Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, which are applied to a communication system supporting environmental Internet of Things technology. The method comprises: receiving, in a first time-domain resource, first information from a second apparatus, wherein the first information is used for paging a first apparatus, and / or the first information is used for synchronization, the first time-domain resource is one of a plurality of time-domain resources, with a period of a first duration, the plurality of time-domain resources are time-domain resources used for synchronization, and the plurality of time-domain resources are time-domain resources used for paging; if the first information is used for paging the first apparatus, accessing the second apparatus; and if the first information is used for synchronization, performing synchronization on the basis of the first information. By means of the method, first information used for implementing paging and / or synchronization is transmitted by means of periodic time-domain resources, such that a first apparatus can periodically determine whether the first apparatus is paged and can also periodically perform synchronization. In this way, the complexity of receiving downlink information from a second apparatus by a first apparatus can be reduced, and the communication efficiency is improved.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on March 1, 2024, with application number 202410240648.X and invention name "A communication method and device"; this application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on April 3, 2024, with application number 202410405303.5 and invention name "A communication method and device", all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems have incorporated the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Terminal devices function as tags in the IoT, while base stations function as readers. Tags communicate with base stations. Tags are passive or semi-active devices. Typical applications include logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, and environmental monitoring. The number of tags communicating with a base station at any one time is enormous. Improving the communication efficiency between base stations and tags is a pressing issue. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus for improving communication efficiency.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, wherein the execution subject of the method is a first device or a module or chip in the first device. Here, the first device is used as the execution subject for description. The first device can be a terminal device or a tag. The method includes: receiving a first message from a second device in a first time domain resource; the first information is used to page the first device, and / or the first information is used for synchronization; wherein the first time domain resource is one of a plurality of time domain resources with a period of a first time length, or the first time domain resource is one of a plurality of non-periodic time domain resources, the plurality of time domain resources are time domain resources for synchronization, and the plurality of time domain resources are time domain resources for paging; if the first information is used to page the first device, then access the second device; if the first information is used for synchronization, synchronization is performed according to the first information.

[0007] Through this method, multiple time domain resources with a period of the first time length can be both time domain resources for synchronization and time domain resources for paging. In this way, the network side can transmit the first information for implementing paging and / or synchronization through the same periodic time domain resource, so that the first device can receive the first information for paging and / or synchronization in the same time domain resource. This can reduce the complexity of the first device receiving the downlink information from the second device, and realize the determination of the receiving position of the two signals through a set of mechanisms, while also reducing resource waste and improving communication efficiency.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the first information includes first sub-information and / or second sub-information; the first sub-information is used to page the first device, and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

[0009] By using this method, the paging and synchronization functions are respectively realized through two sub-information, so that the first sub-information and / or the second sub-information can be carried according to actual needs, and the implementation is more flexible.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner, the first sub-information and the second sub-information are two different fields in the first information; or, the first sub-information and the second sub-information are two different messages.

[0011] With this method, if the first and second sub-information fields are two different fields, the first device only needs to receive a single message, reducing the complexity of the first device's reception, logical processing complexity, and implementation costs. If the first and second sub-information fields are two different messages, the network can send either the first or the second sub-information based on actual needs, offering greater implementation flexibility.

[0012] In a possible implementation, when the first information includes first sub-information, the first sub-information is used to page the first device; when the first information does not include the first sub-information, the first information is used for synchronization.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: if the first information page is not received, sleeping for a second time period; wherein the second time period is less than or equal to the first time period.

[0014] By using the above method, if it is determined that the device has not been paged by the first message, then it will sleep for the second duration, which can reduce power consumption and increase operating time. In addition, because the first time domain resource is a periodic resource, the first device can periodically receive downlink messages instead of constantly receiving downlink messages. It can sleep between downlink messages, which can reduce power consumption and increase operating time.

[0015] [Corrected 03.03.2025 according to Rule 91] Furthermore, this implementation is also compatible with devices that do not support sleep or power saving, meaning that such devices can also continue monitoring. Such devices are simpler to implement and do not have power saving mechanisms.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the first information is used for synchronization, and the method further includes: receiving second information in a second time domain resource, where the second information is used to page the first device; and the second time domain resource is separated from the first time domain resource by a third time length.

[0017] By using this method, the second information is sent after the periodic first information, so that the interval between the sending of the synchronization information is shorter, the terminal can more accurately determine the paging opportunity, and the reliability of determining the paging opportunity is increased.

[0018] In a possible implementation manner, the first information is further used to indicate the third duration, or the third duration is predefined.

[0019] Through this method, when the first information indicates the third duration, the first device can accurately determine the time domain resources for receiving the second information. Furthermore, the third duration can be flexibly configured, allowing the first device to more accurately determine the paging opportunity and improve communication efficiency. The third duration is predefined, which can reduce the signaling overhead required to indicate the third duration.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: failing to successfully receive third information from the second device in a third time domain resource; the third information is used to page the first device, and / or the third information is used for synchronization; the third time domain resource is one of the multiple time domain resources, and the third time domain resource is different from the first time domain resource; and continuously receiving the third information until the third information is successfully received.

[0021] Through the above method, if the third information is not received for a long time, the third information can be continuously received or monitored, so that the third information can be obtained in time, and synchronization or access to the second device can be completed according to the third information, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the first information is further used to indicate a sending period of at least one of the first information, the first sub-information, and the second sub-information, wherein the first sub-information is used to page the first device, and the second sub-information is used for synchronization;

[0023] Alternatively, the first information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: the time interval for sending the first information next time; the time interval for sending the first sub-information next time; the time interval for sending the second sub-information next time, wherein the first sub-information is used to paging the first device and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the first information is further used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0025] Whether to periodically send the first sub-information; whether to periodically send the second sub-information; whether to periodically send the first information; wherein the first sub-information is used to page the first device, and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

[0026] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, wherein the execution subject of the method is a second device or a module or chip in the second device. The method is described here using the second device as the execution subject as an example. For example, the second device can be an access network device or a terminal device. The method includes: determining first information; the first information is used to paging the first device, and / or the first information is used for synchronization; sending the first information in a first time domain resource; wherein the first time domain resource is one of multiple time domain resources with a period of a first time length, or the first time domain resource is one of multiple time domain resources with a non-periodic period, the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for synchronization, and the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for paging.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the first information includes first sub-information and / or second sub-information; the first sub-information is used to page the first device, and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

[0028] In a possible implementation manner, the first sub-information and the second sub-information are two different fields in the first information; or, the first sub-information and the second sub-information are two different messages.

[0029] In a possible implementation, when the first information includes first sub-information, the first sub-information is used to page the first device; when the first information does not include the first sub-information, the first information is used for synchronization.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the first information is used for synchronization, and the method further includes: sending second information in a second time domain resource, where the second information is used to page the first device; and the second time domain resource is separated from the first time domain resource by a third time length.

[0031] In a possible implementation manner, the first information is further used to indicate the third duration, or the third duration is predefined.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the first information is further used to indicate a sending period of at least one of the first information, the first sub-information, and the second sub-information, wherein the first sub-information is used to page the first device, and the second sub-information is used for synchronization;

[0033] Alternatively, the first information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: the time interval for sending the first information next time; the time interval for sending the first sub-information next time; the time interval for sending the second sub-information next time, wherein the first sub-information is used to paging the first device and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the first information is further used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0035] Whether to periodically send the first sub-information; whether to periodically send the second sub-information; whether to periodically send the first information; wherein the first sub-information is used to page the first device, and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

[0036] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, wherein the execution subject of the method is a first device or a module or chip in the first device. Here, the first device is used as the execution subject for description. The first device can be a terminal device or a tag. The method includes: receiving at least one of a first sub-information, a second sub-information, and a third sub-information from a second device in a first time domain resource; the first sub-information is used to page the first device, the second sub-information is used for synchronization, and the third sub-information is used to indicate system information; wherein the first time domain resource is one of multiple time domain resources, the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources for synchronization, the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources for paging, and the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources for transmitting system information; if the first sub-information is used to page the first device, accessing the second device according to the first sub-information, and / or, synchronizing according to the second sub-information, and / or determining the system information according to the third sub-information.

[0037] Through this method, multiple time domain resources can be time domain resources for synchronization, time domain resources for paging, or time domain resources for transmitting system information. In this way, the network side can transmit information used to achieve paging and / or synchronization through the same time domain resource, so that the first device can receive information used for paging and / or synchronization in the same time domain resource. This can reduce the complexity of the first device receiving downlink information from the second device, and realize the determination of the receiving position of the three types of information through a set of mechanisms, while also reducing resource waste and improving communication efficiency.

[0038] In one implementation, if the first, second, and third sub-information are sent periodically, which can be understood as the multiple time domain resources being periodic resources, the first sub-information can further configure or indicate the period of at least one of the first, second, and third sub-information. For example, the first information indicates that the period of the first sub-information is the first duration, and the period of the second sub-information is the first duration. Similarly, the second or third sub-information can further configure or indicate the period of at least one of the first, second, and third sub-information.

[0039] In one implementation, the first, second, and third sub-information can also be sent aperiodically. This can be understood as multiple time domain resources being aperiodic resources. In this case, the first sub-information can also configure or indicate at least one of the following: the time for the next transmission of the first sub-information, the time for the next transmission of the second sub-information, and the time for the next transmission of the third sub-information. Similarly, the second or third sub-information can also configure or indicate the above information, which will not be further described here.

[0040] In one implementation, the first sub-information further indicates at least one of the following: whether the first sub-information is periodically transmitted; whether the second sub-information is periodically transmitted; and whether the third sub-information is periodically transmitted. Similarly, the second or third sub-information may also be used to configure or indicate the above information, and further details are omitted here.

[0041] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, wherein the execution subject of the method is a second device or a module or chip in the second device. The method is described here using the second device as the execution subject as an example. For example, the second device can be an access network device or a terminal device. The method includes: determining at least one item of first sub-information, second sub-information, and third sub-information; the first sub-information is used to page the first device, the second sub-information is used for synchronization, and the third sub-information is used to indicate system information; sending at least one item of the first sub-information, the second sub-information, and the third sub-information in a first time domain resource; wherein the first time domain resource is one of multiple time domain resources, the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources for synchronization, the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources for paging, and the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources for transmitting system information.

[0042] In one implementation, if the first, second, and third sub-information are sent periodically, which can be understood as the multiple time domain resources being periodic resources, the first sub-information can further configure or indicate the period of at least one of the first, second, and third sub-information. For example, the first information indicates that the period of the first sub-information is the first duration, and the period of the second sub-information is the first duration. Similarly, the second or third sub-information can further configure or indicate the period of at least one of the first, second, and third sub-information.

[0043] In one implementation, the first, second, and third sub-information can also be sent aperiodically. This can be understood as multiple time domain resources being aperiodic resources. In this case, the first sub-information can also configure or indicate at least one of the following: the time for the next transmission of the first sub-information, the time for the next transmission of the second sub-information, and the time for the next transmission of the third sub-information. Similarly, the second or third sub-information can also configure or indicate the above information, which will not be further described here.

[0044] In one implementation, the first sub-information further indicates at least one of the following: whether the first sub-information is periodically transmitted; whether the second sub-information is periodically transmitted; and whether the third sub-information is periodically transmitted. Similarly, the second or third sub-information may also be used to configure or indicate the above information, and further details are omitted here.

[0045] In a fifth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device capable of implementing any of the methods provided in any of the first to fourth aspects. The communication device can be implemented via hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in executing the corresponding functions of the first or second apparatus in the method described above. The communication device may also include a memory, which may be coupled to the processor and stores program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device also includes an interface circuit configured to support communication between the communication device and a device such as a terminal.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules for implementing the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the structure of the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples. For details, please refer to the description of the method provided in any one of the first to fourth aspects, which will not be repeated here.

[0049] In the sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a processor, the method in any possible implementation of any one of the first to fourth aspects is implemented.

[0050] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product storing instructions is provided, which, when read and executed by a computer, implements the method in any possible implementation of any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0051] In an eighth aspect, a circuit is provided for executing the method in any possible implementation of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the circuit may include a chip circuit. Optionally, the circuit may also be coupled to a memory.

[0052] In a ninth aspect, a chip system is provided, comprising:

[0053] A processor configured to call and execute the computer program from a memory, so that a device equipped with the chip system implements the method of any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects. Optionally, the chip system may further include a memory. The chip system may be composed of a chip or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0054] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, which implements the method in any possible implementation of any one of the first to fourth aspects through a logic circuit or by executing a computer program or instruction.

[0055] In an eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a unit or module for executing the method in any possible implementation of any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0056] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is configured to receive signals from a communication device other than the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to transmit signals from the processor to the communication device other than the communication device, wherein the processor implements the functional modules of the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects by means of a logic circuit or by executing a computer program or instruction. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a memory configured to store the computer program or instruction.

[0057] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system. The communication system includes: a first device for implementing the method in the aforementioned first aspect and any possible implementation thereof; a second device for implementing the method in the aforementioned second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Alternatively, the communication system includes: a first device for implementing the method in the aforementioned third aspect and any possible implementation thereof; a second device for implementing the method in the aforementioned fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a network device architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a label provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG9 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of information transmission provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of information transmission provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of information transmission provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of information transmission provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG14 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of information transmission provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG16 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. The terms "first", "second" and corresponding terminology labels in the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this way can be interchangeable under appropriate circumstances. This is merely a way of distinguishing objects with the same properties when describing the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, so that a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of units is not necessarily limited to those units, but may include other units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices. The methods and devices provided in the embodiments of the present application are based on the same or similar technical concepts. Since the principles of solving problems by the methods and devices are similar, the implementation of the devices and methods can refer to each other, and the repetitions will not be repeated.

[0078] The method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to various types of mobile communication systems, for example, the Internet of Things (IoT), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), the fourth generation (4G) communication system (such as long term evolution (LTE)), the fifth generation (5G) communication system (such as 5G new radio (NR)), the hybrid architecture of LTE and NR, 6G or new communication systems emerging in future communication development, etc. The communication system may also include a machine to machine (M2M) network, a machine type communication (MTC) or other networks. Exemplarily, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to a communication system that supports ambient IoT (AIoT) or IoT (IoT) technology.

[0079] Below, some terms used in the embodiments of the present application are first explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0080] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0081] In the embodiment of the present application, the network device may be a device in a wireless network, and the network device may also be referred to as a network device or a radio access network device. For example, the network device may be a radio access network (RAN) node that connects a terminal device to a wireless network, and may also be referred to as an access network device. The network device includes, but is not limited to, a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, an access network device in an open radio access network (O-RAN), a next generation base station in a sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system; or it may be a module or unit that completes part of the functions of a base station, for example, a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) module, or a centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) module. The network device may be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, a donor node, etc. The present application does not limit the specific technology and specific device form used by the network device.

[0082] As shown in Figure 1, in some implementations, network equipment may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). RAN equipment, including CU and DU nodes, splits the protocol layers of the gNB in ​​the NR system. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while some or all of the remaining protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is then centrally controlled by the CU. Furthermore, the CU can be divided into a control plane (CU-CP) and a user plane (CU-UP). The CU-CP is responsible for control plane functions, primarily including radio resource control (RRC) and the control plane's corresponding packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) (i.e., the control plane part of PDCP, PDCP-C). PDCP-C is primarily responsible for encryption, decryption, integrity protection, and data transmission of control plane data. The CU-UP is responsible for user plane functions, primarily including the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) and the user plane's corresponding PDCP (i.e., the user plane part of PDCP, PDCP-U). SDAP is primarily responsible for processing data within the core network and mapping flows to bearers. PDCP-U is primarily responsible for data plane encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, sequence number maintenance, and data transmission. The CU-CP and CU-UP are connected via the E1 interface. The CU-CP represents the gNB, connecting to the core network via the next-generation (NG) interface and connecting to the DU via the F1 control plane (i.e., F1-C). The CU-UP connects to the DU via the F1 user plane (i.e., F1-U). Alternatively, PDCP-C may also reside in the CU-UP.

[0083] It is understood that in different systems, CU (including CU-CP or CU-UP) or DU may have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meaning. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) system, CU may also be called open CU (O-CU), DU may also be called open DU (O-DU), CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, and CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP. For convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP and DU as examples. The network device may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some functions of the gNB, and the DU implements some functions of the gNB. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services and implementing the functions of the RRC layer. The DU is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services and implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical (PHY) layer. In some deployments, the CU can be further divided into a Centralized Unit Control Plane (CU-CP) node and a Centralized Unit User Plane (CU-UP) node, where the CU-CP is responsible for control plane functions and the CU-UP is responsible for user plane functions.

[0084] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving scheduling and instruction information from a network device. The terminal device may be referred to as a terminal device, and may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device may be a device that includes wireless communication capabilities (providing voice / data connectivity to the user). For example, a handheld device with wireless connection capabilities, or an in-vehicle device, in-vehicle module, etc. Currently, some examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in the Internet of Vehicles, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, device-to-device (D2D) communication terminal devices, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication terminal devices, smart vehicles, telematics boxes (T-boxes), machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal devices, Internet of Things (IoT) The IoT (Internet of Things) terminal devices, etc. For example, the terminal device can be an onboard device, complete vehicle equipment, an onboard module, a vehicle, an onboard unit (OBU), a roadside unit (RSU), a T-box, a chip, or a system on chip (SOC), etc. The above chip or SOC can be installed in the vehicle, OBU, RSU, or T-box. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, etc. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be TVs, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, speakers, set-top boxes, etc.Terminal devices can also be V2X devices, such as smart cars (or intelligent cars), digital cars, unmanned cars (or driverless cars, or pilotless cars, or automobiles), self-driving cars (or autonomous cars), pure electric vehicles (or battery EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), new energy vehicles (new energy vehicles), and roadside units (RSUs). Terminal devices can also be devices used in device-to-device (D2D) communications, such as electricity meters and water meters.

[0085] When the present application is applied to an AIoT or IoT system, both the reader and the tag device can be implemented based on the infrastructure in the cellular network. In other words, both the reader and the tag can be devices in the cellular network. For example, the function of the reader can be implemented by an access network device, such as a base station. The tag can be implemented by a terminal device in the cellular network, such as an extremely low-power, extremely low-complexity IoT terminal. Contactless data communication can be performed between the network device and the terminal device, thereby reading information from the terminal device and / or writing information to be stored into the terminal device. It can be understood that in the present application, the network device can have the function of a reader; the terminal device has the function of a tag, or the terminal device can be a terminal device in an AIoT or IoT system.

[0086] Tags can also be called electronic tags, RFID tags, or tag devices. Alternatively, tags can also be called AIoT terminal devices or AIoT devices. In this application, tags can also be regarded as a terminal device.

[0087] In one classification method, tags can be divided into passive tags, semi-passive tags, and active tags. Passive tags and semi-passive tags can use a backscatter-based communication method, while active tags use an actively generated carrier communication method.

[0088] Another classification method is to divide tags into the following three types of devices:

[0089] Device A: has no energy storage, cannot generate signals independently, and uses backscattering to transmit signals;

[0090] Device B: It has energy storage but cannot generate signals independently. It uses backscattering to transmit signals, and its stored energy can amplify the reflected signal.

[0091] Device C: has energy storage, can independently generate signals, and has active RF components for transmission.

[0092] The tag uses a low-precision, low-power medium-low frequency ring oscillator or a completely non-local oscillator to receive downlink signals. When the tag is working, the communication energy and carrier are supplied by the reader, and communication is based on the reflected carrier. In one implementation, the type of tag can be classified based on whether the communication method is based on reflection, or based on the ability to store energy or not, or based on the ability of combining the two. In the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), two types of tags (AIoT device types) are proposed: one (1), a 1 microwatt power consumption tag with energy storage and an initial sampling frequency deviation of 10 X Power, for example, X = 4 or 5, no uplink amplifier or downlink amplifier, uplink transmission is based on the external carrier for reflection transmission. Two (2), hundreds of microwatts of power consumption, with energy storage, initial sampling frequency deviation 10 X The power, such as X=4 or 5, has an uplink amplifier or a downlink amplifier, or both uplink and downlink amplifiers. The uplink transmission can be actively sent by the tag, or can be backscattered based on an external carrier.

[0093] The reader / writer involved in this embodiment can be a handheld or fixed device that reads or writes tag information, or can be understood as a device that communicates with tags. The reader / writer can be a terminal device, an access network device, or a device with reading and writing functions. The reader / writer can also be an IAB node or a relay node.

[0094] For example, as shown in Figure 2, a reader can transmit a carrier signal to a tag, which receives the carrier signal via its antenna. The solid line in the figure represents the carrier signal transmitted by the reader, while the dashed line represents the reflected signal transmitted by the tag based on the carrier signal. The tag can then adjust the information it wants to transmit based on the reflected signal. By using this approach, the tag can receive downlink signals using a low-precision, low-power medium- and low-frequency ring oscillator, or by eliminating the local oscillator altogether, further reducing the power consumption of the tag's downlink reception.

[0095] A tag is a miniature wireless transceiver, which mainly includes a built-in tag device antenna, a coupling element and a chip. The tag chip has a storage space that can support the reader to read or write tag data. After the tag receives the radio frequency signal sent by the reader through the antenna, it can couple the radio frequency signal through the coupling element, and then provide energy to the tag chip within the coupling channel, and feed back the data stored in the chip to the reader through the antenna. A communication network based on cellular network infrastructure, consisting of readers and tags, can be called a passive Internet of Things (IoT) network, or an ambient Internet of Things (AIoT or A-IoT), in which the tag device can also be regarded as a terminal device, which can be an active tag device, a passive tag device or a semi-active tag device.

[0096] Environmental IoT systems can be applied to passive or semi-passive IoT scenarios. For example, in logistics and warehousing scenarios, tags can be used to inventory and track goods, and to monitor the status of goods during transportation. In industrial manufacturing scenarios, tags can be used to monitor the environment and equipment status.

[0097] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, the communication system includes an access network device and a tag. The tag can be an independent device, or it can be integrated with the terminal device, that is, the tag is part of the terminal device. In this communication system, the access network device can have the function of a reader in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, and the access network device can communicate with the tag as a reader, and the communication interface between the access network device and the tag is a uu interface, that is, air interface communication.

[0098] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the communication system includes a terminal device and a tag. The tag can be a standalone device or integrated with the terminal device. In this communication system, the terminal device can function as a reader / writer in an RFID system, i.e., the terminal device can communicate with the tag as a reader / writer, and the terminal device and the tag can communicate via a sidelink.

[0099] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, the communication system includes an access network device, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node and a tag. The communication system may also include other devices, such as terminal devices and other devices. In this communication system, the access network device may have the function of a reader / writer in an RFID system, and the IAB node may serve as a relay node between the access network device and the tag. The tag transmits information to the IAB node, and the IAB node forwards the information to the access network device through the uu interface. Among them, the tag can be connected to the IAB node through the uu interface, and the IAB node is then connected to the base station through the uu interface.

[0100] In the present application, the communication system including the access network device, the terminal device and the tag can also be a system with a separated architecture. In this communication system, as shown in Figure 6, the access network device and the terminal device can communicate directly. The access network device can also have the function of a reader / writer in an RFID system. There is an uplink connection between the tag and the access network device, and a downlink connection between the tag and the terminal device. The terminal device can transmit information to the tag, and the tag then forwards the information to the access network device. Alternatively, there is a downlink connection between the tag and the access network device, and an uplink connection between the tag and the terminal device. The access network device can transmit information to the tag, and the tag then forwards the information to the terminal network device. The energy required for the tag to send information can be provided by an energy signal, and the energy signal can come from the access network device, or from the terminal device or other devices. The energy signal can also be called an excitation signal.

[0101] In a system with a separated architecture, in one implementation, a terminal device can send data to a tag. The terminal device or access network device provides a carrier signal, and the tag generates or sends an uplink signal based on the carrier signal, and sends the uplink signal to the access network device. The uplink signal may include data sent by the tag to the access network device. The data may be the tag's own data or data received from the terminal device. In another implementation, the access network device can send data to the tag. The terminal device or access network device provides a carrier signal, and the tag generates a downlink signal based on the carrier signal, and sends the downlink signal to the terminal device. The downlink signal may include data sent by the tag to the terminal device. The data may be the tag's own data or data received from the access network device.

[0102] There is also a direct connection architecture, in which the tag and the access network device can directly transmit data. When the tag sends an uplink signal to the access network device, the carrier signal used to generate the uplink signal is provided by the terminal device.

[0103] This application is also applicable to the O-RAN architecture. As shown in Figure 7, the O-RAN system may include access network equipment, terminal equipment, and core network equipment. The O-RAN system may include other components in addition to the components shown in the figure.

[0104] As shown in the figure, the access network device (for example, it can be an eNB or gNB or next-generation access network device) communicates with the core network (CN) device through the backhaul link (Backhaul) and communicates with the user equipment (UE) through the air interface.

[0105] For example, a baseband unit (BBU) in an access network device can communicate with the core network via a backhaul link, and a radio unit (RU) in the access network device can communicate with at least one UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link, and the BBU and RU can be co-located or not.

[0106] The BBU consists of at least one control unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU), which can communicate over at least one midhaul link. In an ORAN system, the CU is also called an open CU (O-CU), and the DU is also called an open DU (O-DU).

[0107] Figure 8 shows a diagram of the network element functional division and protocol layer structure of an ORAN device. In some examples, the CU is a logical node that carries the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network device. The CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, such as the E2 interface. Optionally, the CU may have some of the core network's functions. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and higher layers) connects to the DU (e.g., the RLC layer and lower layers) through interfaces, such as the F1 interface. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., the F1 interface) may provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). The F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface and, in some examples, defines the F1 signaling process. The F1 interface supports the control plane F1-C and the user plane F1-U.

[0108] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP (Control Unit-Control Plane) and CU-UP (Control Unit-User Plane), where the CU-CP is a logical node that carries the RRC layer and the PDCP-C (Control plane part of PDCP) layer, and is used to implement the control plane function of the CU. The CU-CP can interact with the network elements in the core network that are used to implement the control plane function. The network elements in the core network that are used to implement the control plane function can be access and mobility function network elements, such as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the 5G system. The AMF network element is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as location update of terminal devices, registration network of terminal devices, switching of terminal devices, etc. The CU-UP is a logical node that carries the SDAP layer and the PDCP-U (User plane part of PDCP) layer, and is used to implement the user plane function of the CU. The CU-UP can interact with the network elements in the core network that are used to implement the user plane function. The network element used to implement the user plane function in the core network, for example, the user plane function (UPF) network element in the 5G system, is responsible for forwarding and receiving data in the terminal device. The above configuration of CU and DU is only an example, and the functions of CU and DU can also be configured as needed. For example, the CU or DU can be configured to have the functions of more protocol layers, or the CU or DU can be configured to have partial processing functions of the protocol layer. For example, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are set in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are set in the DU. For another example, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to the service type or other system requirements, such as by delay, and the functions whose processing time needs to meet the smaller delay requirement are set in the DU, and the functions that do not need to meet the delay requirement are set in the CU.

[0109] In some examples, the DU is a logical node that carries the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, the Higher Physical (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, the DU can control at least one RU. The DU is connected to the RU through some interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces.

[0110] In some examples, a CU may not have a PDCP layer, i.e., include only an RRC layer. A CU-CP may not have a PDCP-C. A CU-UP may not have a PDCP-U, or may not have a CU-UP at all. In some examples, a DU may not have an RLC layer, but only a MAC and higher PHY layers. Furthermore, in some examples, there may be no CU and only a DU.

[0111] In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes portions of the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation processing functions. In some examples, the RU is a logical node that carries the Lower Physical Layer (Lower PHY) and Radio Frequency (RF) chain processing. In some examples, the RU can be a TRP or Remote Radio Head (RRH) in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) or other entities with similar functions. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes portions of the PHY processing, such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering processing functions. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a wireless link.

[0112] The DU and RU may or may not be co-located. The DU and RU exchange control plane information and user plane information via the Lower-Layer Split Control User Synchronous-Plane (LLS-CUS) plane interface over the fronthaul link. The LLS-CUS may include an LLS-C interface and an LLS-U interface, which provide the control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane), respectively. In some examples, the control plane (C-Plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via the LLS-M interface over the fronthaul link, and the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU. The DU and RU can collaborate to jointly implement PHY layer functions. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of the DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, the DU is configured to implement baseband functions, and the RU is configured to implement mid-radio functions. For another example, the DU is configured to implement high-layer functions in the PHY layer, and the RU is configured to implement low-layer functions in the PHY layer or to implement the low-layer functions and radio frequency functions. The high-layer functions in the physical layer may include a portion of the functions of the physical layer, which is closer to the MAC layer, and the low-layer functions in the physical layer may include another portion of the functions of the physical layer, which is closer to the mid-radio side.

[0113] In an environmental IoT system, tags and readers can perform one or more of the following services: inventory, positioning, sensing, and command. It is understood that command services can include at least one of read, write, or lock services.

[0114] Inventory service: Inventory service, also known as an inventory operation, obtains tag identification information. For example, a reader can use commands such as query and acknowledgement (ACK) to obtain tag identification information. To facilitate tag inventory, tags include four session identifiers, S0-S3. Each session identifier corresponds to two inventory states: A and B. The inventory state is indicated by the sessInventoried flag. When a reader selects a tag, it sends a select command containing the session identifier, which the tag stores. When the reader performs an inventory on the tag, it sends a query command containing the session identifier. The tag can then flip the inventory state corresponding to the session identifier from A to B. If the reader sends a query command to perform the inventory again, the tag will not respond because its inventory state is B, thus preventing the same tag from being inventoried multiple times during a single inventory cycle.

[0115] Read service: The read service can read the electronic product code (EPC) in the tag's storage area, the tag identifier (TID), the content stored in the tag's reserved area, or the content stored in the user storage area.

[0116] Write service: The write service can perform write operations on the storage area of ​​the tag.

[0117] Kill service: The kill service can make the tag unable to work permanently.

[0118] Lock service: The lock service can lock the tag information, preventing the tag from being read or written. Alternatively, the lock service can lock the storage area, preventing or allowing the storage area to be read or written.

[0119] The above are just examples. Other services or operations can be performed between the tag and the reader, which will not be explained one by one here.

[0120] At present, the number of tags that communicate with the base station each time is very large, resulting in low communication efficiency between the base station and the tags. For example, the tag needs to charge the capacitor in the tag before it works, and the capacitor in the tag has enough electricity to start working. Since the capacitance of the tag is limited, the time the tag can work is limited. For example, in the inventory process, if the base station needs to inventory a large number of tags (such as hundreds or even thousands), then the capacitors of some tags will be exhausted during the inventory process, and the tags need to be recharged after they are exhausted before they can work. However, the base station cannot determine when the tag will run out of power during operation, so the tag may not be inventoried by the base station after it is exhausted, affecting the overall inventory efficiency. To this end, the present application provides a method that can improve the communication efficiency between the base station and the tag, which will be described in detail below.

[0121] When the method provided in the present application is applied to the network architecture in Figures 2 to 8, the method executed on the second device side may also be executed by a module (such as a chip) in the access network device in Figures 2 to 8, or by a control subsystem that includes the functions of the access network device. Alternatively, the method executed on the second device side may also be executed by a terminal device or a module (such as a chip or a modem) in a terminal device in Figures 2 to 8, or by a device that includes the functions of the terminal device. The method executed on the first device side may also be executed by a tag or a terminal device or a module (such as a chip or a modem) in a terminal device in Figures 2 to 8, or by a device that includes the functions of the tag or terminal device.

[0122] It is understandable that the present application does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, and can be applied to the module in the first device or the second device, as long as it can communicate according to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application. The interaction between the first device and the second device is used as an example for explanation. Among them, the second device can be a terminal device or an access network device or a network device, or the second device can be a module (such as a chip or a modem) in a terminal device or an access network device or a network device; the first device can be a tag or a terminal device, or the first device can be a module (such as a chip or a modem) in a tag or a terminal device.

[0123] FIG9 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the method includes:

[0124] Step 901: The second device determines first information.

[0125] The first information is used to implement at least one of the following functions:

[0126] Used to page at least one device, for example, to page the first device; paging can also be understood as selecting or triggering at least one first device to access the network (reader / writer, second device). That is, the term paging can be omitted and the specific name is not limited.

[0127] Used for synchronization, such as time synchronization and / or frequency synchronization;

[0128] Used to indicate system information, which includes but is not limited to system information block (SIB), such as MIB (master information block, MIB), SIB1, SIB2, etc.

[0129] When the first information is used to page at least one device, the first information may include identification information of the at least one device being paged, or the first information may include mask information of the device being paged. Upon receiving the first information, a device may determine whether it is being paged by the first information based on the identification information or mask information. For example, the identification information may include one or more of the following: identification information of the paged device, service identification information, group identification information, public land mobile network (PLMN), operator identification, production identification information, manufacturer identification information, application (such as commodity, item category, etc.) identification information, and user-defined identification information. For a device, if the mask information in the device matches the mask information in the first information, the device is the device being paged by the first information; or, if the identification information in the device matches the identification information in the first information, the device is the device being paged by the first information. One piece of identification information may correspond to one device or to multiple devices, i.e., it may be shared by multiple devices. The identification information of at least one device, or the first information including the mask information of the paged device is obtained from the core network, which can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) or an A-IoT management function (AIOTMF) for providing A-IoT services.

[0130] When the first information is used for synchronization, the first information may include at least one of a preamble, a correction code, a deviation correction code (for frequency adjustment), a synchronization field, a midamble, and a stop code. This can be understood as at least one of the preamble, correction code, deviation correction code, synchronization field, midamble, and stop code being used for synchronization. In practice, it can also be understood as a partial sequence or codeword within the aforementioned codes being used for synchronization by the first device.

[0131] The information or sub-information mentioned in this article can be data, messages, or signals, without limitation.

[0132] Step 902: The second device sends first information in a first time domain resource.

[0133] Accordingly, the first device receives the first information from the second device in the first time domain resource.

[0134] The first information can be transmitted through a service logical channel or a control logical channel, such as a paging or common control channel and other logical channels. This application does not limit the name of the logical channel. The first information can be transmitted through a downlink data transmission channel, such as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) or a physical reader to device shared channel (PDSCH), that is, a channel for transmitting data. This application does not limit the name of the data transmission channel.

[0135] The first information can be specifically distinguished by MAC layer indication information. For example, the MAC layer indication information is a logical channel identifier (LCID) in the MAC layer, which can be used to indicate that the channel or the data packet transmits the first information (such as paging, selection, downlink trigger message, etc.). It can also be other indication information. Through the indication information, the first device (such as a terminal) can distinguish whether the message is the first information or other messages or data transmission messages, etc. when receiving the indication information. When the first device is waiting to receive a paging, if other messages are received, they are discarded. That is, different sub-information can also be distinguished by the indication information.

[0136] In the present application, the second device may carry the first information in a MAC protocol data unit (PDU) or in an RRC message, and the present application does not limit this.

[0137] Among them, the first time domain resource is one of multiple time domain resources with a period of the first time length; or, it is periodic within a period of time, or, the first time domain resource is one of multiple non-periodic time domain resources, which can be understood as these multiple time domain resources are not periodic in the time domain. Multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for synchronization, multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for paging, and multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for transmitting system information. The first time length is predefined or preconfigured; or, the first time length is configured for the second device, for example, the first information can also indicate the first time length. In this application, time domain resources are used as an example for description. The time domain resources in this application can also be replaced by "frequency domain resources" or "time-frequency resources", that is, when the time domain resources in this application are replaced by "frequency domain resources" or "time-frequency resources", the technical solution of this application can also be implemented, and the specific content will not be repeated.

[0138] Optionally, the first time domain resource is one of multiple time domain resources having a period of the first duration, which can also be understood as a time domain resource having a period of the first duration within a certain time range. Optionally, the first time domain resource is one of multiple non-periodic time domain resources, which can also be understood as these multiple time domain resources being non-periodic within a certain time range. Because when a resource conflict occurs, the second device may not send the first information.

[0139] Optionally, when the first time domain resource conflicts with data transmission between the third device and the second device, the first device may not send the first information. For example, the duration of the transmission process between the third device and the second device includes the location of the first time domain resource. The third device may be a tag or a terminal device.

[0140] The first device can be a terminal device or a tag. For more information about the tag, refer to the previous description. The tag can also be called an AIoT device.

[0141] In one implementation, all devices under the coverage of the second apparatus receive or monitor the first information, which can be understood as the first time domain resource being a common monitoring opportunity for all devices.

[0142] In another implementation, some devices under the coverage of the second apparatus receive or monitor the first information. For example, all devices in a cell can be divided into multiple groups, with devices in different groups receiving or monitoring different information. For example, the information transmitted in each of the multiple time-frequency resources corresponds to a frame number. All devices in the cell are divided into two groups, with devices in the first group receiving or monitoring information with odd frame numbers, and devices in the second group receiving or monitoring information with even frame numbers.

[0143] In this application, there may be multiple implementations of the first information, and several examples are given below.

[0144] In implementation mode 1, the first information includes at least one of a first sub-information, a second sub-information, and a third sub-information. When the first information includes different content, the message names corresponding to the first information are different. The first sub-information is used to page the first device, the second sub-information is used for synchronization, and the third sub-information is used to indicate system information. Optionally, the first sub-information can be used for paging or synchronization; the third sub-information can also be used to indicate system information.

[0145] For example, when the first information includes only the first sub-information, it may also be referred to as the first sub-information, a paging message, a selection message, an inventory message, a service command message (including a service request message for a read / write command), or an initial trigger message, etc.; or the first sub-information may be referred to as a paging message, a selection message, an inventory message, a service command message (including a service request message for a read / write command), or an initial trigger message, etc.; when the first information includes only the second sub-information, the second sub-information may also be empty, i.e., it may contain only a preamble for synchronization, etc., without data information. Or, when the first information includes only a sequence or codeword for synchronization, it may also be referred to as the second sub-information, the first information, a synchronization message, a synchronization signal, or synchronization information, or the second sub-information may be referred to as a synchronization message, a synchronization signal, or synchronization information; and when the first information includes only the third sub-information, it may also be referred to as the third sub-information, a system message, or system information, or the third sub-information may be referred to as a system message or system information. It can be understood that the first sub-information, the second sub-information and the third sub-information are three different messages. In this case, the first information only includes the first sub-information, or it can be said that the first information is the first sub-information; the first information only includes the second sub-information, or it can be said that the first information is the second sub-information; the first information only includes the third sub-information, or it can be said that the first information is the third sub-information.

[0146] Through this method, the functions of paging, synchronization and system information are respectively realized through three sub-information, so that at least one of the first sub-information, the second sub-information and the third sub-information can be carried according to actual needs, which is more flexible to implement.

[0147] Optionally, in one implementation, the first information only includes the first sub-information, that is, when the first information is used to page at least one device, the first information can also be used for synchronization. Or it can be understood that when the first information sent by the second device is used to page at least one device, the second sub-information for synchronization may not be sent, and the first information at this time can also be used for synchronization. For example, the first information is a paging message, and the message header of the paging message includes at least one of a preamble code, a correction code, a correction code (for adjusting the frequency), a synchronization field, and a termination code, and the message body of the paging message includes information such as identification information or mask information of at least one device being paged. The time interval between the first information used for synchronization and the first information used for paging is determined, so the first information used for paging can also be used for synchronization, which also saves the transmission of the first information used for synchronization and reduces overhead.

[0148] Through this method, the paging message can also have a synchronization function, so there is no need to send a synchronization signal separately, which reduces resource overhead and improves system capacity.

[0149] The paging message in this application may also represent a triggering of the first device (such as a tag or terminal device) to access, or a service triggering function, etc., for selecting to trigger the first device to respond to the network. The paging message in this application may also be a name similar to a paging message or a downlink trigger message.

[0150] In one implementation, if the first information is sent periodically, it can be understood that multiple time domain resources are periodic resources, and the first information can also configure or indicate the period of the first information, for example, the first information indicates that the period is a first duration.

[0151] In one implementation, if one or more of the first sub-information (or the first information including the first sub-information), the second sub-information (or the first information including the second sub-information), or the third sub-information (or the first information including the third sub-information) are sent periodically, then the first information may also configure or indicate the period of at least one of the first sub-information, the second sub-information, or the third sub-information.

[0152] For example, the period of each message indicated by the first message is as follows: the period of the first message is T1, the period of the first sub-message is T1, the period of the second sub-message is 2T1, and the period of the third sub-message is 4T1. This means that each first message includes the first sub-message; one out of every two first messages includes the second sub-message; and one out of every four first messages includes the third sub-message. For example, if four first messages are sent, the first of these four first messages includes the first sub-message, the second includes the first and second sub-messages, the third includes the first sub-message, and the fourth includes the first, second, and third sub-messages.

[0153] [Corrected 03 / 03 / 2025 according to Rule 91] In this configuration, after the first information indicates a period, the first device may begin monitoring after power-up or energy storage, and continue monitoring until it detects the first information. In this case, the first information may be monitored according to the period of the first information. Similarly, after the first device detects the first information including the first sub-information, it may monitor the first information including the first sub-information according to the period of the first sub-information. The same applies to other sub-information, and is not further described.

[0154] Optionally, the first information may also indicate a change period of at least one of the first information, the first sub-information, the second sub-information, or the third sub-information, to indicate that the configuration information in the first information (such as the configuration period, the next sending time) remains unchanged within a certain period of time. The specific configuration method is the default configuration, or carrying N periods (the current paging period) or the absolute time T or the time interval relative to the sending of this message (how long the time remains unchanged from this message) in the paging message. That is, it remains unchanged within the configured time. The first sub-information here can also be replaced by a paging message, the second sub-information can also be replaced by a synchronization signal, and the third sub-information can also be replaced by a system message.

[0155] In one implementation, the first information can be sent periodically or non-periodically (the first device does not need to perceive whether it is periodic, but only needs to know the next possible transmission time). It can be understood that multiple time domain resources are not necessarily periodic resources. In this case, the first information can also configure or indicate the time information for the next transmission of the first information. For example, the time information is a time interval, that is, the time interval between the first information to be sent next and the first information to be sent this time. For example, if the time of the first information to be sent this time is Ta and the time interval indicated by the first information is L, then the time for the next transmission of the first information is Ta+L.

[0156] In one implementation, if one or more of the first sub-information (or the first information including the first sub-information), the second sub-information (or the first information including the second sub-information) or the third sub-information (or the first information including the third sub-information) are sent periodically or non-periodically, then the first information may also configure or indicate at least one of the following: time information for the next sending of the first sub-information, for example, the time information is a time interval, that is, the time interval between the first sub-information to be sent next and the first sub-information to be sent this time; time information for the next sending of the second sub-information, for example, the time information is a time interval, that is, the time information between the second sub-information to be sent next and the second sub-information to be sent this time, for example, the time information is a time interval; time information for the next sending of the third sub-information, for example, the time information is a time interval, that is, the time interval between the third sub-information to be sent next and the third sub-information to be sent this time.

[0157] [Corrected 03 / 03 / 2025 in accordance with Rule 91] In this configuration, after the first information indicates the time interval, the first device may, after power-up or energy storage, begin monitoring continuously until it detects the first information. It may then monitor the first information according to the time interval for the next transmission of the first information. Similarly, after the first device detects the first information including the first sub-information, it may monitor the first information including the first sub-information according to the time interval for the next transmission of the first sub-information. The same applies to other sub-information and is not further described.

[0158] [Corrected 03 / 03 / 2025 according to Rule 91] Furthermore, in one implementation, in the two-week configuration described above, the first message may, in addition to configuring the period or indicating the next transmission time, also configure a monitoring time window. That is, after waking up, the first device may monitor at least one time window and attempt to receive the first message within that time window.

[0159] In one implementation, the first information is further used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0160] [Corrected 03.03.2025 according to Rule 91] Whether to send the first information periodically; whether to send the first sub-information periodically; whether to send the second sub-information periodically; whether to send the third sub-information periodically. In this application, whether to send the first information or the first sub-information or the second sub-information or the third sub-information periodically can be configured in an explicit or implicit manner. For example, for the first information, if the period of the first information or the time information of the next transmission is configured or indicated, it means that the first information may not be sent at any time, and may be periodic or configured. If the period of the first information or the time information of the next transmission is not configured or indicated, it means that the first information may be sent at any time, and the first device (such as a tag or terminal device) needs to monitor it all the time. For other sub-information, the same can be said and will not be repeated.

[0161] [Corrected 03.03.2025 according to Rule 91] It should be noted that if the first information does not configure the next sending time of the first information or the first sub-information or the second sub-information or the third sub-information, the first device (such as a tag or terminal device) needs to monitor all the time.

[0162] The first information is further used to indicate whether the first device, when determining access to the second device, is to send a message related to random access triggering periodically or at a fixed interval, and optionally configure the sending period. The message related to random access triggering may include an access opportunity triggering message, a message used to trigger a specific access round, and the like. In other words, it is a triggering message used to determine an access opportunity.

[0163] The period mentioned herein may also be periodic transmission within a short period of time, or may not be periodic, and the specific transmission interval is determined by the first information received each time.

[0164] In one implementation, if the first information is not sent, or if the first device does not receive information within the first information sending interval, the first device may be in sleep mode or be charged.

[0165] Specifically, the first information can be transmitted through a physical downlink shared channel, or a shared channel from a physical reader to a device, or a downlink shared channel from a second device to a first device, or a data transmission channel. If there is only a synchronization function, it can be carried through a physical layer synchronization signal or a physical layer signal.

[0166] Optionally, the first information may also include type information of the device being paged or selected, for example, the type information of the device being paged or selected indicates a 1 microwatt-level device, a 100 microwatt-level device, a device based on reflection communication, or a device that can actively send radio frequency signals, etc. The device type information being paged indicates that the device that meets this type responds to the first instruction, or the device type information being paged indicates that the network supports this type of device for information transmission. Or an A-IoT device of type one (1) in the standard, or an A-IoT device of type two (2). Type two devices can also be divided into 2-1 or 2-2 based on whether an active carrier is used. That is, in addition to meeting the identification or mask information matching requirements, the device also needs to consider whether the type information is met, and will only be connected when both are met.

[0167] In some scenarios, the second device can periodically report information about the first device, meaning the above process does not require the service requester to trigger. This means the second device can be configured by the core network or application layer to execute a service cycle. This service can be an inventory, read, write, or other service. The second device can then send periodic paging on the configured time domain resources. This can occur at multiple consecutive or discrete time domain locations.

[0168] In one implementation, in implementation 1, the second device sends one of the first sub-information, the second sub-information, and the third sub-information in each time domain resource of a plurality of time domain resources having a period of the first duration. One or more of the first sub-information, the second sub-information, and the third sub-information may be sent on a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0169] For example, when the second device sends the first sub-information in one of the multiple time domain resources, it does not send the second sub-information and the third sub-information in that time domain resource. Alternatively, when the second device sends the second sub-information in one of the multiple time domain resources, it does not send the first sub-information and the third sub-information in that time domain resource. Other situations are similar and are not further described.

[0170] For example, taking the case where the first sub-information, the second sub-information, and the third sub-information are three different messages, as shown in FIG10 , time domain resources 1 to 5 are resources with a period of the first duration. The second device sends the second sub-information in time domain resource 1 (in this case, the second sub-information can be understood as the first information), sends the first sub-information in time domain resource 2 (in this case, the first sub-information can be understood as the first information), sends the third sub-information in time domain resource 3 (in this case, the third sub-information can be understood as the first information), and sends the second sub-information in time domain resources 4 and 5. Optionally, in this example, the first sub-information sent in time domain resource 2 can also be used for synchronization. For example, the message header of the first sub-information includes at least one of a preamble, a correction code, a deviation correction code (for frequency adjustment), a midamble, a synchronization field, and a termination code. The message body of the first sub-information includes information such as identification information or mask information of at least one device being paged.

[0171] In this implementation, if the first device receives the first information in the first time-frequency resource and the first device determines that it has not been paged by the first information, then the first device can sleep for a second time period; after the first device ends its sleep period, it continues to receive or monitor information from the second device. The second time period is less than or equal to the first time period. The first device can use the time of receiving the first information as a time reference point to determine the position of each time-frequency resource in the time domain of multiple time domain resources with a period of the first time period. Optionally, if the first device is a tag, the first device can receive information after charging or starting up.

[0172] Optionally, the first device uses the start time or end time of the first information resource as the start position of the second duration. Alternatively, the first device uses the start time or end time of receiving the first information as the start position of the second duration.

[0173] In this application, how the first device determines whether it has been paged by the first message is not limited. For example, if the first device determines that the first message includes the second sub-information or the third sub-information, or if the first message includes the first sub-information and the device paged by the first sub-information does not include the first device, then it can be determined that it has not been paged by the first message.

[0174] In the present application, the first device is in sleep mode, which can be understood as the first device is in a low power consumption state, or the first device does not perform downlink reception and / or uplink transmission, and does not receive information from the second device.

[0175] In the present application, the second duration may be preset or predefined. Alternatively, the second duration may be configured by the second device, for example, the first information further indicates the second duration, or the first sub-information, the second sub-information, or the third sub-information further indicates the second duration.

[0176] For example, in combination with the previous Figure 10, when the first device receives the second sub-information in time domain resource 1, it can sleep for a second period of time. The figure uses the end time of time domain resource 1 as the start time of sleep, that is, the starting position of the second period of time, as an example for description, and other situations are not repeated. Among them, the second sub-information can indicate the second period of time. For example, when the first device receives the second sub-information, a timer can be started, and the timing duration of the timer is the second period of time. After the first device sleeps for the second period of time, it stops sleeping and continues to receive messages. The first device receives the first sub-information in time-frequency resource 2. If the first device is paged by the first sub-information, it accesses the second device, and the specific process is described later. If the first device is not paged by the first sub-information, it sleeps for the second period of time. Other situations are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0177] Through the above method, when the first device receives the first message and determines that it has not been paged by the first message, it sleeps for the second duration, thereby reducing power consumption and increasing operating time. Moreover, because the first time domain resource is a periodic resource, the first device can periodically receive downlink messages instead of continuously receiving downlink messages, and can sleep between two downlink messages, thereby reducing power consumption and increasing operating time.

[0178] In another implementation, in implementation one, the first information sent by the second device in each time domain resource of multiple time domain resources with a period of the first time duration includes the second sub-information and one sub-information of the third sub-information. When the second device needs to page at least one device, after sending the first information in the first time domain resource, it sends the second information or the first information including the first sub-information in the second time domain resource, and the second information is used to page at least one device; the second time domain resource is separated from the first time domain resource by a third time duration. Optionally, the third time duration is less than the first time duration, that is, the second time domain resource is not one of the multiple time domain resources. Optionally, the third time duration between the second time domain resource and the first time domain resource may refer to the third time duration between the start time of the second time domain resource and the start time or end time of the first time domain resource, or may refer to the third time duration between the end time of the second time domain resource and the start time or end time of the first time domain resource.

[0179] Optionally, in one implementation, when the content included in the first information is different, the time domain position at which the first information is sent is different. However, the different time domain positions are associated. For example, when the first information is used for synchronization, a first period is used for transmission, and when the first information is used for paging, a second period is used, where the second period is N times the length of the first period, where N is an integer greater than 0. Optionally, the time domain position when the first information is used for paging may also have a certain offset from the time domain position when the first information is used for synchronization. That is, when the first information is used for paging, the period may be large, and the specific periodic time domain position may have a certain offset.

[0180] The third duration may be preset or predefined, or may be configured by the second device, for example, the second device indicates the third duration through the first information, the first sub-information, the second sub-information, or the third sub-information.

[0181] For example, taking the case where the first sub-information, the second sub-information, and the third sub-information are three different messages, as shown in FIG11 , time domain resources 1 to time domain resources 5 are resources with a period of the first time length. The second device sends the second sub-information in time domain resource 1 (in this case, it can be understood that the second sub-information is the first information), and sends the second sub-information in time domain resource 2. After the second device sends the second sub-information in time domain resource 2, it needs to page at least one device, and then sends the second information (or the first sub-information) in time domain resource 6. Time domain resource 6 is separated from time domain resource 2 by a third time length. The figure describes the time interval between the end time of time domain resource 2 and the start time of time domain resource 6 by the third time length as an example, and other situations are not repeated. Furthermore, the second device sends the second sub-information in time domain resource 3, time domain resource 4, and time domain resource 5.

[0182] In this implementation, if the first information received by the first device in the first time-frequency resource is the second sub-information and / or the third sub-information, the first device continues to receive the message. The first device receives the second information in the second time-frequency resource after the first time-frequency resource. If the first device is paged by the second information, the second device is connected. The specific process is described later. The first device can sleep between receiving the first information and the second information. If the first device is not paged by the second information, it sleeps for the second time length. Other situations are similar and will not be described here. The second time length at this time may be less than or equal to the difference between the first time length and the third time length. Optionally, if the first device is a tag, the first device can receive information after charging or starting up.

[0183] Alternatively, in this implementation, if the first information received by the first device in the first time-frequency resource is the second sub-information and / or the third sub-information, then the first device sleeps for a fourth time period, and the fourth time period is less than the third time period. After the first device sleeps for the fourth time period, it stops sleeping and continues to receive messages. The first device receives the second information in the second time-frequency resource after the first time-frequency resource. If the first device is paged by the second information, it accesses the second device. The specific process will be described later. If the first device is not paged by the second information, it sleeps for the second time period. Other situations are similar and will not be described here.

[0184] In one implementation, if the first information received by the first device in the first time-frequency resource includes the second sub-information and / or the third sub-information, the first device continues to attempt to receive the message in the next time-frequency resource location. Optionally, a second duration of sleep may be performed between the two time-frequency locations. If the first device does not receive or fails to successfully receive the first information in the second time-frequency resource following the first time-frequency resource, the first device continues receiving until the first information is received.

[0185] For example, referring to Figure 11 above, if the first information received by a first device on time domain resource 1 is the second sub-information, and if a time domain resource after time domain resource 1 and separated from time domain resource 1 by a third duration (the end time of time domain resource 1 is used as the starting point of the third duration in the figure, and other cases are not further described), does not receive a message paging the first device, then the device may sleep for a second duration. The second sub-information may indicate at least one of the third duration and the second duration. After the first device ends its sleep phase, it receives the second sub-information on time-frequency resource 2. The first device receives the second information on time domain resource 6 after time domain resource 1 and separated from time domain resource 1 by a third duration. If the first device receives a page from the second information, it connects to the second device, as described in detail below. If the first device does not receive a page from the second information, it sleeps for a second duration. After the second duration, the first device ends its sleep phase and continues to receive messages, for example, receiving the second sub-information on time-frequency resource 3. Other cases are similar and are not further described here.

[0186] For another example, referring to Figure 11 above, if the first information received by the first device on time domain resource 1 is the second sub-information, it will sleep for a fourth duration (not shown in the figure). After the first device ends its sleep phase, if it does not receive a message paging the first device on a time domain resource that is a third duration after time domain resource 1 and separated from time domain resource 1, it may sleep for a second duration. The second sub-information may indicate at least one of the second duration, the third duration, and the fourth duration. After the first device ends its sleep phase, if it receives a second sub-information on time-frequency resource 2, it will sleep for a fourth duration. The first device receives a second message on time domain resource 6 that is a third duration after time domain resource 1 and separated from time domain resource 1. If the first device receives a paged message from the second message, it will access the second device. The specific process will be described later. If the first device does not receive a paged message from the second message, it will sleep for a second duration. After the second duration, the first device stops sleeping and continues to receive messages. This will not be further described here.

[0187] In this application, this application does not limit how the first device determines whether it is paged by the second information. For example, the second information may include identification information of at least one device to be paged, or the second information may include mask information of the device to be paged. When such a device receives the second information, it can determine whether it is paged by the second information based on the identification information or the mask information. For example, for a first device, if the mask information in the first device matches the mask information in the second information, the first device is paged by the second information; if the mask information in the first device does not match the mask information in the second information, the first device is not paged by the second information; or, if the identification information in the first device matches the identification information in the second information, the first device is paged by the second information; if the identification information in the first device does not match the identification information in the second information, the first device is not paged by the second information.

[0188] Implementation method two: the first sub-information, the second sub-information and the third sub-information are three different fields in the first information. When the first information includes different contents, the message name corresponding to the first information can be the same. It can be understood that the first sub-information, the second sub-information and the third sub-information can be sent through messages with the same name.

[0189] Through this method, the first sub-information, the second sub-information and the third sub-information are three different fields, and the first device side only needs to receive one message, reducing the reception complexity of the first device side.

[0190] In conjunction with the foregoing description, in one implementation, the first information sent by the second device in the first time domain resource may include first sub-information, i.e., the first information is used to page at least one device. In one implementation, the first information sent by the second device in the first time domain resource may include second sub-information, i.e., the first information is used for synchronization. In one implementation, the first information sent by the second device in the first time domain resource may include third sub-information, i.e., the first information is used to indicate system information. In one implementation, the first information sent by the second device in the first time domain resource may include first sub-information and second sub-information, i.e., the first information is used to page at least one device and for synchronization. In one implementation, the first information sent by the second device in the first time domain resource may include first sub-information and third sub-information, i.e., the first information is used to page at least one device and for indicating system information. In one implementation, the first information sent by the second device in the first time domain resource may include second sub-information and third sub-information, i.e., the first information is used for synchronization and for indicating system information. In one implementation, the first information sent by the second device in the first time domain resource may include first sub-information, second sub-information, and third sub-information, i.e., the first information is used to page at least one device, for synchronization, and for indicating system information.

[0191] Optionally, the first sub-information may be used for paging or synchronization; the third sub-information may also be used to indicate system information.

[0192] In a first implementation manner, the first information sent by the second device in each time domain resource of the multiple time domain resources may include at least one of the first sub-information, the second sub-information and the third sub-information.

[0193] For example, as shown in Figure 12, time domain resources 1 to 5 are resources with a period of the first duration. The first information sent by the second device in time domain resource 1 includes the second sub-information, the first information sent in time domain resource 2 includes the first sub-information, the first information sent in time domain resource 3 includes the third sub-information, and the first information sent in time domain resources 4 and 5 includes the second sub-information.

[0194] In this implementation, if the first device receives the first message on the first time-frequency resource and determines that it has not been paged by the first message, the first device may sleep for a second duration. After the first device ends its sleep period, it may continue to receive or monitor information from the second device. The second duration is less than or equal to the first duration. Optionally, if the first device is a tag, the first device may receive information after charging or powering on.

[0195] In this application, how the first device determines whether it has been paged by the first message is not limited. For example, if the first device determines that the first message includes the second sub-information or the third sub-information, or if the first message includes the first sub-information and the device paged by the first sub-information does not include the first device, then it can be determined that it has not been paged by the first message.

[0196] For example, in combination with the previous Figure 12, the first information received by the first device in time domain resource 1 includes the second sub-information, then it can sleep for a second period of time. The figure takes the end time of time domain resource 1 as the starting position of the second period of time as an example, and other situations are not repeated here. Among them, the second sub-information can indicate the second period of time. After the first device sleeps for the second period of time, it stops sleeping and continues to receive messages. The first information received by the first device in time-frequency resource 2 includes the first sub-information. If the first device is paged by the first sub-information, it accesses the second device, and the specific process is described later. If the first device is not paged by the first sub-information, it sleeps for the second period of time. Other situations are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0197] In a second implementation, the first information transmitted by the second device in each of the multiple time domain resources may include at least one of first sub-information, second sub-information, and third sub-information, where the first sub-information, second sub-information, and third sub-information are optional fields of the first information. When none of the three sub-information fields are present, the first information is empty or consists only of a message header. In this case, the first information can be used for synchronization with the first device, i.e., its function is similar to that of the second sub-information.

[0198] When the second device needs to page at least one device, the first message includes the first sub-information, for example, the message body of the first message includes the first sub-information. When the second device does not need to page at least one device, the first message does not include the first sub-information, for example, the first message only includes a message header, but the content of the message body of the first message is empty (i.e., the message header of the first message may include at least one of a preamble, a correction code, a deviation correction code (for frequency adjustment), a synchronization field, and a stop code), or the message body of the first message includes the second sub-information used for synchronization.

[0199] In this implementation, if the first device receives the first message in the first time-frequency resource and determines that it has not been paged by the first message, the first device may sleep for a second duration. For example, if the first device determines that the first message does not include the first sub-information or the content of the message body of the first message is empty, then it is determined that it has not been paged by the first message.

[0200] In a third implementation, the first information sent by the second device in each of the multiple time domain resources may include at least one of the second sub-information and the third sub-information. When the second device needs to page at least one device, after sending the first information in the first time domain resource, the second information or the first information including the first sub-information is sent in the second time domain resource; the second time domain resource is separated from the first time domain resource by a third duration, and the third duration is less than the first duration.

[0201] For example, as shown in Figure 13, time domain resources 1 to time domain resources 5 are resources with a period of the first duration. The first information sent by the second device in time domain resource 1 includes the second sub-information, and the first information sent in time domain resource 2 includes the second sub-information. After sending the second sub-information, the second device needs to page at least one device, then sends the second information (or the first information including the first sub-information) in time domain resource 6, and time domain resource 6 is separated from time domain resource 2 by a third duration. The figure describes the time interval between the end time of time domain resource 2 and the start time of time domain resource 6 by the third duration as an example, and other situations are not repeated. Furthermore, the first information sent by the second device in time domain resource 3, time domain resource 4 and time domain resource 5 includes the second sub-information.

[0202] In this implementation, if the first information received by the first device in the first time-frequency resource includes the second sub-information and / or the third sub-information, the first device continues to receive the message. The first device receives the second information in the second time-frequency resource after the first time-frequency resource. If the first device is paged by the second information, it accesses the second device. The specific process will be described later. If the first device is not paged by the second information, it will sleep for the second time. Other situations are similar and will not be described here. The second time length at this time can be less than or equal to the difference between the first time length and the third time length. The "second information" described here can also be replaced by "the first information including the first sub-information".

[0203] Alternatively, in this implementation, after the first device is charged or powered on, if the first information received in the first time-frequency resource includes the second sub-information and / or the third sub-information, then the first device sleeps for a fourth time period, and the fourth time period is less than the second time period. After the first device sleeps for the fourth time period, it stops sleeping and continues to receive messages. The first device receives the second information in the second time-frequency resource after the first time-frequency resource. If the first device is paged by the second information, it accesses the second device, and the specific process is described later. If the first device is not paged by the second information, it sleeps for the second time period. Other situations are analogous and will not be repeated here. The "second information" described here can also be replaced with "the first information including the first sub-information."

[0204] For example, referring to Figure 13 above, if the first device receives a first message on time domain resource 1 that includes the second sub-information, and if the first device does not receive a message paging the first device on a time domain resource that is a third time interval after time domain resource 1, then the first device may sleep for a second time interval. The figure uses the end time of time domain resource 1 as the starting point of the third time interval as an example, and other scenarios are not described in detail here. The second sub-information may indicate at least one of the second and third time intervals. After the first device ends its sleep state, the first message received on time-frequency resource 2 includes the second message. The first device receives the second message on time domain resource 6 that is a third time interval after time domain resource 1. If the first device receives a page from the second message, it connects to the second device, a detailed process described below. If the first device does not receive a page from the second message, it sleeps for the second time interval. After the second time interval, the first device ends its sleep state and continues to receive messages, for example, receiving the first message including the second sub-information on time-frequency resource 3. Other scenarios are similar and are not described here in detail.

[0205] Step 903: If the first information is used to page the first device, the first device accesses the second device; if the first information is used for synchronization, the first device synchronizes according to the first information.

[0206] Through this method, multiple time domain resources with a period of the first time length can be both time domain resources for synchronization and time domain resources for paging. In this way, the network side can transmit the first information for implementing paging and / or synchronization through the same periodic time domain resource, so that the first device can receive the first information for paging and / or synchronization in the same time domain resource, which can reduce the complexity of the first device receiving the downlink information from the second device and improve communication efficiency.

[0207] In another implementation, the first information is not used to page the first device, or the terminal equipment paged by the first information does not include the first device, and the first device is not connected to the second device.

[0208] In this application, when the first information is used to page the first device, the first device can access the second device and perform data transmission with the second device. For example, taking the data transmission process of performing an inventory service between the first device and the second device as an example, the specific process can refer to the following process.

[0209] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of an inventory process. The names of the messages in the following process are examples only. Other message names may exist and are not detailed here. The following process uses the example of multiple periodic time-domain resources for description. The same applies to the case of multiple aperiodic time-domain resources, and is not detailed here.

[0210] Step 1401: The second device sends a query message. The query message is used to initiate an inventory cycle and trigger access of at least one device.

[0211] The query message may also be called a random access round trigger message, and this application does not limit the name of the query message.

[0212] The query message and the first information may be combined into one message or sent as separate messages. When the query message and the first information are sent as separate messages, the first information is used to page at least one device, and the query message is used to trigger access of the at least one device paged by the first information.

[0213] In one implementation, the query message includes the value of parameter Q, which is used to determine the total number of time slots included in the inventory period. Q For example, if Q=4, the total number of time slots included in the inventory cycle is 2 4 = 16. The time slot is used as an example only. The time slot can be replaced by a time unit, and the length of the time unit can be fixed or not.

[0214] For each device selected or paged, the index range of the time slot allocated to the second device can be calculated based on the Q value [0,2 Q -1]. Each device generates a [0,2 Q For example, if Q=4, the random number generated by each device is one of [0,15]. For example, the random number generated by the first device is 10.

[0215] Whenever the first device receives a query repetition (QueryRep) message (the query repetition message can also be called the next opportunity trigger message), the value of the counter is increased by one. When the value of the counter is equal to the random number generated by the first device, the first device can send a 16-bit random number (random number 16, RN16), which can be used to trigger the random access process and can be used as a random access request message. Among them, the first time slot after the query message is time slot 0. If the random number generated by the first device is 0, RN16 can be sent immediately after receiving the first query message. It can also be an 8-bit random number, such as RN8. The specific number of random numbers can be indicated in the first information.

[0216] Another implementation method is that the second device can carry the time slot number in the query repetition message it sends. For example, if the time slot triggered by the query message is 0, the first query repetition message sent by the second device carries the time slot number 1, the second query repetition message carries the time slot number 2, and so on. In this way, the first device can determine the time slot number independently of the number of times the query repetition message is received, and can determine whether it has reached its own time slot based on the time slot number carried by the query repetition message. For example, if the random number generated by the first device is 5, it is considered to be accessed in time slot 5. When the time slot number 5 carried in the received query repetition message is 5, it starts sending the random number RN16 or the access message.

[0217] When the first device determines that it has reached its own time slot, it can send a random number RN16 or an access message. For details, please refer to the following process.

[0218] Step 1402: The first device sends a random access request message.

[0219] For example, the random access request message may be RN16 generated by the first device. Taking RN16 as an example, the first device may also send random numbers of other lengths, such as an 8-bit random number.

[0220] Step 1403: If the second device successfully receives RN16, it will feedback an acknowledgement (ACK) message, and the ACK message includes RN16 from the first device.

[0221] The ACK message may also be called a random access response message or a contention resolution message.

[0222] When the first device receives the ACK message including its own RN16, step 1404 is executed.

[0223] Steps 1401 to 1403 may also be optional. The first device may also directly execute step 1404, that is, directly transmit data without the access process. Whether steps 1401 to 1403 are optional steps may be indicated by a paging message.

[0224] Step 1404: The first device sends a first uplink message.

[0225] The first uplink message includes business data related to the inventory business. For example, the first uplink message may include the EPC, TID, or other first device identifiers of the first device (such as an identifier containing PLMN information, or an identifier containing core network equipment information), sensor data collected by the first device, and at least one item of storage area data of the first device. This application is not limited.

[0226] The first uplink message can also transmit other business data, such as read response, write response, etc.

[0227] The first device can send multiple uplink messages. This application takes one uplink message as an example for explanation and does not limit the number of uplink messages sent by the first device.

[0228] After the data transmission between the second device and the first device is completed, the second device may send a query repeat message to trigger the next time slot.

[0229] The above is just an example. This application does not limit the specific process of how the first device connects to the second device and transmits data with the second device.

[0230] In the present application, during the process of transmitting information in multiple time domain resources, the second device may page at least one device, thereby performing data transmission with the at least one device. Taking the data transmission between the second device and the third device as an example, if the data transmission process takes a long time and conflicts with at least one time domain resource in the multiple time domain resources, that is, the duration required for the data transmission process is greater than the first duration, then the second device may skip or ignore the conflicting time-frequency resource and not transmit the first information or the third information in the time-frequency resource, which can also be understood as not transmitting the first sub-information, the second sub-information, or the third sub-information.

[0231] Accordingly, if the first device does not receive information from the second device for a long time, it may stop sleeping and continue to receive information from the second device until the information from the second device is successfully received.

[0232] For example, the first device fails to successfully receive the third information from the second device in the third time domain resource; the first device may continue to receive or monitor the third information until the third information is successfully received. The third information is used to implement at least one of the following functions: paging at least one device, for example, paging the first device;

[0233] Used for synchronization, such as time synchronization and / or frequency synchronization;

[0234] Used to indicate system information.

[0235] The third time domain resource is one of multiple time domain resources, and the third time domain resource is different from the first time domain resource.

[0236] In conjunction with the previous description, taking data transmission between a second device and a third device as an example, as shown in Figure 15, assuming that the first sub-information, the second sub-information, and the third sub-information are three different messages, time domain resources 1 to 5 are resources with a period of the first duration. The second device sends the first sub-information in time domain resource 1, which is used to page the third device. After the third device accesses the second device based on the first sub-information, it performs data transmission with the second device.

[0237] The data transmission process between the second device and the third device takes a long time, which conflicts with time domain resources 2 and time domain resources 3, that is, the time when time domain resources 2 and time domain resources 3 perform data transmission between the second device and the third device overlaps. At this time, the second device does not send the third information in time domain resources 2 and time domain resources 3, which can also be understood as not sending any of the first sub-information, the second sub-information and the third sub-information.

[0238] If the first device receives the first sub-message in time domain resource 1 and determines that it has not been paged by the first sub-message, it will not connect to the second device. At this time, the first device may or may not sleep for the second duration, which is not limited by this application. If the first device does not receive the third message in time domain resource 2, it will continue to receive or monitor the third message until it successfully receives the third message.

[0239] If the data transmission between the second device and the third device is completed before time domain resource 4, the second device may send the third information in time domain resource 4. The first device receives the third information in time domain resource 4 and, if it determines that it has not been paged by the third information, may sleep for the second duration. For details, please refer to the previous description and will not be repeated here.

[0240] Through the above method, if the first device does not receive the third information for a long time, continuing to receive or monitor the third information can ensure that the first device can obtain the third information in time, complete synchronization or access the second device according to the third information, and improve communication efficiency.

[0241] When the present application is applied in an ORAN architecture, the second device may include a CU and a DU, as shown in Figures 8 or 9. In the ORAN architecture, the first information may be generated by the CU, which sends the first information to the DU, which then sends the first information over the air interface.

[0242] FIG16 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the method includes:

[0243] Step 1601: The second device determines at least one item of the first sub-information, the second sub-information, and the third sub-information.

[0244] The first sub-information is used for paging the first device, the second sub-information is used for synchronization, and the third sub-information is used for indicating system information.

[0245] The first sub-information can be called a paging message, a selection message, an inventory message, or a service command (service request message including read and write commands) message, etc.; the second sub-information can be called a synchronization message, a synchronization signal, or synchronization information; the third sub-information can be called a system message or system information.

[0246] For other contents of the first sub-information, the second sub-information and the third sub-information, please refer to the description in steps 901 to 903, which will not be repeated here.

[0247] Step 1602: The second device sends at least one item of the first sub-information, the second sub-information, and the third sub-information in the first time domain resource.

[0248] Accordingly, the first device receives at least one item of the first sub-information, the second sub-information, and the third sub-information from the second device in the first time domain resource.

[0249] The first time domain resource is one of multiple time domain resources having a period of a first duration; or the first time domain resource is one of multiple non-periodic time domain resources, which can be understood as the multiple time domain resources being non-periodic in the time domain. The multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for synchronization, the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for paging, and the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for transmitting system information.

[0250] For other contents of the multiple time domain resources, please refer to the description in step 901 to step 903, which will not be repeated here.

[0251] In one implementation, if the first, second, and third sub-information are sent periodically, which can be understood as the multiple time domain resources being periodic resources, the first sub-information can further configure or indicate the period of at least one of the first, second, and third sub-information. For example, the first information indicates that the period of the first sub-information is the first duration, and the period of the second sub-information is the first duration. Similarly, the second or third sub-information can further configure or indicate the period of at least one of the first, second, and third sub-information.

[0252] In one implementation, the first, second, and third sub-information can also be sent aperiodically. This can be understood as multiple time domain resources being aperiodic resources. In this case, the first sub-information can also configure or indicate at least one of the following: the time for the next transmission of the first sub-information, the time for the next transmission of the second sub-information, and the time for the next transmission of the third sub-information. Similarly, the second or third sub-information can also configure or indicate the above information, which will not be further described here.

[0253] In one implementation, the first sub-information further indicates at least one of the following: whether the first sub-information is periodically transmitted; whether the second sub-information is periodically transmitted; and whether the third sub-information is periodically transmitted. Similarly, the second or third sub-information may also be used to configure or indicate the above information, and further details are omitted here.

[0254] [Corrected 03 / 03 / 2025 according to Rule 91] Furthermore, in one implementation, in the aforementioned two-week configuration, in addition to configuring the period or indicating the next transmission time, the first message may also configure a monitoring time window. That is, after waking up, the first device may monitor at least one time window and attempt to receive at least one of the first, second, and third sub-messages within that time window.

[0255] Step 1603: If the first sub-message is used to page the first device, the first device accesses the second device according to the first sub-message, and / or the first device synchronizes according to the second sub-message, and / or the first device determines system information according to the third sub-message.

[0256] In one implementation, if the first sub-information, the second sub-information, and the third sub-information are not sent, or within the interval between sending the first sub-information, the second sub-information, and the third sub-information, the first device may be in sleep mode or be charging.

[0257] In one implementation, the first device can sleep or charge when not receiving information. For details, please refer to the previous description, for example, refer to the description of how the first device sleeps or charges in steps 901 to 903, which will not be repeated here.

[0258] Through this method, multiple time domain resources can be time domain resources for synchronization, time domain resources for paging, or time domain resources for transmitting system information. In this way, the network side can transmit information used to achieve paging and / or synchronization through the same time domain resource, so that the first device can receive information used for paging and / or synchronization in the same time domain resource. This can reduce the complexity of the first device receiving downlink information from the second device, and realize the determination of the receiving position of the three types of information through a set of mechanisms, while also reducing resource waste and improving communication efficiency.

[0259] In one implementation, to support timing alignment between the first and second devices, a MAC PDU may be transmitted along with a timing acquisition signal (e.g., a preamble). The network may then send the MAC PDU plus the preamble as a timing start. The first device may receive a higher-layer downlink message (if any) and adjust the timing of the period start point of the first, second, or third sub-information by receiving the MAC PDU plus the preamble.

[0260] When the present application is applied in an ORAN architecture, the second device may include a CU and a DU, as shown in Figures 8 or 9 above. In the ORAN architecture, the first sub-information, the second sub-information, or the third sub-information may be generated by the CU, which sends the first sub-information, the second sub-information, or the third sub-information to the DU, which then sends the first sub-information, the second sub-information, or the third sub-information over the air interface.

[0261] It is understandable that in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the first device or the second device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that, in combination with the units and method steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0262] The following is a schematic diagram of the structure of possible communication devices provided in the embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0263] As shown in Figure 17, a communication device 1700 includes a processing unit 1710 and a communication unit 1720. The communication device 1700 is used to implement the functions of the first device or the second device in each of the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0264] In one implementation, the communication device 1700 is configured to implement the following functions:

[0265] A communication unit, configured to receive first information from a second device in a first time domain resource; the first information is used to page the first device, and / or the first information is used for synchronization; wherein the first time domain resource is one of a plurality of time domain resources having a period of a first duration, or the first time domain resource is one of a plurality of non-periodic time domain resources, the plurality of time domain resources are time domain resources used for synchronization, and the plurality of time domain resources are time domain resources used for paging;

[0266] The processing unit is configured to access the second device if the first information is used for paging the first device; and perform synchronization according to the first information if the first information is used for synchronization.

[0267] In one implementation, the communication device 1700 is configured to implement the following functions:

[0268] a processing unit, configured to determine first information, wherein the first information is used to page the first device, and / or the first information is used for synchronization;

[0269] A communication unit, configured to send the first information in a first time domain resource; wherein the first time domain resource is one of a plurality of time domain resources having a period of a first time length, or the first time domain resource is one of a plurality of non-periodic time domain resources, the plurality of time domain resources are time domain resources for synchronization, and the plurality of time domain resources are time domain resources for paging.

[0270] A more detailed description of the first device or the second device can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant descriptions in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0271] It should be understood that the division of units in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into one physical entity, or physically separated. Moreover, the units in the device can all be implemented in the form of software called through processing elements; or all be implemented in the form of hardware; or some units can be implemented in the form of software called through processing elements, and some units can be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, each unit can be a separately established processing element, or it can be integrated into a certain chip of the device. In addition, it can also be stored in the form of a program in a memory, called by a certain processing element of the device and execute the function of the unit. In addition, all or part of these units can be integrated together, or they can be implemented independently. The processing element here can also be a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each operation of the above method or each unit above can be implemented by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor element or by software called through the processing element.

[0272] In one example, the unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital singnal processors (DSPs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. For another example, when the unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a processor, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), or other processor that can call a program. For another example, these units can be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0273] The above-mentioned receiving unit is an interface circuit of the device, which is used to receive signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the receiving unit is the interface circuit of the chip used to receive signals from other chips or devices. The above-mentioned sending unit is an interface circuit of the device, which is used to send signals to other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the sending unit is the interface circuit of the chip used to send signals to other chips or devices.

[0274] As another possible product form, the first device or the second device of the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by a general bus architecture. For ease of explanation, refer to Figure 18, which is a structural diagram of a communication device 1800 provided in an embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 1800 includes a processor 1801 and a transceiver 1802. The communication device 1800 can be a terminal device, or a chip or chip system therein; or, the communication device 1800 can be a second device, or a chip or module therein. Figure 18 only shows the main components of the communication device 1800. In addition to the processor 1801 and the transceiver 1802, the communication device 1800 can further include a memory 1803, and an input and output device (not shown in the figure).

[0275] Optionally, processor 1801 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, as well as control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process software program data. Memory 1803 is primarily used to store software programs and data. Transceiver 1802 may include a radio frequency circuit and an antenna. The radio frequency circuit is primarily used to convert baseband signals into radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input and output devices, such as a touch screen, display, and keyboard, are primarily used to receive user input and output data to the user.

[0276] Optionally, the processor 1801 , the transceiver 1802 , and the memory 1803 may be connected via a communication bus.

[0277] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1801 can read the software program in the memory 1803, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor 1801 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal to the outside in the form of electromagnetic waves via the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal via the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1801. The processor 1801 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0278] In another implementation, the RF circuit and antenna can be set independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the RF circuit and antenna can be arranged remotely from the communication device.

[0279] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the above-mentioned communication device 1700 may take the form of the communication device 1800 shown in FIG. 18 .

[0280] As an example, the functions / implementation process of the processing unit 1710 in FIG17 may be implemented by the processor 1801 in the communication device 1800 shown in FIG18 calling computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1803. The functions / implementation process of the communication unit 1720 in FIG17 may be implemented by the transceiver 1802 in the communication device 1800 shown in FIG18.

[0281] As another possible product form, the first device or the second device in the present application may adopt the structure shown in Figure 19, or include the components shown in Figure 19. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1900 provided in the present application.

[0282] As shown in FIG19 , a communication device 1900 includes at least one processor 1901. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface 1902.

[0283] When the program instructions are executed in the at least one processor 1901, the communication device 1900 can implement the method provided in any of the aforementioned embodiments and any possible designs therein. Alternatively, the processor 1901 implements the method provided in any of the aforementioned embodiments and any possible designs therein through logic circuits or by executing code instructions.

[0284] The communication interface 1902 can be used to receive program instructions and transmit them to the processor. Alternatively, the communication interface 1902 can be used for communication between the communication device 1900 and other communication devices, such as exchanging control signaling and / or service data. Exemplarily, the communication interface 1902 can be used to receive signals from devices other than the communication device 1900 and transmit them to the processor 1901, or to send signals from the processor 1901 to other communication devices other than the communication device 1900.

[0285] Optionally, the communication interface 1902 may be a code and / or data read and write interface circuit, or the communication interface 1902 may be a signal transmission interface circuit between a communication processor and a transceiver, or a pin of a chip.

[0286] Optionally, the communication device 1900 may further include at least one memory 1903, which may be used to store required program instructions and / or data. It should be noted that the memory 1903 may exist independently of the processor 1901 or may be integrated with the processor 1901. The memory 1903 may be located within or outside the communication device 1900, without limitation.

[0287] Optionally, the communication device 1900 may further include a power supply circuit 1904, which may be used to supply power to the processor 1901. The power supply circuit 1904 may be located in the same chip as the processor 1901, or in another chip other than the chip where the processor 1901 is located.

[0288] Optionally, the communication device 1900 may further include a bus, and various parts of the communication device 1900 may be interconnected via the bus.

[0289] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the communication device 1700 shown in FIG. 17 may take the form of the communication device 1900 shown in FIG. 19 .

[0290] As an example, the functions / implementation process of the processing unit 1710 in FIG17 may be implemented by the processor 1901 in the communication device 1900 shown in FIG19 calling computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1903. The functions / implementation process of the communication unit 1720 in FIG17 may be implemented by the communication interface 1902 in the communication device 1900 shown in FIG19.

[0291] It should be noted that the structure shown in FIG19 does not constitute a specific limitation on the first device or the second device. For example, in other embodiments of the present application, the first device or the second device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine or separate certain components, or arrange the components differently. The components shown in the figure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0292] When the communication device is a chip used in a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from other modules in the terminal (such as a radio frequency module or antenna), and the information is sent by the base station to the terminal; or the terminal chip sends information to other modules in the terminal (such as a radio frequency module or antenna), and the information is sent by the terminal to the base station.

[0293] When the above-mentioned communication device is a module applied to a base station, the base station module implements the functions of the base station in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The base station module receives information from other modules in the base station (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and the information is sent by the terminal to the base station; or the base station module sends information to other modules in the base station (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and the information is sent by the base station to the terminal. The base station module here can be the baseband chip of the base station, or it can be a DU or other module. The DU here can be a DU under the open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0294] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0295] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a register, a hard disk, a mobile hard disk, a CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a base station or a terminal. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist in a base station or a terminal as discrete components.

[0296] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are performed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions may be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; an optical medium, such as a digital video disk; or a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0297] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0298] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application can adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application can adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, optical storage, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0299] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the flow chart and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more flow charts and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0300] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0301] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: receiving first information from a second device in a first time domain resource; The first information is used for paging the first device, and / or the first information is used for synchronization; The first time domain resource is one of multiple time domain resources having a period of a first duration, or the first time domain resource is one of multiple non-periodic time domain resources, the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for synchronization, and the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for paging; If the first information is used to page the first device, the second device is accessed; if the first information is used for synchronization, synchronization is performed according to the first information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information includes first sub-information and / or second sub-information; the first sub-information is used to page the first device, and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first sub-information and the second sub-information are two different fields in the first information; Alternatively, the first sub-information and the second sub-information are two different messages.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that When the first information includes the first sub-information, the first information is used to page the first device; when the first information does not include the first sub-information, the first information is used for synchronization.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: If the first message is not received, the device sleeps for a second time period; wherein the second time period is less than or equal to the first time period.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first information is used for synchronization, and the method further includes: Second information is received in a second time domain resource, where the second information is used to page the first device; the second time domain resource is separated from the first time domain resource by a third time length.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The first information is further used to indicate the third duration, or the third duration is predefined.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises: a third message from the second device is not successfully received in a third time domain resource; the third message is used to page the first device, and / or the third message is used for synchronization; the third time domain resource is one of the multiple time domain resources, and the third time domain resource is different from the first time domain resource; Continue to receive the third information until the third information is successfully received.

9. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: The first information is further used to indicate a sending period of at least one of the first information, the first sub-information, and the second sub-information, wherein the first sub-information is used to page the first device and the second sub-information is used for synchronization; Alternatively, the first information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: the time interval for sending the first information next time; the time interval for sending the first sub-information next time; the time interval for sending the second sub-information next time, wherein the first sub-information is used to paging the first device and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The first information is further used to indicate at least one of the following: Whether to periodically send the first sub-information; whether to periodically send the second sub-information; whether to periodically send the first information; wherein the first sub-information is used to page the first device, and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

11. A communication method, characterized in that: include: determining first information; The first information is used for paging the first device, and / or the first information is used for synchronization; The first information is sent in a first time domain resource; wherein, the first time domain resource is one of multiple time domain resources with a period of a first time length, or the first time domain resource is one of multiple non-periodic time domain resources, the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for synchronization, and the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for paging.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The first information includes first sub-information and / or second sub-information; the first sub-information is used to page the first device, and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first sub-information and the second sub-information are two different fields in the first information; Alternatively, the first sub-information and the second sub-information are two different messages.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that When the first information includes the first sub-information, the first information is used to page the first device; when the first information does not include the first sub-information, the first information is used for synchronization.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that: The first information is used for synchronization, and the method further includes: Second information is sent in a second time domain resource, where the second information is used to page the first device; the second time domain resource is separated from the first time domain resource by a third time length.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The first information is further used to indicate the third duration, or the third duration is predefined.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that: The first information is further used to indicate a sending period of at least one of the first information, the first sub-information, and the second sub-information, wherein the first sub-information is used to page the first device and the second sub-information is used for synchronization; Alternatively, the first information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: the time interval for sending the first information next time; the time interval for sending the first sub-information next time; the time interval for sending the second sub-information next time, wherein the first sub-information is used to paging the first device and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that: The first information is further used to indicate at least one of the following: Whether to periodically send the first sub-information; whether to periodically send the second sub-information; whether to periodically send the first information; wherein the first sub-information is used to page the first device, and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

19. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A communication unit, configured to receive first information from a second device in a first time domain resource; The first information is used to paging the first device, and / or the first information is used for synchronization; the first time domain resource is one of multiple time domain resources having a period of a first duration, or the first time domain resource is one of multiple non-periodic time domain resources, the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for synchronization, and the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for paging; The processing unit is configured to access the second device if the first information is used for paging the first device; and perform synchronization according to the first information if the first information is used for synchronization.

20. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that The first information includes first sub-information and / or second sub-information; the first sub-information is used to page the first device, and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that The first sub-information and the second sub-information are two different fields in the first information; Alternatively, the first sub-information and the second sub-information are two different messages.

22. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that When the first information includes the first sub-information, the first information is used to page the first device; when the first information does not include the first sub-information, the first information is used for synchronization.

23. The device according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that The processing unit is further configured to: If the first message is not received, the device will sleep for a second period of time.

24. The device according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that The first information is used for synchronization, and the apparatus further includes: Second information is received in a second time domain resource, where the second information is used to page the first device; the second time domain resource is separated from the first time domain resource by a third time length.

25. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that The first information is further used to indicate the third duration, or the third duration is predefined.

26. The device according to any one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that The communication unit is further configured to: a third message from the second device is not successfully received in a third time domain resource; the third message is used to page the first device, and / or the third message is used for synchronization; the third time domain resource is one of the multiple time domain resources, and the third time domain resource is different from the first time domain resource; Continue to receive the third information until the third information is successfully received.

27. The device according to any one of claims 19 to 26, characterized in that The first information is further used to indicate a sending period of at least one of the first information, the first sub-information, and the second sub-information, wherein the first sub-information is used to page the first device and the second sub-information is used for synchronization; Alternatively, the first information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: the time interval for sending the first information next time; the time interval for sending the first sub-information next time; the time interval for sending the second sub-information next time, wherein the first sub-information is used to paging the first device and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

28. The device according to any one of claims 19 to 27, characterized in that The first information is further used to indicate at least one of the following: Whether to periodically send the first sub-information; whether to periodically send the second sub-information; whether to periodically send the first information; wherein the first sub-information is used to page the first device, and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: include: a processing unit, configured to determine first information; The first information is used for paging the first device, and / or the first information is used for synchronization; A communication unit, configured to send the first information in a first time domain resource; The first time domain resource is one of multiple time domain resources with a period of a first time length, or the first time domain resource is one of multiple non-periodic time domain resources, the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for synchronization, and the multiple time domain resources are time domain resources used for paging.

30. The device according to claim 29, characterized in that The first information is further used to indicate a sending period of at least one of the first information, the first sub-information, and the second sub-information, wherein the first sub-information is used to page the first device and the second sub-information is used for synchronization; Alternatively, the first information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: the time interval for sending the first information next time; the time interval for sending the first sub-information next time; the time interval for sending the second sub-information next time, wherein the first sub-information is used to paging the first device and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

31. The device according to any one of claims 29 to 30, characterized in that The first information is further used to indicate at least one of the following: Whether to periodically send the first sub-information; whether to periodically send the second sub-information; whether to periodically send the first information; wherein the first sub-information is used to page the first device, and the second sub-information is used for synchronization.

32. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system includes a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and the second device is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 11 to 18.

33. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, and the processor implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the method according to any one of claims 11 to 18 through a logic circuit or executing code instructions.

34. A chip system, characterized in that: include: Memory for storing computer programs; A processor, configured to call and run the computer program from the memory, so that a device equipped with the chip system executes the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, or executes the method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 18.

35. A computer program product, characterized in that The invention comprises a computer program, which, when executed by a communication device, implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or implements the method according to any one of claims 11 to 18.

36. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by the communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the method according to any one of claims 11 to 18 is implemented.

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