Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. A trigger condition for an AIoT device to determine that its own energy storage is insufficient and an implementation of how various types of AIoT devices indicate insufficient energy storage to a network device or an intermediate node once having had insufficient energy storage are provided. In addition, a trigger condition for an AIoT device to determine whether energy storage has been recovered and an implementation of how to indicate sufficient energy storage to a network device or an intermediate node once energy storage has been recovered are also provided. For different energy storage capacities of various different types of AIoT devices and how to communicate with a network device / an intermediate node in different energy storage environments, the network device or the intermediate node is enabled to accurately learn about the energy storage conditions of the AIoT devices, such that the AIoT devices are rationally scheduled for transmission, thereby avoiding the waste of transmission resources.

Description

Communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on February 18, 2024, with application number 202410183323.2 and invention name “Communication Method and Communication Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has garnered widespread attention in the wireless communications sector. The future promises to connect even more "things" to improve productivity and comfort. By further reducing the size, complexity, and power consumption of IoT devices, tens or even hundreds of billions of them can be deployed for a variety of applications. However, powering all of these devices with manually replaceable or rechargeable batteries is impractical, as this would result in high maintenance costs, severe environmental concerns, and even safety risks in certain use cases, such as wireless sensors in the power and oil industries.

[0004] In practical applications, battery-free devices with no energy storage capabilities, or devices with limited energy storage and no need for manual replacement or charging, are limited in size and complexity. The output power of energy harvesters typically ranges from 1μW to several hundred μW. Existing cellular devices may not be able to effectively harvest and operate energy at this power consumption, leading to the concept of ambient internet of things (AIoT) devices.

[0005] Because AIoT devices rely on their surrounding environment for energy collection, network devices or intermediate nodes are unaware of their energy storage status. This can lead to energy exhaustion when scheduling AIoT device transmissions. In this case, even if network devices or intermediate nodes schedule transmissions for AIoT devices multiple times, the AIoT devices will not be able to transmit effectively, resulting in a waste of resources from frequent scheduling. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device that can reduce resource waste in AIoT devices during transmission.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a first device or a chip of the first device, the method comprising: when a first trigger condition is met, sending a first signal, the first signal being used to indicate that the first device has insufficient energy storage, wherein the first trigger condition includes that the energy storage of the first device is lower than a first threshold value; the first device satisfies one or more of the following: supporting reflection communication, having the ability to amplify uplink UL signals and / or downlink DL signals, and generating UL transmission.

[0008] In the technical solution of the present application, by setting trigger conditions for the AIoT device (corresponding to the first device), the AIoT device is triggered to indicate insufficient energy storage to the network device / intermediate node when the trigger conditions are met. This can enable the AIoT device to effectively and accurately indicate its own energy storage situation, avoiding the network device / intermediate node from performing invalid scheduling transmission due to not understanding the energy storage situation of the AIoT device, and avoiding waste of resources.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first device satisfies one of the following conditions:

[0010] The first device supports reflection communication and does not have the ability to amplify uplink (UL) signals or downlink (DL) signals;

[0011] The first device supports reflection communication and has the ability to amplify UL signals or DL ​​signals;

[0012] The first device supports generating UL transmission and has the ability to amplify UL signals or DL ​​signals; or

[0013] The first device supports reflection communication and generates UL transmission, and has the ability to amplify UL signals or DL ​​signals.

[0014] In this implementation, a variety of different types of AIoT devices are defined based on their different energy storage capabilities. Trigger conditions indicating insufficient energy storage or energy storage recovery can then be set for different types of AIoT devices. This approach can be widely applied to different types of AIoT devices and adapt to different energy storage environments.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first signal is a reflected signal, the first signal includes an indication field, the indication field carries indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate that the first device has insufficient energy storage.

[0016] In this implementation, the AIoT device uses reflected signals to indicate that its energy storage is insufficient.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first signal is a reflected signal, the first signal includes a first part, the first part is an amplified part of the reflected signal, and the first part is used to indicate that the first device has insufficient energy storage.

[0018] In this implementation, the AIoT device selects a section of the transmitted signal for amplification and only reflects the remaining signals, in order to save power consumption when the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first part is located in a first time domain unit of the reflected signal, and the first time domain unit is pre-defined or configured.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: when the energy storage of the first device is lower than the first threshold value, if a scheduling signal is received from a network device, information is transmitted based on the reflected signal, and the reflected signal is not amplified.

[0021] In this implementation, when the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage, it only uses the reflected signal to transmit information for the scheduling signal received from the network device, without signal amplification, which can save the power consumption of the AIoT device.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first device supports reflection communication and has the ability to amplify the UL signal and / or the DL signal.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first signal is a reflected signal, which is a reflection of a portion of the first carrier signal.

[0024] In this implementation, for AIoT devices with weak energy storage capabilities, the AIoT devices indicate their insufficient energy storage through reflected signals, and only select a section of the carrier signal for reflection, while the rest of the signal is not reflected. This can reduce the power consumption of the AIoT devices and reduce the rate of their energy consumption.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, a time domain position of a portion of the first signal that reflects a portion of the first carrier signal is preset or configured.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first device supports reflection communication and does not have the ability to amplify UL signals or DL ​​signals.

[0027] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: when the energy storage of the first device is lower than the first threshold value, if a scheduling signal is received from a network device, information is transmitted based on the reflected signal, and only part of the first carrier signal is reflected.

[0028] In this implementation, for AIoT devices with weak energy storage capabilities, when the AIoT device receives a scheduling signal from a network device during a period of insufficient energy storage, only the reflected signal is used for information transmission, and only a portion of the carrier signal is reflected, while the remaining signals are not reflected, so as to save the power consumption of the AIoT device.

[0029] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving a second carrier signal, wherein the time interval between the time of receiving the second carrier signal and the time of receiving the first carrier signal corresponding to the reflected signal is greater than a first time interval, and the first time interval is the time interval between the network device or the intermediate node sending the first carrier signal before the first device sends the first signal.

[0030] In this implementation, after receiving the first signal from the AIoT device indicating insufficient energy storage, the network device / intermediate node increases the time interval for sending the carrier signal. In scenarios where intermediate nodes exist, the frequency of the intermediate nodes sending carrier signals is reduced, which can reduce the power consumption of the intermediate nodes.

[0031] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, sending the first signal includes: sending the first signal on an uplink channel, where the uplink channel is a channel configured to send a signal indicating that the first device has insufficient energy storage.

[0032] In this implementation, for AIoT devices with relatively strong energy storage capabilities, for example, it can support the generation of UL transmission mode, so that the network device / intermediate node can configure an uplink channel for it to send a signal indicating insufficient energy storage.

[0033] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, sending the first signal includes: sending data to a second device, the data carrying the first signal, the data carried in radio resource control RRC signaling or non-access layer NAS message, and the second device is a network device or an intermediate node.

[0034] In this implementation, the first signal of the AIoT device indicating insufficient energy storage can be sent along with the data to be sent to the network device / intermediate node, eliminating the need to configure special air interface resources for sending the first signal, thereby reducing time and frequency resource consumption.

[0035] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before sending data to the second device, the method also includes: receiving a message from the second device instructing an inventory of items corresponding to the first device; sending identification information of the first device to the second device; and receiving a confirmation response from the second device of successful receipt of the identification information of the first device.

[0036] In this implementation, the first signal of the AIoT device indicating insufficient energy storage can be carried in the data indicating the status of the goods in the goods inventory process, which can reduce the consumption of time and frequency resources.

[0037] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first device supports the capability of generating UL transmission and has the capability of amplifying UL signals or DL ​​signals.

[0038] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first trigger condition includes that the energy storage of the first device is lower than a first threshold value, including: the first trigger condition includes that the energy storage of the first device is higher than the first threshold value in the previous cycle, and the energy storage of the first device is lower than the first threshold value in the current cycle.

[0039] In this implementation, the solution of the present application can be applied to the cargo inventory process.

[0040] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first trigger condition further includes: the energy storage of the first device in the current cycle is higher than a second threshold value, and the first threshold value is higher than the second threshold value.

[0041] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a second signal, where the second signal indicates that the first device has sufficient energy storage.

[0042] In this implementation, after the AIoT device indicates insufficient energy storage, it collects energy. When the energy storage is sufficient, it can indicate to the network device / intermediate node that the energy storage has been restored or is sufficient. The energy storage changes can be fed back to the network device / intermediate node in a timely manner, which is conducive to the network device / intermediate node to reasonably schedule the AIoT device for transmission.

[0043] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, sending the second signal includes: sending the second signal when a second trigger condition is met, the second trigger condition including that the energy storage of the first device is higher than a third threshold value, and the third threshold value is greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

[0044] In this implementation, the AIoT device indicates that the energy storage is sufficient, which can also be triggered based on trigger conditions.

[0045] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, sending the first signal includes: sending the first signal to a second device, where the second device is a network device or a relay device.

[0046] In this implementation, the solution of the present application is applicable to scenarios where network devices and AIoT devices communicate directly; it is also applicable to scenarios where network devices and AIoT devices communicate through intermediate nodes.

[0047] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a first device or a chip of the first device, the method comprising: when a first trigger condition is met, switching from a first working mode to a second working mode, the first working mode including supporting the generation of uplink UL transmission, and the second working mode including supporting reflection communication; sending a first signal, the first signal being used to indicate that the working mode of the first device is switched to the second working mode.

[0048] In this technical solution, the AIoT device can switch between different working modes and indicate the switch to the network device / intermediate node. It can be applied to scenarios where the AIoT device needs to switch working modes due to changes in different working scenarios, working requirements, etc., and can adapt to different working requirements.

[0049] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first trigger condition includes that the energy storage of the first device is lower than a first threshold value.

[0050] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: when a second trigger condition is met, switching from the second operating mode to the third operating mode, the second operating mode supports reflected communication and has the ability to amplify signals, and the third operating mode supports the reflected communication and does not have the ability to amplify signals; and sending a second signal, the second signal is used to instruct the first device to switch from the second operating mode to the third operating mode.

[0051] In this implementation, AIoT devices can switch between different working modes according to changes in energy storage, so as to operate in a working mode that is suitable for their current energy storage.

[0052] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first signal is sent before switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, and sending the first signal includes: sending the first signal on an uplink channel.

[0053] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first signal is sent after switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the first signal is a reflected signal for the first carrier signal, and the first signal carries indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate that the operating mode of the first device is switched to the second operating mode.

[0054] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: when a third trigger condition is met, sending a third signal, wherein the third signal is used to indicate that the first device has insufficient energy storage.

[0055] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the third trigger condition includes that the energy storage of the first device is higher than a third threshold value, and the third threshold value is greater than the first threshold value.

[0056] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: switching to the first operating mode when a fourth trigger condition is met; and sending a fourth signal, wherein the fourth signal is used to instruct the operating mode of the first device to switch to the first operating mode.

[0057] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending capability indication information, wherein the capability indication information indicates that the first device supports the first working mode and the second working mode, and the second working mode also includes having or not having the ability to amplify uplink UL signals or downlink DL signals.

[0058] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a second device or a chip of the second device, and the method includes: receiving a first signal, the first signal being used to indicate that the first device has insufficient energy storage; and recording the status of an item corresponding to the first device based on the first signal, the status of the item corresponding to the first device including pending.

[0059] In this technical solution, the method of indicating insufficient energy storage on an AIoT device can be applied to the inventory process. Upon receiving a first signal from the AIoT device indicating insufficient energy storage, the network node recording the cargo status marks the status of the cargo corresponding to the AIoT device as "pending" or "unknown." This can reduce misjudgments of cargo status, such as determining it is "lost," avoid triggering unnecessary subsequent processes, and optimize the cargo status statistics work in the inventory process.

[0060] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving a second signal, where the second signal indicates that the first device has sufficient energy storage.

[0061] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first signal is carried in radio resource control RRC signaling or non-access stratum NAS message between the first device and the second device.

[0062] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: forwarding the first signal to a third device, the second device is an access network device, and the third device is a tag management function TMF.

[0063] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, wherein the communication device has the function of implementing the method of any one of the first to third aspects, or any possible implementation of any one of the first to third aspects. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementation. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

[0064] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the communication device to execute the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or execute the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or execute the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the at least one processor is coupled to at least one memory, the at least one memory being used to store a computer program or instruction, and the at least one processor being used to call and run the computer program or instruction from the at least one memory, so that the communication device executes the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or executes the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or executes the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The at least one processor may be included in the communication device or may be configured outside the communication device.

[0065] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device comprising a communication interface and a circuit, wherein the communication interface is used to receive information and / or data to be processed and transmit the information and / or data to the circuit; the circuit is used to process the information and / or data to obtain processed information and / or data; and the communication interface is also used to output the processed information and / or data.

[0066] The communication device in the fourth to sixth aspects may be the first device / the second device, or may be a chip in the first device / the second device.

[0067] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer program code or instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the method as in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof is implemented, or the method as in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof is implemented; or the method as in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof is implemented.

[0068] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, comprising computer program code or instructions, which, when the computer program code or instructions are run on a computer, enables the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented; or the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0069] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a wireless communication system, comprising a communication device according to any one of the first to third aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario (scenario 1) applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of another application scenario (scenario 2) applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0072] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AIoT device.

[0073] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of the communication method 200 provided in this application.

[0074] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an implementation method for indicating insufficient energy storage by a Type 1 AIoT device provided in this application.

[0075] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an implementation method for indicating insufficient energy storage for a type 0 AIoT device provided in this application.

[0076] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the application scenario of inventory counting of AIoT devices.

[0077] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of the type 2 AIoT device provided in this application indicating insufficient energy storage and energy storage recovery.

[0078] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the switching working mode of the type 3 AIoT device provided in this application.

[0079] Figure 10 is another schematic diagram of the switching working mode of the type 3 AIoT device provided by this application.

[0080] FIG11 is an application example of the present application solution in scenario 1.

[0081] FIG12 is an example of an application of the present application solution in scenario 2.

[0082] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in this application.

[0083] FIG14 is another schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in this application.

[0084] FIG15 is another structural diagram of the communication device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] In the embodiments of the present application, for the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, it means "singular noun or plural noun", that is, "one or more". "At least one" means one or more, and "plural" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b and / or c means the following: a exists alone, b exists alone, c exists alone, a and b exist at the same time, a and c exist at the same time, b and c exist at the same time, or a, b and c exist at the same time, where a, b, c can be singular or plural.

[0087] In the embodiments of this application, references to ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between multiple objects and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the numbering of steps in the various embodiments described in this application is only for distinguishing different steps and is not used to limit the order of the steps.

[0088] In the embodiments of the present application, “less than” and “less than or equal to” can be replaced with each other, and “greater than” and “greater than or equal to” can be replaced with each other.

[0089] Most existing wireless communication devices are battery-powered, requiring manual replacement or recharging. The automation and digitization of various industrial scenarios have opened up many new markets, requiring new IoT technologies to support battery-free devices without energy storage, or IoT devices with energy storage that do not require manual battery replacement or recharging. Such devices must be extremely small in size to effectively adapt to diverse use cases.

[0090] In practical applications, battery-free devices with no energy storage capabilities, or devices with limited energy storage that do not require manual replacement or recharging, are limited in size and complexity. The output power of energy harvesters typically ranges from 1 microwatt to several hundred microwatts. Existing cellular devices may not be able to effectively perform energy harvesting at this power consumption.

[0091] Under this current situation, the following two types of AIoT devices are proposed.

[0092] The first type of AIoT device has an output power consumption of approximately 1μW, has energy storage capabilities, and lacks the ability to amplify uplink and downlink signals. It can only be used for backscatter transmission on an externally provided carrier wave.

[0093] The second type of AIoT device has a peak power of no more than a few hundred μW, has energy storage capabilities, and can amplify uplink and / or downlink signals. This type of AIoT device can generate signals internally or reflect signals via an external carrier.

[0094] The typical system architecture includes the following two application scenarios.

[0095] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario (hereinafter referred to as scenario 1) applicable to an embodiment of the present application. In this scenario, a network device (such as a base station) is generally in a small-scale working mode, and the network device communicates directly with an AIoT device.

[0096] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another application scenario (hereinafter referred to as Scenario 2) applicable to an embodiment of the present application. In this scenario, network equipment (e.g., a base station) is generally located outdoors and communicates with the AIoT device through an intermediate node (e.g., a terminal device, such as user equipment (UE)). The intermediate node is generally located indoors.

[0097] In the embodiments of the present application, a terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, which can be a fixed device, a mobile device, a handheld device (such as a mobile phone), a user equipment (UE), a wearable device, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. The terminal device is used to connect people, objects, machines, etc. and can be widely used in various scenarios.

[0098] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device includes an access network device, and / or a core network device. The access network device is a device with a wireless transceiver function, which is used to communicate with the terminal device. The access network device includes but is not limited to a base station (base transceiver station (BTS), node B (Node B), evolved node B (eNodeB) / eNB, or the next generation node B (gNodeB) / gNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station subsequently evolved by the third generation partnership project (3GPP), an access node in a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, etc. The base station can be: a macro base station, a micro base station, a pico base station, a small station, a relay station, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks with the same access technology, or they can support networks with different access technologies. The base station can include one or more co-station or non-co-station transmission and receiving points. The access network device may also be a wireless controller, a centralized unit (CU), and / or a distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The access network device may also be a server, etc. Taking the fifth generation mobile communication technology (5G) system as an example, the core network device may include, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a policy control function (PCF), or a user plane function (UPF).

[0099] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AIoT device. AIoT devices generally have a single antenna. If the cost limit is not high, they can be divided into one receiving and one transmitting, with a total of 2 antennas. The AIoT device receives signals or carriers through the antenna, and then, based on the information to be carried, sends them out through the antenna by reflecting them on the carrier or generating an uplink signal. In addition, the AIoT device has an energy storage module inside, such as a battery and other devices, and can monitor the power status of the AIoT device in real time. When the power is lower than the threshold value, an "insufficient energy storage" message is generated. It should be noted that there is no direct path between the traditional energy storage module and the communication module, but in the embodiment of the present application, there is a path or a coordination module or a direct path between the two modules to coordinate the signaling interaction between the two. For specific implementation, please refer to the detailed description of the following embodiment.

[0100] In an embodiment of the present application, the first device may be the AIoT device described above, or other devices with similar functions, without limitation. The second device may be the network device or intermediate node described above, or other devices with similar functions, without limitation. The communication method described below as being performed by the first device / second device may also be performed by a device (such as a chip or chip system) in the first device / second device. When the communication method is performed by a device in the first device / second device, receiving / sending may be understood as input / output, that is, the device communicates with other devices in the first device / second device. In addition, the processing performed by a single execution subject may also be divided into executions by multiple execution subjects, which may be logically and / or physically separated. Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of the communication method 200 provided in the present application.

[0101] 210. The first device sends a first signal, where the first signal indicates that the first device has insufficient energy storage. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first signal.

[0102] The first signal used to indicate that the first device has insufficient energy storage can be replaced by one of the following items: the first signal used to indicate that the first device suspends communication; the first signal used to indicate that the energy storage of the first device is lower than a set threshold value (for example, the first threshold value); the first signal used to indicate that the first device enters a sleep / energy storage state.

[0103] In method 200, the first device satisfies one of the following conditions:

[0104] Supports reflection communication, has the ability to amplify uplink (UL) signals and / or downlink (DL) signals, and generates UL transmission.

[0105] Furthermore, the first device may be one of the following types:

[0106] The first device supports reflection communication and does not have the ability to amplify uplink (UL) signals or downlink (DL) signals (defined as type 0). The first device of type 0 may be a backscatter without amplification AIoT device. For example, the first device of type 0 may be the first type of AIoT device described above.

[0107] The first device supports reflection communication and has the ability to amplify UL signals or DL ​​signals (defined as type 1). The first device of type 1 may be a backscatter AIoT device with amplification. For example, the first device of type 1 may be a device that only supports reflection of signals through an external carrier among the second type of AIoT devices described above.

[0108] The first device supports generating UL transmissions and has the ability to amplify UL signals or DL ​​signals (defined as type 2). The first device of type 2 may be an uplink-generated AIoT device with amplification. For example, the first device of type 2 may be a device that only supports internally generated signals in the second type of AIoT device described above; or

[0109] The first device supports reflection communication and generates UL transmission, and has the ability to amplify UL signals or DL ​​signals (defined as type 3). The first device of type 3 can be a backscatter and UL-generated with amplification AIoT device, which can also be called a mixed AIoT device. For example, the first device of type 3 can be a device of the second type of AIoT device described above that supports both signal reflection through an external carrier and internal signal generation.

[0110] Optionally, the first device sends the first signal when determining that the first trigger condition is met. Before step 210 , method 200 may further include step 220 .

[0111] 220. The first device determines that a first trigger condition is met.

[0112] As an example, the first trigger condition includes: the energy storage of the first device is lower than a first threshold value.

[0113] Optionally, method 200 may further include step 230 .

[0114] 230. The first device sends a second signal, where the second signal is used to indicate that the first device has sufficient energy storage. Correspondingly, the second device receives the second signal.

[0115] The second signal used to indicate that the first device has sufficient energy storage can be replaced by one of the following items: the second signal is used to indicate that the first device resumes communication; the second signal is used to indicate that the energy storage of the first device is higher than a set threshold value (for example, a third threshold value); the second signal is used to indicate that the sleep / energy storage process of the first device is ended.

[0116] Optionally, the first device sends a second signal when determining that the second trigger condition is met. Before step 230 , method 200 may further include step 240 .

[0117] 240. The first device determines that a second trigger condition is met.

[0118] As an example, the second trigger condition includes: the energy storage of the first device is higher than a third threshold value. Optionally, the third threshold value is higher than or equal to the first threshold value.

[0119] Optionally, method 200 is applicable in either scenario 1 or scenario 2. If applied to scenario 1, the second device is a network device. If applied to scenario 2, the second device is an intermediate node; further, the intermediate node may forward the first signal to the network device.

[0120] In this application, the manner in which the first device indicates insufficient energy storage to the network device or intermediate node varies depending on the type of the first device. Each type of first device is described below. The following description uses an example in which the first device is an AIoT device and the second device is a network device or intermediate node, but is not limited thereto. That is, the AIoT device in the following examples can be replaced by the first device, and the network device and intermediate node can be replaced by the second device.

[0121] Example 1

[0122] Type 1 AIoT devices indicate to the network device or intermediate node that they have insufficient energy storage. In addition, when the type 3 AIoT device generates UL transmission, or is in the working mode of generating UL transmission, Example 3 also applies. Among them, the process of the type 1 AIoT device indicating insufficient energy storage can be described as follows 301 to 304. Optionally, the process may only include some of the steps in 301 to 304. For details, please refer to the description of each step.

[0123] 301. When the first trigger condition is met, for example, when the AIoT device detects that the energy storage is lower than a first threshold value (hereinafter referred to as threshold value a), the AIoT device sends a first signal to the network device or the intermediate node. The first signal is used to indicate that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage.

[0124] Step 301 may correspond to step 220 and step 210 in FIG. 4 .

[0125] When an AIoT device determines that its energy storage falls below a threshold, it triggers the AIoT device to send an insufficient energy storage indication to a network device or intermediate node. The threshold value a can be factory-set, pre-configured, or configured by the network through a configuration signal based on parameters such as service requirements or service type. There are no specific restrictions on this.

[0126] Optionally, to ensure that the AIoT device can at least send a signal indicating insufficient energy storage, the energy storage of the AIoT device may be required to be higher than a second threshold value (hereinafter referred to as threshold value b), and threshold value b may be lower than threshold value a. As an example, the trigger condition may also be that the energy storage of the AIoT device was higher than threshold value a in the previous cycle, and in the current cycle, the energy storage is lower than threshold value a.

[0127] The AIoT device indicates insufficient energy storage through a first signal. There may be multiple implementation methods, two of which are listed below as examples.

[0128] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an implementation method for indicating insufficient energy storage by a type 1 AIoT device.

[0129] Implementation 1

[0130] The first signal is a reflected signal, which includes an indication field. The indication field carries indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage. As an example, when the AIoT device has sufficient energy storage, the value of the indication field is set to 0; when the energy storage is insufficient, the value of the indication field is set to 1. Alternatively, when the AIoT device has sufficient energy storage, the reflected signal does not include an indication field for indicating that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage; when the energy storage is insufficient, the reflected signal as the first signal includes an indication field for indicating that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage.

[0131] Implementation 2

[0132] A portion of the reflected signal is selected for amplification, while the remaining signal is merely reflected, to indicate insufficient energy storage in the first device. In other words, the first signal is a reflected signal, and the first signal includes a first portion, which is an amplified portion of the reflected signal (referred to as the amplified portion of the reflected signal). The first portion is used to indicate insufficient energy storage in the AIoT device.

[0133] Optionally, the amplified part of the reflected signal can be specified by the standard or determined according to a preset value. For example, the amplified part is in a time domain unit of the original signal, and the time domain unit can be one or more symbols, one or more time slots, etc. For example, the X1th symbol or the X2th time slot of the original signal, etc., X1 and X2 are both positive integers.

[0134] Accordingly, the network device / intermediate node receives the first signal and determines that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage.

[0135] 302. During the period when the energy storage is below threshold value a, the AIoT device, upon receiving the scheduling signal sent by the network device / intermediate node, uses reflected signal transmission but does not amplify the reflected signal, thereby reducing power consumption. Alternatively, the AIoT device may not reflect the scheduling signal sent by the network device / intermediate node.

[0136] Optionally, if implementation method 1 is adopted, during the period when the energy storage is lower than threshold value a, the non-amplified reflected signal sent by the AIoT device may still include information indicating insufficient energy storage. The AIoT device may reflect the signal by amplifying the signal when the energy storage first falls below threshold value a to ensure that the signal indicating insufficient energy storage (i.e., the first signal) can be transmitted to the network device / intermediate node.

[0137] Optionally, after receiving the first signal from the first device, the network device or intermediate node learns that the first device has insufficient energy storage. The network device / intermediate node sends a carrier signal (or carrier wave) to the first device after a second time interval. Here, the carrier signal can be sent by the network device or intermediate node and can also be called an excitation signal. Before the first device sends the first signal indicating insufficient energy storage, the network device / intermediate node sends a carrier signal to the first device at a first time interval. The second time interval is greater than the first time interval, which can reduce the power consumption of the intermediate node.

[0138] In the embodiments of the present application, a carrier signal transmitted by a network device or intermediate node before receiving a first signal from a first device is referred to as a first carrier signal; a carrier signal transmitted after a second time interval after receiving the first signal from the first device is referred to as a second carrier signal. Therefore, the first time interval may refer to the period during which the network device or intermediate node transmits a carrier signal to the first device before receiving the first signal; the second time interval may refer to the time interval between the first time the network device or intermediate node receives the first signal and the second time the network device or intermediate node first transmits a carrier signal to the first device after receiving the first signal.

[0139] Therefore, after step 302, an optional step 303 may be included.

[0140] 303. After receiving the first signal from the AIoT device, the network device / intermediate node sends a second carrier signal to the first device after a second time interval.

[0141] For example, before receiving the first signal from the AIoT device, the network device sends a carrier signal at time interval t1, or configures the intermediate node to send a carrier signal at time interval t1. After receiving the first signal from the AIoT device, the network device / intermediate node sends a carrier signal at time interval t2, where t2 is greater than t1. As an example, t2 can be several integer multiples of t1.

[0142] It should be understood that the method 300 may not include step 303 , that is, after the network device / intermediate node receives the first signal from the first device, it does not adjust the period of sending the carrier signal.

[0143] It should be understood that steps 302 and 303 are some possible implementations of the AIoT device during the energy storage process. For example, step 302 is a possible implementation of the AIoT device during the energy storage process, and step 303 is a possible behavior implementation of the network device / intermediate node when the AIoT device is in the energy storage process.

[0144] 304. When the second trigger condition is met, for example, when the AIoT device detects that the energy storage is higher than a third threshold value (hereinafter referred to as threshold value c), the AIoT device sends a second signal to the network device or the intermediate node, and the second signal is used to indicate that the AIoT device has sufficient energy storage.

[0145] Step 304 may correspond to step 240 and step 230 in FIG. 4 .

[0146] The AIoT device may indicate sufficient energy storage through a first signal. This may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, a method similar to Implementation 1 above may be used, where the second signal is a reflected signal and includes an indication field that carries indication information indicating that the AIoT device has sufficient energy storage. Alternatively, the reflected signal, serving as the second signal, does not include an indication field for indicating insufficient energy storage for the AIoT device.

[0147] The threshold value c can be equal to the threshold value a, or higher than the threshold value a. The threshold value c is higher than the threshold value a, which can avoid frequently triggering the AIoT device to send a signal indicating insufficient energy storage. Optionally, the AIoT device sends the second signal based on the following premise: the AIoT device has previously sent a signal indicating insufficient energy storage (such as the first signal mentioned above), and then the energy storage of the AIoT device has been lower than the threshold value c. Until the energy storage is equal to or higher than the threshold value c for the first time, the AIoT device sends a signal indicating sufficient energy storage (i.e., the second signal).

[0148] Optionally, in step 303, if the network device / intermediate node adjusts the time interval for sending the carrier signal from the first time interval to the second time interval, after receiving the second signal, the time interval for sending the carrier signal may be readjusted to the first time interval.

[0149] Example 2

[0150] The Type 0 AIoT device indicates insufficient energy storage to the network device or intermediate node. The process for the Type 0 AIoT device to indicate insufficient energy storage can be described below in steps 401 to 404. Optionally, the process may include only some of the steps 401 to 404. For details, refer to the description of each step.

[0151] 401. When the first trigger condition is met, for example, when the AIoT device detects that the energy storage is lower than the first threshold value (hereinafter referred to as threshold value a), the AIoT device sends a first signal to the network device or the intermediate node. The first signal is used to indicate that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage, and the first signal is a reflected signal.

[0152] Step 401 may correspond to step 220 and step 210 in FIG. 4 .

[0153] Optionally, to ensure that the AIoT device can at least send a signal indicating insufficient energy storage, the energy storage of the AIoT device may be required to be higher than a second threshold value (hereinafter referred to as threshold value b).

[0154] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of an implementation method for indicating insufficient energy storage by a type 0 AIoT device.

[0155] Implementation 1

[0156] The first signal is a reflected signal, and the first signal includes an indication field, which carries indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage. This implementation method 1 is the same as the implementation method 1 in step 302.

[0157] Implementation 2

[0158] The AIoT device selects a portion of the carrier signal to reflect, while not reflecting the rest of the signal, to indicate that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage. In other words, the first signal is a reflection signal, which is a reflection of a portion of the carrier signal.

[0159] Optionally, the position in the time domain of the portion of the first signal that provides feedback on a portion of the carrier signal can be pre-set or configured. For example, the pre-set device may include factory settings, standard regulations, pre-negotiation between network equipment and AIoT devices, etc., without limitation. As an example, the time domain position at which the AIoT device reflects the carrier signal is at the X1th symbol or the X2th time domain unit of the carrier signal, where X1 and X2 are positive integers.

[0160] Correspondingly, the network device / intermediate node receives the first signal from the AIoT device and learns that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage.

[0161] 402. Optionally, when the AIoT device receives a scheduling signal from a network device / intermediate node while the energy storage is below a first threshold, the device may use a reflected signal to transmit information. Unlike the aforementioned Type 1 AIoT device, when the energy storage is below the first threshold, the Type 1 AIoT device only reflects a portion of the carrier signal. For details, see Implementation Method 2 in Example 2. This approach can reduce the power consumption of the AIoT device.

[0162] Optionally, method 400 may further include steps 403 to 404.

[0163] 403. After receiving the first signal from the AIoT device, the network device / intermediate node sends a carrier signal at a second time interval, where the second time interval is greater than the first time interval.

[0164] 404. When the second trigger condition is met, for example, when the AIoT device detects that the energy storage is higher than a third threshold value (hereinafter referred to as threshold value c), the AIoT device sends a second signal to the network device or the intermediate node, and the second signal indicates that the AIoT device has sufficient energy storage.

[0165] Step 404 may correspond to step 240 and step 230 in FIG. 4 .

[0166] Steps 403 to 404 may refer to the description of steps 303 to 304 above, and will not be described in detail.

[0167] Example 3

[0168] The type 2 AIoT device indicates insufficient energy storage to the network device / intermediate node on the configured uplink channel or the multiplexed data channel. In addition, when the type 3 AIoT device generates UL transmission, or is in the working mode of generating UL transmission, Example 3 also applies. Among them, the process of the type 2 AIoT device indicating insufficient energy storage can be described as follows 501 to 505. Optionally, the process may only include some of the steps in 501 to 502, please refer to the description of each step for details.

[0169] 501. When a first trigger condition is met, for example, when the AIoT device detects that the energy storage is lower than a first threshold value (hereinafter referred to as threshold value a), the AIoT device sends a first signal to the network device or the intermediate node, and the first signal is used to indicate that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage.

[0170] Step 501 may correspond to step 220 and step 210 in FIG. 4 .

[0171] Optionally, the first trigger condition may also be that the energy storage of the AIoT device is higher than the threshold value a in the previous cycle and lower than the threshold value a in the current cycle. In addition, similar to the other examples above, in order to ensure that the AIoT device has sufficient capacity to send a signal indicating insufficient energy storage, the threshold value a or the energy storage of the current cycle should be higher than another threshold value b. Among them, the period can be determined based on the select signal or query signal received by the AIoT device. The select signal and query signal will be described in detail later.

[0172] Optionally, for type 2 AIoT devices, the following implementation method can be used to indicate that their own energy storage is insufficient.

[0173] Implementation 1

[0174] The AIoT device sends a first signal on an uplink channel, where the first signal is used to indicate that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage.

[0175] The uplink channel can be a channel pre-configured or configured by a network device or intermediate node for the AIoT device to send an indication of insufficient energy storage. The uplink channel can appear periodically. There can be one or more uplink channels, without limitation.

[0176] Implementation 2

[0177] The AIoT device sends data, where the data carries a first signal, and the data is carried in RRC signaling or a non-access layer NAS message.

[0178] In other words, in implementation method 2, the AIoT device can send the first signal through the data channel.

[0179] Correspondingly, the network device / intermediate node receives the first signal from the AIoT device and determines that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage.

[0180] Optionally, method 500 further includes step 502 .

[0181] 502. When the second trigger condition is met, for example, when the AIoT device detects that the energy storage is higher than a third threshold value (hereinafter referred to as threshold value c), the AIoT device sends a second signal to the network device / intermediate node, and the second signal is used to indicate that the AIoT device has sufficient energy storage.

[0182] Step 502 may correspond to step 240 and step 230 in FIG. 4 .

[0183] The network device / intermediate node can pre-configure or configure the channel for sending the second signal to the AIoT device through signaling. Optionally, the network device / intermediate node configures periodic resources for the channel. In addition, as described in the above embodiment, the second signal can also be used to indicate that the AIoT device has sufficient power, the AIoT device has ended its sleep process, or the AIoT device has ended its energy storage process.

[0184] Optionally, in Example 3, after receiving the first signal from the AIoT device and before receiving the second signal, the network device / intermediate node may adjust the time interval for transmitting the carrier signal from the original first time interval to the second time interval to reduce the power consumption of the intermediate node. Further, after receiving the second signal from the AIoT device, the network device / intermediate node restores the time interval for transmitting the carrier signal to the first time interval.

[0185] In Example 3, the first trigger condition could be: the AIoT device's energy storage in the previous cycle exceeded threshold value a, and in the current cycle, it fell below threshold value a. This "cycle" can be determined based on the select signal and the query signal. To help understand the meaning of "cycle" in Example 3 and the select or query signal, here's a brief introduction to an AIoT application scenario: inventory counting.

[0186] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the application scenario of inventory taking of AIoT devices. As shown in Figure 7. The network device / intermediate node will send a select signal at a certain interval according to the inventory requirements. The select signal is used to instruct the AIoT devices within the coverage area to start inventory. The network device / intermediate node then sends one or more query signals for one or more AIoT devices within the coverage area to feedback their identification information. After successfully receiving the identification information of an AIoT device, the network device / intermediate node feeds back an acknowledgment (ACK) to the AIoT device, and then the AIoT device uploads the relevant data of the corresponding items to the network device / intermediate node. After the network device / intermediate node receives the identification information and relevant data of the AIoT device, it can compare them in the database to identify which items are in the warehouse and which items have not been counted.

[0187] In the "inventory counting" application scenario, the select or query cycle might not be a fixed time. For example, an inventory count is triggered only when there is an inventory query request. Because inventory queries may not be triggered at fixed times, the inventory count cycle is also not fixed. Therefore, the "one cycle" mentioned in the first trigger condition can correspond to a single inventory count. For example, the current inventory count counts as one cycle, and the next inventory count counts as the next cycle.

[0188] The first signal indicating insufficient energy storage of the AIoT device can be carried by a step in the "AIoT identification information" or "data" in the inventory process of Figure 7, so that the network device / intermediate node can be informed, that is, the first signal is sent through the data channel, corresponding to implementation method 2, so that there is no need to specially configure the uplink channel (such as implementation method 1). In the example of Figure 7, the AIoT identification information can be randomly selected by the AIoT device, or it can be generated by the AIoT based on stored information, or it can be allocated by other devices (such as network devices / intermediate nodes) during the communication process. The description of "AIoT identification information" in Figure 7 is also applicable to other embodiments.

[0189] It should be noted that although the concept of "cycle" is mentioned in Example 3, it is also applicable in Examples 1 and 2. For example, in Examples 1 and 2, the first trigger condition can be: the energy storage of the AIoT device in the previous cycle is higher than the threshold value a, and the energy storage in the current cycle is lower than the threshold value a.

[0190] Figure 8 is a schematic flow chart of a Type 2 AIoT device indicating insufficient energy storage and energy storage recovery. In Figure 8, Indication Signal 1 corresponds to the first signal, and Indication Signal 2 corresponds to the second signal. The channel for Indication Signal 2 is only used if Indication Signal 1 has previously been used to indicate insufficient energy storage for the AIoT device. Network devices / intermediate nodes can configure periodic channel resources for Indication Signal 2.

[0191] The following describes a method for a Type 3 AIoT device to indicate insufficient energy storage or energy storage recovery, as shown in Example 4 below.

[0192] Example 4

[0193] Switching and indicating the working mode of type 3 AIoT devices.

[0194] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the switching working mode of the type 3 AIoT device provided in this application.

[0195] 601. When it is determined that the first trigger condition is met, the AIoT device switches from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

[0196] The first operating mode includes supporting UL transmission generation, and the second operating mode includes supporting reflection communication. The first trigger condition may include: the energy storage of the AIoT device falls below a first threshold value (hereinafter referred to as threshold value a). Optionally, the energy storage of the AIoT device falling below a threshold value is merely an example of an operating mode switch; the switching of the AIoT device's operating mode may also be triggered by other reasons. For example, changes in work scenarios, work requirements, work types, etc. are not limited. As an example, during the day, cattle graze in a pasture and have a large range of activities. The AIoT device attached to the cattle needs to cover a longer distance, so it uses the UL transmission generation mode. At night, the cattle enter the barn to rest, and their range of activities becomes smaller. The AIoT only needs to cover a shorter distance, so it switches to the reflection communication mode. As another example, when a container is in an open-air environment such as an airport or ship, the AIoT device needs to cover a longer distance, so it uses the UL transmission generation mode. When the container enters a warehouse, it only needs to cover the shorter distance inside the warehouse, so it switches to the reflection communication mode.

[0197] 602. The AIoT device sends a first signal, where the first signal is used to instruct the AIoT device to switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

[0198] Optionally, when indicating a working mode switch, the AIoT device may send the first signal using the working mode before the switch, or send the first signal using the working mode after the switch.

[0199] As an example, the first working mode is to support UL transmission generation, and the second working mode is to support reflection communication. When the AIoT device determines that the first trigger condition is met, before switching the working mode, the AIoT device sends a first signal on a pre-configured or configured uplink channel, and then switches from supporting UL transmission generation mode to supporting reflection communication mode. The uplink channel is specifically used for the AIoT device to send an indication signal for the working mode switch; or, when the AIoT device determines that the first trigger condition is met, before switching the working mode, the AIoT device sends a UL signal on a pre-configured or configured uplink channel, and the UL signal carries the first signal, and the first signal indicates the working mode switch of the AIoT device; or, when the AIoT device determines that the first trigger condition is met, after the AIoT device switches from supporting UL transmission generation mode to supporting only reflection mode, it indicates the switch of its own working mode through a reflection signal, that is, the first signal is a reflection signal; or, the AIoT device meets the first trigger condition and indicates the switch of the working mode to the network device / intermediate node by carrying the first signal in the data sent to the network device / intermediate node, that is, the first signal and the data are transmitted along the path. The associated transmission can be before or after the working mode is switched, without limitation.

[0200] 603. When it is determined that the second trigger condition is met, the AIoT device switches from the second operating mode to the first operating mode.

[0201] 604. The AIoT device sends a second signal, where the second signal is used to instruct the AIoT device to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode.

[0202] Alternatively, it can be said that the second signal indicates that the AIoT device has sufficient energy storage, energy storage recovery, etc.

[0203] Optionally, the second trigger condition may include: the energy storage of the AIoT device is higher than a third threshold value, and the third threshold value is higher than or equal to the first threshold value.

[0204] Optionally, the second signal may be sent in the second operating mode before the switch, or in the first operating mode after the switch, without limitation.

[0205] From this, it can be understood that steps 603 to 604 mean: after the AIoT device has sufficient energy storage, the AIoT device can indicate to the network device / intermediate node that the energy storage has been restored, so that the communication between the AIoT device and the network device / intermediate node can continue to adopt the first working mode.

[0206] It should be understood that the definitions of the first and second operating modes in FIG. 9 are merely examples. In practice, the first operating mode can refer to switching between any two different operating modes. Accordingly, after energy storage, switching between any two operating modes can also correspond to switching from the second operating mode to the first operating mode. Two more examples are given below.

[0207] Example 1: A Type 3 AIoT device supports both UL generation and reflection communication. When the AIoT device operates in UL generation, it is called Operating Mode 1. When the initial power is insufficient, the AIoT device switches to supporting only reflection communication and having the ability to amplify the signal, which is called Operating Mode 2. When the power is further insufficient, the AIoT device switches to supporting only reflection communication and not amplifying the signal, which is called Operating Mode 3. It can be seen that the switch from Operating Mode 1 to Operating Mode 2 is a single operating mode switch, which can correspond to the switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode described above. The switch from Operating Mode 2 to Operating Mode 3 is another operating mode switch, which can also correspond to the switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode in Figure 9.

[0208] Accordingly, the AIoT device switching from working mode 3 to working mode 1, or from working mode 3 to working mode 2, or from working mode 2 to working mode 1 can correspond to switching from the second working mode to the first working mode.

[0209] Example 2: A Type 1 AIoT device supports reflection communication and has the ability to amplify signals, which is called Operating Mode 1. When the AIoT device runs out of power, it switches to supporting only reflection communication but reflects the signal without amplification, which is called Operating Mode 2. The switch from Operating Mode 1 to Operating Mode 2 also corresponds to the switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode in Figure 9.

[0210] Correspondingly, the AIoT device switches from working mode 2 to working mode 1, corresponding to the process of switching from the second working mode to the first working mode in Figure 9.

[0211] In the above process, the second working mode of the AIoT device is to support reflection communication. According to the above introduction to the types of AIoT devices, the types that support reflection communication can include type 0 (supporting reflection communication and not having the ability to amplify UL signals / DL signals) or type 1 (supporting reflection communication and having the ability to amplify UL signals / DL signals). In the process of steps 601 to 604, the second working mode can refer to either type 0 supporting reflection communication or type 1 supporting reflection communication, without limitation.

[0212] In another implementation, supporting reflection communication but not having the ability to amplify UL signals / DL signals and supporting reflection communication and having the ability to amplify UL signals / DL signals can be defined as two working modes, respectively. These two working modes can be switched to the first working mode, respectively, and the first working mode can also be switched to any one of the two working modes.

[0213] Specifically, in this implementation, the above two operating modes can be defined as the second operating mode (corresponding to type 0 AIoT devices) and the third operating mode (corresponding to type 1 AIoT devices). For the switching between these two operating modes and the first operating mode, see the description of Figure 10.

[0214] Figure 10 is another schematic diagram of the switching working mode of the type 3 AIoT device provided by this application.

[0215] 701. The AIoT device determines that a first trigger condition is met, and the AIoT device switches from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

[0216] 702. The AIoT device sends a first signal to the network device / intermediate node, where the first signal is used to instruct the AIoT device to switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

[0217] The first trigger condition may include: the energy storage of the AIoT device is lower than a first threshold value, hereinafter referred to as threshold value a.

[0218] 703. The AIoT device determines that the second trigger condition is met, and the AIoT device switches from the second operating mode to the third operating mode.

[0219] 704. The AIoT device sends a second signal to the network device / intermediate node, where the second signal is used to instruct the AIoT device to switch from the second operating mode to the third operating mode.

[0220] The second trigger condition may include: the energy storage of the AIoT device is lower than a fourth threshold value (hereinafter referred to as threshold value d). Optionally, in order to ensure that the AIoT device can send a signal indicating insufficient energy storage, the energy storage of the AIoT device may be required to be no lower than a second threshold value (hereinafter referred to as threshold value b). It should be understood that the second threshold value can be understood as the minimum energy storage requirement that can ensure that the AIoT device can send a signal indicating insufficient energy storage. Therefore, the fourth threshold value may be equal to or higher than the second threshold value. The fourth threshold value is lower than the first threshold value.

[0221] After the AIoT device switches to the second working mode, it operates in the second working mode. When the energy storage further falls below the fourth threshold value, it switches from the second working mode to the third working mode. When operating in the third working mode, the energy storage of the AIoT device will continue to decrease. When it falls below a threshold value (for example, the fifth threshold value, hereinafter referred to as threshold value e), the AIoT device sends a signal indicating insufficient energy storage to the network device / intermediate node and enters sleep mode.

[0222] Similarly, in order to ensure that the AIoT device can at least send a signal indicating insufficient energy storage, the fifth threshold value may be required to be higher than or equal to the second threshold value.

[0223] Optionally, method 700 may further include step 705 .

[0224] 705. The AIoT device determines that the third trigger condition is met and sends a third signal, where the third signal is used to indicate that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage.

[0225] As an example, the third trigger condition may include: the energy storage of the AIoT device is lower than a fifth threshold value. Optionally, the fifth threshold value may be required to be higher than the second threshold value to ensure that the AIoT device can at least send the third signal.

[0226] Further, method 700 may include step 706 .

[0227] 706. The AIoT device determines that the fourth trigger condition is met, switches to the first working mode, and sends a fourth signal to the network device / intermediate node. The fourth signal is used to instruct the AIoT device to switch to the first working mode.

[0228] As an example, the fourth trigger condition may include: the energy storage of the AIoT device is higher than a third threshold value (such as the above-mentioned threshold value c). The third threshold value is greater than or equal to the first threshold value. In order to avoid frequently triggering the AIoT device to send a signal indicating insufficient energy storage, the third threshold value is higher than the first threshold value.

[0229] As an example, another implementation of step 706 is given below:

[0230] For example, the AIoT device enters sleep mode and starts collecting energy after the energy storage is lower than the fifth threshold value. When the energy storage of the AIoT device is higher than the sixth threshold value, the AIoT device sends a signal 1 to the network device / intermediate node to instruct the AIoT device to switch to the third working mode; or, when the energy storage of the AIoT device is higher than the seventh threshold value, the AIoT device sends a signal 2 to the network device / intermediate node to instruct the AIoT device to switch to the second working mode. The sixth threshold value, the seventh threshold value and the third threshold value may be different or the same. For example, when these threshold values ​​are different, it can be: the sixth threshold value is less than the seventh threshold value, and the seventh threshold value is less than the third threshold value.

[0231] As an example, multiple values ​​can be set for the signal indicating energy storage recovery, corresponding to different levels of energy storage recovery and corresponding operating modes of the AIoT device. For example, the signal indicating energy storage recovery can include three values: 00, 01, and 10, with the value "11" being reserved. Among them, 00 indicates switching to the third operating mode, 01 indicates switching to the second operating mode, and 10 indicates switching to the first operating mode.

[0232] Thus, after the network device / intermediate node receives the third signal, after a certain time interval, the value of the signal indicating energy storage recovery received is 00, indicating that the AIoT device returns to the third working mode; or, if the network device / intermediate node receives the third signal, after a certain time interval, the value of the signal indicating energy storage recovery received is 01, indicating that the AIoT device returns to the second working mode; or, after the network device / intermediate node receives the third signal, after a certain time interval, the value of the signal indicating energy storage recovery received is 10, indicating that the AIoT device returns to the first working mode.

[0233] In the example shown in Figure 10, the AIoT device gradually switches from the first operating mode (with the highest energy consumption) to the lowest energy consumption mode. When the energy storage is insufficient to continue operating in the lowest energy consumption mode, an insufficient energy storage indication is sent to the network device / intermediate node, and the energy storage process begins. Once sufficient energy is stored, the device switches directly back to the first operating mode.

[0234] However, in reality, the AIoT device does not necessarily need to switch operating modes completely according to the description in steps 701 to 706. In theory, when the energy storage of the AIoT device is gradually consumed and is insufficient to support a certain operating mode with higher energy consumption, the AIoT device can switch to any operating mode with lower energy consumption, as long as the AIoT device's current energy storage meets the energy storage requirements of the lower energy consumption operating mode. As long as the energy storage of the AIoT device is not completely sufficient (for example, 100% energy), regardless of which operating mode the AIoT device is operating in, the AIoT device can send a signal to the network device / intermediate node to indicate insufficient energy storage, thereby collecting energy, depending on the trigger conditions set. After collecting a certain amount of energy, the AIoT device can switch to any operating mode that meets the energy storage requirements, and the AIoT device is not required to have completely sufficient energy storage before switching. In other words, after collecting a certain amount of energy, the AIoT device can switch to a certain operating mode to operate, as long as the current energy storage meets the energy storage requirements of the operating mode. In addition, AIoT devices can switch working modes across energy levels, whether it is from a high-energy requirement working mode to a low-energy requirement working mode, or from a low-energy requirement working mode to a high-energy requirement working mode after energy storage.

[0235] For example, if an AIoT device supports any of the operating modes 1 through n, and energy consumption decreases gradually from mode 1 to mode n, then in some examples, when the AIoT device's energy storage is insufficient to operate in mode 1, the AIoT device can switch to a lower-energy mode. As energy is consumed, the AIoT device may continue to switch to lower-energy modes until it can no longer operate in mode n, at which point it sends a signal indicating insufficient energy storage to the network device / intermediate node. Once the energy storage is fully restored, the device switches to mode 1. In other examples, when the AIoT device's energy storage is insufficient, the AIoT device can switch from mode 1, which consumes the most energy, to any lower-energy mode, as long as the AIoT device's current energy storage supports that mode. Furthermore, after switching to a lower-energy mode, the AIoT device can switch to a lower-energy mode again after its energy storage further decreases, or it can choose to indicate insufficient energy storage to the network device / intermediate node, thereby initiating the energy storage process. After energy storage, the AIoT device can switch from a lower energy consumption working mode to any higher energy consumption working mode, as long as the current energy storage of the AIoT device can meet the energy storage requirements of the working mode.

[0236] For example, as the energy storage is continuously consumed, the AIoT device can gradually switch from the highest energy consumption mode to the lowest energy consumption mode; after energy storage, the AIoT device can gradually switch from the lowest energy consumption mode to the highest energy consumption mode. In other words, during the process of consuming or storing energy, the switching of operating modes is gradual and does not cross energy levels. The following is an example process:

[0237] Step 1: The AIoT device determines that trigger condition 1 is met and switches from working mode 1 to working mode 2.

[0238] As an example, trigger condition 1 may be that the energy storage of the AIoT device is lower than a threshold value a1.

[0239] Step 2: The AIoT device sends signal 1, which is used to instruct the AIoT device to switch from working mode 1 to working mode 2.

[0240] Step 3: The AIoT device determines that trigger condition 2 is met and switches from working mode 2 to working mode 3.

[0241] As an example, trigger condition 2 may be that the energy storage of the AIoT device is lower than a threshold value a2.

[0242] Step 4: The AIoT device sends signal 2, which is used to instruct the AIoT device to switch from working mode 2 to working mode 3.

[0243] In operating mode 3, the AIoT device gradually increases energy storage through energy storage. When certain trigger conditions are met, the operating mode switches. Alternatively, the AIoT device can operate in operating mode 3 until insufficient energy storage is required and enters sleep mode. Then, through energy collection, the energy storage gradually increases, and when certain trigger conditions are met, the operating mode switches. The operating mode switching during the energy storage recovery process can be described in steps 5 through 8 below.

[0244] Step 5: The AIoT device determines that trigger condition 3 is met and switches from working mode 3 to working mode 2.

[0245] As an example, trigger condition 3 may be that the energy storage of the AIoT device is higher than a threshold value a3, where a3=a2 or a3>a2.

[0246] Step 6: The AIoT device sends signal 3 to instruct the AIoT device to switch from working mode 3 to working mode 2.

[0247] Step 7: The AIoT device determines that trigger condition 4 is met and switches from working mode 2 to working mode 1.

[0248] As an example, the triggering condition 4 can be that the energy storage of the AIoT device is higher than the threshold value a4. Here, a4 = a1 or a4 > a1.

[0249] Step 8: The AIoT device sends signal 4 to indicate that the AIoT device switches from working mode 2 to working mode 1.

[0250] Steps 1 to 8 here are only for clearly describing the process of working mode switching, and some steps can also be combined.

[0251] Therefore, in the embodiments of the present application, whether the working mode is switched because the energy storage is consumed or after the energy is supplemented through energy harvesting, it is very flexible.

[0252] As an example, after harvesting energy, the threshold values involved in the triggering conditions for the AIoT device to switch back to different working modes may be different. For example, after the AIoT device indicates insufficient energy storage and then through energy harvesting, if the triggering condition 3 is met: the energy storage is higher than the threshold value c3, the AIoT device switches to working mode 3; if the triggering condition 2 is met: the energy storage is higher than the threshold value c2, the AIoT device switches to working mode 2; if the triggering condition 1 is met: the energy storage is higher than the threshold value c1, the AIoT device switches to working mode 1. Exemplarily, the values of c3, c2, and c1 can be the same or different. When the values of c3, c2, and c1 are the same, c3 = c2 = c1 should meet the energy storage requirement for the AIoT device to switch to the working mode 1 with the highest energy consumption. The values of c3, c2, and c1 being different can be that the three threshold values are all different from each other, or two of them are the same and different from the other one, without limitation. For example, c3 < c2 < c1, or c3 = c2 < c1, or c3 < c2 = c1, etc.

[0253] In addition, since the switching of the working mode can be triggered by a triggering condition. However, the threshold values involved in the triggering condition for switching from a certain working mode (such as working mode A) to another working mode (such as working mode B) may be the same or different from the threshold values involved in the triggering condition for switching back to the previous working mode after energy storage.

[0254] For example, the triggering condition for switching from working mode A to working mode B can include: the energy storage of the AIoT device is lower than the threshold value 1; and the triggering condition for switching back from working mode B to working mode A can include: the energy storage of the AIoT device is higher than the threshold value 2. Here, the threshold value 2 and the threshold value 1 can be the same or different.

[0255] In the above embodiments of switching operating modes, some embodiments include the AIoT device determining insufficient energy storage and sending an indication signal to the network device / intermediate node to indicate that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage, thereby causing the AIoT device to enter sleep mode. The triggering conditions for the AIoT device to determine insufficient energy storage and the description of the threshold value in the triggering conditions are also applicable to other embodiments.

[0256] The above describes in detail how the four types of AIoT devices provided in this application indicate to the network device / intermediate node after insufficient energy storage, how to indicate to the network device / intermediate node after energy storage is restored, and the behavior / operation of the network device / intermediate node after learning that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage. The following, combined with Scenario 1 and Scenario 2 introduced at the beginning of the embodiment of this application, explains the changes that the AIoT device's indication of insufficient energy storage brings to the inventory of items in the inventory scenario.

[0257] Application example of scenario 1

[0258] FIG11 is an application example of the present application solution in scenario 1.

[0259] 801. The TMF receives instruction information from a higher layer, instructing the tag management function (TMF) to count a certain type of goods in inventory. For example, a user sends instruction information to count inventory through an application (APP) or a database.

[0260] 802. TMF sends an inventory count instruction message to the network device corresponding to this type of goods.

[0261] The TMF stores the correspondence between certain types of goods and network devices. This correspondence can be pre-stored or recorded from a previous inventory. If the correspondence does not exist, such as during the system's initial inventory count, the TMF can send an inventory indication message to all network devices providing the service.

[0262] 803. The network device and the AIoT device perform a cargo inventory process, including the network device sending a select signal, a query signal, the AIoT device uploading the AIoTID, the network device replying ACK to the AIoT device that correctly receives the AIoTID, and the AIoT device reporting data.

[0263] Among them, the select message can also be called a paging message, which is mainly used to inform the AIoT devices within the coverage of the network device which types of items the network device needs to take inventory of; the query signal can be divided into multiple rounds for multiple AIoT devices to access, so as to avoid conflicts caused by multiple AIoT devices sending signals at the same time. The AIoT devices each generate a random number and use the random number to determine which round of access; the AIoTID is the tag information or identification information of the AIoT device, which informs the network device for subsequent scheduling; ACK is used by the network device to notify the AIoT device that it has successfully received the AIoTID of the AIoT device; Data is the data sent by the AIoT device to the network device, including information such as the type or status of the item. In this example, the signal indicating insufficient energy storage of the AIoT device (such as the first signal) can be transmitted to the network device through Data, for example, the first signal is carried by RRC signaling or NAS message.

[0264] 804. After receiving data, the network device can forward it to the TMF, or it can process the data internally and send the processed information to the TMF, which will then forward it to the upper layer.

[0265] 805. The network device / TMF / higher layer records the status of such goods based on the received data.

[0266] Among them, if the data received from a certain AIoT device carries a first signal, the first signal is used to indicate that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage, and the network device / TMF / high layer marks the status of the goods corresponding to the AIoT device as "pending" or "unknown" according to the first signal.

[0267] For example, the first signal consists of two bits, with three values ​​corresponding to the status of the goods: "present," "absent (or lost)," and "pending." For example, 00 indicates pending, 01 indicates absent, and 10 indicates present. Based on the first signal, network devices or intermediate nodes can directly determine the status of the goods corresponding to the AIoT device.

[0268] As another example, the status of the goods corresponding to the AIoT device can be jointly indicated by two signals (or two indication fields, which can be carried by one signal or different signals, without limitation). For example, the two indication fields are field 1 and field 2. Field 1 and field 2 are each one bit. Among them, field 1 is used to indicate "existence" or "non-existence", for example, the value of field 1 is 1 for existence, and the value of 0 for non-existence. Field 2 is used to indicate whether the network device / intermediate node has previously received a signal indicating insufficient energy storage from the AIoT device. For example, field 2 is 0, which means that the network device / intermediate node has not previously received a signal indicating insufficient energy storage from the AIoT device; field 2 is 1, which means that the network device / intermediate node has previously received a signal indicating insufficient energy storage from the AIoT device. In this case, when the network device / intermediate node receives field 1, if field 1 indicates non-existence, the network device / intermediate node also needs to combine the value of field 2 to determine whether the goods corresponding to the AIoT device are lost. If the value of Field 2 is 1, it means that the AIoT device has previously indicated insufficient energy storage. Therefore, based on Fields 1 and 2, the network device / intermediate node marks the status of the goods corresponding to the AIoT device as "pending" or "unknown." However, if Field 1 indicates that the goods "do not exist" and Field 2 indicates that the network device / intermediate node has not previously received a signal from the AIoT device indicating insufficient energy storage, the network device / intermediate node marks the status of the goods corresponding to the AIoT device as "lost."

[0269] That is, if the data received by the network device / TMF / higher layer from an AIoT device carries a first signal indicating that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage, the network device / TMF / higher layer will mark the status of the goods corresponding to the AIoT device as pending or unknown. Correspondingly, if the received data does not carry the first signal, the network device / TMF / higher layer will calculate the status of the goods corresponding to the AIoT device based on the received data.

[0270] For example, during an inventory, a network device updates the status of items corresponding to the AIoT device based on data received from the AIoT device. For example, if an item is counted, it is considered "present," while if it is not, it is considered "absent / lost." However, if the network device receives a first signal from an AIoT device indicating "insufficient energy storage," the status of the item corresponding to the AIoT device after that inventory is marked as "pending" or "unknown." If an item is not subsequently counted due to insufficient energy storage on the AIoT device, it is not necessarily "absent / lost"; it is simply because the AIoT device is unable to respond to the inventory request due to insufficient energy storage. Therefore, the status of the item corresponding to the AIoT device is marked as "unknown." The item can only be counted again after the AIoT device's energy storage is restored, and then the item's status is marked as "present." This "unknown" information can be recorded by the network device. During subsequent inventories, even if the item is not counted, it will not be marked as "absent / lost," thus avoiding triggering other processes, such as triggering a search request for the item as lost. The status information of items corresponding to AIoT devices can also be consolidated and forwarded to the TMF, which can then forward it to higher-level management.

[0271] Application example of scenario 2

[0272] FIG12 is an example of an application of the present application solution in scenario 2.

[0273] 901. TMF receives instruction information from the upper layer, instructing TMF to take inventory of a certain type of goods in stock.

[0274] 902. TMF sends an inventory count instruction message to the network device corresponding to this type of goods.

[0275] 903. The network device performs an inventory process through the intermediate node (corresponding to the UE in Figure 11) and the AIoT device.

[0276] During the inventory process, as described in the above embodiments, the AIoT device can send a signal indicating insufficient energy storage via data to the network device / intermediate node. Specifically, this data can be carried via RRC signaling or NAS messages, without limitation. Furthermore, in Scenario 2, the AIoT device first sends the data to the intermediate node, which then forwards the data to the network device for use.

[0277] 904. After receiving data, the network device can forward it to the TMF, or it can process the data internally and send the processed information to the TMF, which will then forward it to the upper layer.

[0278] 905. The network equipment / TMF / higher level records the status of such goods based on the data received.

[0279] As an example, if the data of an AIoT device carries a first signal, the first signal is used to indicate that the AIoT device has insufficient energy storage. The network device / TMF / higher layer marks the status of the goods corresponding to the AIoT device as pending or unknown based on the first signal.

[0280] As another example, the status of the goods corresponding to the AIoT device can be recorded by combining two signals (or two fields). For details, please refer to the example in step 805 and will not be repeated here.

[0281] The steps in Figure 12 can refer to the corresponding steps of steps 801 to 805 and will not be repeated here. The difference from the process in Figure 11 is that in application scenario 2, the network device (such as the next generation node B (gNB)) and the AIoT device communicate through the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node forwards the signaling of the network device to the AIoT device and forwards the information sent by the AIoT device to the network device.

[0282] The communication method provided by this application is described in detail above. The communication device provided by this application is introduced below.

[0283] See FIG13 , which is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in this application.

[0284] As shown in Figure 13, a communication device 1000 includes a processing module 1001 and a communication module 1002. The communication device 1000 can be a communication device, or a device applied to a communication device and capable of implementing the corresponding functions of the communication device, such as a chip, a chip system, or a circuit. For example, the communication device can include a network device (e.g., an access network device) or an AIoT device in an ambient IoT scenario.

[0285] Among them, the communication module can also be a transceiver module, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a transceiver device, etc. The processing module can also be a processor, a processing board, a processing unit, or a processing device, etc. Optionally, the communication module is used to perform the sending operation and the receiving operation of the network device or AIoT device in any method embodiment. The device used to implement the receiving function in the communication module can be regarded as a receiving unit, and the device used to implement the sending function in the communication module can be regarded as a sending unit, that is, the communication module includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing module is used to perform operations / processing related to the internal implementation of the network device or AIoT device in any method embodiment. It should be understood that the corresponding specific operations of each module can be found in the description in the method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0286] Furthermore, it should be noted that the aforementioned communication module and / or processing module may be implemented as a virtual module. For example, the processing module may be implemented as a software functional unit or a virtual device, and the communication module may be implemented as a software function or a virtual device. Alternatively, the processing module or the communication module may be implemented as a physical device. For example, if the device is implemented as a chip / hardware circuit, the communication module may be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface that performs input operations (corresponding to the aforementioned receiving operations) and output operations (corresponding to the aforementioned sending operations); the processing module may be an integrated circuit or a logic circuit, etc.

[0287] The division of modules in this application is illustrative and represents only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the examples of this application may be integrated into a single module, physically exist separately, or two or more modules may be integrated into a single module. The aforementioned integrated modules may be implemented in the form of hardware, software functional modules, or a combination of hardware and software functional modules, without limitation.

[0288] Referring to FIG14 , the present application also provides a schematic structural diagram of another communication device.

[0289] The communication device 1100 can be used to implement the functions of any communication device (for example, a network device or an AIoT device) described in the aforementioned method embodiments. The communication device 1100 may include at least one processor 1110. Optionally, the processor 1110 (or processing device) is coupled to a memory, and the memory may be located within the communication device, or the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be located outside the communication device. For example, the communication device 1100 may also include at least one memory 1120. The memory 1120 stores the necessary computer programs, instructions and / or data for implementing any of the above embodiments; the processor 1110 may execute the computer programs, instructions and / or data stored in the memory 1120 to complete the corresponding functions of the network device or AIoT device in any of the above embodiments.

[0290] The communication device 1100 may further include a communication interface 1130, through which the communication device 1100 may exchange information with other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface 1130 may be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, a pin, or another type of communication interface. When the communication device 1100 is a chip-type device or circuit, the communication interface 1130 in the device 1100 may also be an input / output circuit that may input information (or receive information) and / or output information (or send information). The processor may be an integrated circuit or a logic circuit, etc., and the processor may determine output information based on the input information.

[0291] Coupling in this application refers to an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. Processor 1110 may operate in conjunction with memory 1120 and communication interface 1130. This application does not limit the connection medium between the processor 1110, memory 1120, and communication interface 1130.

[0292] As shown in Figure 15, the present application also provides a chip, chip 30 including circuit 31 and communication interface 32. Input / output interface 32. Circuit 31 can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc., and communication interface 32 can also be an input / output circuit, input / output interface, interface circuit, etc., which can input information (or receive information) or output information (or send information). Chip 30 can execute the methods performed by the network device or AIoT device in each embodiment of the present application.

[0293] In addition, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions are run on a computer, the operations and / or processing performed by the network device or AIoT device in the various method embodiments of the present application are executed.

[0294] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code or instructions. When the computer program code or instructions are run on a computer, the operations and / or processing performed by the network device or AIoT device in the various method embodiments of the present application are executed.

[0295] In addition, the present application also provides a chip, the chip including a processor. A memory for storing a computer program is provided independently of the chip, and the processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory so that the operations and / or processing performed by the network device or AIoT device in any method embodiment are performed.

[0296] Furthermore, the chip may further include a communication interface. The communication interface may be an input / output interface, or an interface circuit, etc. Furthermore, the chip may further include a memory.

[0297] The present application provides a communication system, including the network device and the AIoT device in the above method embodiment. In addition, the communication system may also include an intermediate node. The intermediate node is used to forward messages between the network device and the AIoT device.

[0298] It should be noted that when the communication device in Figures 13 to 15 is an AIoT device, the structure of the AIoT device should be understood in conjunction with Figure 3.

[0299] For example, in Figure 13, communication module 1001 may specifically include a module for receiving signals / carriers, and a module for reflection or UL generation. Furthermore, communication device 1000 may also include an energy storage module. Alternatively, the energy storage module may be a function of processing module 1001, without limitation.

[0300] For example, in Figure 14, the communication interface 1130 may specifically include a module for receiving signals / carriers, and a module for reflection or UL generation. Furthermore, the communication device 1100 may also include an energy storage module. Alternatively, the energy storage module may be a function of the processor 1110, without limitation.

[0301] For example, in Figure 15 , the communication interface 32 may specifically include a module for receiving signals / carriers, and a module for reflection or UL generation. Furthermore, the chip 30 may also include an energy storage module. Alternatively, the energy storage module may be a function of the circuit 31 , without limitation.

[0302] In this application, a processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in this application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in this application may be directly executed by a hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0303] In the present application, the memory may be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or a volatile memory, such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory is any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the present application may also be a circuit or any other device that can implement a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0304] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0305] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0306] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0307] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0308] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0309] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0310] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first device or a chip of the first device, the method includes: When a first trigger condition is met, sending a first signal, where the first signal is used to indicate that the first device has insufficient energy storage, wherein the first trigger condition includes that the energy storage of the first device is lower than a first threshold value; The first device satisfies one or more of the following conditions: Supports reflection communication, has the ability to amplify uplink (UL) signals and / or downlink (DL) signals, and generates UL transmission.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first device satisfies one of the following conditions: The first device supports reflection communication and does not have the ability to amplify uplink (UL) signals or downlink (DL) signals; The first device supports reflection communication and has the ability to amplify UL signals or DL ​​signals; The first device supports generating UL transmission and has the ability to amplify UL signals or DL ​​signals; or The first device supports reflection communication and generates UL transmission, and has the ability to amplify UL signals or DL ​​signals.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first signal is a reflected signal, and the first signal includes an indication field, the indication field carries indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate that the first device has insufficient energy storage.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first signal is a reflected signal, and the first signal includes a first part, which is an amplified part of the reflected signal, and the first part is used to indicate that the first device has insufficient energy storage.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first portion is located in a first time domain unit of the reflected signal, and the first time domain unit is predefined or configured.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the energy storage of the first device is lower than the first threshold value, if a scheduling signal is received from a network device, information is transmitted based on the reflected signal, and the reflected signal is not amplified.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that The first device supports reflection communication and has the ability to amplify the UL signal and / or the DL signal.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first signal is a reflection signal, which is a reflection of a portion of the first carrier signal.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The time domain position of the portion of the first signal that reflects the partial signal of the first carrier signal is preset or configured.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, 8-9, characterized in that: The first device supports reflection communication and does not have the ability to amplify UL signals or DL ​​signals.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, 8-10, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the energy storage of the first device is lower than the first threshold value, if a scheduling signal is received from a network device, information is transmitted based on the reflected signal, and only a portion of the first carrier signal is reflected.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive a second carrier signal, wherein the time interval between the time of receiving the second carrier signal and the time of receiving the first carrier signal corresponding to the reflected signal is greater than a first time interval, and the first time interval is the time interval between the network device or the intermediate node sending the first carrier signal before the first device sends the first signal.

13. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The sending of the first signal includes: The first signal is sent on an uplink channel, where the uplink channel is a channel configured to send a signal indicating that the first device has insufficient energy storage.

14. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The sending of the first signal includes: Data is sent to a second device, where the data carries the first signal, and the data is carried in radio resource control RRC signaling or non-access layer NAS message, and the second device is a network device or an intermediate node.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that Before sending the data to the second device, the method further includes: receiving a message from the second device instructing to inventory items corresponding to the first device; sending identification information of the first device to the second device; and A confirmation response is received from the second device of successful receipt of the identification information of the first device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The first device supports the capability of generating UL transmission and has the capability of amplifying UL signals or DL ​​signals.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that The first trigger condition includes that the stored energy of the first device is lower than a first threshold value, including: The first trigger condition includes that the energy storage of the first device is higher than the first threshold value in the previous cycle, and the energy storage of the first device is lower than the first threshold value in the current cycle.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The first trigger condition also includes: the energy storage of the first device is higher than a second threshold value in the current cycle, and the first threshold value is higher than the second threshold value.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second signal is sent, where the second signal indicates that the first device has sufficient energy storage.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The sending of the second signal includes: The second signal is sent when a second trigger condition is met, where the second trigger condition includes that the energy storage of the first device is higher than a third threshold value, and the third threshold value is greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that The sending of the first signal includes: The first signal is sent to a second device, where the second device is a network device or a relay device.

22. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first device or a chip of the first device, the method includes: When a first trigger condition is met, switching from a first operating mode to a second operating mode, wherein the first operating mode includes supporting generation of uplink (UL) transmissions and the second operating mode includes supporting reflection communication; A first signal is sent, where the first signal is used to instruct the operating mode of the first device to switch to the second operating mode.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The first trigger condition includes that the stored energy of the first device is lower than a first threshold value.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that The method further comprises: When a second trigger condition is met, switching from the second operating mode to a third operating mode, wherein the second operating mode supports reflection communication and has the ability to amplify signals, and the third operating mode supports the reflection communication but does not have the ability to amplify signals; and Send a second signal, where the second signal is used to instruct the first device to switch from the second operating mode to the third operating mode.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that The first signal is sent before switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, and sending the first signal includes: The first signal is sent on an uplink channel.

26. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that The first signal is sent after the first working mode is switched to the second working mode. The first signal is a reflected signal of the first carrier signal. The first signal carries indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate that the working mode of the first device is switched to the second working mode.

27. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that The method further comprises: When a third trigger condition is met, a third signal is sent, where the third signal is used to indicate that the first device has insufficient energy storage.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that The third trigger condition includes that the energy storage of the first device is higher than a third threshold value, and the third threshold value is greater than the first threshold value.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that The method further comprises: When a fourth trigger condition is met, switching to the first operating mode; and Send a fourth signal, where the fourth signal is used to instruct the operating mode of the first device to switch to the first operating mode.

30. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 29, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send capability indication information, where the capability indication information indicates that the first device supports the first working mode and the second working mode, and the second working mode also includes having or not having the ability to amplify uplink UL signals or downlink DL signals.

31. A communication method, characterized in that: The method applied to the second device or the chip of the second device includes: receiving a first signal, wherein the first signal is used to indicate that the first device has insufficient energy storage; According to the first signal, a status of an item corresponding to the first device is recorded, where the status of the item corresponding to the first device includes pending.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second signal is received, where the second signal indicates that the first device has sufficient energy storage.

33. The method according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that The first signal is carried in a radio resource control RRC signaling or a non-access stratum NAS message between the first device and the second device.

34. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first signal is forwarded to a third device, where the second device is an access network device and the third device is a tag management function TMF.

35. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises modules or units for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 34.

36. A communication device, characterized in that The device comprises a processor configured to cause the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 34.

37. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 34 is implemented.

38. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions, which, when executed, cause the method according to any one of claims 1 to 34 to be implemented.

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