Communication method, first terminal, second terminal, communication apparatus, communication system, and medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a first terminal, a second terminal, a communication apparatus, a communication system, and a medium. The communication method comprises: a first terminal determines that a condition of sharing artificial intelligence (AI) computing power of the first terminal with a second terminal is satisfied; and the first terminal shares the AI computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication efficiency of the terminal can be improved.

Description

Communication method, first terminal, second terminal, communication device, communication system and medium Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, first terminals, second terminals, communication devices, communication systems and media. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of communication technology, users typically have multiple terminal devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and smart cars. Some of these terminal devices are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) computing power and corresponding AI functions, enabling them to communicate more efficiently.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] How to improve the communication efficiency of terminal devices with limited computing power is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0005] This disclosure provides embodiments of a communication method, a first terminal, a second terminal, a communication device, a communication system, and a medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, the method comprising: a first terminal determining that conditions are met for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with a second terminal; the first terminal and the second terminal sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, the method comprising: a second terminal sharing the AI ​​computing power of a first terminal, wherein the shared AI computing power is shared by the first terminal with the second terminal under the condition that the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal are met.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a first terminal is provided, comprising: a processing module, configured to determine conditions that satisfy the sharing of the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with a second terminal; and to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a second terminal is proposed, comprising: a processing module for sharing the AI ​​computing power of a first terminal, wherein the shared AI computing power is shared by the first terminal with the second terminal under the condition that the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal are met.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to execute the communication method of the first aspect.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to execute the communication method of the second aspect.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, including a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, and the second terminal is configured to implement the communication method of the second aspect.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions, characterized in that, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0015] Through the embodiments of this disclosure, when the conditions for sharing AI computing power are met, a first terminal with AI computing power and a second terminal with limited computing power share AI computing power, enabling the second terminal to improve its performance based on AI computing power, thereby improving communication efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3A is a schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This disclosure provides embodiments of a communication method, a first terminal, a second terminal, a communication device, a communication system, and a medium.

[0028] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method, the method comprising: a first terminal determining that it meets the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with a second terminal; the first terminal and the second terminal sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

[0029] In the above embodiments, when the conditions for sharing AI computing power are met, the first terminal with AI computing power and the second terminal with limited computing power share AI computing power, enabling the second terminal to improve its performance based on AI computing power, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0030] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the condition of sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal includes at least one of the following: the current state of the first terminal satisfies the state of sharing computing power with the second terminal; the first terminal determines that the second terminal is the object of sharing computing power with the first terminal; the first terminal receives a first request sent by the second terminal, the first request being used by the second terminal to request the first terminal to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

[0031] In the above embodiments, when the above conditions are met, the first terminal and the second terminal share AI computing power, which enriches the scenarios in which the first terminal and the second terminal share AI computing power and improves the efficiency of the first terminal and the second terminal sharing AI computing power.

[0032] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the condition of sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal includes the first terminal receiving a first request sent by the second terminal, and the method further includes: the first terminal receiving first information sent by the second terminal, the first information including at least one of the following: configuration information of downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive; the type of downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive.

[0033] In the above embodiments, the second terminal sends the configuration information and / or type of the downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive to the first terminal, so that the first terminal can receive the downlink data from the second terminal, thereby improving the efficiency of the second terminal in receiving downlink data.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first terminal determining, based on the current state of the first terminal, to accept the first request.

[0035] In the above embodiments, when the current state of the first terminal meets the conditions, the first terminal accepts the first request from the second terminal, which can ensure that the first terminal can provide communication resources for shared AI computing power.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first terminal determines the second terminal as the object to which the first terminal shares computing power, including: the first terminal determines, through application layer information or pre-configuration information, that the first terminal and the second terminal correspond to the same user.

[0037] In the above embodiments, the first terminal determines the second terminal as the object of the first terminal's shared computing power, which can ensure the security of the first terminal providing shared AI computing power.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first terminal sending second information to the second terminal, the second information including at least one of the following: the capability information of the first terminal receiving antenna; the type of AI model input information of the first terminal; the identification information of the first terminal; the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal; and the AI ​​model output information of the first terminal.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first terminal receiving downlink data of the second terminal sent by the network device, wherein the network device determines to send the downlink data of the second terminal to the first terminal based on second information sent by the second terminal to the network device.

[0040] In the above embodiments, the first terminal sends second information to the second terminal, and the second terminal sends second information to the network device. The network device then sends downlink data of the second terminal to the first terminal based on the second information sent by the second terminal, thereby enabling the first terminal to receive downlink data of the second terminal.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first terminal processing the downlink data of the second terminal based on AI to obtain third information.

[0042] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: the first terminal sending the third information to the second terminal.

[0043] In the above embodiments, the first terminal processes the downlink data of the second terminal based on AI and sends the processed information to the second terminal, so that the second terminal can obtain the information processed by AI and achieve performance improvement of the second terminal.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes AI processing capability information of the first terminal; the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes that the first terminal supports AI-based channel estimation, and the downlink data of the second terminal includes a reference signal configuration for channel estimation; or the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes that the first terminal supports an AI-based receiver, and the downlink data of the second terminal is data processed by the network device based on the needs of the receiver.

[0045] Secondly, this disclosure proposes a communication method, which includes: a second terminal sharing the AI ​​computing power of a first terminal, wherein the shared AI computing power is shared by the first terminal with the second terminal under the condition that the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal are met.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the condition of sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal includes at least one of the following: the current state of the first terminal satisfies the state of sharing computing power with the second terminal; the first terminal determines that the second terminal is the object of sharing computing power with the first terminal; the first terminal receives a first request sent by the second terminal, the first request being used by the second terminal to request the first terminal to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the condition of sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal includes the first terminal receiving a first request sent by the second terminal. The method further includes: the second terminal sending first information to the first terminal, the first information including at least one of the following: configuration information of downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive; the type of downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the second terminal receiving second information sent by the first terminal, the second information including at least one of the following: the capability information of the first terminal receiving antenna; the type of AI model input information of the first terminal; the identification information of the first terminal; the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal; and the AI ​​model output information of the first terminal.

[0049] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the second aspect, the method further includes: the second terminal sending the second information to the network device, and the network device determining to send downlink data of the second terminal to the first terminal based on the second information sent by the second terminal.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the second terminal sending third information to the first terminal, the third information being obtained by the first terminal processing the downlink data of the second terminal based on AI.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes AI processing capability information of the first terminal; the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes that the first terminal supports AI-based channel estimation, and the downlink data of the second terminal includes a reference signal configuration for channel estimation; or the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes that the first terminal supports an AI-based receiver, and the downlink data of the second terminal is data processed by the network device based on the needs of the receiver.

[0052] Thirdly, this disclosure provides a first type of terminal, comprising: a processing module, configured to determine conditions that satisfy the sharing of the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal; and to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal.

[0053] Fourthly, this disclosure proposes a second type of terminal, including: a processing module for sharing the AI ​​computing power of a first terminal, wherein the shared AI computing power is shared by the first terminal with the second terminal under the condition that the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal are met.

[0054] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to execute the communication method of the first aspect.

[0055] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to execute the communication method of the second aspect.

[0056] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method of the second aspect.

[0057] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0058] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0059] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform any of the aforementioned communication methods.

[0060] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in optional implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0061] It is understood that the aforementioned first terminal, second terminal, communication device, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] This disclosure provides embodiments of communication methods, terminals, network devices, communication apparatuses, communication systems, and storage media. In some embodiments, the terms communication method, information sending method, information receiving method, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0063] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0064] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0065] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0066] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular or a plural expression.

[0067] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0068] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0069] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0070] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0071] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0072] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0073] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0074] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0075] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0076] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0077] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0078] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0079] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0080] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0081] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0082] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0083] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0084] Currently, the widespread application of 5G technology is bringing tremendous changes to all aspects of people's lives. According to the vision of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 5G will permeate all areas of future society, building a comprehensive information ecosystem centered on the user. Specifically, 5G user experience speeds can reach 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, supporting ultimate service experiences such as mobile virtual reality; 5G peak speeds can reach 10 Gbps to 20 Gbps, with a traffic density of 10 Mbps per square meter (m²), capable of supporting more than a thousandfold increase in mobile traffic; 5G connection density can reach 1 million connections per square meter (m²), effectively supporting massive numbers of IoT devices; 5G transmission latency can be down to the millisecond level, meeting the stringent requirements of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) and industrial control; 5G can support mobile speeds of 500 km / h, providing a good user experience even in high-speed rail environments. It is conceivable that 5G, as a representative of new infrastructure, will reshape the future information society.

[0085] In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has made continuous breakthroughs in multiple fields. The ongoing development of fields such as intelligent voice and computer vision has not only brought a wide variety of applications to smart terminals, but has also found widespread use in education, transportation, home, healthcare, retail, security, and many other sectors, bringing convenience to people's lives while promoting industrial upgrading across various industries. AI technology is also accelerating its cross-disciplinary integration with other disciplines, combining knowledge from different fields while providing new directions and methods for the development of various disciplines.

[0086] Related research introduces AI technology into wireless air interfaces and studies how AI technology can assist and improve wireless air interface transmission technology. For example, this includes the following three aspects: AI-enabled connectivity, computing power services, and advanced AI services.

[0087] Among these, AI-enabled connectivity refers to using AI methods to improve communication performance, such as using AI for beam management. Computing power services refer to the network side providing computing power to the terminal side, such as assisting the terminal in model training and inference. Ultimate AI services refer to enhancing the network's transmission pipeline to improve the user experience of AI application services.

[0088] Currently, users typically own multiple terminal devices, such as smartwatches, smartphones, and smart cars. Some of these devices already incorporate AI computing power and corresponding AI functions, enabling users to enjoy a more intelligent and efficient connectivity experience.

[0089] In the current system, the terminal needs to measure the reference signal to obtain accurate channel information or other information to improve communication performance and connection stability. Specifically, this can include channel measurement and beam measurement.

[0090] For channel measurement, the terminal side can learn pilot information based on AI models, thereby reducing the power consumption required for measurement. By inputting a large amount of pilot information into a terminal device with AI computing power, and using technologies such as deep learning, the characteristics and variation patterns of the channel can be learned, thus obtaining accurate channel data.

[0091] For beam measurement, traditional methods can consume significant time and energy due to the need to measure multiple beams. To address this issue, terminal devices can leverage AI models to predict future beam information, thereby acquiring beam information over a longer period without needing to measure only a specific timeframe. By training the AI ​​model, it can predict future beam patterns based on known beam information and environmental conditions, thus enabling the prediction and optimization of beam information.

[0092] AI-based channel measurement / beam prediction methods can improve the efficiency and accuracy of information measurement while reducing the power consumption and cost of terminal devices. However, some terminal devices are limited by factors such as size, power consumption, and cost, making it impossible to deploy hardware with AI computing power and thus preventing them from enjoying the benefits of AI.

[0093] In communication scenarios, users' two devices are often adjacent. In such cases, AI computing power sharing can be considered, allowing terminals with weak computing power to benefit from AI performance improvements by sharing AI resources with neighboring devices. By establishing a computing power sharing platform, devices with AI computing power are connected to terminals with weak computing power, enabling the sharing and scheduling of AI computing power resources. This allows terminals with weak computing power to connect to the computing power sharing platform via the network, request AI processing services, and obtain the necessary AI functions and performance improvements.

[0094] This disclosure provides a communication method in which, when the conditions for sharing AI computing power are met, a first terminal with AI computing power and a second terminal with limited computing power share AI computing power, enabling the second terminal to improve its performance based on AI computing power, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0095] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes at least one of a first terminal 101, a second terminal 102, and a network device 103.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may be a terminal with AI computing power and / or deploying AI models, and the second terminal 102 may be a terminal without AI computing power or with low AI computing power (also known as a terminal with limited computing power).

[0098] In some embodiments, the terminal may be a user equipment (UE), including, but not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0099] In some embodiments, a network device can be a functional network element within a core network device. The core network device can be a single device, including a first network element, a second network element, etc., or it can be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc. Network elements can be virtual or physical. The core network includes, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0100] In some embodiments, the network device may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0101] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0102] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0103] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0104] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0105] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0106] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0107] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0108] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0109] Step S2101: The second terminal sends a first request to the first terminal.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives a first request sent by the second terminal.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first request is used by the second terminal to request the first terminal to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first terminal is a terminal with AI computing power, or a terminal with an AI model deployed. The second terminal may be a terminal without AI computing power, or a terminal with low computing power (i.e., a terminal with limited computing power), or a terminal without an AI model deployed.

[0113] In some embodiments, the second terminal may request to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal. For example, the second terminal may request the first terminal to process its downlink data based on its deployed AI model, that is, input the downlink data of the second terminal into the AI ​​model deployed by the first terminal to obtain the output result of the AI ​​model. The first terminal may then send the output result of the AI ​​model to the second terminal to improve communication efficiency.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal can establish a connection to share computing power in order to negotiate AI-based downlink reception.

[0115] In step S2102, the second terminal sends the first information to the first terminal.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: configuration information of the downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive; and the type of downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive.

[0117] In some embodiments, the second terminal may initiate a request for computing power sharing and simultaneously send the task information (i.e., the first information) to the first terminal. This may include configuration information for the downlink information to be received, the type of downlink information, etc.

[0118] Among them, task information refers to the information required for assisting in downlink reception, that is, the information required for the second terminal to assist in downlink reception through the first terminal.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first terminal can determine whether to accept the task based on the first information sent by the second terminal. Furthermore, the first terminal needs to receive data based on this task information when performing downlink reception from the second terminal.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first request and the first information may be sent together, that is, the first request and the first information may be carried by the same signaling. Alternatively, the first request and the first information may be sent separately, that is, the first request and the first information may be carried by different signaling. Or, the first request may include the first information.

[0121] Step S2103: The first terminal determines that it meets the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first terminal determines whether the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal are met.

[0123] In some embodiments, the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal include at least one of the following: the first terminal receives a first request sent by the second terminal; the current state of the first terminal satisfies the state of sharing computing power with the second terminal; the first terminal determines that the second terminal is the object of sharing computing power with the first terminal.

[0124] For example, the first terminal determines whether it has received the first request sent by the second terminal. When the first terminal receives the first request sent by the second terminal, the first terminal determines to share AI computing power with the second terminal.

[0125] For example, the first terminal determines whether its current state satisfies the requirement to share computing power with the second terminal. If the first terminal determines that its current state satisfies the requirement to share computing power with the second terminal, then the first terminal decides to share AI computing power with the second terminal.

[0126] The current status could be, for example, the current battery level or the current memory level.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first terminal determines to accept the first request based on the current state of the first terminal.

[0128] In some embodiments, after the first terminal receives a first request from the second terminal, it can determine whether to accept the first request based on the current state of the first terminal. If the current state of the first terminal satisfies the requirement to share computing power with the second terminal, the first request is accepted, i.e., AI computing power sharing service is provided to the second terminal. If the current state of the first terminal does not satisfy the requirement to share computing power with the second terminal, the first request is rejected.

[0129] For example, the first terminal determines whether the second terminal is a shareable computing power object. If the first terminal determines that the second terminal is a shareable computing power object, the first terminal decides to share AI computing power with the second terminal.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first terminal determines the second terminal as the object of the first terminal to share computing power, including: the first terminal determines, through application layer information or pre-configuration information, that the first terminal and the second terminal correspond to the same user.

[0131] For example, if two terminals belong to the same user, the first terminal can determine that the second terminal belongs to the same user through application layer information or user pre-configuration.

[0132] In the above embodiments, the first terminal determines the second terminal as the object of the first terminal's shared computing power, which can ensure the security of the first terminal providing shared AI computing power.

[0133] In step S2104, the first terminal and the second terminal share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

[0134] In some embodiments, when the condition of sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal is met, the first terminal determines to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal.

[0135] Step S2105: The first terminal sends the second information to the second terminal.

[0136] In some embodiments, in response to the first terminal determining to share AI computing power with the second terminal, the first terminal sends second information to the second terminal.

[0137] In some embodiments, the second information may be reception configuration information. Reception configuration information refers to the configuration information regarding the first device's ability to receive information. For example, reception configuration information may be the capability of the receiving antenna or the input type of the AI ​​model. Different tasks have different input types for the AI ​​model; for example, it may be channel measurement information.

[0138] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: the capability information of the first terminal receiving antenna; the type of AI model input information of the first terminal; the identification information of the first terminal; the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal; and the AI ​​model output information of the first terminal.

[0139] In some embodiments, the second information includes AI processing capability information of the first terminal. The AI ​​processing capability information is used to characterize the AI ​​processing capability possessed by the terminal.

[0140] In some embodiments, the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes the first terminal supporting AI-based channel estimation and / or the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes the first terminal supporting AI-based receivers.

[0141] Step S2106: The second terminal sends the second information to the network device.

[0142] In some embodiments, the second terminal sends second information to the network device for downlink auxiliary reception. The second information may include terminal information for auxiliary reception, such as the identifier of the first device, the AI ​​processing capability of the first device, and information about the first device model, such as the model's input information and output information.

[0143] In the above embodiments, the first terminal sends second information to the second terminal, and the second terminal sends second information to the network device. The network device then sends downlink data of the second terminal to the first terminal based on the second information sent by the second terminal, thereby enabling the first terminal to receive downlink data of the second terminal.

[0144] In step S2107, the network device sends downlink data from the second terminal to the first terminal.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives downlink data from the second terminal sent by the network device.

[0146] In some embodiments, the network device determines to send downlink data of the second terminal to the first terminal based on the second information sent by the second terminal to the network device.

[0147] In some embodiments, the network device sends downlink data of the second terminal to the first terminal based on the AI ​​processing information (or AI processing capability) of the first terminal.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second information includes AI processing capability information of the first terminal. When the first terminal supports AI-based channel estimation, the downlink data of the second terminal includes a reference signal configuration for channel estimation.

[0149] For example, when the first terminal supports AI-based channel estimation, the network device can use a sparser reference signal (RS) configuration. The first terminal can perform channel estimation on the configured reference signal, demodulate the estimated channel data to obtain the final information data, and then send the obtained information data to the second terminal.

[0150] In some embodiments, the second information includes AI processing capability information of the first terminal, which includes support for AI-based receivers by the first terminal, and the downlink data of the second terminal is data processed by the network device based on the needs of the receiver.

[0151] For example, when the first terminal uses an AI-based receiver, network devices can perform data processing on the transmitting side according to the receiver's requirements. An AI-based receiver can combine channel estimation, equalization, demodulation, and other information for processing.

[0152] In step S2108, the first terminal processes the downlink data of the second terminal based on AI to obtain the third information.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first terminal can input downlink data from the second terminal into an AI model for processing to obtain third information.

[0154] Step S2109: The first terminal sends third information to the second terminal.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first terminal may send the third information processed by AI to the second terminal.

[0156] In the above embodiments, the first terminal processes the downlink data of the second terminal based on AI and sends the processed information to the second terminal, so that the second terminal can obtain the information processed by AI and achieve performance improvement of the second terminal.

[0157] The communication method provided in this disclosure utilizes computing power sharing, allowing terminals with weak computing power to connect to terminals with AI computing power and enjoy the performance improvement brought by AI functions. This solves the problem that some devices cannot deploy AI, while also reducing the size, power consumption and cost of the devices.

[0158] The communication method provided in this disclosure can be applied to communication scenarios such as channel measurement and beam measurement. The following description uses a channel measurement communication scenario as an example, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0159] In some embodiments, a second terminal (a terminal with limited computing power) may initiate a computing power sharing request to a first terminal (a terminal with AI computing power). The computing power sharing request may include at least one of the following: device identifier, task type (channel measurement), and task parameters (e.g., the expected number of pilot signals, channel conditions, etc.).

[0160] In some embodiments, after receiving a computing power sharing request from a second terminal, the first terminal assesses its own computing power resources (e.g., power consumption, CPU utilization, memory status, etc.) and confirms whether to accept the computing power sharing request.

[0161] In some embodiments, when the first terminal meets the conditions (e.g., the current battery level is greater than a preset battery level threshold), it confirms acceptance of the computing power sharing request.

[0162] In some embodiments, if the first terminal confirms acceptance of the computing power sharing request, the first terminal sends a confirmation message and receiving configuration information to the second terminal. The receiving configuration information may include at least one of the following: receiving antenna capability, AI model input type, computing resource status, etc.

[0163] In some embodiments, the second terminal can receive pilot signals transmitted by the network; the second terminal can perform preliminary channel estimation on the pilot signals to generate preliminary channel measurement data. The preliminary channel measurement data may include at least one of the following: a pilot signal sample matrix, a preliminary channel estimation result, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and a channel state information (CSI) matrix. The pilot signal sample matrix included in the preliminary channel measurement data of the second terminal may be an M×N matrix, where M represents the number of pilot signal samples, N represents the number of data points included in each pilot signal sample, and both M and N are positive integers. The preliminary channel estimation result can be represented using a 1×N preliminary channel estimation vector. The signal-to-noise ratio represents the ratio of signal to noise. The channel state information matrix is ​​used to describe the channel state information.

[0164] In some embodiments, the second terminal can package preliminary channel measurement data and send the data packet to the first terminal for further processing. The data packet may include at least one of the following: device ID, task ID, pilot signal samples, preliminary channel estimation results, SNR, CSI, timestamp, etc. The device ID is a unique ID identifying the second terminal. The task ID is a unique ID identifying the current task. The pilot signal sample matrix represents the pilot signal samples used for channel measurement. The preliminary channel estimation results are preliminary channel estimation information.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives and parses the data packets sent by the second terminal, extracting data such as pilot signal samples and preliminary channel estimation results. The first terminal can use the pilot signal sample matrix, preliminary channel estimation vector, SNR value, CSI matrix, etc., as input data for a model, and process the input data using a deep learning model (such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), etc.) to generate accurate channel estimation results, channel gain matrix, channel state prediction, etc. The channel gain matrix is ​​used to describe the channel gain, and the channel state prediction is used to predict the channel state at future times. The first terminal can package the processed data and send it to the second terminal.

[0166] In other embodiments, the second terminal sends the receiving configuration information of the first terminal to the network device, and the network device sends the downlink data (e.g., pilot signals, reference signals, etc.) of the second terminal to the first terminal. The first terminal inputs the downlink data of the second terminal into a model for processing to obtain the channel estimation result. The first terminal can demodulate the channel estimation result to obtain information data, and then send the information data to the second terminal.

[0167] In some embodiments, the second terminal can receive and parse the data sent by the first terminal, and optimize communication using accurate channel measurement results. For example, the second terminal can adjust the transmit power, select the optimal modulation and coding scheme, and optimize beamforming, thereby improving communication performance and stability.

[0168] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2109. For example, step S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2101+S2102+S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S2104+S2105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2106+S2107+S2018 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0169] In some embodiments, steps S2101 and S2102 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0170] In some embodiments, steps S2104 and S2105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0171] In some embodiments, steps S2106, S2107, and S2108 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0172] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2 may be referred to.

[0173] In some embodiments, the terms “reference signal resource,” “beam,” and “beam pair” can be used interchangeably.

[0174] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0175] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0176] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0177] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0178] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0179] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value (bool)) represented by true or false, or by a numerical comparison (e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0180] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0181] Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0182] Step S3101: Obtain the first request.

[0183] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives a first request sent by the second terminal.

[0185] Step S3102: Obtain the first information.

[0186] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives first information sent by the second terminal.

[0188] Step S3103: Determine if the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal are met.

[0189] The optional implementation of step S3103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first terminal determines that it meets the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal.

[0191] Step S3104: Share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal.

[0192] The optional implementation of step S3104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

[0194] Step S3105: Send the second message.

[0195] The optional implementation of step S3105 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first terminal sends second information to the second terminal.

[0197] Step S3106: Obtain downlink data from the second terminal.

[0198] The optional implementation of step S3106 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives downlink data from the second terminal sent by the network device.

[0200] Step S3107: Process the downlink data of the second terminal based on AI to obtain the third information.

[0201] The optional implementation of step S3107 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first terminal processes the downlink data of the second terminal based on AI to obtain third information.

[0203] Step S3108: Send the third message.

[0204] The optional implementation of step S3108 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first terminal sends third information to the second terminal.

[0206] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3108. For example, step S3103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps S3101+S3102+S3103 may be implemented as standalone embodiments.

[0207] In some embodiments, steps S3101 and S3102 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0208] In some embodiments, steps S3104 and S3105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0209] In some embodiments, steps S3106 and S3107 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0210] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0211] Step S3201: Determine if the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal are met.

[0212] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first terminal determines that it meets the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal.

[0214] Step S3202: Share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal.

[0215] The optional implementation of step S3202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

[0217] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0218] Step S4101: Send the first request.

[0219] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0220] In some embodiments, the second terminal sends a first request to the first terminal.

[0221] Step S4102: Send the first message.

[0222] The optional implementation of step S4102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0223] In some embodiments, the second terminal sends first information to the first terminal.

[0224] Step S4103: Obtain the second information.

[0225] The optional implementation of step S4103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second terminal receives second information sent by the first terminal.

[0227] Step S4104: Send the second message.

[0228] The optional implementation of step S4104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0229] In some embodiments, the second terminal sends second information to the network device.

[0230] Step S4105: Obtain third information.

[0231] The optional implementation of step S4105 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0232] In some embodiments, the second terminal receives third information sent by the first terminal.

[0233] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4105. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, step S4102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step S4105 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0234] In some embodiments, step S4102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0235] In some embodiments, step S4103 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0236] In some embodiments, step S4104 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0237] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0238] Step S5101: The first terminal determines that it meets the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal.

[0239] The optional implementation of step S5101 can be found in step S2103 of Figure 2, step S3103 of Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0240] In step S5102, the first terminal and the second terminal share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

[0241] The optional implementation of step S5102 can be found in step S2104 of Figure 2, step S3104 of Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3A, and 4, which will not be repeated here.

[0242] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods of the embodiments described above on the communication system side, terminal side, network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0243] This disclosure provides a communication method based on a computing power sharing approach to enhance communication connections for terminals without computing power resources.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal establish a connection to share computing power for negotiating AI-based downlink reception.

[0245] In one example, the first terminal passively provides computing power sharing services.

[0246] In some embodiments, the second terminal initiates a request for computing power sharing and simultaneously sends the task information to be performed to the first terminal. This includes, for example, the downlink information configuration and type to be received.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first terminal determines whether to provide sharing services to the second terminal based on its current status (e.g., battery level, memory). The first terminal may accept or reject the request from the second terminal.

[0248] In another example, the first terminal proactively provides computing power sharing services.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first terminal determines that the second terminal belongs to a shareable computing power object (for example, if the two devices belong to the same user, the first terminal can determine that the second terminal belongs to the same user through application layer information or user pre-configuration).

[0250] In some embodiments, the first terminal determines, based on its current state, that it can provide computing power sharing services to the second terminal.

[0251] In some embodiments, in response to the first terminal agreeing to share computing power, the first terminal sends its receiving configuration information to the second terminal. This information may include, for example, the receiving antenna's capacity and the input type of the AI ​​model.

[0252] In some embodiments, the second terminal sends downlink auxiliary reception information to the network, including auxiliary reception terminal information, such as the ID of the first device, the AI ​​processing capability of the first device, and information about the first device model, such as the model's input information and output information.

[0253] In some embodiments, the network sends downlink data of the second terminal to the first terminal based on the AI ​​processing information of the first terminal.

[0254] For example, when the first terminal supports AI-based channel estimation, the network device can use a sparser RS ​​configuration.

[0255] For example, when the first terminal uses an AI-based receiver, the network device can perform data processing on the transmitting side according to the receiver's requirements.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives data sent by the network and processes the data using an AI processing module.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first terminal sends the AI-processed data to the second terminal.

[0258] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by utilizing computing power sharing, terminals with weak computing power can connect to terminals with AI computing power and enjoy the performance improvement brought by AI functions, which solves the problem that some devices cannot deploy AI, while reducing the size, power consumption and cost of the devices.

[0259] In this embodiment of the disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations can be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0260] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0261] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0262] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0263] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6A, the first terminal 6100 may include a processing module 6101. In some embodiments, the processing module 6101 is used to determine the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal, and to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (such as step S2103, but not limited thereto) performed by the first terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0264] In some embodiments, the terminal may further include a transceiver module for performing at least one of the processing steps performed by the first terminal in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2104, S2105, but not limited thereto), which will not be described in detail here.

[0265] In some embodiments, the condition of sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal includes at least one of the following: the current state of the first terminal satisfies the state of sharing computing power with the second terminal; the first terminal determines that the second terminal is the object of sharing computing power with the first terminal; the first terminal receives a first request sent by the second terminal, the first request being used by the second terminal to request the first terminal to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

[0266] In some embodiments, the condition of sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal includes the first terminal receiving a first request sent by the second terminal. The transceiver module is configured to: the first terminal receive first information sent by the second terminal, the first information including at least one of the following: configuration information of downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive; and the type of downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive.

[0267] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to: the first terminal determines, based on the current state of the first terminal, to accept the first request.

[0268] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to: determine, through application layer information or pre-configuration information, that the first terminal and the second terminal correspond to the same user.

[0269] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to: send second information from the first terminal to the second terminal, the second information including at least one of the following: the capability information of the first terminal's receiving antenna; the type of AI model input information of the first terminal; the identification information of the first terminal; the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal; and the AI ​​model output information of the first terminal.

[0270] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to: the first terminal receive downlink data of the second terminal sent by the network device, wherein the network device determines to send the downlink data of the second terminal to the first terminal based on second information sent by the second terminal to the network device.

[0271] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to: the first terminal processes the downlink data of the second terminal based on AI to obtain third information.

[0272] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to: send the third information from the first terminal to the second terminal.

[0273] In some embodiments, the second information includes AI processing capability information of the first terminal; the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes that the first terminal supports AI-based channel estimation, and the downlink data of the second terminal includes a reference signal configuration for channel estimation; or the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes that the first terminal supports an AI-based receiver, and the downlink data of the second terminal is data processed by the network device based on the needs of the receiver.

[0274] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6B, the second terminal 6200 may include a processing module 6201. In some embodiments, the processing module 6201 is used to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (such as step S2103, but not limited thereto) performed by the second device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0275] In some embodiments, the second terminal may further include a transceiver module for performing at least one of the processing steps performed by the second terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0276] In some embodiments, the condition of sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal includes at least one of the following: the current state of the first terminal satisfies the state of sharing computing power with the second terminal; the first terminal determines that the second terminal is the object of sharing computing power with the first terminal; the first terminal receives a first request sent by the second terminal, the first request being used by the second terminal to request the first terminal to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

[0277] In some embodiments, the condition of sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal includes the first terminal receiving a first request sent by the second terminal. The method further includes: the second terminal sending first information to the first terminal, the first information including at least one of the following: configuration information of downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive; and the type of downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive.

[0278] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to: receive second information sent by the first terminal from the second terminal, the second information including at least one of the following: antenna capability information of the first terminal; AI model input information type of the first terminal; identification information of the first terminal; AI processing capability information of the first terminal; and AI model output information of the first terminal.

[0279] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to: send the second information to the network device, and the network device determines to send downlink data of the second terminal to the first terminal based on the second information sent by the second terminal.

[0280] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to: send third information from the second terminal to the first terminal, wherein the third information is obtained by the first terminal processing the downlink data of the second terminal based on AI.

[0281] In some embodiments, the second information includes AI processing capability information of the first terminal; the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes that the first terminal supports AI-based channel estimation, and the downlink data of the second terminal includes a reference signal configuration for channel estimation; or the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes that the first terminal supports an AI-based receiver, and the downlink data of the second terminal is data processed by the network device based on the needs of the receiver.

[0282] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0283] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0284] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 7100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 7101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 7100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0285] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7102. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7102, the transceiver 7102 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2104, but not limited thereto) in the above method, such as sending and / or receiving, while the processor 7101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2103, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, sending unit, transmitter, sending circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0286] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7103 may be located outside the communication device 7100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuits 7104 are connected to the memories 7103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 7103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 7103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 7104 can read data stored in the memories 7103 and send the data to the processor 7101.

[0287] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0288] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 7B can be referenced, but is not limited thereto.

[0289] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201. Chip 7200 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0290] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside chip 7200. Optionally, interface circuit 7202 is connected to memory 7203, and interface circuit 7202 can be used to receive data from memory 7203 or other devices, and interface circuit 7202 can be used to send data to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7202 can read data stored in memory 7203 and send the data to processor 7201.

[0291] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S2104, but not limited thereto). For example, the interface circuit 7202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method means that the interface circuit 7202 performs data interaction between the processor 7201, the chip 7200, the memory 7203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 7201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2103, but not limited thereto).

[0292] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0293] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 7100, cause the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0294] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0295] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first terminal is determined to meet the conditions for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal; The first terminal and the second terminal share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condition for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal includes at least one of the following: The current state of the first terminal satisfies the requirement of sharing computing power with the second terminal; The first terminal determines that the second terminal is the object to which the first terminal shares computing power; The first terminal receives a first request sent by the second terminal, the first request being used by the second terminal to request the first terminal to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The condition for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal includes the first terminal receiving a first request sent by the second terminal, and the method further includes: The first terminal receives first information sent by the second terminal, the first information including at least one of the following: The configuration information of the downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive; The type of downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on its current state, the first terminal determines to accept the first request.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first terminal determines the second terminal as the object to which the first terminal shares computing power, including: The first terminal determines that the first terminal and the second terminal correspond to the same user through application layer information or pre-configuration information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first terminal sends second information to the second terminal, the second information including at least one of the following: The first terminal receives antenna capability information; The type of AI model input information for the first terminal; The identification information of the first terminal; AI processing capability information of the first terminal; The AI ​​model outputs information from the first terminal.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first terminal receives downlink data from the second terminal sent by the network device, wherein the network device determines to send the downlink data of the second terminal to the first terminal based on the second information sent by the second terminal to the network device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first terminal processes the downlink data from the second terminal based on AI to obtain the third information.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first terminal sends the third information to the second terminal.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The second information includes the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal; The AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes that the first terminal supports AI-based channel estimation, and the downlink data of the second terminal includes a reference signal configuration for channel estimation; or The AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes that the first terminal supports AI-based receivers, and the downlink data of the second terminal is data processed by the network device based on the needs of the receiver.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second terminal shares the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal, wherein the shared AI computing power is shared by the first terminal with the second terminal under the condition that the first terminal can share the AI ​​computing power of the second terminal.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The condition for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal includes at least one of the following: The current state of the first terminal satisfies the requirement of sharing computing power with the second terminal; The first terminal determines that the second terminal is the object to which the first terminal shares computing power; The first terminal receives a first request sent by the second terminal, the first request being used by the second terminal to request the first terminal to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The condition for sharing the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal includes the first terminal receiving a first request sent by the second terminal, and the method further includes: The second terminal sends first information to the first terminal, the first information including at least one of the following: The configuration information of the downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive; The type of downlink information that the second terminal needs to receive.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second terminal receives second information sent by the first terminal, the second information including at least one of the following: The first terminal receives antenna capability information; The type of AI model input information for the first terminal; The identification information of the first terminal; AI processing capability information of the first terminal; The AI ​​model outputs information from the first terminal.

15. The method according to claim 11 or 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second terminal sends second information to the network device, and the network device determines to send the downlink data of the second terminal to the first terminal based on the second information sent by the second terminal.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second terminal sends third information to the first terminal, which is obtained by the first terminal processing the downlink data of the second terminal based on AI.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The second information includes the AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal; The AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes that the first terminal supports AI-based channel estimation, and the downlink data of the second terminal includes a reference signal configuration for channel estimation; or The AI ​​processing capability information of the first terminal includes that the first terminal supports AI-based receivers, and the downlink data of the second terminal is data processed by the network device based on the needs of the receiver.

18. A first terminal, characterized in that, include: The processing module is used to determine the conditions that allow the second terminal to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal. In addition, it shares the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal with the second terminal.

19. A second terminal, characterized in that, include: The processing module is used to share the AI ​​computing power of the first terminal, wherein the shared AI computing power is shared by the first terminal with the second terminal under the condition that the first terminal's AI computing power can be shared with the second terminal.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 11 to 17.

22. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, and the second terminal is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 11 to 17.

23. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 or the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 17.

24. A program product, characterized in that, include: A computer program, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 or the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 17.

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