Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: receiving a first request, the first request carrying service requirement information; determining at least one first reader-writer, the at least one first reader-writer satisfying the service requirement information; and configuring the at least one first reader-writer. By means of the technical solution provided in the present application, an AIoT service can be implemented without using a core network, thereby reducing the complexity of implementation, and improving service efficiency.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411261850.7, filed on September 9, 2024, and entitled "A communication method and apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] Currently, ambient internet of things (AIoT) services are implemented through a core network. AIoT service instructions are issued to a base station through the core network, and involve core network elements (such as a network exposure function element (NEF), an access and mobility management function element (AMF), and a tag management function element (TMF)) and selection of the base station by the AMF / TMF. The topology path is complex, and the selection of the core network element path will cause additional signaling transmission time, thereby affecting the efficiency of AIoT services. How to implement AIoT services without going through the core network is a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can implement AIoT services without going through the core network, thereby reducing the implementation complexity and improving the service efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a first communication apparatus, and includes:

[0006] receiving a first request, the first request carrying service requirement information;

[0007] determining at least one first reader-writer that meets the service requirement information;

[0008] configuring the at least one first reader-writer.

[0009] Optionally, the first communication apparatus can be a network management system or a module in the network management system. For example, the first communication apparatus can be an operator network management system or an entity for providing AIoT services in the operator network management system, such as an AIoT service producer.

[0010] Specifically, the first communication device receives a first request from a demander (or a third party, or a consumer, or a customer), and the first request can be understood as a request for ordering an AIoT service. The service demand information can be understood as information related to the AIoT service to be ordered by the demander.

[0011] Through the above embodiment, an AIoT management service can be added in the network management system, including the configuration of the reader-writer, and the reader-writer used to implement the AIoT service can be determined through the network management system, without the need to select the reader-writer used to implement the AIoT service through the interaction between the core network elements, so that the signaling overhead can be reduced, the efficiency of the AIoT service can be improved, the implementation complexity of the AIoT service can be reduced, and the exposure of the access network side capability to the core network can be reduced.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the configuration of the at least one first reader-writer includes:

[0013] sending a first configuration request, the first configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first reader-writer;

[0014] receiving a first configuration response, the first configuration response being used to indicate that the configuration of the at least one first reader-writer is completed.

[0015] Specifically, the first communication device sends a first configuration request to the second communication device, and receives a first configuration response from the second communication device.

[0016] Optionally, the second communication device can be a network management system (or a network element management system), or a module in the network management system. For example, the second communication device can be a device vendor network management system, or a functional module in the device vendor network management system for providing an AIoT service, such as a configuration management function or a performance management function.

[0017] Through the above embodiment, the configuration of the reader-writer can be implemented by using the network management system, so that the reader-writer used to implement the AIoT service can be determined through the network management system subsequently, and the search efficiency of the reader-writer can be improved.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader-writer includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first reader-writer, an open state, an associated demander identifier, or a device identifier of a service, and the open state is used to indicate that the reader-writer capability of the first reader-writer is opened.

[0019] Through the above embodiments, the reader identifier, the reader state, the demander associated with the reader, and the AIoT device (or AIoT tag) served by the reader can be configured, so that the reader used to implement the AIoT service can be determined according to the configuration information of the reader.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0021] determining at least one first device satisfying the service demand information;

[0022] configuring the at least one first device.

[0023] Through the above embodiments, the management service of the AIoT device can be added in the network management system, including the configuration of the AIoT device, to support the AIoT service.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the determining at least one first device includes:

[0025] sending a query request, the query request being used to query an available device, the available device being in an idle state, and the available device satisfying the service demand information;

[0026] receiving a query response, the query response including the available device, and the at least one first device including the available device.

[0027] Specifically, the first communication device sends a query request to the second communication device, and receives a query response from the second communication device.

[0028] Through the above embodiments, the first communication device can reuse the existing AIoT device, and provide the AIoT device to the demander, so that the manufacturing cost of the device can be saved.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the configuring the at least one first device includes:

[0030] sending a second configuration request, the second configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first device;

[0031] receiving a second configuration response, the second configuration response being used to indicate that the configuration of the at least one first device is completed.

[0032] Specifically, the first communication device sends a second configuration request to the second communication device, and receives a second configuration response from the second communication device.

[0033] Through the above embodiments, the network management system can be used to configure the AIoT device, so as to support subsequent implementation of the AIoT service through the network management system.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first device, an activation state, a valid time, a memory, or an associated demander identifier, the activation state being used to indicate activation of the first device.

[0035] Through the above embodiments, the device identifier, the device state, the valid time, the memory of the AIoT device, and the demander associated with the AIoT device can be configured, so as to provide the AIoT device that can meet the service demand.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the service demand information includes one or more of the following: a demander identifier, a service type, a device quantity, a target memory, a service valid period, or a target range.

[0037] The demander identifier is used to indicate a demander. The service type refers to an AIoT service type required by the demander, or an AIoT service type required to be opened to the demander by the network management. Exemplarily, the AIoT service type can include one or more of the following: an inventory service, a read device information service, a write device information service, or a disable device information service, wherein the read device information service, the write device information service, and the disable device information service can also be collectively referred to as a command service, or a command instruction, or a command indication. The device quantity refers to a quantity of AIoT devices required by the demander. The target memory refers to an AIoT device memory required by the demander, and the target memory can also be understood as an AIoT device storage capability, that is, a memory size of a single AIoT device. The service valid period refers to an AIoT service valid period required by the demander, or an AIoT device valid time. The target range refers to a service range required by the demander, that is, a geographic range of the AIoT service.

[0038] Through the above embodiments, the demander can determine the AIoT service type, the AIoT device quantity, the AIoT device memory, the service valid period, and the service range according to the demander's own demand (for example, a service demand, a product demand, and the like), so as to determine the service demand information.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the at least one first reader-writer satisfies the service demand information, including that a service range of the at least one first reader-writer contains the target range. In a possible implementation, the at least one first reader-writer satisfies the service demand information, including that a service range of the at least one first reader-writer contains the target range. In a possible implementation, the at least one first reader-writer satisfies the service demand information, including that a service range of the at least one first reader-writer contains the target range.

[0040] Through the above implementation, the reader / writer satisfying the service demand information can be determined according to the service range of the reader / writer.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the at least one first device satisfying the service demand information includes one or more of the following: the number of the first devices satisfies the device number, and the memory of the first devices satisfies the target memory.

[0042] Through the above implementation, the AIoT device satisfying the service demand information can be determined according to the number and memory of the AIoT device.

[0043] In a possible implementation, after the at least one first device is determined, the method further includes:

[0044] sending a first response, the first response including an identifier of the at least one first device.

[0045] Specifically, the first communication device sends the first response to the demander.

[0046] Through the above implementation, the first communication device sends the first response to the demander, and the first response includes the identifier of the at least one first device. After the demander receives the first response, the identifier of the at least one first device can be obtained therefrom. That is, the first communication device provides the at least one first device to the demander.

[0047] In a possible implementation, after the at least one first device is determined, the method further includes:

[0048] receiving a second request, the second request being used to activate a service, and the second request carrying an identifier of the demander.

[0049] Specifically, the first communication device receives the second request from the demander. The second request can be understood as a request for activating the AIoT service.

[0050] Through the above implementation, the demander can send the second request for activating the AIoT service to the first communication device, so as to trigger the first communication device to configure the reader / writer and the AIoT device.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0052] receiving a third request, the third request carrying a screening condition and information used to indicate a target service;

[0053] determining a target reader / writer, the target reader / writer being included in the at least one first reader / writer;

[0054] sending a fourth request, the fourth request carrying the screening condition and information for indicating the target reader, the fourth request being used for requesting the target reader to perform the target service on the target device satisfying the screening condition.

[0055] Specifically, the first communication device receives a third request from the demand side. The third request can be understood as a request for performing a target service on an AIoT device (denoted as a target device) satisfying a screening condition, or can be understood as a request or trigger for the first communication device to determine a reader (denoted as a target reader) for performing the target service on the target device.

[0056] The first communication device sends a fourth request to the second communication device. The fourth request can be understood as a request for the target reader to perform the target service on the target device satisfying the screening condition.

[0057] Through the above implementation, the network management system can open the AIoT service to the demand side without the need to complete the AIoT service through the core network, so as to reduce the implementation complexity of the AIoT service, improve the service quality, and reduce the exposure of the access network side capability to the core network.

[0058] In a possible implementation, the target service includes an inventory service, a reading device information service, a modifying device information service, or a deactivating device information service; and the fourth request is used for requesting the target reader to count the number of target devices satisfying the screening condition, read information of the target devices satisfying the screening condition, modify information of the target devices satisfying the screening condition, or deactivate the target devices satisfying the screening condition.

[0059] Through the above implementation, the network management system can open the inventory service to the demand side for counting the number of AIoT devices satisfying the screening condition, and the network management system can also open the read-write service to the demand side for collecting the storage information of the AIoT devices satisfying the screening condition.

[0060] In a possible implementation, the screening condition includes one or more of the following: information for indicating a target location, information for indicating the target device, or a demand side identifier.

[0061] The determining the target reader includes:

[0062] The target reader is determined according to one or more of the target location, the target device, and the demand side identifier, a service range of the target reader containing the target location, and / or a device served by the target reader containing the target device, and / or the target reader being associated with the demand side identifier.

[0063] Through the above embodiments, the target reader meeting the screening condition can be determined according to the service range of the reader, and / or the AIoT device served by the reader, and / or the demand side associated with the reader.

[0064] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a second communication device, and includes the following steps:

[0065] receiving a first configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first reader, the at least one first reader meeting the business requirement information;

[0066] configuring the at least one first reader.

[0067] Optionally, the second communication device can be a network management system (or network element management system), or a module in the network management system. For example, the second communication device can be a device vendor network management system, or a functional module in the device vendor network management system for providing AIoT services, such as a configuration management function or a performance management function.

[0068] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first reader, an on state, an associated demand side identifier, or a served device identifier, the on state being used to indicate turning on the reader capability of the first reader.

[0069] In a possible implementation, the configuring the at least one first reader includes:

[0070] sending a first configuration instruction to the at least one first reader;

[0071] receiving a first configuration response, the first configuration response being used to indicate that the configuration of the at least one first reader is completed.

[0072] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0073] receiving a second configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first device, the at least one first device meeting the business requirement information;

[0074] configuring the at least one first device.

[0075] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first device, an activation state, a valid time, a memory, or an associated demand side identifier, the activation state being used to indicate activating the first device.

[0076] In a possible implementation, the configuring the at least one first device comprises:

[0077] sending a second configuration instruction to the at least one first device;

[0078] receiving a second configuration response, the second configuration response being used to indicate that the at least one first device is configured.

[0079] In a possible implementation, before the receiving the second configuration request, the method further comprises:

[0080] receiving a query request, the query request being used to query available devices, the available devices being in an idle state, and the available devices meeting the service requirement information;

[0081] sending a query response, the query response comprising the available devices, and the at least one first device comprising the available devices.

[0082] In a possible implementation, the service requirement information comprises one or more of the following: a demander identifier, a service type, a device quantity, a target memory, a service validity period, or a target range.

[0083] In a possible implementation, the at least one first reader meeting the service requirement information comprises: a service range of the at least one first reader containing the target range; and / or,

[0084] the at least one first device meeting the service requirement information comprises one or more of the following: a quantity of the first devices meeting the device quantity, and a memory of the first devices meeting the target memory.

[0085] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises:

[0086] receiving a fourth request, the fourth request carrying a filtering condition and information used to indicate a target reader, the fourth request being used to request the target reader to perform a target service on a target device meeting the filtering condition, and the target reader being contained in the at least one first reader.

[0087] In a possible implementation, the target service comprises an inventory service, reading device information, modifying device information, or deactivating device information; and the fourth request is used to request the target reader to count a quantity of the target devices meeting the filtering condition, read information of the target devices meeting the filtering condition, modify information of the target devices meeting the filtering condition, or deactivate the target devices meeting the filtering condition.

[0088] In a possible implementation, the screening condition comprises one or more of the following: information indicating the target location, information indicating the target device, or a demander identity;

[0089] The target reader's service range contains the target location, and / or the target reader serves the target device, and / or the target reader is associated with the demander identity.

[0090] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, which comprises a module or unit for performing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0091] In a possible implementation, the apparatus comprises:

[0092] The transceiver is configured to receive a first request, the first request carrying service demand information.

[0093] The processing unit is configured to determine at least one first reader that meets the service demand information.

[0094] The transceiver is further configured to configure the at least one first reader.

[0095] In a possible implementation, when configuring the at least one first reader, the transceiver is specifically configured to:

[0096] send a first configuration request, the first configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first reader;

[0097] receive a first configuration response, the first configuration response being used to indicate that the configuration of the at least one first reader is completed.

[0098] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader comprises one or more of the following: an identity of the first reader, an on state, an associated demander identity, or a served device identity, the on state being used to indicate turning on the reader capability of the first reader.

[0099] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to determine at least one first device that meets the service demand information.

[0100] The transceiver is further configured to configure the at least one first device.

[0101] In a possible implementation, the transceiver is further configured to:

[0102] sending a query request, the query request being used to query available devices, the available devices being in an idle state, and the available devices meeting the service demand information;

[0103] receiving a query response, the query response including the available devices, the at least one first device including the available devices.

[0104] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is specifically configured to:

[0105] sending a second configuration request, the second configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first device;

[0106] receiving a second configuration response, the second configuration response being used to indicate that the configuration of the at least one first device is completed.

[0107] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first device, an activation state, a valid time, a memory, or an associated demander identifier, the activation state being used to indicate activating the first device.

[0108] In a possible implementation, the service demand information includes one or more of the following: a demander identifier, a service type, a device quantity, a target memory, a service valid period, or a target range.

[0109] In a possible implementation, the at least one first reader-writer meeting the service demand information includes that: a service range of the at least one first reader-writer contains the target range; and / or,

[0110] the at least one first device meeting the service demand information includes one or more of the following: a quantity of the first devices meeting the device quantity, and a memory of the first devices meeting the target memory.

[0111] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0112] sending a first response, the first response including an identifier of the at least one first device; and / or,

[0113] receiving a second request, the second request being used to activate a service, the second request carrying a demander identifier.

[0114] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receiving a third request, the third request carrying a screening condition and information used to indicate a target service;

[0115] The processing unit is further configured to determine a target reader, the target reader being included in the at least one first reader.

[0116] The transceiving unit is further configured to send a fourth request, the fourth request carrying the screening condition and information used for indicating the target reader, the fourth request being used for requesting the target reader to perform the target service on a target device satisfying the screening condition.

[0117] In a possible implementation, the target service includes an inventory service, a reading device information service, a modifying device information service, or a deactivating device information service.

[0118] The fourth request is used for requesting the target reader to count a number of target devices satisfying the screening condition, read information of the target devices satisfying the screening condition, modify information of the target devices satisfying the screening condition, or deactivate the target devices satisfying the screening condition.

[0119] In a possible implementation, the screening condition includes one or more of the following: information used for indicating a target location, information used for indicating the target device, or a demander identifier.

[0120] The processing unit, when determining the target reader, is specifically configured to:

[0121] The target reader is determined according to one or more of the following: the target location, the target device, and the demander identifier, a service range of the target reader containing the target location, and / or a device served by the target reader containing the target device, and / or the target reader being associated with the demander identifier.

[0122] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, which comprises modules or units for performing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0123] In a possible implementation, the apparatus comprises:

[0124] The transceiving unit is configured to receive a first configuration request, the first configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first reader, the at least one first reader satisfying the service demand information; and

[0125] The at least one first reader is configured.

[0126] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first reader, an on state, an associated demander identifier, or a served device identifier, the on state being used for indicating turning on a reader capability of the first reader.

[0127] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is specifically configured to, when configuring the at least one first reader-writer:

[0128] send a first configuration instruction to the at least one first reader-writer;

[0129] receive a first configuration response, the first configuration response being used to indicate that the configuration of the at least one first reader-writer is completed.

[0130] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0131] receive a second configuration request, the second configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first device, the at least one first device satisfying the service demand information; and

[0132] configure the at least one first device.

[0133] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first device, an activation state, a valid time, a memory, or an associated demander identifier, the activation state being used to indicate that the first device is activated.

[0134] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is specifically configured to, when configuring the at least one first device:

[0135] send a second configuration instruction to the at least one first device;

[0136] receive a second configuration response, the second configuration response being used to indicate that the configuration of the at least one first device is completed.

[0137] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0138] receive a query request, the query request being used to query available devices, the available devices being in an idle state, and the available devices satisfying the service demand information;

[0139] send a query response, the query response including the available devices, the at least one first device including the available devices.

[0140] In a possible implementation, the service demand information includes one or more of the following: a demander identifier, a service type, a device quantity, a target memory, a service valid period, or a target range.

[0141] In a possible implementation, the at least one first reader meets the business requirement information, including: a service range of the at least one first reader contains the target range; and / or,

[0142] The at least one first device meets the business requirement information, including one or more of: a quantity of the first devices meets the device quantity, and a memory of the first devices meets the target memory.

[0143] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0144] receive a fourth request, the fourth request carrying a filtering condition and information used for indicating a target reader, the fourth request being used for requesting the target reader to perform a target business on a target device meeting the filtering condition, the target reader being included in the at least one first reader.

[0145] In a possible implementation, the target business includes an inventory business, reading device information, modifying device information, or deactivating device information; and the fourth request is used for requesting the target reader to count a quantity of the target devices meeting the filtering condition, read information of the target devices meeting the filtering condition, modify information of the target devices meeting the filtering condition, or deactivate the target devices meeting the filtering condition.

[0146] In a possible implementation, the filtering condition includes one or more of: information used for indicating a target location, information used for indicating the target device, or a demander identifier.

[0147] The target reader has a service range containing the target location, and / or the target reader serves a device containing the target device, and / or the target reader is associated with the demander identifier.

[0148] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, including a processor, the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions, when the processor executes the computer program or instructions, the method in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect or any possible implementation is implemented. Optionally, the communication apparatus further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication apparatus further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled with the communication interface.

[0149] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, the computer readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, when the computer program or instructions are executed, the method in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect or any possible implementation is implemented.

[0150] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions, when the computer program or instructions are executed, cause the method in any of the first aspect to the second aspect or any possible implementation of any of the first aspect to the second aspect to be implemented.

[0151] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which includes a processor, the processor is used to execute a computer program or instructions, when the processor executes the computer program or instructions, cause the chip to execute the method in any of the first aspect to the second aspect or any possible implementation of any of the first aspect to the second aspect. Optionally, the chip further includes a communication interface, the communication interface is used to receive a signal or send a signal.

[0152] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which includes a logic circuit and an input / output interface, the logic circuit is used to be coupled with the input / output interface, transmit data through the input / output interface, to execute the method in any of the first aspect to the second aspect or any possible implementation of any of the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0153] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes the communication apparatus in any of the third aspect to the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of any of the third aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0154] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes a first communication apparatus and a second communication apparatus, wherein the first communication apparatus is used to execute the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the second communication apparatus is used to execute the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0155] The beneficial effects brought by the second aspect to the eleventh aspect can refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0156] In addition, in the process of executing the method in any of the first aspect to the second aspect and any possible implementation, the process of sending information and / or receiving information in the above-mentioned method can be understood as the process of outputting information by the processor, and / or the process of receiving input information by the processor. When outputting information, the processor can output the information to the transceiver (or communication interface or sending module) so as to be transmitted by the transceiver. After being output by the processor, the information can need to be processed further and then reach the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives input information, the transceiver (or communication interface or sending module) receives the information and inputs it to the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the information, the information can need to be processed further and then be input to the processor.

[0157] Based on the above principles, for example, the sending information mentioned in the foregoing method can be understood as processor output information. For another example, the receiving information can be understood as processor receiving input information.

[0158] Optionally, for the transmitting, sending and receiving operations involved in the processor, if no special description is made, or if it does not contradict the actual role or internal logic in the related description, it can be more generally understood as processor output and receiving, input and the like.

[0159] Optionally, in the process of executing the method in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect and any possible implementation manner, the processor can be a processor specially used for executing the method, or a processor executing the method by executing computer instructions in a memory, such as a general-purpose processor. The memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as a read only memory (ROM), which can be integrated on the same chip as the processor, or can be separately arranged on different chips. The type of the memory and the arrangement manner of the memory and the processor are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0160] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments of the present application.

[0161] FIG. 1 is a possible AIoT service instruction issuing schematic diagram;

[0162] FIG. 2 is a possible AIoT service flow schematic diagram;

[0163] FIG. 3 is a possible application scenario schematic diagram provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0164] FIG. 4 is a possible system architecture schematic diagram provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0165] FIG. 5 is another possible system architecture schematic diagram provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0166] FIG. 6 is a flow schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0167] FIG. 7 is a flow schematic diagram of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0168] FIG. 8 is a flow schematic diagram of still another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0169] FIG. 9 is a structure schematic diagram of a communication apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0170] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0171] FIG. 11 is a structural schematic diagram of still another communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0172] FIG. 12 is a structural schematic diagram of a chip provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0173] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0174] In the present application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the present application should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other implementation or design solutions. Rather, the use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0175] In the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second", etc. do not limit the quantity and execution sequence, and "first", "second", etc. do not necessarily mean different. In addition, the terms "comprise", "contain" and "have" and any variation thereof are intended to cover the inclusions without exclusivity. For example, a process, method, system, product or device, etc. containing a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally further includes steps or units not listed, etc., or optionally further includes other steps or units inherent to the process, method, product or device, etc.

[0176] In the present application, "embodiments" means that the specific features, structures or properties described in connection with the embodiments can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The phrase appears at various places in the specification does not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, nor does it necessarily refer to a preferred or alternative embodiment to other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that, unless specifically stated and logically contradictory, the terms and / or descriptions between various embodiments of the present application are consistent and can be mutually referred to, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0177] It should be understood that in the present application, “at least one” means one or more, and “multiple” means two or more. “And / or” is used to describe the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, “A and / or B” can represent three cases of only A, only B, and A and B existing at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character “ / ” generally represents an “or” relationship between the associated objects before and after it. “At least one of the following” or similar expressions means any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean a, b, c, “a and b”, “a and c”, “b and c”, or “a and b and c”, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0178] In the description of the present application, “indication” can include direct indication and indirect indication, and can also include explicit indication and implicit indication. The information indicated by a certain information is called to-be-indicated information, and there are many ways to indicate the to-be-indicated information in the specific implementation process. For example, the to-be-indicated information can be directly indicated, such as indicating the to-be-indicated information itself or the index of the to-be-indicated information. For another example, the to-be-indicated information can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, and there is an association relationship between the indicated other information and the to-be-indicated information. For another example, only a part of the to-be-indicated information can be indicated, and the other part of the to-be-indicated information is known or agreed in advance. In addition, the indication of a specific information can also be realized by means of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (such as a protocol), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent.

[0179] To open up new markets and opportunities for 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) systems that support a higher number of local devices density than existing 3GPP internet of things (IoT) technologies, new IoT technologies aim to provide lower complexity and power consumption than existing 3GPP IoT technologies (such as narrow band IoT (NB-IoT) and enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC)) while still meeting the use cases, scenarios, and AIoT services (or AIoT services) supported by ambient internet of things (AIoT) devices. AIoT devices have much lower power consumption and cost compared to NB-IoT devices.

[0180] The AIoT device can also be referred to as an AIoT tag. The AIoT device includes a passive device and an active device. The passive device can also be referred to as a passive terminal or a passive tag, and the passive device can include a semi-passive device. The passive device or the semi-passive device cannot actively initiate information reporting and needs to be passively triggered to initiate information reporting. The active device can also be referred to as an active terminal or an active tag. The active device can actively initiate information reporting, and the process is similar to user equipment (UE) access.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a possible AIoT service instruction issuing schematic diagram. In the figure:

[0182] The AF represents an application function, which is used to issue AIoT service instructions, such as counting the number of AIoT tags, reading and writing the record information of the AIoT tag, and the like.

[0183] The NEF represents a network exposure function network element, which is used to implement core network capability exposure.

[0184] The AMF represents an access and mobility management function network element, which is used to send the AIoT service instruction to the base station and send the information reported by the base station to the NEF.

[0185] The TMF represents a tag management function network element, which is used to implement the management of the AIoT tag. Optionally, the TMF and the AMF can be combined, denoted as AMF / TMF.

[0186] The BS represents a base station in a new radio (NR) system or a 5th generation (5G) base station, which can integrate a reader function and is used to perform operations such as counting or reading and writing on the AIoT tag.

[0187] The AIoT tag represents an AIoT tag or AIoT device.

[0188] When the AF issues a service instruction, how the AMF / TMF selects a base station so that the AIoT device that the AF wants to receive the service instruction can receive the service instruction forwarded by the base station becomes a problem to be solved for the process to run through.

[0189] Please refer to FIG. 2, which is a possible AIoT service flow diagram. The flow takes the interaction flow between AF, NEF, AMF / TMF, reader (for example, radio access network (RAN)) and AIoT device (for example, passive device) as an example, including the following steps:

[0190] 1. The AF initiates an AIoT service request to the NEF, and the AIoT service request carries an AF identifier (ID), an inventory instruction, location information, etc. The inventory instruction is used to instruct the AIoT device (i.e., passive device in the figure) to report the device identifier.

[0191] 2. The NEF selects the AMF / TMF based on the location information.

[0192] 3. The NEF forwards the AIoT service request to the AMF / TMF.

[0193] 4. The AMF / TMF selects the RAN based on the location information, and generates MASK information, which contains network identifiers such as public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier (PLMN ID) and group ID, which can be mapped with the AF ID. The MASK information can be used by the RAN when broadcasting the AIoT service request, and the AIoT device belonging to this AF will respond.

[0194] 5. The AMF / TMF sends the AIoT service instruction and the MASK information to the RAN through the N2 message interface.

[0195] 6. The RAN broadcasts the MASK information (for example, through a select mechanism).

[0196] 7. The AIoT device that meets the MASK requirement randomly accesses the RAN.

[0197] 8. The AIoT device sends a registration request to the AMF / TMF, and the registration request carries the device identifier (device ID).

[0198] 9. The AMF / TMF feeds back an AIoT service response to the NEF, and the AIoT service response contains the device identifier. Optionally, if the device identifier contains a label serial number or an electronic product code (EPC) in the composition, the AMF / TMF can remove the PLMN ID and group ID in the composition of the device identifier and only return the EPC.

[0199] 10. The NEF forwards the AIoT service response to the AF.

[0200] For example, it is assumed that the AF is an inventory management system application of a certain warehouse company, each product of the warehouse company is provided with an AIoT label, which can be regarded as an AIoT device, when inventory of a certain warehouse needs to be counted, the inventory instruction can be issued through the network path of NEF-AMF / TMF-RAN, and the product in the warehouse reports the product code as part of the device identification after receiving the inventory instruction, and finally the AF can count or identify the products in the warehouse. The inventory of the warehouse is counted through the wireless network.

[0201] The current AIoT service instruction is issued to the base station through the core network, involves core network elements (such as NEF, AMF / TMF) and selection of the base station by the AMF / TMF, the topology path is complex, and the core network element path selection will cause additional signaling transmission time, thereby affecting the efficiency of the AIoT service. How to realize the AIoT service without the core network is a problem to be solved.

[0202] To solve the above problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device, which open AIoT services to demanders (or third parties, or consumers, or service consumers) through a network management system (or simply network management), without the need to pass through the core network to realize the AIoT service, so as to reduce the implementation complexity and improve the service efficiency.

[0203] The technical scheme of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example: long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) system. The technical scheme of the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other communication systems, for example, public land mobile network (PLMN) system, LTE advanced (LTE-A) system, the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, new radio (NR) system, machine to machine (M2M) system, or other future evolved communication systems, etc., which are not limited by the embodiments of the present application.

[0204] For ease of description, embodiments of the present application are described by taking application in a 5G mobile communication system as an example.

[0205] Please refer to FIG. 3, which is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 3, the application scenario involves a third party, an operator network management, a device vendor network management, a reader / writer and an AIoT device. Among them, the third party can subscribe to the AIoT device and call the AIoT service. The operator network management can provide the AIoT device to the third party and open the AIoT management service capability. The device vendor network management can open the AIoT management service capability and realize the AIoT device life cycle management. The reader / writer can be deployed in the access network device (such as a base station), that is, the reader / writer function can be realized by the base station.

[0206] Specifically, the operator subscribes to the AIoT device as its own asset, sells or rents it to the third party for use, and provides AIoT device management services. The third party can determine the number of devices, device storage capacity, use time, etc. according to its own product needs, and sign a business contract with the operator. The operator manages and maintains the AIoT device on behalf of the third party, such as counting the number of devices, reading and writing device information, etc. The third party realizes the AIoT service instruction issuing (such as inventory instruction, read / write instruction, etc.) through the AIoT device management capability opened by the network management. The device vendor network management sends the AIoT service instruction to the reader / writer through the southbound interface. After the reader / writer counts the AIoT device information, it can report the AIoT device information to the device vendor network management through the interface (such as the southbound interface, the interface between the network management and the network element). The device vendor network management can further report the AIoT device information to the operator network management.

[0207] Please refer to FIG. 4, which is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. The system architecture includes a management service consumer (MnS consumer), an operation administration and maintenance (OAM), a radio access network (RAN) and an AIoT device (AIoT device). Among them:

[0208] The MnS consumer can be a third party, such as a certain logistics center or a certain warehouse management system.

[0209] OAM includes network management system (NMS) and element management system (EMS). NMS can also be referred to as cross domain management module, belongs to cross domain management system, and is responsible for unified management of multiple element management systems. AIoT service producer is included in the NMS, and the AIoT service producer can be understood as an entity providing an AIoT service.

[0210] EMS can also be referred to as a domain management module, belongs to a single domain management system, and is responsible for management of a network (for example, an access network or a core network). EMS-RAN refers to a single domain management system for managing a RAN. The EMS-RAN includes a configuration management function (CM) and / or a performance management function (PM). The CM is responsible for configuration management of a network element. The PM is responsible for performance management of a network element. Optionally, the AIoT service producer can also be deployed in the EMS.

[0211] The RAN can be a base station (BS), and the reader is deployed in the BS. The reader can be understood as a specific function under the AIoT service, and is responsible for reading and writing AIoT device information.

[0212] The AIoT device can also be referred to as an AIoT tag, and can be embedded on a third-party product to facilitate tracking information.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is another system architecture diagram provided by an embodiment of the present application. Compared with the system architecture shown in FIG. 4, the system architecture shown in FIG. 5 further includes a user equipment (UE). Unlike the reader shown in FIG. 4, which is deployed in the BS, the reader in FIG. 5 is deployed in the UE.

[0214] It should be understood that the network element involved in the embodiments of the present application is exemplified by the name in the 5G mobile communication system, and in future communication systems or other communication systems, such as the 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, the network element involved in the embodiments of the present application can also be other names. Alternatively, in future communication systems or other communication systems, such as the 6G mobile communication system, the network element involved in the embodiments of the present application can also be replaced by other entities or devices with the same function, and the present application does not limit this. Here, a unified description is made, and the following will not be repeated.

[0215] In the embodiments of the present application, the AIoT device can be a passive device, which can be a passive tag such as a radio frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. The AIoT device can also be a semi-passive device or an active device.

[0216] The radio access network device RAN can also be referred to as an access network device. The access network device includes but is not limited to a base station, a node B (Node B, NB), a next generation base station (the next generation Node B, gNB), an evolved Node B (evolved Node B, eNB), a radio network controller (radio network controller, RNC), a base station controller (base station controller, BSC), a base transceiver station (base transceiver station, BTS), a home evolved NodeB (home evolved NodeB, HeNB, or home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (baseband unit, BBU), a server, a wearable device, a vehicle-mounted device, an access point (access point, AP) in a wireless fidelity (wireless fidelity, WIFI) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (transmission point, TP), or a transmission and reception point (transmission and reception point, TRP), etc. It can also be a gNB, a TRP or a TP in 5G, such as a new radio (new radio, NR) system, one or a group of antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node that constitutes a gNB or a TP, such as a baseband unit, or a distributed unit (distributed unit, DU), etc. Among them, the base station can be a macro base station, a micro base station, a pico base station, a small station, a relay station or a balloon station, etc.

[0217] The user equipment (UE) can also be referred to as a terminal, terminal device, terminal apparatus, access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. For example, the user equipment can be a mobile phone, a pad, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a train, an airplane, a mobile internet device (MID), a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control (e.g., a robot, etc.), a wireless terminal in Internet of Vehicles (e.g., an on-board device, a whole-vehicle device, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle, etc.), a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless data card, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an on-board device, a wearable device, etc.

[0218] It should be understood that the system architecture shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is only illustrative, and the system architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto, and any system architecture capable of realizing the functions of the above-mentioned devices can be applicable to the embodiments of the present application. The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can only involve part of the devices shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, and can also involve devices not shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, which are not limited by the present application.

[0219] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is described below.

[0220] Please refer to FIG. 6, which is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 takes the interaction process between a demander, a first communication device, a second communication device, a reader-writer and an AIoT device as an example to illustrate the method.

[0221] The first communication device and / or the second communication device can also be referred to as a network management system (NMS for short). Here, a unified description is given, and subsequent descriptions will not be repeated.

[0222] For example, in the embodiments of the present application, the demander can be the third party in FIG. 3, or the MnS consumer in FIG. 4-5. The first communication device can be the operator NMS in FIG. 3, or the NMS or a module (such as AIoT service producer) in the NMS in FIG. 4-5. The second communication device can be the device vendor NMS in FIG. 3, or the EMS or a configuration management function module (CM) in the EMS in FIG. 4-5. The reader-writer can be the reader-writer in FIG. 3, or the RAN in FIG. 4 or the UE in FIG. 5. The AIoT device can be the AIoT device in FIG. 3, or the AIoT device in FIG. 4 or 5.

[0223] As shown in FIG. 6, the communication method can include, but is not limited to, the following steps S601-S613.

[0224] S601, the demander sends a first request to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first request from the demander.

[0225] The first request can carry service demand information, which is used to request subscription of an AIoT service. The service demand information can be understood as information related to the AIoT service to be subscribed by the demander. It should be understood that the name of the first request is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the first request can also be referred to as an AIoT service subscription request.

[0226] Specifically, the demander can determine the service demand information according to its own demand (such as service demand, product demand, etc.), and send the first request to the first communication device. After receiving the first request, the first communication device can obtain the service demand information therefrom.

[0227] In a possible implementation, the service demand information can include one or more of the following: demander identifier, service type, device quantity, target memory, service validity period, or target range.

[0228] The demand side identifier is used to indicate a demand side (i.e., a third party or a consumer or a customer who needs the AIoT service). The demand side identifier can also be referred to as a third party identifier, or a consumer identifier, or a customer identifier. Different demand sides have different demand side identifiers.

[0229] The service type refers to the AIoT service type required by the demand side, or the AIoT service type that the network management needs to open to the demand side. The service type can also be referred to as an AIoT service type or an AIoT service capability. For example, the AIoT service type can include one or more of the following: inventory service, read device information, modify device information, or disable device information.

[0230] The number of devices refers to the number of AIoT devices required by the demand side. The number of devices can also be referred to as the number of AIoT devices. The number of AIoT devices can be one or more.

[0231] The target memory refers to the AIoT device memory required by the demand side. The target memory can also be understood as the AIoT device storage capability, i.e., the memory size of a single AIoT device. For example, the target memory can be 5GB, or 128GB, etc.

[0232] The service validity period refers to the AIoT service validity period required by the demand side, or the validity time of the AIoT device. For example, the service validity period can be from time t1 to time t2.

[0233] The target range refers to the service range required by the demand side, i.e., the geographic range of the AIoT service. For example, the target range can be a warehouse location, or a region where the warehouse location is located, etc.

[0234] Through the above implementation, the demand side can determine the AIoT service type, the number of AIoT devices, the AIoT device memory, the service validity period, and the service range, etc. according to its own demand (such as service demand, product demand, etc.), so as to determine the service demand information.

[0235] S602, the first communication device determines at least one first reader-writer that meets the service demand information.

[0236] The first reader-writer refers to a reader-writer used to perform the AIoT service required by the demand side, such as a reader-writer used to count the number of AIoT devices, or a reader-writer used to read and write the information of the AIoT device, etc. The number of first reader-writers can be one or more.

[0237] In a possible implementation, the at least one first reader-writer satisfying the business demand information can include that a service range of the at least one first reader-writer contains the target range in the business demand information.

[0238] For example, if the at least one first reader-writer includes one first reader-writer, the service range of the first reader-writer contains the target range, and it can also be understood that the target range is covered by the service range of the first reader-writer.

[0239] For another example, if the at least one first reader-writer includes a plurality of first reader-writers, the service range of the plurality of first reader-writers contains the target range, and it can also be understood that the target range is covered by the service range of the plurality of first reader-writers. For example, assuming that the target range includes area A1 and area A2, the service range of the first reader-writer R1 contains the area A1, and the service range of the first reader-writer R2 contains the area A2, the at least one first reader-writer can include the first reader-writer R1 and the first reader-writer R2.

[0240] According to the above implementation, the reader-writer satisfying the business demand information can be determined according to the service range of the reader-writer.

[0241] S603, the first communication device sends a first configuration request to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first configuration request from the first communication device.

[0242] The first configuration request can carry the configuration information of the at least one first reader-writer, and is used to request to configure the at least one first reader-writer. It should be understood that the name of the first configuration request is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the first configuration request can also be called a reader-writer configuration request.

[0243] Optionally, when the at least one first reader-writer includes a plurality of first reader-writers, for each first reader-writer, the first communication device sends a first configuration request to the second communication device, and the first configuration request carries the configuration information of the first reader-writer, and is used to request to configure the first reader-writer.

[0244] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader-writer can include one or more of the following: an identifier of the first reader-writer, an on state, an associated demand party identifier, or a device identifier of a served device.

[0245] The reader-writer identifier is used to indicate a reader-writer, and different reader-writers have different reader-writer identifiers. The identifier of the first reader-writer is used to indicate the first reader-writer. The inclusion of the identifier of the first reader-writer in the configuration information can be understood as being used to indicate the configuration of the first reader-writer.

[0246] The reader-writer capability of the reader-writer can be in an open state or a closed state. The configuration information includes the open state, which can be understood as being used to indicate that the reader-writer capability of the first reader-writer is configured to be in the open state, or in other words, is used to open the reader-writer capability of the first reader-writer.

[0247] The reader-writer can also be associated with (or correspond to, or be mapped to) a demand side identifier. The configuration information includes the demand side identifier associated with the first reader-writer, which can be understood as being used to indicate that the association (or correspondence, or mapping) between the first reader-writer and the demand side identifier is configured.

[0248] The device identifier is used to indicate an AIoT device, and the device identifier can also be referred to as an AIoT device identifier. Different AIoT devices have different device identifiers. One reader-writer can serve one or more AIoT devices, or in other words, one reader-writer can be associated with (or correspond to, or be mapped to) one or more device identifiers. The device identifier served by the first reader-writer can also be understood as the AIoT device identifier for which the first reader-writer is responsible for broadcasting, and is used to indicate the AIoT device for which the first reader-writer is responsible for broadcasting (here, the AIoT device can be understood as an AIoT device that meets the above business demand information). The configuration information includes the device identifier served by the first reader-writer, which can be understood as being used to indicate that the association (or correspondence, or mapping) between the first reader-writer and the device identifier is configured, or in other words, is used to indicate that the device identifier for which the first reader-writer is responsible for broadcasting is configured.

[0249] Through the above implementation, the reader-writer identifier, the reader-writer state, the demand side associated with the reader-writer, and the AIoT device served by the reader-writer can be configured, so that the reader-writer used to implement the AIoT business can be determined according to the configuration information of the reader-writer subsequently.

[0250] S604, the second communication device sends a first configuration instruction to the at least one first reader-writer, and correspondingly, the at least one first reader-writer receives the first configuration instruction from the second communication device.

[0251] The first configuration instruction can include the configuration information of the at least one first reader-writer, and is used to instruct the at least one first reader-writer to perform corresponding configuration according to the configuration information. It should be understood that the name of the first configuration instruction is not limited by the embodiments of the present application. For example, the first configuration instruction can also be referred to as a reader-writer configuration instruction.

[0252] Optionally, when the at least one first reader-writer includes a plurality of first reader-writers, for each first reader-writer, the second communication device sends a configuration instruction to the first reader-writer, and the configuration instruction can include the configuration information of the first reader-writer, and is used to instruct the first reader-writer to perform corresponding configuration according to the configuration information.

[0253] Optionally, the second communication device sends a configuration instruction to the at least one first reader-writer through the southbound interface.

[0254] S605, the at least one first reader-writer sends a first configuration response to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first configuration response from the at least one first reader-writer.

[0255] For each first reader-writer, after the first reader-writer receives the first configuration instruction, the first reader-writer performs corresponding configuration (for example, starting the reader-writer capability, setting the AIoT device identification responsible for broadcasting, etc.), generates a first configuration response, and sends the first configuration response to the second communication device. The first configuration response is used to indicate that the configuration of the first reader-writer is successful (or completed). It should be understood that the name of the first configuration response is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the first configuration response can also be referred to as a reader-writer configuration response.

[0256] S606, the second communication device forwards the first configuration response to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first configuration response forwarded by the second communication device.

[0257] For each first reader-writer, after the second communication device receives the first configuration response from the first reader-writer, the second communication device forwards the first configuration response to the first communication device, so that the first communication device knows that the configuration of the first reader-writer is completed.

[0258] Optionally, the first communication device can also forward the first configuration response to the demand side to inform the demand side that the configuration of the first reader-writer is completed.

[0259] Optionally, after step S601, the following steps S607 to S613 can also be included.

[0260] S607, the first communication device determines at least one first device, the at least one first device satisfying the business demand information.

[0261] The first device refers to the AIoT device required by the demand side. The number of the first devices can be one or more.

[0262] In a possible implementation, the at least one first device satisfying the business demand information can include one or more of the following: the number of the first devices satisfying the number of devices in the business demand information, and the memory of the first devices satisfying the target memory in the business demand information.

[0263] For example, if the number of devices is N, N is a positive integer, the at least one first device is N first devices. For another example, if the target memory is 5 GB, the memory of each first device is 5 GB.

[0264] Optionally, the at least one first device can include an existing AIoT device that meets the requirement, and / or a newly customized AIoT device that meets the requirement.

[0265] Through the above embodiments, the AIoT device that meets the service requirement information can be determined according to the number and memory of the AIoT device.

[0266] As a possible implementation, the step S607 can include steps S607a-S607b.

[0267] S607a, the first communication device sends a query request to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the query request from the first communication device.

[0268] The query request can carry the service requirement information, and is used to query the available devices. The available devices refer to the AIoT devices that are in an idle state and meet the service requirement information.

[0269] In some possible cases, the AIoT device can be in any one of a working state (or an activated state), an idle state, or a discarded state (or a logged-off state, or an inactivated state). The AIoT device in the working state (or the activated state) can be understood as that the AIoT device is working. The AIoT device in the idle state can be understood as that the AIoT device suspends work and can be activated to work again. The discarded state (or the logged-off state, or the inactivated state) can be understood as that the AIoT device stops working and cannot be activated to work again.

[0270] In a possible implementation, the available devices meeting the service requirement information can include one or more of the following: the number of the available devices meeting the number of devices in the service requirement information, and the memory of the available devices meeting the target memory in the service requirement information.

[0271] For example, if the number of devices is N, N is a positive integer, the number of the available devices can be less than or equal to N. For another example, if the target memory is 5 GB, the memory of each available device is 5 GB.

[0272] S607b, the second communication device sends a query response to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the query response from the second communication device.

[0273] After receiving the query request, the second communication device can query the AIoT devices that are in the idle state and meet the service requirement information (i.e., the available devices), generate a query response, and send the query response to the first communication device. The query response can include the information of the available devices, and the first communication device can obtain the information of the available devices from the query response after receiving the query response.

[0274] The at least one first device includes the available device, that is, the first communication apparatus can reuse the existing AIoT device and provide it to the demand side, so that the device manufacturing cost can be saved.

[0275] Optionally, when the number of the available device is less than the number of the devices, the at least one first device can include the available device and a newly customized device (i.e., a newly customized AIoT device meeting the demand), and the sum of the number of the available device and the newly customized device is equal to the number of the devices.

[0276] S608, the first communication apparatus sends a first response to the demand side, and correspondingly, the demand side receives the first response from the first communication apparatus.

[0277] After the first communication apparatus determines the at least one first device, the first communication apparatus can send a first response to the demand side. The first response includes the identification of the at least one first device, and the demand side can obtain the identification of the at least one first device after receiving the first response. That is, the first communication apparatus provides the at least one first device to the demand side. It should be understood that the name of the first response is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the first response can also be referred to as an AIoT device ordering response.

[0278] S609, the demand side sends a second request to the first communication apparatus, and correspondingly, the first communication apparatus receives the second request from the demand side.

[0279] The second request can carry the identification of the demand side. The second request can be understood as a request for activating the AIoT service, or can be understood as a request or trigger for the first communication apparatus to configure the at least one first reader and the at least one first device. It should be understood that the name of the second request is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the second request can also be referred to as an AIoT service activation request.

[0280] S610, the first communication apparatus sends a second configuration request to the second communication apparatus, and correspondingly, the second communication apparatus receives the second configuration request from the first communication apparatus.

[0281] The second configuration request can carry the configuration information of the at least one first device, and is used to request to configure the at least one first device. It should be understood that the name of the second configuration request is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the second configuration request can also be referred to as an AIoT device configuration request.

[0282] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device can include one or more of the following: the identification of the first device, the activation state, the valid time, the memory, or the associated demand side identification.

[0283] The device identity is used to indicate the AIoT device, and different AIoT devices have different device identities. The identity of the first device is used to indicate the first device. The identity of the first device included in the configuration information can be understood as being used to indicate the configuration of the first device.

[0284] The AIoT device can be in a working state (or an activated state), an idle state, or a discarded state (or a logged-off state, or an inactivated state). The activated state included in the configuration information can be understood as being used to indicate the configuration of the first device to the working state (or the activated state), or to activate the first device.

[0285] The validity time of the first device satisfies the service validity period in the service requirement information. The validity time of the first device included in the configuration information can be understood as being used to indicate the configuration of the validity time of the first device. For example, assuming that the service validity period is from time t1 to time t2, the validity time of the first device can be configured to be from time t1 to time t2.

[0286] The memory of the first device satisfies the target memory in the service requirement information. The memory of the first device included in the configuration information can be understood as being used to indicate the configuration of the memory of the first device. For example, assuming that the target memory is 5 GB, the memory of the first device can be configured to be 5 GB.

[0287] The AIoT device can also be associated (or corresponding, or mapped) with a demand side identity. The demand side identity associated with the first device included in the configuration information can be understood as being used to indicate the configuration of the association (or correspondence, or mapping) between the first device and the demand side identity.

[0288] In S611, the second communication device sends a second configuration instruction to the at least one first device through the at least one reader-writer, and correspondingly, the at least one first device receives the second configuration instruction forwarded by the at least one reader-writer.

[0289] The second configuration instruction can include the configuration information of the at least one first device, and be used to instruct the at least one first device to perform corresponding configuration according to the configuration information. It should be understood that the name of the second configuration instruction is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the second configuration instruction can also be called an AIoT device configuration instruction.

[0290] Optionally, the second communication device broadcasts the second configuration instruction to the at least one first device through the at least one first reader-writer through a southbound interface.

[0291] S612, the at least one first device sends a second configuration response to the second communication apparatus through the at least one first reader-writer, and the second communication apparatus receives the second configuration response forwarded by the at least one first reader-writer.

[0292] For each first device, after the first device receives the second configuration instruction, the first device performs corresponding configuration (for example, sets the device state to an active state, sets the valid time and memory of the first device, etc.), generates a second configuration response, and sends the second configuration response to the second communication apparatus through the first reader-writer serving the first device. The second configuration response is used to indicate that the configuration of the first device is successful (or completed). It should be understood that the name of the second configuration response is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the second configuration response can also be referred to as an AIoT device configuration response.

[0293] S613, the second communication apparatus forwards the second configuration response to the first communication apparatus, and the first communication apparatus receives the second configuration response forwarded by the second communication apparatus.

[0294] For each first device, after the second communication apparatus receives the second configuration response sent by the first device through the first reader-writer serving the first device, the second communication apparatus forwards the second configuration response to the first communication apparatus, so that the first communication apparatus knows that the configuration of the first device is completed.

[0295] Optionally, the first communication apparatus can also forward the second configuration response to the demand side to inform the demand side that the configuration of the first device is completed.

[0296] S614, the first communication apparatus sends a second response to the demand side, and the demand side receives the second response from the first communication apparatus.

[0297] After the configuration of the at least one first reader-writer and the at least one first device is completed, the first communication apparatus can send a second response to the demand side, which is used to inform the demand side that the configuration of the reader-writer and the AIoT device is completed, or is used to inform the demand side that the AIoT service is activated successfully. Optionally, the second response can include the identifier of the configured reader-writer and the identifier of the AIoT device. It should be understood that the name of the second response is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the second response can also be referred to as an AIoT service activation response.

[0298] Through the above embodiments, an AIoT management service can be added in the network management system, including the configuration of the reader-writer and the AIoT device, and the reader-writer used to implement the AIoT service can be determined through the network management system, without the need to select the reader-writer used to implement the AIoT service through the interaction between the core network elements, so that the signaling overhead can be reduced, the efficiency of the AIoT service can be improved, the implementation complexity of the AIoT service can be reduced, and the exposure of the access network side capability to the core network can also be reduced.

[0299] Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments shown in FIG. 7 take the interaction process between the demander, the first communication device, the second communication device, the reader-writer and the AIoT device as an example to illustrate the method.

[0300] For example, in the embodiments of the present application, the demander can be the third party in FIG. 3, or the MnS consumer in FIG. 4-5. The first communication device can be the operator network management in FIG. 3, or the NMS or the module (such as AIoT service producer) in the NMS in FIG. 4-5. The second communication device can be the device vendor network management in FIG. 3, or the EMS or the performance management function module (PM) in the EMS in FIG. 4-5. The reader-writer can be the reader-writer in FIG. 3, or the RAN in FIG. 4 or the UE in FIG. 5. The AIoT device can be the AIoT device in FIG. 3, or the AIoT device in FIG. 4 or 5.

[0301] As shown in FIG. 7, the communication method can include but is not limited to the following steps S701-S708.

[0302] S701, the demander sends a third request to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the third request from the demander.

[0303] The third request can carry a filtering condition and information for indicating a target service. The third request can be understood as a request for performing the target service on an AIoT device (denoted as a target device) that meets the filtering condition, or can be understood as a request or trigger for the first communication device to determine a reader-writer (denoted as a target reader-writer) for performing the target service on the target device. It should be understood that the name of the third request is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the third request can also be called an AIoT service request.

[0304] Specifically, the demander can determine the filtering condition and the target service according to its own demand (such as service demand, product demand, etc.), and send the third request to the first communication device. After receiving the third request, the first communication device can obtain the filtering condition and the information for indicating the target service therefrom.

[0305] The target service refers to an AIoT service required by the demand side, or an AIoT service required to be provided by the network management to the demand side. For example, the target service can include an inventory service and a command service, and the command service can instruct to read device information, modify device information, or disable device information. The inventory service refers to inventory of the AIoT device, or can be understood as counting the number of AIoT devices. The read device information refers to reading the information (or storage information) of the AIoT device, such as the characteristics (e.g., size, color) of the product, the placement position (e.g., which shelf), or the surrounding environment (e.g., temperature, humidity) information. The modified device information refers to modifying the storage information of the AIoT device, such as adding the warehouse or warehouse record information of the product. The disabled device information refers to disabling the storage information of the AIoT device, which can be understood as stopping the AIoT device from working.

[0306] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the target service is taken as an inventory service for example.

[0307] The screening condition can be a condition met by the AIoT device (or the AIoT device related to the target service, i.e., the target device) to which the target service is directed, or a condition met by the reader / writer (or the reader / writer related to the target service, i.e., the target reader / writer) used to execute the target service. The screening condition can also be understood as being used to indicate the target device, and / or being used to indicate the target reader / writer. The number of target devices can be one or more. The number of target reader / writers can be one or more.

[0308] Optionally, the target device is included in the at least one first device, and the target reader / writer is included in the at least one first reader / writer. That is, the AIoT device and the reader / writer ordered by the demand side are configured to obtain the configured at least one first device and the at least one first reader / writer, and when the AIoT service is activated, the AIoT device meeting the screening condition can be selected from the configured at least one first device as the target device, and the reader / writer meeting the screening condition can be selected from the configured at least one first reader / writer as the target reader / writer, to implement the AIoT service.

[0309] S702, the first communication device determines the target reader / writer.

[0310] The target reader / writer refers to the reader / writer used to execute the target service on the target device. The first communication device can determine the target reader / writer according to the screening condition.

[0311] In a possible implementation, the screening condition can include information used to indicate the target location.

[0312] The information indicating the target location can be, for example, a geographical range where the target device is located, an identification of a warehouse where the target device is located, a tracking area (TA) where the target device is located, or the like.

[0313] Optionally, the first communication device can select, from the at least one first device, an AIoT device located at the target location as the target device according to the information indicating the target location.

[0314] Optionally, after determining the target device according to the information indicating the target location, the first communication device can select, from the at least one first reader / writer, a reader / writer associated with the target device as the target reader / writer according to a preconfigured association relationship between the first device and the first reader / writer.

[0315] Optionally, the first communication device can select, from the at least one first reader / writer, a reader / writer whose service range contains the target location as the target reader / writer according to the information indicating the target location. That is, the service range of the target reader / writer contains the target location.

[0316] Optionally, after determining the target reader / writer according to the information indicating the target location, the first communication device can select, from the at least one first device, an AIoT device associated with the target reader / writer as the target device according to the preconfigured association relationship between the first device and the first reader / writer.

[0317] That is, the AIoT devices served by the target reader / writer contain the target device, or the AIoT devices responsible for broadcasting by the target reader / writer contain the target device. Here, a unified description is made, and subsequent descriptions are omitted.

[0318] In another possible implementation, the screening condition can include information indicating the target device.

[0319] The information indicating the target device can be, for example, a device identification of the target device.

[0320] Optionally, the first communication device can determine the target device according to the information indicating the target device.

[0321] Optionally, after determining the target device according to the information indicating the target device, the first communication device can select, from the at least one first reader / writer, a reader / writer associated with the target device as the target reader / writer according to a preconfigured association relationship between the first device and the first reader / writer.

[0322] In yet another possible implementation, the screening condition can include the demander identifier.

[0323] Optionally, the first communication apparatus can select, according to a preconfigured association between the first device and the demander identifier, an AIoT device associated with the demander identifier from the at least one first device as the target device. That is, the target device is associated with the demander identifier in the screening condition.

[0324] Optionally, after determining the target device according to the demander identifier, the first communication apparatus can select, according to a preconfigured association between the first device and the first reader, a reader associated with the target device from the at least one first reader as the target reader.

[0325] Optionally, the first communication apparatus can select, according to a preconfigured association between the first reader and the demander identifier, a reader associated with the demander identifier from the at least one first reader as the target reader. That is, the target reader is associated with the demander identifier in the screening condition.

[0326] Optionally, after determining the target reader according to the demander identifier, the first communication apparatus can select, according to a preconfigured association between the first device and the first reader, an AIoT device associated with the target reader from the at least one first device as the target device.

[0327] It should be understood that the screening condition can also include multiple items from the information for indicating the target location, the information for indicating the target device, and the demander identifier. For example, assuming that the screening condition includes the information for indicating the target location and the demander identifier, the service range of the target reader contains the target location, and the target reader is associated with the demander identifier.

[0328] S703, the first communication apparatus sends a fourth request to the second communication apparatus, and correspondingly, the second communication apparatus receives the fourth request from the first communication apparatus.

[0329] The fourth request can carry the screening condition and the information for indicating the target reader. The fourth request can be understood as a request for the target reader to perform the target business on the target device satisfying the screening condition, or can be understood as a request or trigger for the second communication apparatus to send a fifth request to the target reader. It should be understood that the name of the fourth request and the fifth request is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0330] S704, the second communication apparatus sends a fifth request to the target reader, and correspondingly, the target reader receives the fifth request from the second communication apparatus.

[0331] The fifth request can carry the screening condition. The fifth request can be understood as a request or trigger for the target reader to perform the target service on the target device meeting the screening condition.

[0332] Optionally, the second communication device sends the fifth request to the target reader through the southbound interface.

[0333] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the target service is an inventory service, and the first communication device can convert the inventory service into an AIoT device quantity statistics task, so that the fourth request is specifically used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices meeting the screening condition, and correspondingly, the fifth request is specifically used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices meeting the screening condition.

[0334] S705, the target reader broadcasts the screening condition, the AIoT device meeting the screening condition requirement responds to the target reader, and the target reader obtains the number of AIoT devices based on the response number.

[0335] S706, the target reader sends the number of AIoT devices to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the number of AIoT devices from the target reader.

[0336] S707, the second communication device sends the number of AIoT devices to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the number of AIoT devices from the second communication device.

[0337] S708, the first communication device sends the number of AIoT devices to the demand side, and correspondingly, the demand side receives the number of AIoT devices from the first communication device.

[0338] Through the above embodiment, the network management system opens the AIoT service (such as the inventory service) to the demand side, and can add the AIoT device quantity statistics under the specified screening condition on the performance management service interface of the network management system to support the inventory service, without the need to complete the AIoT service through the core network, so as to reduce the implementation complexity of the AIoT service, improve the service quality, and reduce the exposure of the access network side capability to the core network.

[0339] Please refer to FIG. 8, which is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 takes the interaction process between the demand side, the first communication device, the second communication device, the reader and the AIoT device as an example to illustrate the method.

[0340] For example, in the embodiments of the present application, the demand side can be the third party in FIG. 3, or the MnS consumer in FIGS. 4-5. The first communication device can be the operator network management in FIG. 3, or the NMS or a module (such as an AIoT service producer) in the NMS in FIGS. 4-5. The second communication device can be the equipment vendor network management in FIG. 3, or the EMS or a configuration management function module (CM) in the EMS in FIGS. 4-5. The reader can be the reader in FIG. 3, or the RAN in FIG. 4 or the UE in FIG. 5. The AIoT device can be the AIoT device in FIG. 3, or the AIoT device in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5.

[0341] As shown in FIG. 8, the communication method can include but is not limited to the following steps S801-S808.

[0342] S801, the demand side sends a third request to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the third request from the demand side.

[0343] S802, the first communication device determines the target reader.

[0344] S803, the first communication device sends a fourth request to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the fourth request from the first communication device.

[0345] S804, the second communication device sends a fifth request to the target reader, and correspondingly, the target reader receives the fifth request from the second communication device.

[0346] The specific description of steps S801-S804 can correspond to the related description of steps S701-S704 described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0347] Different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, taking the target service as an example of a command service (command), the first communication device can convert the command service (command) into an AIoT device storage information collection task.

[0348] For example, the command service (command) instructs to read device information (read), so that the fourth request is specifically used to request the target reader to read the storage information of the target device, and correspondingly, the fifth request is specifically used to request the target reader to read the storage information of the target device.

[0349] For another example, the command service indicates modification of device information (write), so the fourth request is specifically for requesting the target reader to modify the storage information of the target device, and correspondingly, the fifth request is specifically for requesting the target reader to modify the storage information of the target device. In this case, the third request, the fourth request, and the fifth request can also carry modification information (i.e., information that needs to be written to the target device).

[0350] For another example, the command service indicates inactivation of device information (disable), so the fourth request is specifically for requesting the target reader to inactivate the storage information of the target device, and correspondingly, the fifth request is specifically for requesting the target reader to inactivate the storage information of the target device.

[0351] S805, the target reader broadcasts a screening condition, and an AIoT device that meets the screening condition requirement reports storage information.

[0352] S806, the target reader sends AIoT device storage information to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives AIoT device storage information from the target reader.

[0353] The AIoT device storage information can include a device identifier and storage information of the AIoT device.

[0354] S807, the second communication device sends AIoT device storage information to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives AIoT device storage information from the second communication device.

[0355] S808, the first communication device sends AIoT device storage information to the demand side, and correspondingly, the demand side receives AIoT device storage information from the first communication device.

[0356] Through the above embodiment, the network management system opens an AIoT service (such as a read-write service, used to collect storage information of an AIoT device) to the demand side, and a management service for the AIoT device (including management of the customer to which the AIoT device belongs, device state, device identifier, device storage information, and memory) can be added on a configuration management service interface of the network management system to support the read-write service, without the need to complete the AIoT service through the core network. In this way, the implementation complexity of the AIoT service can be reduced, the service quality can be improved, and the exposure of the access network side capability to the core network can be reduced.

[0357] It should be understood that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-8 are described by taking the first communication device and the second communication device as examples. In other possible embodiments, the first communication device and the second communication device can be combined into one device (denoted as a third communication device). For example, the third communication device configures the reader and the AIoT device in response to the AIoT service subscription request of the demand side; or the third communication device instructs the reader to perform the AIoT service in response to the AIoT service activation request of the demand side. In this way, the interaction of the first communication device and the second communication device can be avoided. The third communication device can also be referred to as a network management system (short for network management). For example, the third communication device can be the OAM in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5.

[0358] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified herein, the execution of each step in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6-8 is not strictly limited in sequence, and these steps can be executed in other sequences, which are not limited by the embodiments of the present application.

[0359] The above describes the method of the embodiments of the present application in detail, and the following provides a device for implementing any one of the methods in the embodiments of the present application, for example, a device including units (or means) for implementing each step performed by the network element / device in any one of the above methods.

[0360] Please refer to FIG. 9, which is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0361] As shown in FIG. 9, the communication device 900 can include a transceiver unit 901 and a processing unit 902. The transceiver unit 901 and the processing unit 902 can be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0362] The transceiver unit 901 can implement the sending function and / or the receiving function, and the transceiver unit 901 can also be described as a communication unit. The transceiver unit 901 can also be a unit integrating an acquisition unit and a sending unit, where the acquisition unit is used to implement the receiving function, and the sending unit is used to implement the sending function. Alternatively, the transceiver unit 901 can be used to receive information sent by other devices, and also can be used to send information to other devices.

[0363] In a possible design, the communication device 900 can correspond to the first communication device in the above method embodiments, for example, the communication device 900 can be the first communication device in the above method embodiments, or can be a chip in the first communication device. The communication device 900 can include units for performing operations performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiments, and each unit in the communication device 900 is respectively for implementing operations performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiments. The description of each unit is as follows:

[0364] The transceiver unit 901 is configured to receive a first request, the first request carrying service requirement information;

[0365] The processing unit 902 is configured to determine at least one first reader-writer that meets the service requirement information;

[0366] The transceiver unit 901 is further configured to configure the at least one first reader-writer.

[0367] In a possible implementation, when the transceiver unit 901 configures the at least one first reader-writer, the transceiver unit 901 is specifically configured to:

[0368] send a first configuration request, the first configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first reader-writer;

[0369] receive a first configuration response, the first configuration response indicating that the configuration of the at least one first reader-writer is completed.

[0370] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader-writer includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first reader-writer, an on state, an associated demander identifier, or a device identifier of a service, the on state indicating to turn on a reader-writer capability of the first reader-writer.

[0371] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 902 is further configured to determine at least one first device that meets the service requirement information.

[0372] The transceiver unit 901 is further configured to configure the at least one first device.

[0373] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is further configured to:

[0374] send a query request, the query request being used to query an available device, the available device being in an idle state and meeting the service requirement information;

[0375] receive a query response, the query response including the available device, and the at least one first device including the available device.

[0376] In a possible implementation, when the transceiver unit 901 configures the at least one first device, the transceiver unit 901 is specifically configured to:

[0377] send a second configuration request, the second configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first device;

[0378] receive a second configuration response, the second configuration response being used for indicating that the at least one first device configuration is completed.

[0379] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device comprises one or more of the following: an identity of the first device, an activation state, a valid time, a memory, or an associated demander identity, the activation state being used for indicating to activate the first device.

[0380] In a possible implementation, the service demand information comprises one or more of the following: a demander identity, a service type, a device quantity, a target memory, a service valid period, or a target range.

[0381] In a possible implementation, the at least one first reader meets the service demand information, comprising: a service range of the at least one first reader contains the target range; and / or,

[0382] the at least one first device meets the service demand information, comprising one or more of the following: a quantity of the first devices meets the device quantity, a memory of the first devices meets the target memory.

[0383] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 901 is further configured to:

[0384] send a first response, the first response comprising an identity of the at least one first device; and / or,

[0385] receive a second request, the second request being used for activating a service, the second request carrying a demander identity.

[0386] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 901 is further configured to: receive a third request, the third request carrying a screening condition and information used for indicating a target service;

[0387] the processing unit 902 is further configured to: determine a target reader, the target reader being contained in the at least one first reader;

[0388] the transceiver 901 is further configured to: send a fourth request, the fourth request carrying the screening condition and information used for indicating the target reader, the fourth request being used for requesting the target reader to perform the target service on a target device meeting the screening condition.

[0389] In a possible implementation, the target service comprises an inventory service, a reading device information, a modifying device information, or a deactivating device information;

[0390] The fourth request is used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices meeting the screening condition, read information of the target devices meeting the screening condition, modify information of the target devices meeting the screening condition, or deactivate information of the target devices meeting the screening condition.

[0391] In a possible implementation, the screening condition comprises one or more of the following: information indicating a target location, information indicating the target device, or a demander identifier;

[0392] The processing unit 902 is specifically configured to determine the target reader when the target reader is determined, and specifically configured to:

[0393] The target reader is determined according to one or more of the target location, the target device, and the demander identifier, the service range of the target reader contains the target location, and / or the device served by the target reader contains the target device, and / or the target reader is associated with the demander identifier.

[0394] Referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0395] As shown in FIG. 10, the communication apparatus 1000 can include a transceiver 1001. The transceiver 1001 can be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0396] The transceiver 1001 can implement a sending function and / or a receiving function, and the transceiver 1001 can also be described as a communication unit. The transceiver 1001 can also be a unit integrating an acquisition unit and a sending unit, where the acquisition unit is configured to implement a receiving function, and the sending unit is configured to implement a sending function. Alternatively, the transceiver 1001 can be configured to receive information sent by another apparatus, and also can be configured to send information to another apparatus.

[0397] In a possible design, the communication apparatus 1000 can correspond to the second communication apparatus in the method embodiments, for example, the communication apparatus 1000 can be the second communication apparatus in the method embodiments, or can be a chip in the second communication apparatus. The communication apparatus 1000 can include units configured to perform operations performed by the second communication apparatus in the method embodiments, and each unit in the communication apparatus 1000 is specifically configured to implement operations performed by the second communication apparatus in the method embodiments. Wherein, each unit is described as follows:

[0398] The transceiver 1001 is configured to receive a first configuration request, where the first configuration request carries configuration information of at least one first reader, and the at least one first reader meets the business demand information; and

[0399] configuring the at least one first reader.

[0400] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first reader comprises one or more of the following: an identifier of the first reader, an on state, an associated demander identifier, or a device identifier of a served device, the on state being used to indicate turning on the reader capability of the first reader.

[0401] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 1001, when configuring the at least one first reader, is specifically configured to:

[0402] send a first configuration instruction to the at least one first reader;

[0403] receive a first configuration response, the first configuration response being used to indicate that the configuration of the at least one first reader is completed.

[0404] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 1001 is further configured to:

[0405] receive a second configuration request, the second configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first device, the at least one first device satisfying the service demand information; and

[0406] configure the at least one first device.

[0407] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first device comprises one or more of the following: an identifier of the first device, an activation state, a valid time, a memory, or an associated demander identifier, the activation state being used to indicate activating the first device.

[0408] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 1001, when configuring the at least one first device, is specifically configured to:

[0409] send a second configuration instruction to the at least one first device;

[0410] receive a second configuration response, the second configuration response being used to indicate that the configuration of the at least one first device is completed.

[0411] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 1001 is further configured to:

[0412] receive a query request, the query request being used to query available devices, the available devices being in an idle state, and the available devices satisfying the service demand information;

[0413] send a query response, the query response comprising the available devices, and the at least one first device comprising the available devices.

[0414] In a possible implementation, the service requirement information comprises one or more of the following: a demander identifier, a service type, a device quantity, a target memory, a service validity period, or a target range.

[0415] In a possible implementation, the at least one first reader-writer satisfying the service requirement information comprises: a service range of the at least one first reader-writer containing the target range; and / or,

[0416] The at least one first device satisfying the service requirement information comprises one or more of the following: a quantity of the first devices satisfying the device quantity, and a memory of the first devices satisfying the target memory.

[0417] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 1001 is further configured to:

[0418] receive a fourth request, the fourth request carrying a filtering condition and information used for indicating a target reader-writer, the fourth request being used for requesting the target reader-writer to perform a target service on a target device satisfying the filtering condition, the target reader-writer being contained in the at least one first reader-writer.

[0419] In a possible implementation, the target service comprises one or more of the following: an inventory service, reading device information, modifying device information, or deactivating device information; and the fourth request is used for requesting the target reader-writer to perform one or more of the following on the target device satisfying the filtering condition: counting a quantity of the target device, reading information of the target device, modifying information of the target device, or deactivating the target device.

[0420] In a possible implementation, the filtering condition comprises one or more of the following: information used for indicating a target location, information used for indicating the target device, or a demander identifier.

[0421] The target reader-writer has a service range containing the target location, and / or the target reader-writer serves a device containing the target device, and / or the target reader-writer is associated with the demander identifier.

[0422] According to the embodiments of the present application, each unit in the apparatus shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 can be combined into one or several other units respectively or all, or some of the units can be further split into a plurality of units with smaller functions to constitute, which can achieve the same operation without affecting the implementation of the technical effects of the embodiments of the present application. The above units are divided based on logical functions. In actual application, the function of one unit can also be implemented by a plurality of units, or the functions of a plurality of units are implemented by one unit. In other embodiments of the present application, the above apparatus can also include other units. In actual application, these functions can also be implemented by other units, and can be implemented by a plurality of units.

[0423] It should be noted that the implementation of each unit can also correspond to the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0424] Please refer to FIG. 11, which is a structural schematic diagram of another communication apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application. The communication apparatus 1100 can include a processor 1101. Optionally, the communication apparatus 1100 can also include a memory 1102. Further optionally, the communication apparatus 1100 can also include a communication interface 1103 and a bus 1104. The processor 1101, the memory 1102 and the communication interface 1103 are communicatively connected with each other through the bus 1104. The communication interface 1103 is used to interact with other devices.

[0425] The processor 1101 is a module for arithmetic operation and logical operation, which can be one or a combination of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU) and the like. The processor 1101 can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor.

[0426] The memory 1102 is configured to provide a storage space, in which data such as an operating system and a computer program can be stored. The memory 1102 includes, but is not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM).

[0427] In a possible design, the communication apparatus 1100 can correspond to the first communication apparatus in the method embodiments, for example, the communication apparatus 1100 can be the first communication apparatus in the method embodiments, or can be a processor or circuit or chip or chip system in the first communication apparatus. The communication apparatus 1100 can include components for performing operations performed by the first communication apparatus in the method embodiments, and each component in the communication apparatus 1100 respectively, in order to implement the operations performed by the first communication apparatus in the method embodiments, the processor 1101 invokes a computer program stored in the memory 1102 to perform the method shown in the method embodiments.

[0428] In another possible design, the communication apparatus 1100 can correspond to the second communication apparatus in the method embodiments, for example, the communication apparatus 1100 can be the second communication apparatus in the method embodiments, or can be a processor or circuit or chip or chip system in the second communication apparatus. The communication apparatus 1100 can include components for performing operations performed by the second communication apparatus in the method embodiments, and each component in the communication apparatus 1100 respectively, in order to implement the operations performed by the second communication apparatus in the method embodiments, the processor 1101 invokes a computer program stored in the memory 1102 to perform the method shown in the method embodiments.

[0429] Optionally, the communication apparatus 1100 can be a chip or chip system. For the case where the communication apparatus 1100 is a chip or chip system, refer to the structural schematic diagram of the chip shown in FIG. 12.

[0430] As shown in FIG. 12, the chip 1200 includes a processor 1201 and an interface 1202. Wherein, the number of the processor 1201 can be one or more, and the number of the interface 1202 can be multiple. It should be noted that the functions of the processor 1201 and the interface 1202 respectively can be implemented by hardware design, or can be implemented by software design, or can be implemented by combination of software and hardware, which is not limited here.

[0431] Optionally, the chip 1200 can further include a memory 1203, which is configured to store necessary program instructions and data.

[0432] In this application, the processor 1201 can be configured to call the implementation program of the communication method provided by one or more embodiments of the present application from the memory 1203, and execute the instructions contained in the program. The interface 1202 can be configured to output the execution result of the processor 1201. In this application, the interface 1202 can be specifically configured to output various messages or information of the processor 1201.

[0433] The communication method provided by one or more embodiments of the present application can refer to the above-mentioned various method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0434] According to the method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer readable storage medium, which stores computer programs or instructions, and when the computer programs or instructions run on the processor, the method shown in the above method embodiments can be realized.

[0435] According to the method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product, which includes computer programs or instructions, and when the computer programs or instructions run on the processor, the method shown in the above method embodiments can be realized.

[0436] According to the method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, which includes at least one of the above-mentioned communication device 900, or the communication device 1000, or the communication device 1100, or the chip 1200.

[0437] According to the method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device is configured to execute the steps performed by the first communication device in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and the second communication device is configured to execute the steps performed by the second communication device in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0438] It should be appreciated that the memory in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. Among them, the nonvolatile memory can be a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically EPROM (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache. By way of example, and not limitation, many forms of RAM can be used, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but not be limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0439] In the above embodiments, all or part can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or part can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer programs or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are performed. The computer can be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment or other programmable apparatus. The computer programs or instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transferred from one computer readable storage medium to another computer readable storage medium, for example, the computer programs or instructions can be transferred from one website site, computer, server or data center to another website site, computer, server or data center through wired or wireless manner. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center and the like integrated with one or more available media. The available media can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape; an optical medium, such as a digital video disc; and a semiconductor medium, such as a solid state disk. The computer readable storage medium can be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or can include both volatile and non-volatile storage media.

[0440] Those skilled in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments provided herein can be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to realize the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0441] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working process of the above described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be described here.

[0442] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented by other manners. For example, the above-described device embodiments are merely illustrative, for example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the shown or discussed mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0443] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separated, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, i.e., can be located in one place or can be distributed to a plurality of network units. Part or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment.

[0444] In addition, the functional units in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can be physically present separately, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit.

[0445] If the functions are realized in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application or the parts that essentially contribute to the technology or the parts of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of software products. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, ROM, RAM, magnetic disk or optical disk, and various program code storage media.

[0446] The above is merely a specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be covered in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving a first request carrying service requirement information; determining at least one first reader / writer satisfying the service requirement information; configuring the at least one first reader / writer. The method of claim 1, wherein The configuring the at least one first reader / writer comprises: sending a first configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first reader / writer; receiving a first configuration response indicating that the configuration of the at least one first reader / writer is completed. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The configuration information of the first reader / writer comprises one or more of the following: an identifier of the first reader / writer, an on state indicating to turn on the reader / writer capability of the first reader / writer, an associated demander identifier, or a device identifier of a service. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: determining at least one first device satisfying the service requirement information; configuring the at least one first device. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The determining the at least one first device comprises: sending a query request for querying available devices, the available devices being in an idle state and satisfying the service requirement information; receiving a query response comprising the available devices, the at least one first device comprising the available devices. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The configuring the at least one first device comprises: sending a second configuration request carrying configuration information of the at least one first device; receiving a second configuration response indicating that the configuration of the at least one first device is completed. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The configuration information of the first device comprises one or more of the following: an identifier of the first device, an activation state indicating to activate the first device, a valid time, a memory, or an associated demander identifier. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The service requirement information comprises one or more of the following: a demander identifier, a service type, a device quantity, a target memory, a service valid period, or a target range. The method of claim 8, wherein The at least one first reader / writer satisfying the service requirement information comprises that a service range of the at least one first reader / writer contains the target range; and / or, The at least one first device satisfying the service requirement information comprises one or more of the following: the quantity of the first devices satisfies the device quantity, and the memory of the first devices satisfies the target memory. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that After the determining the at least one first device, the method further comprises: sending a first response comprising an identifier of the at least one first device; and / or, receiving a second request for activating a service, the second request carrying a demander identifier. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a third request carrying a filtering condition and information indicating a target service; determining a target reader / writer contained in the at least one first reader / writer; sending a fourth request carrying the filtering condition and information indicating the target reader / writer, the fourth request being used for requesting the target reader / writer to perform the target service on a target device satisfying the filtering condition. The method of claim 11, wherein The target service includes an inventory service, reading device information, modifying device information, or deactivating device information. The fourth request is used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices meeting the screening condition, read information of the target devices meeting the screening condition, modify information of the target devices meeting the screening condition, or deactivate the target devices meeting the screening condition. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The screening condition includes one or more of the following: information indicating a target location, information indicating the target device, or a demand side identifier. The target reader is determined by: The target reader is determined according to one or more of the target location, the target device, and the demand side identifier, the service range of the target reader containing the target location, and / or the device served by the target reader containing the target device, and / or the target reader being associated with the demand side identifier. A communication method characterized by comprising: It includes: Receiving a first configuration request, the first configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first reader, the at least one first reader meeting service demand information; Configuring the at least one first reader. The method of claim 14, wherein The configuration information of the first reader includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first reader, an on state, an associated demand side identifier, or a device identifier served, the on state being used to indicate turning on the reader capability of the first reader. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The configuration of the at least one first reader includes: Sending a first configuration instruction to the at least one first reader; Receiving a first configuration response, the first configuration response being used to indicate that the configuration of the at least one first reader is completed. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that It also includes: Receiving a second configuration request, the second configuration request carrying configuration information of at least one first device, the at least one first device meeting the service demand information; Configuring the at least one first device. The method of claim 17, wherein The configuration information of the first device includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first device, an activation state, a valid time, a memory, or an associated demand side identifier, the activation state being used to indicate activating the first device. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that The configuration of the at least one first device includes: Sending a second configuration instruction to the at least one first device; Receiving a second configuration response, the second configuration response being used to indicate that the configuration of the at least one first device is completed. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that Before the second configuration request is received, it also includes: Receiving a query request, the query request being used to query available devices, the available devices being in an idle state, and the available devices meeting the service demand information; Sending a query response, the query response including the available devices, the at least one first device including the available devices. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that The service demand information includes one or more of the following: a demand side identifier, a service type, a device quantity, a target memory, a service valid period, or a target range. The method of claim 21, wherein The at least one first reader meeting the service demand information includes: the service range of the at least one first reader containing the target range; and / or, The at least one first device satisfies the business requirement information, including one or more of: the number of the first devices satisfies the device number, the memory of the first devices satisfies the target memory. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that Further comprising: receiving a fourth request, the fourth request carrying a filtering condition and information for indicating a target reader, the fourth request being used to request the target reader to perform a target business on a target device satisfying the filtering condition, the target reader being included in the at least one first reader. The method of claim 23, wherein The target business includes an inventory business, reading device information, modifying device information, or deactivating device information. The fourth request is used to request the target reader to count the number of target devices satisfying the filtering condition, read information of target devices satisfying the filtering condition, modify information of target devices satisfying the filtering condition, or deactivate target devices satisfying the filtering condition. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that The filtering condition includes one or more of: information for indicating a target location, information for indicating the target device, or a demander identifier. The service range of the target reader contains the target location, and / or the devices served by the target reader contain the target device, and / or the target reader is associated with the demander identifier. A communication device characterized by comprising: Comprising: comprising units for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, or the method of any one of claims 14 to 25. A communication device, characterized by comprising a processor for executing a computer program or instructions, when the processor executes the computer program or instructions, causing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be implemented, or the method of any one of claims 14 to 25 to be implemented. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized by The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, when the computer program or instructions are executed, causing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be implemented, or the method of any one of claims 14 to 25 to be implemented. A computer program product, characterized in that comprising a computer program or instructions, when the computer program or instructions are executed, causing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be implemented, or the method of any one of claims 14 to 25 to be implemented. A communication system characterized by Comprising: a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, and the second communication device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 14 to 25.

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