Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus, which are used for improving the data transmission efficiency. The method may be applied to a communication system, which comprises a first apparatus and a second apparatus, wherein the first apparatus comprises a first transceiver, and the second apparatus comprises a second transceiver. The method comprises: a first apparatus transmitting first information to a second apparatus by means of a first transceiver which is in a transmitting state, and switching the state of the first transceiver from the transmitting state to a receiving state at a first moment, wherein the first moment is any moment within a first duration starting from the completion of the transmission of the first information; and the second apparatus receiving the first information by means of a second transceiver which is in a receiving state.

Description

A communication method and communication device

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410695669.0, filed on May 30, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0004] In half-duplex communication, a single transceiver can only be used to send or receive data at any given time, not both simultaneously. If both sending and receiving data are required, the transceiver needs to switch states to perform either the sending or receiving function separately. However, the timing of these state switches is currently undetermined. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and a communication device for determining the timing of transceiver state switching.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a communication system. Optionally, the communication system is, for example, a device, and the various devices included in the communication system can be functional modules within the device; or, the communication system can include one or more devices, such as one or more devices within the communication system. For example, the communication system includes a first device and a second device, the first device including a first transceiver, and the second device including a second transceiver. The method includes: the first device sending first information to the second device through the first transceiver in a transmitting state, and switching the state of the first transceiver from the transmitting state to a receiving state at a first moment, the first moment being any moment within a first duration starting from the completion of the transmission of the first information; the second device receiving the first information through the second transceiver in the receiving state.

[0007] In this embodiment, the first device can switch the transceiver's state based on the time when information transmission is completed. This embodiment can be considered to provide a method for determining the timing of transceiver state switching. Generally, after information transmission is completed, the transceiver may enter another state (e.g., switching from a sending state to a receiving state). Therefore, switching the transceiver's state based on the time when information transmission is completed allows for more accurate and timely switching, reducing the waiting time required for state switching and thus helping to reduce information transmission latency.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second device not sending information to the first device via the second transceiver within a second time period; the first device switching the state of the first transceiver from the receiving state to the sending state. If the first transceiver does not receive information from the second transceiver within the second time period, indicating that the second device may not have information to send, the first device can switch the state of the first transceiver back to the sending state for the next information transmission, thereby reducing information transmission latency.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the second device further includes a first wake-up radio, and the method further includes: the first device sending a first wake-up message to the second device via a first transceiver in the transmitting state, the first wake-up message being used to wake up the second device; and the second device receiving the first wake-up message via the first wake-up radio. Adding a wake-up radio to the second device allows the main receiver of the second device to enter sleep mode when not transmitting information, helping to reduce the power consumption of the second device. Furthermore, compared to periodic wake-ups that can only be activated at specified times, the wake-up radio can wake up the second device promptly, helping to reduce information transmission latency.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a third device connected to the second device, and the method further includes: the second device sending the first information to the third device. The second device forwards the first information from the first device to the third device; for example, the first information is transparently transmitted, so that the second device does not need to perform signal processing, which helps to reduce the power consumption of the second device.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second device sending a second wake-up message to the third device, the second wake-up message being used to wake up the third device. The third device can enter a sleep state when information processing is not required, which helps reduce the power consumption of the third device.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a fourth device connected to the first device. The first information originates from the fourth device, and the first wake-up information includes an identifier of the fourth device. The third device is determined based on the identifier of the fourth device and is used to process the information from the fourth device. When the first device wakes up the second device, it can carry the identifier of the fourth device in the wake-up information, allowing the second device to wake up the corresponding device based on the identifier, such as the device used to process the information from the fourth device. This allows the second device to selectively wake up relevant devices, avoiding the need to wake up all devices and helping to reduce system power consumption.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second device setting the state of the second transceiver to the receiving state. The second device being woken up indicates that the second device may have information to be received; therefore, when or after being woken up, the second device can set the state of the second transceiver to the receiving state to receive information from the first device, thereby realizing information transmission between the second device and the first device.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the second device further includes a second interface through which the second device transmits information with the third device. The method further includes: the second device setting the state of the second interface to the sending state. The second device being woken up indicates that it may need to implement an information forwarding function, i.e., the second device needs to forward received information. Therefore, when or after being woken up, the second device can set the state of the second interface to the sending state to send information to the third device, thus realizing information transmission between the second and third devices. For example, when or after being woken up by the first device, the second device can receive information from the first device through the second transceiver and send information to the third device through the second interface. Therefore, the second device can set the state of the second transceiver to the receiving state and the state of the second interface to the sending state to realize the information forwarding function.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a fourth device connected to the first device, the first information originating from the fourth device, and the method further includes: the fourth device sending third wake-up information to the first device via the connection, the third wake-up information being used to wake up the first device. The fourth device wakes up the first device via a wired connection, resulting in high wake-up efficiency and contributing to improved information transmission efficiency.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first device setting the state of the first transceiver to the transmitting state. The first device being woken up indicates that it has information to be transmitted; therefore, when or after being woken up, the first device can set the state of the first transceiver to the transmitting state to send information to the second device, thereby realizing information transmission between the first device and the second device.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first device further includes a first interface through which the first device transmits information with the fourth device. The method further includes: the first device setting the state of the first interface to the receiving state. The first device being woken up indicates that it may need to implement an information forwarding function, i.e., the first device needs to forward received information. Therefore, when or after being woken up, the first device can set the state of the first interface to the receiving state to receive information from the fourth device, thus realizing information transmission between the first device and the fourth device. For example, when or after being woken up by the fourth device, the first device can receive information from the fourth device through the first interface and send information to the second device through the first transceiver. Therefore, the first device can set the state of the first interface to the receiving state and the state of the first transceiver to the sending state to realize the information forwarding function.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a fourth device and a fifth device connected to the first device. The first information originates from the fourth device. The method further includes: the first device transmitting second information from the fifth device to the second device via a first transceiver in a transmitting state. The first information and the second information correspond to different frequencies. The first device modulates information corresponding to different devices using different frequencies, allowing the second device to determine the receiving device corresponding to the transmitted information based on its frequency, thereby improving transmission accuracy. Furthermore, determining the corresponding receiving device based solely on the information's frequency eliminates the need to carry additional indication information in the information, reducing transmission overhead.

[0019] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a first device in a communication system, such as a single device, the various devices included in the communication system being functional modules within that device; or, the communication system may include one or more devices, such as one or more devices within the communication system. The first device includes a first transceiver, and the communication system further includes a second device. The method includes: transmitting first information to the second device via the first transceiver in a transmitting state; and switching the state of the first transceiver from the transmitting state to the receiving state at a first moment, the first moment being any moment within a first duration starting from the completion of transmitting the first information.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: if no information is received from the second device via the first transceiver within a second time period; switching the state of the first transceiver from the receiving state to the transmitting state.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a first wake-up message to the second device via the first transceiver in the transmitting state, the first wake-up message being used to wake up the second device.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a fourth device connected to the first device, the first information originating from the fourth device, the first wake-up information including an identifier of the fourth device, the identifier of the fourth device being used to identify a third device, and the third device being used to process the information of the fourth device.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a fourth device connected to the first device, the first information originating from the fourth device, and the method further includes receiving third wake-up information from the fourth device via the connection, the third wake-up information being used to wake up the first device.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the method further includes setting the state of the first transceiver to the transmitting state.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the first device further includes a first interface through which the first device transmits information with the fourth device, and the method further includes setting the state of the first interface to the receiving state.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a fourth device and a fifth device connected to the first device, the first information originating from the fourth device, and the method further includes: sending second information to the second device via the first transceiver in a transmitting state, the second information originating from the fifth device, wherein the first information and the second information correspond to different frequencies.

[0027] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a second device in a communication system. The communication system is, for example, a single device, and the various devices included in the communication system can be functional modules within that device; alternatively, the communication system can include one or more devices, such as one or more devices within the communication system. The second device includes a second transceiver, and the communication system further includes a first device. The method further includes: receiving first information from the first device through the second transceiver in a receiving state; determining within a second time period that there is information to be sent to the first device; and switching the state of the second transceiver from the receiving state to the sending state.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the second device further includes a first wake-up radio, and the method further includes: receiving first wake-up information from the first device via the first wake-up radio, the first wake-up information being used to wake up the second device.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a third device connected to the second device, and the method further includes sending the first information to the third device.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending a second wake-up message to the third device, the second wake-up message being used to wake up the third device.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a fourth device connected to the first device, the first information originating from the fourth device, and the first wake-up information including an identifier of the fourth device; wherein the third device is determined based on the identifier of the fourth device, and the third device is used to process the information of the fourth device.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the method further includes setting the state of the second transceiver to the receiving state.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the second device further includes a second interface through which the second device transmits information with the third device, and the method further includes setting the state of the second interface to the sending state.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a third device and a fourth device, the third device being connected to the second device and the fourth device being connected to the first device, the first information originating from the fourth device, and the method further including: determining a frequency corresponding to the first information; and sending the first information to the third device based on the frequency, the third device being used to process information from the fourth device.

[0035] Fourthly, an apparatus is provided that includes the communication system described in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0036] Fifthly, a device is provided, comprising a communication interface and a processor, and optionally, a memory. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor reads the computer program or instructions, it causes the device to execute the method performed by the communication system in the first aspect, or to execute the method described in the second or third aspect.

[0037] A sixth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided by any one of the first to third aspects described above.

[0038] A seventh aspect provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided by any one of the first to third aspects described above.

[0039] Eighthly, a chip system is provided, including a processor and an interface, the processor being configured to call and execute instructions from the interface to enable the chip system to implement the methods provided in any one of the first to third aspects above.

[0040] The beneficial effects of aspects two through eight mentioned above are the same as those of aspect one, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a transceiver transmitting and receiving data;

[0042] Figures 2 and 3A to 3D are schematic diagrams of several application scenarios of the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 8 is a structural diagram of a device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0049] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0050] Currently, in half-duplex communication, the time slots used to switch the transceiver's state are pre-negotiated fixed time slots. For example, please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of a transceiver transmitting and receiving data. As shown in Figure 1, during the time periods t1~t2, t3~t4, t5~t6, and t7~t8, the transceiver is in the transmitting state, used to send data; during the time periods t2~t3, t4~t5, and t6~t7, the transceiver is in the receiving state, used to receive data. Since the data transmission duration is fixed, even if the amount of data transmitted (e.g., sending) in a certain stage is small, a fixed time is still required to switch the transceiver's state after the data transmission is completed, resulting in low data transmission efficiency. Furthermore, switching the transceiver's state at a fixed time usually requires network time slot synchronization, placing high demands on clock accuracy.

[0051] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method in which the transceiver's state switching timing is related to the completion time of data transmission. That is, the transceiver's state can be switched as soon as data transmission is determined to be complete. Compared to switching the transceiver's state only at fixed times, this method offers more timely state switching, reducing the waiting time for data transmission and thus improving data transmission efficiency. Furthermore, whether data transmission is complete is determined by an end marker carried in the data, independent of time. Therefore, network time slot synchronization is unnecessary, and high-precision clocks are not required, resulting in lower clock costs.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of a scenario applicable to an embodiment of this application. The scenario shown in Figure 2 includes device 1 and device 2. Device 1 includes a chip (e.g., EHF chip 1) that communicates at an extremely high frequency (EHF), and application modules such as a camera module, audio module, or screen. Device 2 may include a chip 2 (e.g., EHF chip 2) that communicates at an EHF frequency, and a main chip (e.g., a processor). The main chip may include, for example, an image signal processing (ISP), a display subsystem (DSS), or an audio processor.

[0053] The EHF chip is primarily used for data forwarding. For example, EHF chip 1 mainly forwards data from the application module to EHF chip 2, and receives data from EHF chip 2 and forwards it to the application module. EHF chip 2 mainly receives data from EHF chip 1 and forwards it to the main chip, as well as forwarding data from the autonomous chip to EHF chip 1 in the future. In the scenario shown in Figure 2, EHF chip 1 is connected to one application module. This connection method is only an example. In other embodiments, EHF chip 1 can also be connected to multiple application modules (as shown in Figure 7). This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0054] Optionally, device 1 and device 2 can be connected via a flexible printed circuit (FPC) and a connector, that is, device 1 and device 2 can communicate via wired means; or, device 1 and device 2 can also communicate wirelessly.

[0055] Device 1 and Device 2 can be powered by the same power module or by different power modules. For example, please refer to Figures 3A to 3C, which are schematic diagrams of devices 1 and 2 powered by the same power module. In Figure 3A, Device 1 and Device 2 are connected via an FPC and a connector, enabling wired communication between them. Device 2 is also connected to Power Supply 1, which directly powers Device 2 and indirectly powers Device 1 through the FPC and connector. In Figure 3B, Device 1 and Device 2 communicate wirelessly via an antenna, and Device 2 is connected to Power Supply 1, which directly powers Device 2 and indirectly powers Device 1 through a spring-loaded power transmission module between Device 1 and Device 2. In Figure 3C, Device 1 and Device 2 communicate wirelessly via an antenna, and Device 2 is connected to Power Supply 1, which directly powers Device 2 and indirectly powers Device 1 through a wireless power transmission module between Device 1 and Device 2. Alternatively, please refer to Figure 3D, which is a schematic diagram of devices 1 and 2 powered by different power modules. In Figure 3D, device 1 and device 2 communicate wirelessly via an antenna. Device 1 is connected to power supply 2, and device 2 is connected to power supply 1. Power supply 1 directly supplies power to device 2, and power supply 2 directly supplies power to device 1. That is, there is no power transmission between device 1 and device 2.

[0056] It is understood that in the scenario shown in Figure 2, EHF chip 1 is connected to an application module, and EHF chip 1 is integrated into the application module. In other embodiments, EHF chip 1 and the application module can also be set separately, that is, EHF chip 1 is not integrated into the application module, but is connected to the application module. For example, EHF chip 1 can be connected to the application module through interfaces such as Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) or Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE). This application embodiment does not limit the setting method of EHF chip 1 and the application module. Similarly, EHF chip 2 in device 2 can be integrated into the main chip, or EHF chip 2 and the main chip can also be set separately. This application embodiment does not limit the setting method of EHF chip 2 and the main chip.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 4, which shows a communication system 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system 10 includes a first device and a second device. The first device includes a first transceiver, and the second device includes a second transceiver. The first device and the second device can transmit information based on the first transceiver and the second transceiver.

[0058] The first and second transceivers may include a power amplifier (PA), a low-noise amplifier (LNA), or an antenna (not shown in the figure). The PA is used to amplify the signal; the LNA is used to amplify the signal received by the antenna; when the transceiver is in transmit mode, the antenna is used to transmit the signal amplified by the PA, and when the transceiver is in receive mode, the antenna is used to receive the signal.

[0059] The communication system 10 shown in Figure 4 can be applied, for example, to the scenario shown in Figure 2. In Figure 4, the first device can be, for example, the EHF chip 1 in device 1 shown in Figure 2, and the second device can be, for example, the EHF chip 2 in device 2 shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, the first device can be the EHF chip 2 in device 2 shown in Figure 2, and the second device can be the EHF chip 1 in device 1 shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the example of the first device being the EHF chip 1 shown in Figure 2 and the second device being the EHF chip 2 shown in Figure 2 is used.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method shown in Figure 5 can be applied to the communication system 10 shown in Figure 4.

[0061] S501: The first device sends first information to the second device via a first transceiver in a transmitting state. Correspondingly, the second device receives the second information via a second transceiver in a receiving state.

[0062] In half-duplex communication, when the transceiver is in receive mode, it is used to receive information; when it is in transmit mode, it is used to transmit information. That is, the first device can send first information to the second device through the first transceiver in transmit mode, and the second device can receive the first information from the first device through the second transceiver in receive mode.

[0063] S502: The first device switches the state of the first transceiver from the transmitting state to the receiving state at the first moment.

[0064] The first moment is any moment within the first duration starting from the completion of the first information transmission. When the first information transmission is completed, it indicates that the first device has completed the transmission of this information, and the first device can switch the state of the first transceiver from the transmitting state to the receiving state to receive information from the second device.

[0065] Optionally, if within a second time period after the first device switches the state of the first transceiver from the transmitting state to the receiving state, the first device does not receive any information from the second device through the first transceiver, indicating that the second device may not have any information to transmit, the first device can switch the state of the first transceiver back from the receiving state to the transmitting state to perform the next information transmission. This reduces the information transmission delay compared to switching the state of the first transceiver only at fixed intervals. The start time of the second time period can be the same as the start time of the first time period; alternatively, the start time of the second time period can be different from the start time of the first time period, for example, the start time of the second time period can be the same as the end time of the first time period. When the start time of the second time period is the same as the start time of the first time period, the second time period is longer than the first time period.

[0066] Optionally, the second duration can be shorter than the duration of a single information transmission. For example, the second duration may be shorter than the durations corresponding to t1~t2 or t2~t3 shown in Figure 1. Therefore, if the first device does not receive information through the transceiver within the second duration, the state switching of the transceiver can initiate the next information transmission earlier, which helps improve information transmission efficiency. Optionally, the second duration may include the time required for the second device to switch the state of the second transceiver and the time required to prepare the information to be transmitted.

[0067] Optionally, referring to Figure 6, the communication system 10 may further include a third device and a fourth device. The third device is connected to the second device, and the fourth device is connected to the first device. The third device may be, for example, the main chip shown in Figure 2, or any of the multiple processors included in the main chip shown in Figure 2. The fourth device may be, for example, the application module shown in Figure 2.

[0068] In this process, the first information sent from the first device to the second device originates from the fourth device, and the third device processes the information from the fourth device (i.e., the first information). Therefore, after receiving the first information through the second transceiver in the receiving state, the second device can forward the first information to the third device.

[0069] After forwarding the first information to the third device, the second device can also determine whether it needs to send information to the first device. If the second device determines that it needs to send information to the first device, it can switch the state of the second transceiver from the receiving state to the sending state. If the second device determines that it does not need to send information to the first device, it can keep the state of the second transceiver in the receiving state, that is, the second device does not switch the state of the second transceiver.

[0070] Optionally, the second device can determine whether it needs to send information to the first device based on whether it receives information from the third device. For example, if the second device receives information from the third device within a second time period after forwarding the first information to the third device, it indicates that the third device needs to initiate reverse transmission. The second device determines that it needs to send information to the first device, and can switch the state of the second transceiver from the receiving state to the transmitting state to send information to the first device. If the second device does not receive information from the third device within the second time period after forwarding the first information to the third device, it indicates that the third device does not need to initiate reverse transmission. The second device can determine that it does not need to send information to the first device, and can maintain the state of the second transceiver in the receiving state to receive information from the first device.

[0071] Optionally, in EHF chip communication, the information transmitted via wired transmission may include control (CMD) signals and data. The CMD signal can be used to control the EHF chip; for example, it can control the EHF chip to switch the transceiver state to achieve half-duplex communication. For instance, when the fourth device determines that the first information transmission is complete, it can also send a CMD signal to the first device to switch the antenna state. When the first device receives this CMD signal, it can switch the state of its transceiver from transmitting to receiving. Therefore, optionally, the aforementioned first moment can also be the moment when the first device receives the CMD signal from the fourth device to switch the antenna state. In this way, by controlling the transceiver state switching of the EHF chip through the application module, the EHF chip does not need to concern itself with the transmitted content, thereby achieving high-speed transparent transmission of information and improving information transmission efficiency.

[0072] Alternatively, the CMD signal can also be used to control the EHF chip to enter sleep or wake up. Taking the CMD signal to control the EHF chip to enter sleep as an example, if the fourth device does not receive any information forwarded from the third device by the first device within a third time period after sending the first information, and determines that there is no information to be sent to the third device, the fourth device can enter sleep mode and send a CMD signal for sleep mode to the first device to control the first device to enter sleep mode. Similarly, if the third device determines that there is no information to be sent to the fourth device within a third time period after receiving the first information, and does not receive any information forwarded from the fourth device by the second device, the third device can enter sleep mode and send a CMD signal for sleep mode to the second device to control the second device to enter sleep mode.

[0073] Optionally, when the communication system 10 needs to transmit information, if the communication system 10 is in a sleep state, it can be woken up. Taking the fourth device needing to transmit information as an example, the fourth device can wake up the first device by sending a third wake-up message to the first device through the connection between the fourth device and the first device; after the first device is woken up, it can set the state of the first transceiver to the transmitting state, and send a first wake-up message to the second device through the first transceiver in the transmitting state, thus waking up the second device; after the second device is woken up, it can send a second wake-up message to the third device through the connection between the second device and the third device, thus waking up the third device.

[0074] Specifically, the third wake-up information and the second wake-up information are sent via a wired connection, meaning the transmission method for both is wired transmission. The third and second wake-up information can be, for example, a CMD signal used for wake-up. Additionally, the second wake-up information is sent via a transceiver, which is primarily used for wireless signal transmission; therefore, the first wake-up information is transmitted wirelessly, and the first wake-up information can be, for example, a wireless wake-up signal.

[0075] Optionally, referring to Figure 6, the second device also includes a first wake-up radio (WUR). The first device can send a first wake-up message to the second device via a first transceiver in a transmitting state, and the second device can receive the first wake-up message via the first WUR.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the fourth device is used as an example for wake-up. In other embodiments, the communication system 10 can also be woken up by a third device. For example, the third device can send a CMD signal for wake-up to the second device through the connection between the third device and the second device, thereby waking up the second device. After being woken up, the second device can set the state of the second transceiver to the transmitting state and send a wireless wake-up signal to the first device through the second transceiver, thereby waking up the first device. Therefore, optionally, the first device may also include a second WUR, through which the first device can receive the wireless wake-up signal from the second device.

[0077] Optionally, the first device may further include a first interface (not shown in the figure), through which the first device can connect to the fourth device to transmit information. When or after being woken up, the first device may also set the state of the first interface to a receiving state to receive information from the fourth device (such as the aforementioned first information). Furthermore, the second device may further include a second interface (not shown in the figure), through which the second device can connect to the third device to transmit information. When or after being woken up, the second device may also set the state of the second interface to a receiving state to send information to the third device (such as the aforementioned first information).

[0078] The first and second interfaces are, for example, the aforementioned MIPI or PCIe interfaces, used for wired signal transmission; the first and second transceivers are, for example, transceiver devices including the aforementioned PA, LNA, and antenna, used for wireless signal transmission. In some embodiments, the first and second transceivers can also be understood as the main radio frequency of the corresponding device, for example, the first transceiver can be understood as the main radio frequency of the first device, and the second transceiver can be understood as the main radio frequency of the second device; and the first and second interfaces can also be understood as the baseband interfaces of the corresponding devices. This application does not limit the names of the transceivers and interfaces.

[0079] Optionally, the first wake-up information may include the identifier of the fourth device. When or after being woken up, the second device can determine the third device for processing information of the fourth device based on the identifier of the fourth device, and send the second wake-up information to the third device. For example, the first device is connected to multiple application modules, and the second device is connected to multiple processors (e.g., processors for ISP, DSS display, and audio) included in the main chip. When or after being woken up, the second device can obtain the identifier of the fourth device (e.g., camera) included in the first wake-up information, and determine the processor (e.g., ISP) for processing camera information. The second device can then send the third wake-up information to the ISP. In this way, the audio and DSS display in the main chip will not be woken up, which helps to reduce the power consumption of the communication system 10.

[0080] Optionally, if the first device is connected to multiple application modules, these application modules can correspond to different frequencies, meaning the first device can use different frequencies to modulate information from different application modules. If the first device simultaneously receives information from multiple application modules, it can use different frequencies to modulate the information from these multiple application modules, and then combine the modulated information. The combined information is then sent to the second device via a first transceiver in a transmitting state. For example, the first device includes a multiplexer (not shown in the figure). After the first device modulates information from the camera using frequency 1 and information from the screen using frequency 2, it can use the multiplexer to combine the information modulated using frequencies 1 and 2, and then send the combined information to the second device via a first transceiver in a transmitting state.

[0081] After receiving the combined information through a second transceiver in a receiving state, the second device can process the information to obtain multiple information at different frequencies. Taking the aforementioned example, the second device includes a multiplexer (not shown in the figure). The second device can use the multiplexer to process the received information to obtain information modulated using frequency 1 and information modulated using frequency 2. The information modulated using frequency 1 is sent to the ISP, and the information modulated using frequency 2 is sent to the DSS, thus realizing multi-point transmission.

[0082] In some embodiments, the same application module may correspond to different frequencies, that is, the first device may use different frequencies to modulate information from the same application module, which helps to increase the total transmission bandwidth corresponding to the application module.

[0083] In the above technical solution, switching the transceiver state based on the completion time of information transmission ensures accurate and timely switching, reducing the waiting time required for state switching and thus helping to reduce information transmission latency. Furthermore, adding a WUR (Wake-up Receiver) to the first and second devices allows them to wake up, enabling the main receivers of both devices to enter sleep mode when not transmitting information, thus reducing power consumption. Additionally, the first device modulates information corresponding to different devices at different frequencies, allowing either the first or second device to determine the corresponding receiving device based on the information frequency, improving transmission accuracy. Moreover, determining the corresponding receiving device based solely on the information frequency eliminates the need to carry additional indication information in the information, reducing transmission overhead.

[0084] Based on the above embodiments, two embodiments are described below with reference to Figure 7. These two embodiments are specific implementations of the communication method described in the embodiments of this application. Referring to Figure 7, the communication system 10 includes a camera (camera module), a screen, an audio output, an EHF chip 1, an EHF chip 2, and a main chip. The camera, screen, and audio output are connected to the EHF chip 1, and the EHF chip 2 is connected to the main chip. The main chip includes an ISP, a DSS display, and audio output. The EHF chip 1 includes a WU-1 and a transceiver 1, and the EHF chip 2 includes a WU-2 and a transceiver 2.

[0085] Example 1: Wake-up

[0086] Taking camera wake-up of ISP as an example, when the camera starts up, it can send a wake-up CMD signal to EHF chip 1 through the connection between the camera and EHF chip 1, waking up EHF chip 1. After being woken up, EHF chip 1 can set the state of transceiver 1 to transmitting state and send a wireless wake-up signal to EHF chip 2 through transceiver 1 in transmitting state. This wireless wake-up signal carries the camera's identifier. After receiving this wireless wake-up signal, WUR-2 can wake up EHF chip 2. EHF chip 2 can determine that the processor to be woken up is ISP based on the camera's identifier, and send a wake-up CMD signal to ISP through the connection between EHF chip 2 and ISP, and set the state of transceiver 2 to receiving state. Among them, WUR-1 is used to receive the wireless wake-up signal from the second device when the main chip initiates the wake-up process (i.e., the main chip needs to transmit data and wake up the communication system 10).

[0087] In the above technical solution, a wake-up radio is added to the EHF chip. This radio wakes the EHF chip, allowing the main receiver to enter sleep mode when not transmitting data, thus reducing the chip's power consumption. Furthermore, compared to periodic wake-ups that can only be activated at specified times, the wake-up radio allows for timely activation of the EHF chip, improving data transmission efficiency.

[0088] Example 2: Transceiver status switching.

[0089] Taking the sending of data from a camera to an ISP as an example, the camera can send first information (such as image data) to EHF chip 1 through the connection between the camera and EHF chip 1. EHF chip 1 sends the image data to EHF chip 2 through transceiver 1 in the sending state. After receiving the image data through transceiver 2 in the receiving state, EHF chip 2 can forward the image data to the ISP for processing through the connection between EHF chip 2 and ISP.

[0090] Within a first time period after the image data transmission is completed, EHF chip 1 can switch the transceiver 1 from the transmitting state to the receiving state to receive data from EHF chip 2. If, within a second time period after the image data transmission is completed, EHF chip 2 does not receive data from transceiver 1, EHF chip 1 can switch the transceiver 1 back to the transmitting state to prepare for the next data transmission. The second time period includes at least the time required for antenna switching and the time required for data preparation during reverse transmission by the ISP.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first moment may also be the moment when the first device receives a CMD signal from the camera to indicate the switching of the antenna state, that is, the camera controls the EHF chip 1 to switch the state of the transceiver 1 through the CMD signal.

[0092] In the above technical solution, switching the transceiver state based on the completion time of information transmission ensures accurate and timely switching, reducing the waiting time required for state switching and thus helping to reduce information transmission latency. Furthermore, by controlling the EHF chip's transceiver state switching through the application module, the EHF chip does not need to concern itself with the transmitted content, enabling high-speed transparent transmission and improving data transmission efficiency. Moreover, whether data transmission is complete is determined by the application module or the central processing unit, for example, by the application module based on the end marker carried in the data, independent of time. Therefore, network time slot synchronization is unnecessary, and high-precision clocks are not required, resulting in lower clock costs.

[0093] The communication system involved in Figures 4 to 7 is, for example, a device, which can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, wearable device (such as smart bracelet, smartwatch, earphone, etc.), extended reality (XR) device, vehicle device, customer premise equipment (CPE), etc. The device can be an electronic device running HarmonyOS, or it can be an electronic device running other operating systems such as Android. The specific type of device is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0094] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 100 may include a processor 110, an external memory interface 120, an internal memory 121, a universal serial bus (USB) interface 130, a charging management module 140, a power management module 141, a battery 142, at least one antenna 1, at least one antenna 2, a mobile communication module 150, a wireless communication module 160, an audio module 170, a speaker 170A, a receiver 170B, a microphone 170C, a headphone jack 170D, a sensor module 180, buttons 190, a motor 191, an indicator 192, a camera 193, a display screen 194, and a subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface 195, etc. The sensor module 180 may include a pressure sensor 180A, a gyroscope sensor 180B, a barometric pressure sensor 180C, a magnetic sensor 180D, an accelerometer sensor 180E, a distance sensor 180F, a proximity sensor 180G, a fingerprint sensor 180H, a temperature sensor 180J, a touch sensor 180K, an ambient light sensor 180L, a bone conduction sensor 180M, etc. The structures illustrated in this application embodiment do not constitute a specific limitation on the device 100. In other embodiments of this application, the device 100 may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or split certain components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0095] Processor 110 may include one or more processing units, such as an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, memory, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a baseband processor, and / or a neural network processing unit (NPU). Different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors. Processor 110 may also include memory for storing instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory in processor 110 is a cache memory. This memory can store instructions or data that processor 110 has just used or is repeatedly used. If processor 110 needs to reuse the instruction or data, it can directly retrieve it from the memory. This avoids repeated access, reduces the waiting time of processor 110, and thus improves system efficiency. Processor 110 can run the software code of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application to implement the communication process.

[0096] Internal memory 121 can be used to store computer executable program code, which includes instructions. Processor 110 executes various functional applications and data processing of device 100 by running the instructions stored in internal memory 121. Internal memory 121 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and software code for at least one application program. Furthermore, internal memory 121 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, universal flash storage (UFS), etc.

[0097] The internal memory 121 can also store the software code of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. When the processor 110 runs the software code, it executes the process steps of the communication method to realize the communication process.

[0098] The wireless communication function of device 100 can be implemented through antenna 1, antenna 2, mobile communication module 150, wireless communication module 160, modem processor and baseband processor, etc.

[0099] Each antenna in device 100 includes a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna; the transmitting antenna is used to transmit signals, and the receiving antenna is used to receive signals. Each antenna can be used to cover one or more communication frequency bands. Different antennas can also be multiplexed to improve antenna utilization. In some other embodiments, the antennas can be used in conjunction with a tuning switch.

[0100] The mobile communication module 150 can provide wireless communication solutions, including 3G / 4G / 5G / 6G, for use on the device 100. The mobile communication module 150 may include at least two transceivers, each including an antenna 1. Each transceiver can receive signals via its corresponding receiving antenna 1, perform filtering, amplification, and other processing on the received signals, and then transmit the processed signals to a modem processor for demodulation. Each transceiver can also amplify the signal modulated by the modem processor and transmit it via its corresponding transmitting antenna 1. In some embodiments, at least some functional modules of the mobile communication module 150 may be housed in the processor 110. In some embodiments, at least some functional modules of the mobile communication module 150 and at least some modules of the processor 110 may be housed in the same device.

[0101] The wireless communication module 160 can provide solutions for wireless communication applications on device 100, including wireless local area networks (WLAN) (such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks), Bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), near field communication (NFC), and infrared (IR) technologies. The wireless communication module 160 can be one or more devices integrating at least one communication processing module. The wireless communication module 160 can include at least two transceivers, each including an antenna 2. Each transceiver can receive signals via the receiving antenna of antenna 2, then perform frequency modulation and filtering of the received signals, and send the processed signals to processor 110. Each transceiver can also receive signals to be transmitted from processor 110, perform frequency modulation and amplification, and transmit them via the transmitting antenna of antenna 2.

[0102] In some embodiments, at least two antennas 1 of device 100 are coupled to mobile communication module 150, and at least two antennas 2 are coupled to wireless communication module 160, enabling device 100 to communicate with networks and other devices via wireless communication technologies. The wireless communication technologies may include Long Term Evolution (LTE), BitTorrent, GNSS, WLAN, NFC, FM, and / or IR technologies. The GNSS may include Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), and / or Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS).

[0103] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0104] This application also provides a chip system including a processor and an interface, wherein the processor is configured to call and execute instructions from the interface to enable the chip system to implement the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0105] To achieve the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the simulation cabinet may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0106] As used in the above embodiments, depending on the context, the term "when..." can be interpreted as meaning "if..." or "after...". Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "when it is determined..." can be interpreted as meaning "if it is determined..." or "in response to determining...".

[0107] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive), etc.

[0108] For purposes of explanation, the foregoing description has been given with reference to specific embodiments. However, the exemplary discussion above is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the application to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible based on the teachings above. The embodiments were chosen and described to fully elucidate the principles of the application and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to fully utilize the application and its various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular intended use.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The application is applied to a communication system, the communication system comprises a first device and a second device, the first device comprises a first transceiver, the second device comprises a second transceiver, and the method comprises: The first device sends first information to the second device through the first transceiver in a sending state, and switches the state of the first transceiver from the sending state to a receiving state at a first time, the first time being any time within a first time length from the completion of the sending of the first information; The second device receives the first information through the second transceiver in the receiving state.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: The second device does not send information to the first device through the second transceiver within a second time length; The first device switches the state of the first transceiver from the receiving state to the sending state.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second device further comprises a first wake-up radio, and the method further comprises: The first device sends first wake-up information to the second device through the first transceiver in the sending state, the first wake-up information being used to wake up the second device; The second device receives the first wake-up information through the first wake-up radio.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The communication system further comprises a third device connected with the second device, and the method further comprises: The second device sends the first information to the third device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further comprises: The second device sends second wake-up information to the third device, the second wake-up information being used to wake up the third device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The communication system further comprises a fourth device connected with the first device, the first information being from the fourth device, and the first wake-up information comprising an identifier of the fourth device; wherein The third device is determined according to the identifier of the fourth device, and the third device is used to process information of the fourth device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The second device sets the state of the second transceiver to the receiving state.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, The second device further comprises a second interface, and the second device transmits information with the third device through the second interface, and the method further comprises: The second device sets the state of the second interface to the sending state.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The communication system further comprises a fourth device connected with the first device, the first information being from the fourth device, and the method further comprises: The fourth device sends third wake-up information to the first device through the connection, the third wake-up information being used to wake up the first device.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The method further comprises: The first device sets the state of the first transceiver to the sending state.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein, The first device further comprises a first interface, and the first device is connected with the fourth device through the first interface, and the method further comprises: The first device sets the state of the first interface to the receiving state.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The communication system further comprises a fourth device and a fifth device connected with the first device, the first information being from the fourth device, and the method further comprises: The first device sends second information to the second device through the first transceiver in a sending state, the second information being from the fifth device, the first information and the second information corresponding to different frequencies.

13. A method of communication, comprising: A first device applied to a communication system, the first device comprising a first transceiver, the communication system further comprising a second device, the method comprising: sending first information to the second device through the first transceiver in a sending state; switching the state of the first transceiver from the sending state to a receiving state at a first time, the first time being any time within a first time length from the completion of sending the first information.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: not receiving information from the second device through the first transceiver within a second time length; switching the state of the first transceiver from the receiving state to the sending state.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein, The method further comprises: sending first wake-up information to the second device through the first transceiver in the sending state, the first wake-up information being used to wake up the second device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The communication system further comprises a fourth device connected with the first device, the first information being from the fourth device, the first wake-up information comprising an identifier of the fourth device, the identifier of the fourth device being used to determine a third device, the third device being used to process information of the fourth device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The communication system further comprises a fourth device connected with the first device, the first information being from the fourth device, the method further comprising: receiving third wake-up information from the fourth device through the connection, the third wake-up information being used to wake up the first device.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The method further comprises: setting the state of the first transceiver to the sending state.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The first device further comprises a first interface, the first device transmitting information with the fourth device through the first interface, the method further comprising: setting the state of the first interface to the receiving state.

20. The method of any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein, The communication system further comprises a fourth device and a fifth device connected with the first device, the first information being from the fourth device, the method further comprising: sending second information to the second device through the first transceiver in a sending state, the second information being from the fifth device, the first information and the second information corresponding to different frequencies.

21. A method of communication, comprising: A second device applied to a communication system, the second device comprising a second transceiver, the communication system further comprising a first device, the method further comprising: receiving first information from the first device through the second transceiver in a receiving state; determining that there is information to be sent to the first device within a second time length, and switching the state of the second transceiver from the receiving state to a sending state.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The second device further comprises a first wake-up radio, the method further comprising: receiving first wake-up information from the first device through the first wake-up radio, the first wake-up information being used to wake up the second device.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The communication system further comprises a third device connected with the second device, and the method further comprises: sending the first information to the third device.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The method further comprises: sending second wake-up information to the third device, the second wake-up information being used to wake up the third device.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The communication system further comprises a fourth device connected with the first device, the first information being from the fourth device, and the first wake-up information comprising an identifier of the fourth device; wherein the third device is determined according to the identifier of the fourth device, and the third device is used to process information of the fourth device.

26. The method of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein, The method further comprises: setting a state of the second transceiver to the receiving state.

27. The method of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein, The second device further comprises a second interface, and the second device transmits information with the third device through the second interface, and the method further comprises: setting a state of the second interface to the sending state.

28. The method of any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein, The communication system further comprises a third device and a fourth device, the third device being connected with the second device, and the fourth device being connected with the first device, the first information being from the fourth device, and the method further comprises: determining a frequency corresponding to the first information; sending the first information to the third device based on the frequency, the third device being used to process information of the fourth device.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, when the computer program runs on a computer, the computer program makes the computer execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-28.

30. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises a computer program, when the computer program runs on a computer, the computer program makes the computer execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-28.

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