a second device.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send a second signal to the second device, and / or receive a third signal sent by the second device.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein The sending of the second signal to the second device includes at least one of the following: sending the second signal to one second device; sending the second signal to multiple second devices; sending the second signal to one second device multiple times; sending the second signal to multiple second devices multiple times.

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that The receiving of the third signal sent by the second device includes at least one of the following: receiving the third signal sent by one second device; receiving the third signal sent by multiple second devices; receiving the third signal sent by one second device multiple times; receiving the third signal sent by multiple second devices multiple times.

32. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that The second signal and / or the third signal are transmitted within a first time domain resource.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that The first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the first time domain resource is configured by a network device, or the first time domain resource is negotiated between the first device and the network device.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein The length of the first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the length of the first time domain resource is configured by the network device, or the length of the first time domain resource is negotiated between the first device and the network device.

35. The method according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that The position of the first time domain resource is determined according to at least one of the following: the sending timing of the first signal, the receiving timing of the first signal, the sending timing of the fourth signal, and the receiving timing of the fourth signal; wherein, the fourth signal is sent by the network device to the first device, and the fourth signal is different from the first signal.

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that The first time domain resource satisfies at least one of the following: the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the first offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the second offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the third offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the fourth offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the fourth signal and the fifth offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the fourth signal and the sixth offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the fourth signal and the seventh offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the fourth signal and the eighth offset value.

37. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 36, characterized in that The first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are completely different, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices partially overlap, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are the same.

38. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 36, characterized in that The first device includes at least one first device group; The first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are completely different, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups partially overlap, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are the same.

39. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 38, characterized in that The time domain unit used by the second signal within the first time domain resource is determined by the first device through at least one of the following methods: random selection; determination based on the identifier of the first device; determination based on the group identifier of the first device; determination based on the identifier of the second device; determination based on the group identifier of the second device; determination based on the configuration of the network device.

40. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 39, characterized in that The first time domain resource includes a first time window.

41. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 40, characterized in that The method further includes at least one of the following: extending the first time domain resource, shortening the first time domain resource, negotiating with a network device to extend the first time domain resource, and negotiating with a network device to shorten the first time domain resource.

42. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 41, characterized in that The second signal includes data and / or signaling, and the third signal includes data and / or signaling.

43. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 42, characterized in that The first signal is sent by the network device in a first communication state; the first communication state includes at least one of the following states: the network device determines the association relationship between the second device and the target first device; the network device determines that the second device is within the coverage range of the target first device; the network device determines that the second device communicates with the target first device; The network device determines a location of the second device.

44. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 42, characterized in that The first signal is sent by the network device in a second communication state; the second communication state includes at least one of the following states: the network device is not sure about the association relationship between the second device and the target first device; the network device is not sure that the second device is within the coverage range of the target first device; the network device is not sure that the second device communicates with the target first device; The network device does not determine the location of the second device.

45. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 44, characterized in that The first signal is a dynamic scheduling signal.

46. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 45, characterized in that The first signal is a unicast signal, a groupcast signal, a multicast signal, or a broadcast signal.

47. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 46, characterized in that The first signal carries control information and / or data, and the control information is used to control the second device to send data.

48. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 47, characterized in that The method further comprises: A fifth signal is sent, where the fifth signal is used to feed back a communication result between the first device and the second device.

49. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that The communication result between the first device and the second device includes at least one of the following: data related to the second device, signaling related to the second device, data sent by the second device to the first device, signaling sent by the second device to the first device, the presence of the second device within the coverage of the first device, successful communication between the first device and the second device, the absence of the second device within the coverage of the first device, failure of communication between the first device and the second device, communication quality between the first device and the second device, the presence of the second device within the coverage of the first device, and whether the second device is within the coverage of the first device.

50. The method according to claim 48 or 49, characterized in that The fifth signal uses a second time domain resource; The second time domain resource is agreed upon by the communication protocol, or the second time domain resource is configured by the network device, or the second time domain resource is Resources are negotiated between the first device and the network device.

51. The method according to claim 50, wherein The second time domain resource is associated with the first signal, or the second time domain resource is associated with the first time domain resource.

52. The method according to claim 51, characterized in that The position of the second time domain resource is determined according to at least one of the following: a sending timing of the first signal, a receiving timing of the first signal, a starting position of the first time domain resource, and an ending position of the first time domain resource.

53. The method according to claim 52, characterized in that The second time domain resource satisfies at least one of the following: the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the first time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the second time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the third time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the fourth time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the starting position of the first time domain resource and the fifth time interval; the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the starting position of the first time domain resource and the sixth time interval; the starting position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the ending position of the first time domain resource and the seventh time interval; and the ending position of the second time domain resource is determined according to the ending position of the first time domain resource and the eighth time interval.

54. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a second device, and includes: receiving a second signal sent by a first device, and / or sending a third signal to the first device; The sending of the second signal and / or the third signal is triggered by the first signal.

55. The method according to claim 54, characterized in that The receiving of the second signal sent by the first device includes at least one of the following: receiving the second signal sent by one second device; receiving the second signal sent by multiple second devices; receiving the second signal sent by one second device multiple times; receiving the second signal sent by multiple second devices multiple times.

56. The method according to claim 54 or 55, characterized in that The sending of the third signal to the first device includes at least one of the following: sending the third signal to one second device; sending the third signal to multiple second devices; sending the third signal to one second device multiple times; sending the third signal to multiple second devices multiple times.

57. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 56, characterized in that The second signal and / or the third signal are transmitted within a first time domain resource.

58. The method according to claim 57, wherein The first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the first time domain resource is configured by a network device, or the first time domain resource is negotiated between the first device and the network device.

59. The method according to claim 58, characterized in that The length of the first time domain resource is agreed upon by a communication protocol, or the length of the first time domain resource is configured by the network device, or the length of the first time domain resource is negotiated between the first device and the network device.

60. The method according to claim 58 or 59, characterized in that The position of the first time domain resource is determined according to at least one of the following: the sending timing of the first signal, the receiving timing of the first signal, the sending timing of the fourth signal, and the receiving timing of the fourth signal; wherein, the fourth signal is sent by the network device to the first device, and the fourth signal is different from the first signal.

61. The method according to claim 60, characterized in that The first time domain resource satisfies at least one of the following: the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the first offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the first signal and the second offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the third offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the first signal and the fourth offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the fourth signal and the fifth offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the sending timing of the fourth signal and the sixth offset value; the starting position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the fourth signal and the seventh offset value; the ending position of the first time domain resource is determined according to the receiving timing of the fourth signal and the eighth offset value.

62. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 61, characterized in that The first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are completely different, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices partially overlap, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first devices are the same.

63. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 62, characterized in that The first device includes at least one first device group; The first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are completely different, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups partially overlap, or the first time domain resources corresponding to different first device groups are the same.

64. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 63, characterized in that The time domain unit used by the third signal within the first time domain resource is determined by the second device through at least one of the following methods: random selection; determination based on the identifier of the first device; determination based on the group identifier of the first device; determination based on the identifier of the second device; determination based on the group identifier of the second device; determination based on the configuration of the network device.

65. The method according to any one of claims 57 to 64, characterized in that The first time domain resource includes a first time window.

66. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 65, characterized in that The second signal includes data and / or signaling, and the third signal includes data and / or signaling.

67. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 66, characterized in that The first signal is sent by the network device in a first communication state; the first communication state includes at least one of the following states: the network device determines the association relationship between the second device and the target first device; the network device determines that the second device is within the coverage range of the target first device; the network device determines that the second device communicates with the target first device; The network device determines a location of the second device.

68. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 67, characterized in that The first signal is sent by the network device in a second communication state; the second communication state includes at least one of the following states: the network device is not sure about the association relationship between the second device and the target first device; the network device is not sure that the second device is within the coverage range of the target first device; the network device is not sure that the second device communicates with the target first device; The network device does not determine the location of the second device.

69. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 68, characterized in that The first signal is a dynamic scheduling signal.

70. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 69, characterized in that The first signal is a unicast signal, a groupcast signal, a multicast signal, or a broadcast signal.

71. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 70, characterized in that The first signal carries control information and / or data, and the control information is used to control the second device to send data.

72. A communication device, characterized in that The device comprises: A sending module is used to send a first signal, where the first signal is used to trigger communication between the first device and the second device.

73. A communication device, characterized in that The device comprises: A receiving module is used to receive a first signal, where the first signal is used to trigger the apparatus to communicate with a second device.

74. A communication device, characterized in that The device comprises: A receiving module and / or a sending module, wherein the receiving module is used to receive a second signal sent by a first device, and the sending module is used to send a third signal to the first device; wherein the sending of the second signal and / or the third signal is triggered by the first signal.

75. A network device, characterized in that The network device includes: a processor; a transmitter connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the network device is configured to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

76. A communication device, characterized in that The communication device includes: a processor; and a receiver connected to the processor; wherein the communication device is configured to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 28 to 53.

77. A communication device, characterized in that The communication device includes: a receiver and / or a transmitter; wherein the communication device is configured to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 54 to 71.

78. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The readable storage medium stores executable instructions, which are loaded and executed by a processor to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, or any one of claims 28 to 53, or any one of claims 54 to 71.

79. A chip, characterized in that The chip includes a programmable logic circuit or a program, and the chip is used to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, or any one of claims 28 to 53, or any one of claims 54 to 71.

80. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product includes computer instructions, which are stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 27, or any one of claims 28 to 53, or any one of claims 54 to 71.

81. A computer program, characterized in that The computer program includes computer instructions, and the processor of the computer device executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device performs the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 27, or any one of claims 28 to 53, or any one of claims 54 to 71.

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