Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: in a first state, detecting first signaling, wherein the first signaling is broadcast signaling, the PHY header or MAC header of the first signaling is a first sequence, the first sequence is one of a plurality of sequences, and the first signaling is used for indicating at least one of the start of inventory performed by at least one apparatus, the start of an inventory period, and the start of an access time slot; and on the basis of the first signaling, switching from the first state to a second state, wherein the first state is a low-power state, and the second state is a normal state. The present application introduces a first state in which it is possible to detect only first signaling without having to detect all signaling, such that the problem of power waste caused by detecting irrelevant signaling can be avoided and a power-saving effect is thus achieved, thereby improving the service experience.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202411351028.X, filed on September 25, 2024, and entitled "A communication method and apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the field of mobile communication, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0004] The 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) defines ambient internet of things (A-IoT) technology. The A-IoT technology refers to a technology in which a terminal device without energy storage capability or with limited energy storage capability collects energy from the environment for communication, where the collected energy includes radio waves, light, motion, heat, or other suitable energy.

[0005] Currently, when an A-IoT terminal device accesses a network, it needs to detect all signaling in the network, parse the signaling content, and then select the signaling related to itself for access. The A-IoT terminal device detecting and parsing the signaling not related to itself will cause invalid power consumption, high power consumption, and frequent power-off of the A-IoT terminal device, which affects the service experience. SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus, which can reduce the power consumption of an A-IoT terminal device and improve the service experience.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by an A-IoT terminal device or a chip or module in the A-IoT terminal device. Taking the method executed by the A-IoT terminal device as an example, the method includes: detecting a first signaling in a first state, the first signaling being a broadcast signaling, a physical layer (PHY) header or a medium access control (MAC) header of the first signaling being a first sequence, the first sequence being one of a plurality of sequences, and the first signaling being used to indicate at least one of starting inventory, starting an inventory period, or starting an access time slot; switching from the first state to a second state according to the first signaling; and wherein the first state is a low-power state, and the second state is a normal state.

[0008] In the embodiments of the present application, a first state is introduced for the A-IoT terminal device. In the first state, the A-IoT terminal device can only detect a first signaling (i.e., first signaling) with a first sequence of a PHY header or a MAC header, and does not need to detect all the signaling. In this way, the A-IoT terminal device can avoid detecting the signaling irrelevant to itself, thereby avoiding power waste and achieving power saving. After detecting the first signaling, the A-IoT terminal device can switch to a second state according to the first signaling, so that the A-IoT terminal device can perform a business process (such as an inventory process) in the second state.

[0009] In a possible design, the second signaling can also be detected in the second state. The second signaling is a unicast signaling, the PHY header or the MAC header of the second signaling is a second sequence, the second sequence is one of a plurality of sequences, the second sequence is different from the first sequence, and the second signaling is used to indicate network access and / or data transmission.

[0010] Through the above design, the A-IoT terminal device can receive the unicast signaling after switching to the second state, thereby ensuring that the network access and / or data transmission are normally performed.

[0011] In a possible design, the first state can be entered when a preset condition is met. The preset condition includes at least one of the following: charging is completed, and network access fails.

[0012] It should be understood that the first state is entered when the charging is completed, which takes into account that different A-IoT terminal devices have different charging speeds. When the A-IoT terminal device is out of power, it may miss the first signaling. After being fully charged, the A-IoT terminal device needs to wait for the next first signaling. By entering the first state, the A-IoT terminal device can only detect the first signaling and does not need to detect other signaling, thereby reducing invalid power consumption. The first state is entered when the network access fails, which takes into account that the A-IoT terminal device fails to access in the inventory process. During the waiting time for the next access, by entering the first state, the A-IoT terminal device can only detect the first signaling and does not need to detect other signaling, thereby reducing invalid power consumption. The design can be applicable to a scenario in which the first signaling is used to indicate that at least one device starts inventory or one inventory period starts.

[0013] Of course, the above two are only examples, and the actual application is not limited thereto.

[0014] In a possible design, switching from the first state to the second state according to the first signaling can include: setting a counter according to the first signaling, and setting the counter to a preset value after the counter is set, and then switching from the first state to the second state. The design can be applicable to a scenario in which the first signaling is used to indicate that one access time slot starts.

[0015] The design can be compatible with the inventory mechanism in the existing radio frequency identification (RFID) system.

[0016] In a possible design, before detecting the first signaling in the first state, the third signaling can also be detected in the first state, the third signaling being used for indicating the start of an inventory cycle and including the first value; an initial value of the counter is generated according to the first value, the initial value being different from the preset value, and the first state is maintained; or, in the second state, the third signaling is detected, the third signaling being used for indicating the start of an inventory cycle and including the first value; an initial value of the counter is generated according to the first value, the initial value being different from the preset value, and the first state is switched from the second state.

[0017] The design can be compatible with the inventory mechanism in the existing RFID system.

[0018] In a possible design, after switching from the first state to the second state according to the first signaling, network access and / or data transmission can also be completed in the first access time slot; in the second state, the fourth signaling is detected, the fourth signaling being used for indicating the end of the first access time slot and the start of the second access time slot, and the first state is switched from the second state according to the fourth signaling.

[0019] The design can enable the A-IoT terminal device to switch back to the first state in time after the end of the access time slot corresponding to the A-IoT terminal device, thereby avoiding detecting signaling irrelevant to the A-IoT terminal device in an access time slot not corresponding to the A-IoT terminal device, and further saving power.

[0020] In a possible design, after switching from the second state to the first state, the fifth signaling can also be detected in the first state, the fifth signaling being used for indicating at least one of the following: the start of inventory by at least one device, the start of an inventory cycle, or the start of an access time slot, the fifth signaling carrying indication information, the indication information being used to indicate that the fifth signaling is retransmission signaling of a service, and the first state is maintained according to the fifth signaling.

[0021] The design can avoid the A-IoT terminal device that has completed network access and data transmission (for example, inventory is successful) from repeatedly switching to the second state to perform network access and data transmission, thereby further saving power.

[0022] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be performed by an A-IoT terminal device, or by a chip or module in the A-IoT terminal device. Taking the method performed by the A-IoT terminal device as an example, the method comprises: detecting, in a first state, sixth signaling, the sixth signaling being used to indicate switching from the first state to a second state; the sixth signaling comprising first information, the first information being used to indicate that the sixth signaling is signaling for new transmission of a service or signaling for retransmission of a service; and switching from the first state to the second state according to the sixth signaling; wherein the first state is a low-power-consumption state, and the second state is a normal state.

[0023] In the embodiments of the present application, the first state is introduced for the A-IoT terminal device, and the sixth signaling is introduced to indicate switching of the A-IoT terminal device, so that the A-IoT terminal device can only detect the sixth signaling in the first state, without detecting all the signaling, which can avoid the problem of power waste caused by the A-IoT terminal device detecting the signaling irrelevant to itself, effectively reduce the power consumption of the A-IoT terminal device, and achieve the effect of power saving; and after the A-IoT terminal device detects the sixth signaling in the first state, the A-IoT terminal device can switch to the second state, so that the A-IoT terminal device can execute a service flow (such as an inventory flow).

[0024] In a possible design, the first information comprises: indication information used to indicate that the sixth signaling is signaling for new transmission of a service or signaling for retransmission of a service; and / or a session identifier of the service. Of course, the above is only an example, and the actual design is not limited thereto.

[0025] In a possible design, switching from the first state to the second state according to the sixth signaling can comprise:

[0026] The sixth signaling is signaling for new transmission of a service, and the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state; or

[0027] The sixth signaling is signaling for retransmission of a service, and the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state.

[0028] In addition, if the sixth signaling is signaling for retransmission of a service, and the network access and / or data transmission of the corresponding service has been completed, the A-IoT terminal device can remain in the first state, i.e., without switching to the second state.

[0029] This design can make the A-IoT terminal device that has not completed the network access and / or data transmission of the corresponding service switch to the second state, so as to execute the network access and / or data transmission of the corresponding service. The A-IoT terminal device that has completed the network access and / or data transmission of the corresponding service remains in the first state, avoiding the problem of power waste caused by repeated execution of the network access and / or data transmission.

[0030] In a possible design, the first state is entered when a preset condition is met, and the preset condition includes at least one of the following: charging is completed, and network access fails.

[0031] It should be understood that the first state is entered when charging is completed, considering that different A-IoT terminal devices have different charging speeds, and the A-IoT terminal device that is out of power may miss the first signaling, and the A-IoT terminal device needs to wait for the next first signaling after being fully charged. In this period of time, by entering the first state, only the first signaling can be detected, and other signals can not be detected, thereby reducing invalid power consumption. The first state is entered when network access fails, considering that the A-IoT terminal device fails to access in the inventory process, and in the period of waiting for the next access, by entering the first state, only the first signaling can be detected, and other signals can not be detected, thereby reducing invalid power consumption. The design can be applicable to a scenario in which the first signaling is used to indicate that at least one device starts inventory or one inventory period starts.

[0032] Of course, the above two are only examples, and the actual design is not limited thereto.

[0033] In a possible design, the sixth signaling is used to indicate that the first terminal device group switches from the first state to the second state, and the first group number is included in the sixth signaling and is used to indicate the first terminal device group. Accordingly, switching from the first state to the second state according to the sixth signaling can include: the first group number matches the group number of the A-IoT terminal device, and the first state is switched to the second state. Of course, the actual first group number can also not match the group number of the A-IoT terminal device. If the first group number does not match the group number of the A-IoT terminal device, the first state is maintained, that is, the first state is not switched to the second state.

[0034] In this design, the A-IoT terminal device switches to the second state after detecting the sixth signaling with a matched group number, and does not switch to the second state after detecting the signaling with a non-matched group number, which can enable A-IoT terminal devices in different groups to switch to the second state at different times, and can further save power of the A-IoT terminal device.

[0035] In a possible design, before detecting the sixth signaling in the first state, the eighth signaling can also be detected in the second state, the eighth signaling is used to indicate that at least one device starts inventory, the A-IoT terminal device belongs to the at least one device, and the eighth signaling includes a second value; a random number not exceeding the second value is generated as the group number of the A-IoT terminal device, and the first state is entered.

[0036] In this design, the A-IoT terminal device generates a random number not exceeding the second value as the group number of the A-IoT terminal device, which can enable different A-IoT terminal devices to be dynamically configured into different groups, thereby enabling the A-IoT terminal devices to access the network at different times, to reduce power consumption of the A-IoT terminal devices.

[0037] In a possible design, before detecting the eighth signaling in the second state, the ninth signaling can also be detected in the first state, where the ninth signaling is used to instruct all devices in the first state to switch to the second state; and the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state according to the ninth signaling.

[0038] In this way, the A-IoT terminal device can monitor the eighth signaling in the second state, and obtain the group number corresponding to the A-IoT terminal device.

[0039] In a possible design, after switching from the first state to the second state according to the sixth signaling, the A-IoT terminal device can also complete network access and / or data transmission of the corresponding service in the first access time slot; and the tenth signaling can be detected, where the tenth signaling is used to instruct the end of the first access time slot and the start of the second access time slot, and the A-IoT terminal device switches from the second state to the first state.

[0040] This design can enable the A-IoT terminal device to switch back to the first state in time after the corresponding access time slot ends, and avoid detecting signaling irrelevant to the A-IoT terminal device in an access time slot not corresponding to the A-IoT terminal device, thereby further saving power.

[0041] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be performed by a reader or a chip or module in the reader. Taking the method performed by the reader as an example, the method includes: determining first signaling; where the first signaling is broadcast signaling, a PHY header or a MAC header of the first signaling is a first sequence, the first sequence is one of a plurality of sequences, and the first signaling is used to instruct at least one device to perform at least one of starting inventory, starting a inventory cycle, or starting an access time slot; and sending the first signaling, so that an A-IoT terminal device switches from a first state to a second state according to the first signaling; where the first state is a low-power-consumption state, and the second state is a normal state.

[0042] In a possible design, second signaling can also be sent, where the second signaling is unicast signaling, a PHY header or a MAC header of the second signaling is a second sequence, the second sequence is one of a plurality of sequences, the second sequence is different from the first sequence, and the second signaling is used to instruct network access and / or data transmission.

[0043] In a possible design, the first signaling is used to instruct the start of an access time slot; and before sending the first signaling, third signaling can also be sent, where the third signaling is used to instruct the start of a inventory cycle, and the third signaling includes a first value.

[0044] In a possible design, fourth signaling can also be sent, where the fourth signaling is used to instruct the end of a first access time slot and the start of a second access time slot, so that the A-IoT terminal device switches from the second state to the first state according to the fourth signaling.

[0045] In a possible design, the fifth signaling can be further sent, and the fifth signaling is used to indicate at least one of that at least one device starts inventorying, that one inventorying period starts, or that one access slot starts. The indication information is carried in the fifth signaling, and the indication information is used to indicate that the fifth signaling is the signaling of retransmission of one service.

[0046] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a reader-writer, or by a chip or module in the reader-writer. Taking the method performed by the reader-writer as an example, the method includes: determining sixth signaling, the sixth signaling being used to indicate switching from a first state to a second state; the sixth signaling including first information, the first information being used to indicate that the sixth signaling is signaling of new transmission of one service or signaling of retransmission of one service; and sending the sixth signaling, so that an A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state according to the sixth signaling; where the first state is a low-power-consumption state, and the second state is a normal state.

[0047] In a possible design, the first information includes: indication information used to indicate that the sixth signaling is signaling of new transmission of one service or signaling of retransmission of one service; and / or, a session identifier of the service.

[0048] In a possible design, the sixth signaling is used to indicate that a first terminal device group switches from the first state to the second state, and the sixth signaling includes a first group number, which is used to indicate the first terminal device group.

[0049] In a possible design, before the sixth signaling is sent, an eighth signaling can be further sent, the eighth signaling being used to indicate that at least one device starts inventorying, the A-IoT terminal device belonging to the at least one device, and the eighth signaling including a second value, a group number being used to generate a group number of the A-IoT terminal device.

[0050] In a possible design, before the eighth signaling is sent, a ninth signaling can be further sent, the ninth signaling being used to indicate that all devices in the first state switch to the second state.

[0051] In a possible design, after the sixth signaling is sent, network access and / or data transmission corresponding to the service can be further performed on the A-IoT terminal device in the first access slot; and a tenth signaling is sent, the tenth signaling being used to indicate that the first access slot ends and the second access slot starts.

[0052] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a module or unit or means for implementing the method in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0053] In an example, the apparatus includes:

[0054] The transceiver module is configured to detect, in the first state, a first signaling, the first signaling being a broadcast signaling, a PHY header or a MAC header of the first signaling being a first sequence, the first sequence being one of a plurality of sequences, the first signaling being used to indicate at least one of a start of an inventory by at least one device, a start of an inventory cycle, or a start of an access slot.

[0055] The processing module is configured to switch from the first state to a second state according to the first signaling, the first state being a low-power-consumption state, and the second state being a normal state.

[0056] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is improved, which comprises a module or unit or means for implementing the method in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0057] In an example, the apparatus comprises:

[0058] The transceiver module is configured to detect, in the first state, a sixth signaling, the sixth signaling being used to indicate switching from the first state to the second state, the sixth signaling comprising first information, the first information being used to indicate that the sixth signaling is a new transmission signaling of a service or a retransmission signaling of a service.

[0059] The processing module is configured to switch from the first state to the second state according to the sixth signaling, the first state being a low-power-consumption state, and the second state being a normal state.

[0060] In a seventh aspect, a communication apparatus is improved, which comprises a module or unit or means for implementing the method in the third aspect or any possible design of the third aspect.

[0061] In an example, the apparatus comprises:

[0062] The processing module is configured to determine a first signaling, the first signaling being a broadcast signaling, a PHY header or a MAC header of the first signaling being a first sequence, the first sequence being one of a plurality of sequences, the first signaling being used to indicate at least one of a start of an inventory by at least one device, a start of an inventory cycle, or a start of an access slot.

[0063] The transceiver module is configured to send the first signaling, so that the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state according to the first signaling, the first state being a low-power-consumption state, and the second state being a normal state.

[0064] In an eighth aspect, a communication apparatus is improved, which comprises a module or unit or means for implementing the method in the fourth aspect or any possible design of the fourth aspect.

[0065] In an example, the apparatus comprises:

[0066] The processing module is configured to determine sixth signaling, and the sixth signaling is used to indicate switching from the first state to the second state; the sixth signaling includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the sixth signaling is new transmission signaling of a service or retransmission signaling of a service;

[0067] The transceiver module is configured to send the sixth signaling, so that the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state according to the sixth signaling; the first state is a low-power state, and the second state is a normal state.

[0068] In a ninth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, including at least one processor, and a communication interface connected with the at least one processor; the at least one processor executes the method in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, or executes the method in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect, or executes the method in the third aspect or any possible design of the third aspect, or executes the method in the fourth aspect or any possible design of the fourth aspect, by executing instructions stored in a memory.

[0069] In a tenth aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, and the storage medium stores a computer program or instructions; when the computer program or instructions are executed by a communication apparatus, the method in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect is implemented, or the method in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect is implemented, or the method in the third aspect or any possible design of the third aspect is executed, or the method in the fourth aspect or any possible design of the fourth aspect is executed.

[0070] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, and the computer program product stores instructions; when the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the method in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, or the computer executes the method in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect, or the method in the third aspect or any possible design of the third aspect is executed, or the method in the fourth aspect or any possible design of the fourth aspect is executed.

[0071] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, including:

[0072] An A-IoT terminal device is configured to execute the method in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0073] A reader-writer is configured to execute the method in the third aspect or any possible design of the third aspect.

[0074] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising:

[0075] An A-IoT terminal device configured to perform the method according to the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect;

[0076] A reader-writer configured to perform the method according to the fourth aspect or any possible design of the fourth aspect.

[0077] The technical effects of the above-mentioned third aspect to thirteenth aspect can refer to the description of the technical effects of the first aspect to the second aspect, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0078] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system suitable for embodiments of the present application;

[0079] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another communication system suitable for embodiments of the present application;

[0080] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another communication system suitable for embodiments of the present application;

[0081] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another communication system suitable for embodiments of the present application;

[0082] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an O-RAN system;

[0083] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an inventory flow of an RFID system;

[0084] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9B are several specific examples of state switching of an A-IoT terminal device;

[0086] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are several specific examples of state switching of an A-IoT terminal device;

[0088] FIG. 12 is a specific example of state switching of an A-IoT terminal device;

[0089] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of another communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are further described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0093] In the embodiments of the present application, the number of nouns indicates "a singular noun or a plural noun" unless otherwise specified, that is, "one or more". "At least one" means one or more, and "a plurality of" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three kinds of relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent the following three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects. For example, A / B means A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of these items, including any combination of single item or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b and / or c means that a exists alone, b exists alone, c exists alone, a and b exist together, b and c exist together, a and c exist together, and a, b and c exist together, where a, b and c can be single or multiple.

[0094] The ordinal numbers "first", "second", and the like mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish a plurality of objects, and are not used to limit the size, content, order, time sequence, priority or importance of the plurality of objects.

[0095] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, can be an internet of things (IoT) system, a vehicle to X (V2X) system, a narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) system. For example, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to devices in a vehicle to X system, or applied to internet of things nodes, sensors and the like in an internet of things system, or applied to smart cameras, smart remote controllers, smart water meters and electric meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities and the like. The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can also be applicable to an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, and can also be a 5th-generation (5G) communication system, a future communication system and the like. In addition, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to a wireless local area network system supporting IEEE 802.11ax (mobile hotspot (Wi-Fi) 6) / 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) / 802.11bn (Wi-Fi 68) / Wi-Fi (artificial intelligence, AI) / millimeter wave / UWB or perception. The following illustrates several possible network architecture diagrams.

[0096] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system includes a network device and a terminal device. In the communication system, the network device and the terminal device can communicate bidirectionally, and the communication between the network device and the terminal device includes data and / or signaling. In the communication system, the network device can have the function of a reader / writer in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, that is, the network device can communicate with the terminal device as a reader / writer, for example, they can communicate through an air interface (uu).

[0097] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication system includes two terminal devices. In the communication system, the terminal device and the terminal device can communicate with each other in both directions, and the communication between the terminal device and the terminal device includes data and / or signaling. In the communication system, the terminal device can have the function of a reader / writer in an RFID system, i.e., the terminal device can communicate with another terminal device as a reader / writer, for example, they can communicate through a sidelink (SL).

[0098] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 3, the communication system includes a network device, an intermediate node and a terminal device. The intermediate node can be a repeater, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a terminal device, another terminal device or another network device, etc., without limitation. In the communication system, the network device can have the function of a reader / writer in an RFID system, and the intermediate node serves as a relay node between the network device and the terminal device, for example, the terminal device transmits information to the intermediate node, and the intermediate node forwards the information to the network device through a uu interface; or the network device transmits information to the intermediate node, and the intermediate node forwards the information to the terminal device through the uu interface.

[0099] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 3, the communication system includes a network device, an auxiliary node and a terminal device. The auxiliary node can be a repeater, an IAB node, another terminal device, another terminal device or another network device, etc., without limitation. In the communication system, the network device can have the function of a reader / writer in an RFID system, and the auxiliary node serves as a relay node between the network device and the terminal device. The terminal device can communicate with the network device through the auxiliary node, and the terminal device can also directly communicate with the network device. For example, the terminal device directly sends data and / or signaling to the network device, and receives data and / or signaling from the network device through the auxiliary node; or the terminal device directly receives data and / or signaling from the network device, and sends data and / or signaling to the network device through the auxiliary node.

[0100] In the following, some terms in the embodiments of the present application are explained and described to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. These explanations and descriptions are only examples and do not represent limitations on these terms.

[0101] 1、terminal device: can be referred to as a terminal apparatus, and can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal apparatus can be a device including a wireless communication function (providing voice / data connectivity to a user). For example, a handheld device having a wireless connection function, or a vehicle-mounted device, a vehicle-mounted module, etc. Currently, some examples of terminal apparatuses are: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in vehicle networking, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, or a wireless terminal in a smart home, a device-to-device (D2D) terminal apparatus, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication terminal apparatus, a smart vehicle, a telematics box (T-box), a machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal apparatus, an internet of things (IoT) terminal apparatus, etc. For example, the terminal apparatus can be a vehicle-mounted device, a whole vehicle device, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle, an on board unit (OBU), a roadside unit (RSU), a T-box, a chip, or a system on chip (SOC), etc. The above chip or SOC can be installed in a vehicle, an OBU, an RSU, or a T-box. The wireless terminal in industrial control can be a camera, a robot, etc. The wireless terminal in a smart home can be a television, an air conditioner, a sweeper, a sound box, a set-top box, etc.The terminal device can also be a V2X device, for example, a smart car or an intelligent car, a digital car, an unmanned car or a driverless car or a pilotless car or an automobile, a self-driving car or an autonomous car, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a pure EV or a Battery EV, a range extended EV (REEV), a plug-in HEV (PHEV), a new energy vehicle, a road site unit (RSU). The terminal device can also be a device in device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example, an electricity meter, a water meter, and the like.

[0102] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important part of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is to connect objects through communication technology and network, so as to realize the intelligent network of man-machine interconnection and object-object interconnection.

[0103] As an example, the embodiments of the present application can be applied to an ambient internet of things (A-IoT) system, and specifically applied to logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, or environmental monitoring scenarios. Accordingly, the terminal device can be an A-IoT terminal device, also known as an A-IoT terminal, an A-IoT device, and the like. The A-IoT terminal device can obtain energy from the environment and communicate with network devices or intermediate nodes or auxiliary nodes or another terminal device. For ease of description, hereinafter, the A-IoT terminal device is mainly taken as an example for description, but the same technical solution can be applied to other types of terminal devices.

[0104] In some scenarios, the terminal device is equivalent to the function of a tag in an RFID system, and thus the terminal device can also be referred to as an electronic tag, an RFID tag, a tag, or a tag device, and the like. In an RFID system, the types of tags can be divided into three types: passive tags, semi-passive tags, and active tags. Among them, passive tags and semi-passive tags can use a communication mode based on backscatter, and active tags use a communication mode of actively generating a carrier. In one classification manner, the terminal device can be divided into the following three types:

[0105] The first type of terminal device (similar to a passive tag): no energy storage, cannot independently generate a signal, and uses backscatter to transmit a signal;

[0106] The second type of terminal device (similar to a semi-passive tag): has energy storage, but cannot independently generate a signal, uses backscatter to transmit a signal, and the stored energy can amplify the reflected signal;

[0107] The third type of terminal device (similar to an active tag): has energy storage, can independently generate a signal, and has an active radio frequency element for transmission.

[0108] 2. A network device, including a radio access network (RAN) node that connects the terminal device to a wireless network, which can also be referred to as an access network device. The network device includes, but is not limited to: a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, an access network device in an open radio access network (O-RAN), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, and the like. The access network device can be a macro base station, a micro base station, or an indoor station, and can also be a relay node or a donor node, and the like. In this application, the specific technology and specific device form of the network device are not limited.

[0109] In a possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes cooperate to assist a terminal to implement wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of functions of a base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), and the like. The CU and the DU can be separately arranged, or can be included in the same network element, for example, in a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, for example, in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0110] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN or open RAN or ORAN) system, the CU can also be referred to as an O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as an O-RU. For the convenience of description, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU are taken as examples for description in this application. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0111] Figure 5 shows an example diagram of an O-RAN system, which can include other components than those shown in the figure. An access network device (RAN, which can be an eNB or gNB or next generation access network device) communicates with a core network (CN) over a backhaul link and communicates with a UE over an air interface. Specifically, a baseband unit (BBU) in the access network device communicates with a core network (CN) over a backhaul link, and a radio unit (RU) in the access network device communicates with at least one UE over an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU over a fronthaul link. The BBU and the RU can or can not be co-located. The BBU includes at least one control unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU), which can communicate over at least one midhaul link.

[0112] O-CU: to implement the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer in the 3GPP standard and other control functions.

[0113] O-DU: based on low-layer function splitting, to implement the radio link control (RLC) layer, the medium access control (MAC) layer, and the higher physical layer (Higher PHY) in the 3GPP standard. The higher physical layer functions include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation.

[0114] O-RU: based on low-layer function segmentation, used to implement the lower physical layer (Lower PHY) function and radio frequency function in the 3GPP standard. Among them, the lower physical layer function includes one or more of the following: fast Fourier transform (FFT) transform / inverse fast Fourier transform (iFFT) transform, digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of a physical random access channel (PRACH), etc. Similar to the transmission reception point (TRP) or remote radio head (RRH) in 3GPP, but it includes lower physical layer functions such as FFT / iFFT or PRACH extraction.

[0115] In a possible example, the network device can act as a reader to perform reading (and sometimes writing) operations on the A-IoT terminal device (also known as a tag) (as shown in FIG. 1 or as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4).

[0116] It can be understood that the traditional definition of a reader is a device that reads (and sometimes writes) tag information, which can be handheld or fixed. In the embodiments of the present application, the reader can be any device that can communicate with the A-IoT terminal device. In addition to being a network device (such as a base station) (as shown in FIG. 1 or as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4), it can also be another terminal device (as shown in FIG. 2), or a headend, a positioning reference unit (pRU), a transmission reception point (TRP), or a node that transmits a signal, or a device with reading and writing functions, or an IAB node or a smart repeater or a relay node, etc.

[0117] The following introduces the technical features related to the embodiments of the present application:

[0118] Referring to FIG. 6, it is a schematic diagram of an inventory flow of an RFID system, including the following steps:

[0119] S601, the reader sends a Select signaling, and one or more tags receive the Select signaling;

[0120] The selection signaling is used to indicate a selected group of tags, and the group of tags starts inventorying after receiving the selection signaling, i.e. the selection signaling is used to indicate that a group of tags starts inventorying, for example, the selection signaling carries indication information of the group of tags.

[0121] S602, the reader sends Query signaling, and the selected tags receive the Query signaling;

[0122] The Query signaling is used to indicate the start of an inventory cycle. The Query signaling carries a Q value of the tags, and each selected tag randomly generates a random number of 0~2^Q-1 as an initial value of a counter according to the Q value.

[0123] S603, the reader repeatedly sends 2*Q QueryRep signaling, and the tags each receive one QueryRep and set the counter once, e.g. Counter=Counter-1;

[0124] The QueryRep signaling is used to indicate the start of an access slot, and the time between two adjacent QueryRep can be regarded as an access slot.

[0125] S604, when the value of the counter of a tag is 0, the tag feeds back RN16 to the reader;

[0126] The RN16 is a 16-bit random number (may be 16 bits or 8 bits) and is used for contention resolution.

[0127] S605, the reader sends ACK to the successfully accessed tag, indicating that the contention resolution is successful, and the tag is successfully accessed;

[0128] S606, the successfully contended tag sends EPC to the reader;

[0129] S607, if the reader decodes the EPC sent by the tag successfully, the reader feeds back ACK to the tag, and the inventory flow of the tag ends;

[0130] S608, the reader continues to send QueryRep to trigger the next tag to access, and details can be referred to S603-S607 above.

[0131] It can be understood that in the above flow, each inventory cycle in the RFID system starts with the Query signaling, and each inventory in the inventory cycle ends at the boundary of the slot (QueryRep). If repeated inventory is needed, re-access is needed (i.e. 603-607 are executed once). In the periodic inventory, each inventory of the tag needs to be completed after the contention resolution.

[0132] A-IoT technology is a kind of extremely low power consumption and extremely low complexity Internet of Things technology defined by 3GPP, which can be understood as an extension of RFID in 3GPP. In the A-IoT system, the reader and the A-IoT terminal device (i.e. tag) can be implemented based on the infrastructure in the cellular network. In other words, the reader and the A-IoT terminal device can be devices in the cellular network. For example, the function of the reader can be implemented by a network device such as a base station. The A-IoT terminal device can be implemented by a terminal in the cellular network, such as an extremely low power consumption and extremely low complexity Internet of Things terminal, i.e. a first type of terminal. Non-contact data communication can be performed between the network device and the first type of terminal device, so as to read information from the first type of terminal device and / or write information to be stored into the first type of terminal device.

[0133] The A-IoT technology can be used to implement one or more of the following services:

[0134] 1. Inventory: using the reader (which can be a base station / terminal device) to access the A-IoT terminal devices within the coverage range, and the devices that successfully access will send their unique identifier (which can be recognized by the network, such as the electronic product code (EPC) in RFID) to the reader.

[0135] 2. Positioning: using some positioning signals to locate the position of the A-IoT terminal device.

[0136] 3. Sensing: the A-IoT terminal device reports sensing data such as temperature data to the base station.

[0137] 4. Command: the command service can be a service for implementing a write process or a lock process. Write process: the base station issues a downlink signaling and data, instructing the A-IoT terminal device to write the data into its own memory; lock process: the base station issues a downlink signaling to instruct the A-IoT terminal device to lock the position of a specified address of the memory, and the content of the memory segment cannot be changed and / or cannot be read.

[0138] There are some same principles between A-IoT technology and RFID technology, such as similar inventory process. The inventory process in the A-IoT system is basically based on the inventory process of the RFID system (as shown in FIG. 6). However, this leads to a problem: the signaling issued by the reader (such as a network device) has multiple types, such as Select / Paging, Query, QueryRep, etc. The sequence header of the physical layer (PHY) of these signals is all the same, so the A-IoT terminal device needs to detect all the signals, that is, receive and analyze each received signal, and then select the signal related to itself for access.

[0139] However, the A-IoT terminal device detecting and itself irrelevant signals will cause invalid power consumption. The scenario of detecting irrelevant signals leading to power consumption includes, for example:

[0140] Example 1: Different A-IoT terminal devices charge at different speeds. Some A-IoT terminal devices may miss the inventory signaling (such as Select or Paging, etc.) due to power loss, and need to wait for the next inventory signaling to inventory after being fully charged. The behavior of detecting signals (such as Query, QueryRep or other signals, etc.) before this is invalid power consumption.

[0141] Example 2: In the inventory process, some A-IoT terminal devices detect signals (such as QueryRep or other signals, etc.) during the waiting time for the next access after access failure, which is invalid power consumption.

[0142] Example 3: Different A-IoT terminal devices access different time slots in a round of inventory. The detection of other access signals (such as Select / Paging, Query, etc.) before the corresponding access time slot is invalid power consumption.

[0143] Invalid power consumption scenarios can cause A-IoT terminal devices to frequently power off, thereby affecting business experience.

[0144] To solve one or more of the above problems, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application are provided, which can realize A-IoT terminal device energy saving and improve business experience.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 7, a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. The method can be applied to an A-IoT scenario (such as any of the scenarios shown in FIGS. 1-4) or other communication scenarios, without limitation. In the method, an A-IoT terminal device is taken as an example, and the method can be extended to other types of terminal devices, without limitation.

[0146] The method includes:

[0147] S701, the reader sends a first signaling, and the A-IoT terminal device detects the first signaling in a first state;

[0148] In the embodiments of the present application, "detection" refers to the function of receiving signaling and analyzing the content (or the payload part, such as the upper layer data of the PHY layer or the MAC layer, such as the application layer data) of the signaling. The A-IoT terminal device detects the first signaling in the first state, which means that the terminal device has enabled the function of receiving and analyzing the first signaling. The A-IoT terminal device in the first state can always maintain the detection of the first signaling. As for whether the A-IoT terminal device detects the first signaling or when the A-IoT terminal device detects the first signaling, it also depends on whether the reader sends the first signaling. Only when the reader sends the first signaling and the A-IoT terminal device enables the detection function, the A-IoT terminal device will detect the first signaling (as described in step S701).

[0149] In some embodiments, "detection" can be replaced by "listening", "monitoring", "receiving" or other names, without limitation. "Signaling" can be replaced by "instruction", "information" or "message" or other names, without limitation.

[0150] It can be understood that there can be multiple signalings in the A-IoT network, such as different signalings sent by the same reader in sequence, or multiple different signalings sent by different readers, and the first signaling is one of the signalings.

[0151] Specifically, the first signaling is a broadcast signaling, and the beginning part of the first signaling is a first sequence. For example, part or all of the PHY header or the medium access control (MAC) header of the first signaling is the first sequence. The A-IoT terminal device detecting the first signaling can also be described as the A-IoT terminal device detecting the signaling with the PHY header or the MAC header being the first sequence.

[0152] In specific implementations, it can be that the entire PHY header is the first sequence, or a part (such as the beginning of the PHY header) of the PHY header is the first sequence, or the entire MAC header is the first sequence, or a part (such as the beginning of the MAC header or an additional 1-bit indication in the MAC header) of the MAC header is the first sequence, without limitation. For ease of description, the following will be described by taking an example of the entire PHY header or MAC header of the first signaling being the first sequence (referred to as the PHY header or MAC header of the first signaling being the first sequence).

[0153] The first sequence is one of a plurality of sequences, each of which is different from the others. The A-IoT terminal device can distinguish the first signaling from other signaling by the beginning part of the signaling (e.g., a PHY header or a MAC header), so that in the first state, the A-IoT terminal device can only detect the first signaling (i.e., analyze the payload part of the first signaling) and not detect other signaling (i.e., not analyze the payload part of the other signaling).

[0154] For example, the A-IoT terminal device receives signaling 1 in the first state, first analyzes the PHY header or the MAC header of the signaling 1, the PHY header or the MAC header of the signaling 1 is the first sequence, and then the A-IoT terminal device continues to analyze the content after the PHY header or the MAC header. For example, the A-IoT terminal device receives signaling 2 in the first state, first analyzes the PHY header or the MAC header of the signaling 2, the PHY header or the MAC header of the signaling 2 is not the first sequence, and then the A-IoT terminal device does not analyze the content after the PHY header or the MAC header, for example, discarding the signaling 2. In this way, the signaling 1 can be detected and the signaling 2 can not be detected.

[0155] In some possible designs, the first signaling is used to indicate at least one of the following: at least one device starts inventory, a period of inventory starts, or an access slot starts. For example, the first signaling can be any one of paging (Paging) signaling (which can be referred to as Paging for short), select (Select) signaling (which can be referred to as Select for short), query (Query) signaling (which can be referred to as Query for short), or query repetition (QueryRep) signaling (which can be referred to as QueryRep for short). For the definitions of Select, Query, and QueryRep, reference can be made to the related content in the foregoing, which will not be described in detail here.

[0156] It should be understood that the original definition of Paging refers to the process of finding a mobile user initiated by the network side in a cellular network, and the trigger condition of paging is that the network has signaling or data to send to the mobile terminal, but the state of the mobile terminal is not connected, at this time the network side cannot directly send data to the mobile terminal, and at this time the network does not even know the specific location of the mobile terminal, at this time the network side will perform a paging action. In the embodiment of the application, when the A-IoT system is implemented based on a cellular network, for example, the reader is a network device in the cellular network, and the A-IoT terminal device is a terminal device in the cellular network, the reader can page the A-IoT terminal device, and therefore paging can exist. It can be seen that the function of Paging in the cellular network is similar to the function of Select in the RFID system, both of which are to select or find a specified terminal device / tag. In the A-IoT system, Paging and Select can be the same signaling or different signaling; or in other words, in the A-IoT system, Paging and Select can only exist in one or both, and the embodiment of the application does not limit this. In one possible design, Paging and Query exist independently, that is, the reader issues both Paging and Query; in another possible design, Paging in the A-IoT system contains the function of Query in the RFID system, for example, Paging carries a Q value, and the Q value is used to generate an initial value of a counter by the A-IoT terminal device.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the PHY header or MAC header of different broadcast signaling can be different, for example, the PHY header or MAC header of Select, Query, and QueryRep is different. In this case, the first sequence can have multiple implementation modes. For example, the PHY header or MAC header of Select is sequence A, the PHY header or MAC header of Query is sequence B, and the PHY header or MAC header of QueryRep is sequence C, if the first signaling is Select, the first sequence is sequence A, if the first signaling is Query, the first sequence is sequence B, and if the first signaling is QueryRep, the first sequence is sequence C.

[0158] In another possible implementation, the PHY header or MAC header of different broadcast signaling can be the same, for example, the PHY header or MAC header of Select, Query, and QueryRep can be the same, for example, all are sequence A. In this case, the first sequence only has one implementation mode of sequence A.

[0159] It should be understood that in this implementation, after detecting that the PHY header or the MAC header is the first sequence of signaling, the A-IoT terminal device needs to further analyze the content after the PHY header or the MAC header to determine which of Select, Query, and QueryRep the first signaling is.

[0160] S702, the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state according to the first signaling.

[0161] It can be understood that the first state and the second state in the embodiments of the present application are two opposite states, for example, the power consumption of the A-IoT terminal device in the first state is lower than that in the second state, or the number of signaling types detected by the A-IoT terminal device in the first state is less than that in the second state, or the signaling detected by the A-IoT terminal device in the first state is different from that in the second state, and the like.

[0162] The first state and the second state can be distinguished based on software and / or hardware.

[0163] For example, when the A-IoT terminal device is any of the first type of terminal device, the second type of terminal device, or the third type of terminal device described above, the number of signaling types detected in the first state is less than that in the second state, and therefore the power consumption in the first state is lower than that in the second state.

[0164] For example, when the A-IoT terminal device is the third type of terminal device described above, the A-IoT terminal device can have a primary receiver and a secondary receiver, the A-IoT terminal device only turns on the secondary receiver and turns off the primary receiver in the first state, the secondary receiver is used to detect the first signaling, the A-IoT terminal device turns on the primary receiver in the second state, and the primary receiver is used to detect other signaling (such as the second signaling described below), and therefore the power consumption in the first state is lower than that in the second state. For specific implementation of the primary receiver and the secondary receiver, refer to the low power WUS (LP-WUS) mechanism.

[0165] Of course, the above two are only examples, and the manner of implementing the first state and the second state is not limited thereto.

[0166] In some embodiments, the low-power state can be alternatively described as a power saving state, a sleep state, a sleep state, a power saving state, and other names without limitation. The normal state can be alternatively described as a working state, a power consumption state, a wake-up state, and other names without limitation. In addition, the "state" in the embodiments of the present application can be alternatively described as "mode" and other names, such as the first state can also be called the first mode, and the second state can also be called the second mode.

[0167] In the embodiments of the present application, the first state is introduced for the A-IoT terminal device. The A-IoT terminal device can only detect the signaling (such as the first signaling) with the first sequence of the PHY header or the MAC header in the first state, without detecting all the signaling. In this way, the A-IoT terminal device can avoid detecting the signaling irrelevant to itself, thereby avoiding power consumption waste and achieving power saving effect. In addition, the A-IoT terminal device can switch to the second state according to the first signaling after detecting the first signaling, so that the A-IoT terminal device can execute the business process (such as the inventory process) in the second state.

[0168] In some embodiments, since the A-IoT terminal device only converts from the low-power state (the first state) to the normal state (the second state) when detecting the signaling (such as the first signaling) with the first sequence of the PHY header or the MAC header in the first state, the A-IoT terminal device can remain in the low-power state when not detecting the signaling containing the first sequence, that is, the effect of reducing power consumption can be achieved. Therefore, the first sequence can also be called a low-power sequence or other names, and the signaling (such as the first signaling) with the first sequence of the PHY header or the MAC header can also be called a low-power signaling or other names.

[0169] In a possible design, as shown in FIG. 7, after S702, S703 can also be performed: the A-IoT terminal device detects the second signaling in the second state. In FIG. 7, S703 is marked with a dashed line and is optional.

[0170] The second signaling is a unicast signaling, the PHY header or the MAC header of the second signaling is a second sequence, the second sequence is one of the multiple sequences to which the first sequence belongs, and the second sequence is different from the first sequence. S703 can also be described as: the A-IoT terminal device detects the unicast signaling with the second sequence of the PHY header or the MAC header in the second state.

[0171] The second signaling is used to indicate network access and / or data transmission, that is, the second signaling can be any unicast signaling received in the process of network access or data transmission of the A-IoT terminal device.

[0172] For example, when the A-IoT terminal device accesses the network in a four-step random access mode, the second signaling can be a message (Msg) 2 or Msg 4 in the four-step random access; or when the A-IoT terminal device accesses the network in a two-step random access mode, the second signaling can be a MsgB in the four-step random access.

[0173] For example, the second signaling is a signaling in a data transmission process, such as an ACK of the RN 16 in response to the A-IoT terminal device, an ACK of the EPC in response to the A-IoT terminal device, a signaling indicating the A-IoT terminal device to report sensing data, a signaling indicating the A-IoT terminal device to perform a write or lock process, and the like.

[0174] Of course, the above are only some examples, and the specific implementation of the second signaling is not limited thereto.

[0175] Through the above design, the A-IoT terminal device can receive the unicast signaling in the second state, thereby ensuring that the network access and / or data transmission proceed normally.

[0176] Optionally, the A-IoT terminal device can also detect broadcast signaling in the second state. The PHY header or MAC header of the broadcast signaling detected by the A-IoT terminal device in the second state can be the same as or different from the PHY header or MAC header (i.e., the first sequence) of the broadcast signaling detected by the A-IoT terminal device in the first state, without limitation. In other words, the A-IoT terminal device has the capability (or the function of detecting the first signaling is enabled) of detecting the first signaling whether in the first state or in the second state; or the A-IoT terminal device has the capability (or the function of detecting the first signaling is enabled) of detecting the first signaling in the first state, and does not have the capability (or the function of detecting the first signaling is not enabled) of detecting the first signaling in the second state.

[0177] For example, the first signaling is a Select with the PHY header or MAC header being the first sequence, and after the A-IoT terminal device switches to the second state according to the Select, the A-IoT terminal device continues to detect a Query and a QueryRep, and then performs data transmission after the counter reaches a preset value (such as 0).

[0178] For example, the first signaling is a Query with the PHY header or MAC header being the first sequence, and after the A-IoT terminal device switches to the second state according to the Query, the A-IoT terminal device continues to detect a QueryRep, and then performs data transmission after the counter reaches a preset value (such as 0).

[0179] In this way, the A-IoT terminal device can receive the broadcast signaling in the second state, so that the A-IoT terminal device can enter the network access and / or data transmission process smoothly according to the broadcast signaling.

[0180] In a possible design, the A-IoT terminal device enters the first state when a preset condition is met. The preset condition includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: charging completion, network access failure, and the like.

[0181] Specifically, the A-IoT terminal device enters the first state after charging completion or network access failure, and switches to the second state according to the first signaling after detecting the first signaling.

[0182] Of course, charging completion and network access failure are only two possible examples. For other scenarios in which the A-IoT terminal device listens to irrelevant signaling, resulting in power waste, the preset condition can also be included.

[0183] Optionally, after the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state according to the first signaling, the A-IoT terminal device can also complete network access and / or data transmission in the first access time slot. The first access time slot is an access time slot of the A-IoT terminal device, for example, the A-IoT terminal device receives QueryRep for the Nth time in the second state (N is a positive integer), sets the counter of the A-IoT terminal device according to the received QueryRep, and if the setting number is 0, it indicates that the access time slot of the A-IoT terminal device starts.

[0184] Optionally, the A-IoT terminal device can also detect fourth signaling in the second state, the fourth signaling is used to indicate the end of the first access time slot and the start of the second access time slot (for example, the fourth signaling is QueryRep), and the A-IoT terminal device switches from the second state to the first state according to the fourth signaling.

[0185] Using the example that the A-IoT terminal device sets the counter to 0 after receiving QueryRep for the Nth time, when the A-IoT terminal device receives QueryRep for the N+1th time in the second state, the access time slot of the A-IoT terminal device ends, and the next access time slot (which can be the access time slot of another A-IoT terminal device whose counter is set to 0) starts.

[0186] In this way, the A-IoT terminal device can be switched back to the first state in time after the corresponding access time slot ends, avoiding detecting irrelevant signaling in the access time slot that does not belong to itself, and further saving power.

[0187] Optionally, after switching from the second state to the first state, if the A-IoT terminal device detects a fifth signaling in the first state, the function of the fifth signaling is the same as that of the first signaling, for example, the fifth signaling is used to indicate at least one of the following: at least one device starts inventory, a inventory cycle starts, or an access time slot starts (the fifth signaling may be, for example, Paging / Select, Query, etc., without limitation), and the fifth signaling carries indication information indicating that the fifth signaling is a retransmission signaling of a service, the A-IoT terminal device can remain in the first state according to the fifth signaling, that is, it does not switch to the second state.

[0188] It can be understood that whether a signaling is a new transmission signaling or a retransmission signaling of a service depends on whether the network (such as a reader) has sent the signaling to the service (or depends on whether the network has sent a signaling with the same function or content or type to the service). If the signaling is sent to the service for the first time, the signaling is a new transmission signaling of the service. If the signaling is not sent to the service for the first time, the signaling is a retransmission signaling of the service. For example, the fifth signaling is Paging, the first signaling is also Paging, and the two Paging signals correspond to the same service. The fifth signaling is a retransmission signaling of the service, and no Paging has been sent to the service before the first signaling. Therefore, the first signaling is a new transmission signaling of the service. In some embodiments, when the signaling is sent to a service for the first time, the service can be referred to as a new service, and when the signaling is not sent to a service for the first time, the service can be referred to as an old service. A new transmission signaling of a service can also be referred to as a signaling of a new service, and a retransmission signaling of a service can also be referred to as a signaling of an old service.

[0189] Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, a signaling that is a retransmission signaling of a service can be referred to as a retransmission signaling, and a signaling that is a new transmission signaling of a service can be referred to as a new transmission signaling.

[0190] In a possible example, the indication information can be carried in the PHY or MAC header of the fifth signaling. For example, the PHY or MAC header of the fifth signaling is a third sequence, and the third sequence is different from the first sequence. Therefore, the A-IoT terminal device can determine that the first signaling is a new transmission (or first transmission) signaling of a service according to the PHY or MAC header of the first signaling, and determine that the fifth signaling is a retransmission (or non-first transmission) signaling of a service according to the PHY or MAC header of the fifth signaling.

[0191] In another possible example, the indication information can be carried after the PHY or MAC header of the fifth signaling (e.g., in the payload part), such as 1-bit indication information with a value of 1 (or 0) carried in the payload of the fifth signaling, indicating that the fifth signaling is a retransmission (or non-first transmission) of a service. In addition, 1-bit indication information with a value of 0 (or 1) can also be carried in the payload of the first signaling, indicating that the first signaling is a new transmission. Alternatively, the first signaling does not carry the indication information, and the signaling without the indication information is by default a new transmission.

[0192] In this way, the A-IoT terminal device that has completed network access and data transmission (e.g., inventory success) can be prevented from repeatedly switching to the second state to perform network access and data transmission, thereby further saving power.

[0193] In order to better understand the above scheme, two specific examples are given below.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 8A, one specific example of A-IoT terminal device state switching is shown.

[0195] At time t0, the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 2 are in a charging state;

[0196] At time t1, the A-IoT terminal device 1 completes and enters the first state, and the A-IoT terminal device 2 is still in the charging state;

[0197] At time t2, the reader issues a Paging (or Select, corresponding to the first signaling above), and the PHY or MAC header thereof is the first sequence. At this time, the A-IoT terminal device 1 in the first state can detect the Paging, and thus switches to the second state to start the subsequent access and data transmission process, while the A-IoT terminal device 2 is still in the charging state;

[0198] At time t3, the A-IoT terminal device 2 completes charging and enters the first state, but misses the previous Paging, and thus remains in the first state without waking up, waiting for the first signaling in the next period;

[0199] During time t2-t4, the A-IoT terminal device 1 accesses successfully and completes data transmission. At time t4, the A-IoT terminal device 1 detects QueryRep and switches back to the first state;

[0200] At time t5, the reader again issues a Paging (corresponding to the fifth signaling above), which carries indication information indicating that the Paging is a retransmission. The A-IoT terminal device 1 detects the Paging for the second time, and since the access and data transmission have been completed, the first state is maintained without switching. The A-IoT terminal device 2 detects the Paging for the first time, and switches from the first state to the second state, and starts the subsequent access and data transmission process in the second state.

[0201] During time t5-t6, the A-IoT terminal device 2 successfully accesses and completes data transmission. At time t6, the A-IoT terminal device 2 detects QueryRep and switches back to the first state.

[0202] As can be seen from the example given in FIG. 8A, embodiments of the present application consider that different A-IoT terminal devices charge at different speeds, and that an A-IoT terminal device (such as the A-IoT terminal device 2) that is out of power may miss the Paging / Select. After being fully charged, the A-IoT terminal device needs to wait for the next first signaling. By entering the first state, the A-IoT terminal device can only detect Paging / Select and not detect other signals (such as Query and QueryRep), thereby reducing invalid power consumption. After detecting Paging / Select, the A-IoT terminal device switches to the second state, and completes network access and data transmission in the second state. After network access and data transmission, the A-IoT terminal device detects QueryRep and switches back to the first state in time, further reducing invalid power consumption. After network access and data transmission, the A-IoT terminal device detects Paging / Select again in the first state, and maintains the first state without switching, further reducing invalid power consumption.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 8B, another specific example of state switching of an A-IoT terminal device is shown.

[0204] At time t0, the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 3 are in a charging state.

[0205] At time t1, the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 3 complete charging and enter the first state.

[0206] At time t2, the reader issues a Query (or Select / Paging containing Query function, corresponding to the first signaling above), and the PHY or MAC header is the first sequence. At this time, the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 3 in the first state detect the Query, and switch to the second state, and start the subsequent access and data transmission process in the second state.

[0207] At time t2-t4, the A-IoT terminal device 1 is successfully accessed and completes data transmission, and detects the QueryRep at time t4 to switch back to the first state; and the A-IoT terminal device 3 fails to access at time t2-t4, and switches back to the first state after the failure;

[0208] At time t5, the reader again issues the Query (or Select / Paging containing the Query function, corresponding to the fifth signaling in the foregoing), and the Query carries the indication information indicating that the Query is a retransmission signaling. The A-IoT terminal device 1 detects the Query for the second time, and since the access and data transmission have been completed, the first state is maintained without switching. The A-IoT terminal device 3 detects the Query for the second time, but since the previous access fails, the A-IoT terminal device 3 switches from the first state to the second state again after detecting the Query in the second state, and the access and data transmission process are restarted.

[0209] At time t5-t6, the A-IoT terminal device 3 is successfully accessed and completes data transmission, and detects the QueryRep at time t6 to switch back to the first state.

[0210] As can be seen from the example given in FIG. 8B, the embodiment of the present application considers that the A-IoT terminal device (such as the A-IoT terminal device 3) fails to access in the inventory process, and in the time period waiting for the next access, by entering the first state, the A-IoT terminal device can only detect the Query and not detect other signals (such as the QueryRep), thereby reducing the invalid power consumption. After detecting the first signaling, the A-IoT terminal device switches to the second state, and the network access and data transmission can be completed in the second state. After the network access and data transmission, the A-IoT terminal device timely switches back to the first state after detecting the QueryRep, thereby further reducing the invalid power consumption. After the network access and data transmission, the A-IoT terminal device remains in the first state after detecting the Query again, and does not switch, thereby further reducing the invalid power consumption.

[0211] In a possible design, the first signaling is used to indicate the start of an access time slot (such as the first signaling being the QueryRep with the first base sequence in the PHY or MAC header). The A-IoT terminal device can switch to the second state at / before the start of the time slot corresponding to the A-IoT terminal device, thereby avoiding the invalid power consumption caused by detecting the signals irrelevant to the A-IoT terminal device in other access time slots.

[0212] In a possible implementation, the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state according to the first signaling, which can include: the A-IoT terminal device sets a counter according to the first signaling, and the counter is set to a preset value (for example, 0), which indicates that the access time slot of the A-IoT terminal device starts, and then the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state. This implementation is compatible with the inventory mechanism of the RFID system.

[0213] It should be understood that, before the A-IoT terminal device detects the first signaling in the first state, the A-IoT terminal device needs to determine the initial value of the counter first. In a possible example, the A-IoT terminal device can detect a third signaling (for example, the A-IoT terminal device enters the first state after charging is completed or network access fails) in the first state, and the third signaling, for example, Query or Paging or Select, includes a first value; the A-IoT terminal device generates the initial value of the counter according to the first value; if the initial value is not the preset value, the first state is continued to be maintained, and the first signaling is waited to be detected; if the initial value is the preset value, the second state is switched to. In another possible example, the A-IoT terminal device can detect a third signaling (for example, the A-IoT terminal device enters or maintains the second state after charging is completed or network access fails) in the second state, and the third signaling is used to indicate that an inventory cycle starts (for example, the third signaling is Query), and the third signaling includes a first value; the initial value of the counter is generated according to the first value in the third signaling; if the initial value is not the preset value, the first state is switched to, and the first signaling is waited to be detected; if the initial value is the preset value, the second state is maintained.

[0214] In another possible implementation, the PHY or MAC header of the QueryRep can have multiple different sequence designs, each of which can correspond to an A-IoT terminal device or an A-IoT terminal device group (the A-IoT terminal device group includes multiple A-IoT terminal devices), and different A-IoT terminal devices (or different A-IoT terminal device groups) can correspond to different sequences. Correspondingly, the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state according to the first signaling, which can include: the A-IoT terminal device detects the QueryRep corresponding to the sequence, which indicates that the access time slot of the A-IoT terminal device starts, and the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state.

[0215] For example, the PHY or MAC header of the QueryRep can have five different sequences, and the A-IoT terminal device can determine the sequence corresponding to itself based on the following formula: sequence identification=(A-IoT terminal device identification or random number) mod 5.

[0216] Optionally, after switching from the first state to the second state according to the first signaling, the A-IoT terminal device can also complete network access and / or data transmission in the first access slot. For details, refer to the related description above, which will not be repeated here.

[0217] Optionally, the A-IoT terminal device can also detect a fourth signaling in the second state, the fourth signaling being used to indicate the end of the first access slot and the start of the second access slot (for example, the fourth signaling is QueryRep), and the A-IoT terminal device switches from the second state to the first state according to the fourth signaling. For details, refer to the related description above, which will not be repeated here.

[0218] Optionally, after switching from the second state to the first state, if the A-IoT terminal device detects a fifth signaling in the first state, the fifth signaling is used to indicate the start of an access slot (for example, the fifth signaling is QueryRep), and the fifth signaling carries indication information, the indication information being used to indicate that the fifth signaling is the retransmission signaling of a service, so the A-IoT terminal device can remain in the first state according to the fifth signaling, that is, does not switch to the second state. For details, refer to the related description above, which will not be repeated here.

[0219] In order to better understand the above scheme, two specific examples are given below.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 9A, an example of possible state switching is shown:

[0221] From t0, the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 4 are both in the first state;

[0222] At t1, the reader issues Query, and the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 4 both detect Query, and generate the initial value of their respective counters according to the Q value in Query, for example, the initial value of the counter of the A-IoT terminal device 1 is 1, and the initial value of the counter of the A-IoT terminal device 4 is 1, both of which are not 0, so they both remain in the first state;

[0223] At t2, the reader issues QueryRep, and the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 4 both detect QueryRep, the value of the counter of the A-IoT terminal device 1 is 0 after-1, indicating that the access slot of the A-IoT terminal device 1 starts, and the A-IoT terminal device 1 switches to the second state, while the value of the counter of the A-IoT terminal device 4 is 1 after-1, and continues to remain in the first state;

[0224] At t3, the reader secondly issues QueryRep, A-IoT terminal device 1 detects QueeryRep (indicating that the access slot of A-IoT terminal device 1 ends), A-IoT terminal device 1 switches back to the first state, A-IoT terminal device 1 switches to the second state, at the same time, A-IoT terminal device 4 also detects QueeryRep, A-IoT terminal device 1 takes the value-1 of the counter and the value after the value is 0 (indicating that the access slot of A-IoT terminal device 4 starts), continues to keep the first state, A-IoT terminal device 4 switches to the second state, and completes access and inventory and the like in the current access slot;

[0225] At t4, the reader thirdly issues QueryRep, A-IoT terminal device 4 detects QueeryRep (indicating that the access slot of A-IoT terminal device 4 ends), and A-IoT terminal device 1 switches back to the first state.

[0226] Referring to FIG. 9B, it is an example of a possible state switching:

[0227] From t0, A-IoT terminal device 1 and A-IoT terminal device 4 are both in the second state;

[0228] At t1, the reader issues Query, A-IoT terminal device 1 and A-IoT terminal device 4 both detect Query, and generate the initial value of the respective counter according to the Q value in Query, for example, the initial value of the counter of A-IoT terminal device 1 is 1, and the initial value of the counter of A-IoT terminal device 4 is 1, neither of which is 0, so they are both switched from the second state to the first state;

[0229] At t2, the reader issues QueryRep, A-IoT terminal device 1 and A-IoT terminal device 4 both detect QueeryRep, A-IoT terminal device 1 takes the value-1 of the counter and the value after the value is 0 (indicating that the access slot of A-IoT terminal device 1 starts), A-IoT terminal device 1 switches to the second state, and completes access and inventory and the like in the current access slot, at the same time, A-IoT terminal device 1 takes the value-1 of the counter and the value after the value is 1, and continues to keep the first state;

[0230] At t3, the reader sends QueryRep for the second time, A-IoT terminal device 1 detects QueryRep (indicating that the access time slot of A-IoT terminal device 1 ends), A-IoT terminal device 1 switches back to the first state, A-IoT terminal device 1 switches to the second state, at the same time, A-IoT terminal device 4 also detects QueryRep, A-IoT terminal device 1 continues to keep the first state after the value of the counter is -1, A-IoT terminal device 4 switches to the second state, and completes the access and inventory operations in the current access time slot;

[0231] At t4, the reader sends QueryRep for the third time, A-IoT terminal device 4 detects QueryRep (indicating that the access time slot of A-IoT terminal device 4 ends), A-IoT terminal device 1 switches back to the first state.

[0232] As can be seen from the examples in FIG. 9A or FIG. 9B, the embodiments of the present application consider that the A-IoT terminal device is in the first state before the A-IoT terminal device does not reach the access time slot corresponding to itself, and only detects QueryRep and does not detect other irrelevant signaling (such as Query), thereby reducing invalid power consumption. The A-IoT terminal device detects QueryRep when the access time slot corresponding to itself ends, that is, in the second state, and switches back to the first state in time, thereby further reducing invalid power consumption. The A-IoT terminal device detects QueryRep again in the first state after completing network access and data transmission, and keeps the first state without switching, thereby further reducing invalid power consumption.

[0233] Referring to FIG. 10, there is a flowchart of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application, which can be applied to an A-IoT scenario (such as any of the scenarios in FIGS. 1-4) or a communication scenario, without limitation. In this method, the A-IoT terminal device is taken as an example, and the method can also be extended to other types of terminal devices, without limitation. The method includes the following steps:

[0234] S1001, the reader sends a sixth signaling, and the A-IoT terminal device detects the sixth signaling in the first state;

[0235] S1002, the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state according to the sixth signaling.

[0236] The specific description of the related terms such as "detection", "signaling", "first state" and "second state" can be referred to the related description in the foregoing S701-S702, which will not be repeated here.

[0237] In the embodiments of the present application, the sixth signaling is used to indicate switching from the first state to the second state, or in other words, is used to indicate state switching, or in other words, is used to wake up the A-IoT terminal device, etc. The specific name of the sixth signaling can be switching signaling, wake-up signaling or wake-up signal, etc., which is not limited.

[0238] It should be understood that the sixth signaling is different from other signaling in the inventory process.

[0239] In a possible design, the sixth signaling can be a signal that transmits a small amount of information, and the power consumption required by the A-IoT terminal device to detect the sixth signaling is lower than the power consumption required to detect other signaling. Optionally, the A-IoT device is a third type of terminal device, supports the configuration of a primary receiver and a secondary receiver, the A-IoT terminal device only turns on the secondary receiver in the first state, the secondary receiver detects the sixth signaling, and the sixth signaling is detected at a lower power consumption; after switching to the second state according to the sixth signaling, the A-IoT terminal device turns on the primary receiver in the second state, and the primary receiver detects other signaling except the sixth signaling, and other signaling is detected at a higher power consumption.

[0240] In a possible example, the sixth signaling can reuse the wake-up signal (WUS) or low power WUS (LP-WUS) proposed in the 3GPP chapter related to terminal power saving. For example, the WUS is carried by the downlink control information (DCI) format 2_6. One bit in the DCI format 2_6 is used to indicate whether the terminal device is woken up, and when the bit indicates that the terminal is woken up, the A-IoT terminal device receiving the DCI format 2_6 switches from the first state to the second state. In another possible example, the sixth signaling can be a newly added signal, which is different from the WUS, LP-WUS, etc. in the 3GPP chapter related to terminal power saving, and the sixth signaling is specifically used to indicate that the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state.

[0241] In another possible design, the sixth signaling and other signaling can be distinguished by the beginning part (such as the PHY header or the MAC header) of the signaling, such as the PHY or MAC header of the sixth signaling being a fourth sequence, so that in the first state, the A-IoT terminal device can only detect the sixth signaling (i.e., analyze the payload part of the sixth signaling), and does not detect other signaling (i.e., does not analyze the payload part of other signaling). The way of distinguishing the sixth signaling and other signaling by sequence can also refer to the sequence-based distinguishing way of the first signaling and the second signaling described above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0242] For example, the A-IoT terminal device receives the signaling 3 in the first state, first analyzes the PHY header or the MAC header of the signaling 3, the PHY header or the MAC header of the signaling 3 is the fourth sequence, and then the A-IoT terminal device continues to analyze the content after the PHY header or the MAC header. For example, the A-IoT terminal device receives the signaling 4 in the first state, first analyzes the PHY header or the MAC header of the signaling 4, the PHY header or the MAC header of the signaling 4 is not the fourth sequence, and then the A-IoT terminal device does not analyze the content after the PHY header or the MAC header, for example, discarding the signaling 4. In this way, the signaling 3 can be detected, and the signaling 4 cannot be detected.

[0243] In a specific implementation, the reader can send the sixth signaling within a preset time period before issuing the inventory signaling (such as Paging or Select) to make the A-IoT terminal device switch to the second state, so that the A-IoT terminal device switches to the second state in time before the inventory signaling arrives, on the one hand, ensuring that the inventory business can be normally executed, and on the other hand, avoiding the A-IoT terminal device being switched to the second state too early to cause invalid power consumption.

[0244] In the embodiments of the present application, the first state is introduced for the A-IoT terminal device, and the sixth signaling is introduced to indicate the A-IoT terminal device to switch the state, so that the A-IoT terminal device in the first state can only detect the sixth signaling, without detecting all the signalings, which can avoid the A-IoT terminal device detecting the signalings irrelevant to itself to cause power waste, effectively reducing the power consumption of the A-IoT terminal device, and achieving the power saving effect. In addition, the A-IoT terminal device can switch to the second state after detecting the sixth signaling in the first state, so that the A-IoT terminal device can execute the business process (such as the inventory process).

[0245] In a possible design, after S1002, S1003 can also be performed:

[0246] S1003, the A-IoT terminal device detects the signaling in the second state, which includes one or more of Paging, Select, Query, QueryRep, etc. For the definition of Paging, Select, Query, QueryRep, etc., reference can be made to the related description in FIG. 7. It should be understood that the present embodiment does not require which sequences the PHY or MAC header of the Paging, Select, Query, QueryRep, etc. is.

[0247] Through the above design, the A-IoT terminal device can receive the signaling after switching to the second state, so as to ensure that the A-IoT terminal device can normally perform the inventory process while saving power.

[0248] In a possible design, the first information is included in the sixth signaling, and the first information is used to indicate that the sixth signaling is new transmission signaling of a service or retransmission signaling of a service.

[0249] The A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state according to the sixth signaling, which can include the following cases.

[0250] Case 1: The sixth signaling is new transmission signaling of a service, and the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state.

[0251] In this case, the service is a new service, that is, the A-IoT terminal device has not performed network access, data transmission, or the like for the service, and therefore needs to switch to the second state, so as to perform network access and / or data transmission, or the like for the corresponding service in the second state.

[0252] It can be understood that in an actual case, the network needs to initiate a corresponding inventory process for each service, and therefore, the new transmission signaling of a service indicates that the A-IoT terminal device in the network has not performed access and data transmission for the service, and therefore the A-IoT terminal device needs to switch to the second state to detect subsequent signaling, such as seventh signaling (for example, the seventh signaling is Query), so as to start performing access and data transmission for the service.

[0253] Case 2: The sixth signaling is retransmission signaling of a service, and the A-IoT terminal device has not completed network access and / or data transmission for the corresponding service, and the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state.

[0254] In this case, the service is an old service, and the A-IoT terminal device has performed network access and / or data transmission, or the like for the old service, but the previously performed network access and / or data transmission, or the like can not be completed due to interruption or failure, and therefore needs to switch to the second state again to re-perform network access and / or data transmission, or the like for the old service.

[0255] In addition, in an actual case, a third case can also be included.

[0256] Case 3: The sixth signaling is retransmission signaling of a service, and the A-IoT terminal device has completed network access and / or data transmission for the corresponding service, and the A-IoT terminal device remains in the first state.

[0257] In this case, the service is an old service, and the A-IoT terminal device has performed network access and / or data transmission on the old service and has successfully completed the operations, so the A-IoT terminal device, after detecting the sixth signaling, can remain in the first state, that is, does not switch to the second state, to avoid repeatedly performing network access and / or data transmission on the old service.

[0258] In an embodiment of the present application, the first information can be implemented in various ways, and the following lists some possible implementation manners:

[0259] Manner 1: The first information is indication information in the sixth signaling, used to indicate that the sixth signaling is new transmission signaling of a service or retransmission signaling of a service.

[0260] For example, the sixth signaling has 1 bit, which is 1 when indicating that the sixth signaling is new transmission signaling, and which is 0 when indicating that the sixth signaling is retransmission signaling.

[0261] Manner 2: The first information is a session identifier of a service.

[0262] For example, after receiving the sixth signaling, the A-IoT terminal device identifies the session identifier, and if the A-IoT terminal device has received a signaling carrying the session identifier before, it determines that the sixth signaling is retransmission signaling, and if the A-IoT terminal device has not received a signaling carrying the session identifier before, it determines that the sixth signaling is new transmission signaling.

[0263] Through the above design, the A-IoT terminal device can be prevented from repeatedly switching to the second state to perform network access and data transmission on the same service, thereby further saving power.

[0264] In a possible design, when the preset condition is met, the A-IoT terminal device enters the first state; the preset condition includes at least one of the following: charging is completed, network access fails.

[0265] Optionally, after the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state according to the sixth signaling, the A-IoT terminal device completes network access and / or data transmission on the corresponding service in the first access time slot. The first access time slot is an access time slot corresponding to the A-IoT terminal device, for example, the A-IoT terminal device receives QueryRep for the Nth time in the second state (N is a positive integer), and sets the counter of the A-IoT terminal device according to the received QueryRep, and if the setting number is 0, it indicates that the access time slot of the A-IoT terminal device starts.

[0266] Optionally, the A-IoT terminal device can also detect a tenth signaling in the second state, the tenth signaling being used to indicate the end of the first access time slot and the start of the second access time slot, the A-IoT terminal device switching from the second state to the first state (for example, the ninth signaling is QueryRep), and the A-IoT terminal device switching from the second state to the first state according to the tenth signaling. In the example that the A-IoT terminal device resets the counter to 0 after receiving QueryRep for the Nth time, when the A-IoT terminal device receives QueryRep for the N+1th time in the second state (N is a positive integer), the access time slot of the A-IoT terminal device ends, and the next access time slot (which can be the access time slot of another A-IoT terminal device with the counter reset to 0) starts.

[0267] In this way, the A-IoT terminal device can be switched back to the first state in time after the corresponding access time slot ends, and the power consumption caused by detecting irrelevant signaling in the access time slot that does not belong to the A-IoT terminal device can be avoided.

[0268] In order to better understand the above scheme, two specific examples are given below.

[0269] Referring to FIG. 11A, one specific example of state switching of the A-IoT terminal device is shown.

[0270] At time t0, the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 2 are in a charging state.

[0271] At time t1, the A-IoT terminal device 1 is completed and enters the first state, and the A-IoT terminal device 2 is still in the charging state.

[0272] At time t2, the reader issues a WUS (corresponding to the sixth signaling above), which carries the first information indicating that the WUS is newly transmitted, and the A-IoT terminal device 1 in the first state can detect the WUS and switch to the second state to start the subsequent access and data transmission process, while the A-IoT terminal device 2 is still in the charging state.

[0273] At time t3, the A-IoT terminal device 2 is completed and enters the first state, but misses the previous WUS and remains in the first state without waking up, waiting for the WUS in the next period.

[0274] During time t2-t4, the A-IoT terminal device 1 successfully accesses and completes data transmission, and the A-IoT terminal device 1 detects QueryRep at time t4 and switches back to the first state.

[0275] At time t5, the reader secondly issues a WUS, the WUS carrying the first information indicating that the WUS is retransmission signaling, the A-IoT terminal device 1 detects the WUS, and since the access and data transmission have been completed previously, the first state is maintained without switching; the A-IoT terminal device 2 detects the WUS, and since the access and data transmission have not been performed previously, switches from the first state to the second state, and starts to perform the subsequent access and data transmission process in the second state;

[0276] During the time period from t5 to t6, the A-IoT terminal device 2 successfully accesses and completes data transmission, and the A-IoT terminal device 2 detects QueryRep at time t6, and switches back to the first state.

[0277] As can be seen from the example given in FIG. 11A, embodiments of the present application consider that different A-IoT terminal devices charge at different speeds, and the A-IoT terminal device (such as the A-IoT terminal device 2) that is out of power may miss the inventory signaling, and needs to wait for the next inventory signaling after being fully charged. By entering the first state, only WUS can be detected without detecting other signaling, so as to reduce invalid power consumption. After detecting the WUS and switching to the second state, network access and data transmission can be completed in the second state. After network access and data transmission, the first state is switched back in time after detecting QueryRep, further reducing invalid power consumption. After network access and data transmission, the first state is maintained without switching after detecting the WUS again, further reducing invalid power consumption.

[0278] Referring to FIG. 11B, another specific example of state switching of an A-IoT terminal device is shown.

[0279] At time t0, the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 3 are both in a charging state;

[0280] At time t1, the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 3 both complete charging and enter the first state;

[0281] At time t2, the reader issues a WUS (corresponding to the sixth signaling in the foregoing), the WUS carrying the first information indicating that the WUS is new transmission signaling, at this time, the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 3 in the first state detect the WUS and switch to the second state, and start to perform the subsequent access and data transmission process in the second state;

[0282] During the time period from t2 to t4, the A-IoT terminal device 1 successfully accesses and completes data transmission, and switches back to the first state after detecting QueryRep at time t4; and the A-IoT terminal device 3 fails to access during the time period from t2 to t4, and switches back to the first state after the failure;

[0283] At time t5, the reader secondly issues a WUS, the WUS carries the first information indicating that the WUS is retransmission signaling, the A-IoT terminal device 1 detects the WUS, and since the access and data transmission have been completed before, the first state is maintained without switching; the A-IoT terminal device 3 detects the WUS, and since the access fails before and the data transmission is not completed, the A-IoT terminal device 3 switches from the first state to the second state, and starts to perform the subsequent access and data transmission process in the second state;

[0284] During the time period from t5 to t6, the A-IoT terminal device 3 successfully accesses and completes data transmission, and detects the QueryRep at time t6 to switch back to the first state.

[0285] As can be seen from the example given in FIG. 11B, the embodiments of the present application consider that the A-IoT terminal device (such as the A-IoT terminal device 3) fails to access during the inventory process, and during the time period waiting for the next access, by entering the first state, the A-IoT terminal device can only detect the WUS without detecting other signaling, thereby reducing invalid power consumption. After detecting the WUS, the A-IoT terminal device switches to the second state, and can complete the network access and data transmission in the second state. After the network access and data transmission, the A-IoT terminal device timely switches back to the first state after detecting the QueryRep, thereby further reducing invalid power consumption. After the network access and data transmission, the A-IoT terminal device detects the WUS again, maintains the first state without switching, thereby further reducing invalid power consumption.

[0286] In a possible design, the sixth signaling is used to indicate that the first terminal device group switches from the first state to the second state, and the sixth signaling (WUS) includes a first group number, and the first group number is used to indicate the first terminal device group. When the first group number matches the group number of the A-IoT terminal device, the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state; and when the first group number does not match the group number of the A-IoT terminal device, the A-IoT terminal device can maintain the first state, that is, without switching to the second state.

[0287] In specific implementation, the reader can send WUSs corresponding to different group numbers at different times, so as to realize that the A-IoT terminal devices of different groups access the network at different times to perform data transmission, and avoid that one WUS triggers all A-IoT terminal devices to switch to the second state, thereby causing invalid power consumption.

[0288] The time corresponding to one WUS (i.e., the time between two adjacent WUSs) can include one or more access slots, without limitation. When multiple access slots are included, the A-IoT terminal device in the second state can select one of the access slots for access, for example, based on a QueryRep counting mechanism, access in the access slot with a counter value of 0, or select an access slot for access based on other manners, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the manner of selecting an access slot.

[0289] It should be understood that the A-IoT terminal device needs to determine its corresponding group number. In one possible implementation, the reader can issue the eighth signaling, the A-IoT terminal device detects the eighth signaling in the second state, the eighth signaling is used to instruct at least one device to start inventory (the eighth signaling is, for example, Paging or Select), the A-IoT terminal device belongs to the at least one device, and the eighth signaling includes a second value; the A-IoT terminal device generates a random number not exceeding the second value as its group number, and then enters the first state.

[0290] In one possible implementation, the A-IoT terminal device can be in the second state by default, for example, automatically entering the second state in the scenarios of charging completion or access failure, and when the A-IoT terminal device is configured with a group number, the reader directly issues the eighth signaling, and each A-IoT terminal device generates its corresponding group number according to the eighth signaling.

[0291] In another possible implementation, the A-IoT terminal device can be in the first state by default, for example, automatically entering the first state in the scenarios of charging completion or access failure, and when the A-IoT terminal device is configured with a group number, the reader can issue the ninth signaling, the ninth signaling is used to instruct all A-IoT terminal devices in the first state to switch to the second state, so that each A-IoT terminal device detects the eighth signaling and generates its corresponding group number according to the eighth signaling.

[0292] It can be understood that the ninth signaling is different from the sixth signaling, the ninth signaling is for all A-IoT terminal devices in the first state, and the eighth signaling is for a group of A-IoT terminal devices indicated by the group number carried by the eighth signaling. In order to facilitate distinction, the ninth signaling can be referred to as a first type of WUS (or a coarse-grained WUS), and the eighth signaling can be referred to as a second type of WUS (or a fine-grained WUS or a group-grained WUS).

[0293] Optionally, the A-IoT terminal device completes network access and / or data transmission of the corresponding service in the first access time slot after switching from the first state to the second state according to the sixth signaling. The network access and / or data transmission of the A-IoT terminal device in the first access time slot is implemented with reference to the foregoing related description, which will not be repeated here.

[0294] Optionally, the A-IoT terminal device can also detect a tenth signaling in the second state, the tenth signaling being used to indicate the end of the first access time slot and the start of the second access time slot (for example, the ninth signaling such as QueryRep), and the A-IoT terminal device switches from the second state to the first state according to the tenth signaling. The specific implementation is described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0295] In order to better understand the above scheme, a specific example is given below.

[0296] Referring to FIG. 12, an example of possible state switching is shown:

[0297] At time t0, the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 2 are both in the first state;

[0298] At time t1, the reader issues a first type of WUS (i.e., WUS for all A-IoT terminal devices), and the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 2 both detect the first type of WUS and switch to the second state;

[0299] At time t2, the reader issues Paging / Select carrying a second value, such as Q (Q is a positive integer), and the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 2 generate their respective group numbers according to Q, for example, the group number of the A-IoT terminal device 1 is 1, and the group number of the A-IoT terminal device 2 is 2, and then enter the first state;

[0300] At time t3, the reader issues a second type of WUS carrying the group number 1 (corresponding to the sixth signaling above), and the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 2 both detect the second type of WUS. The group number 1 carried by the first type of WUS matches the group number 1 of the A-IoT terminal device 1, the A-IoT terminal device 1 switches to the second state, and the A-IoT terminal device 2 remains in the first state without switching;

[0301] During time t3-t4, the A-IoT terminal device 1 successfully accesses and completes data transmission, and detects QueryRep at time t4 to switch back to the first state;

[0302] At the moment t5, the reader issues a second type of WUS (corresponding to the sixth signaling above) carrying group number 2, and the A-IoT terminal device 1 and the A-IoT terminal device 2 both detect the second type of WUS. The group number 2 carried by the first type of WUS matches the group number 2 of the A-IoT terminal device 2, and the A-IoT terminal device 2 switches to the second state, and the A-IoT terminal device 1 remains in the first state and does not switch.

[0303] During the time period t5-t6, the A-IoT terminal device 2 successfully accesses and completes data transmission, and detects the QueryRep at the moment t6 to switch back to the first state.

[0304] As can be seen from the example given in FIG. 12, the embodiments of the present application can switch the A-IoT terminal devices of different groups to the second state at different times to access the network for data transmission, thereby avoiding switching all A-IoT terminal devices to the second state at the same time, and further saving the power of each A-IoT terminal device.

[0305] It can be understood that each of the above embodiments can be implemented separately or in combination, and the present application does not make any limitation.

[0306] The above describes the method provided by the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the following describes the device provided by the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0307] Based on the same technical concept, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication device, which includes a module / unit / means for executing the method performed by the sending device and / or the receiving device in the above method embodiments. The module / unit / means can be implemented by software or by hardware, or by executing corresponding software by hardware.

[0308] For example, referring to FIG. 13, the device can include a transceiver module 1301 and a processing module 1302.

[0309] For example, when the device is an A-IoT terminal device or when the device is located on an A-IoT terminal device:

[0310] The transceiver module 1301 is configured to detect a first signaling in a first state, the first signaling being a broadcast signaling, a PHY header or a MAC header of the first signaling being a first sequence, the first sequence being one of a plurality of sequences, and the first signaling being used to indicate at least one of starting inventory, starting a inventory period, or starting an access time slot.

[0311] The processing module 1302 is configured to switch from the first state to a second state according to the first signaling, wherein the first state is a low-power state, and the second state is a normal state.

[0312] The apparatus can detect only the signaling (i.e., first signaling) of the first sequence in the PHY header or the MAC header in the first state, without detecting all the signaling, so as to avoid detecting the signaling irrelevant to the apparatus, thereby avoiding power waste and achieving power saving effect; and after detecting the first signaling, the apparatus can switch to the second state according to the first signaling, so as to perform a business process (e.g., an inventory process) in the second state.

[0313] In a possible design, the transceiver 1301 can further be configured to: in the second state, detect a second signaling, the second signaling being unicast signaling, a PHY header or a MAC header of the second signaling being of a second sequence, the second sequence being one of a plurality of sequences, the second sequence being different from the first sequence, and the second signaling being used to indicate network access and / or data transmission.

[0314] In this way, after switching to the second state, the apparatus can receive the unicast signaling, so as to ensure normal network access and / or data transmission.

[0315] In a possible design, the processing module 1302 can further be configured to: enter the first state when a preset condition is met, and the preset condition includes at least one of the following: charging completion, and network access failure. Of course, the above two are merely examples, and the actual design is not limited thereto. This design can be applicable to a scenario in which the first signaling is used to indicate that at least one apparatus starts an inventory or an inventory period starts.

[0316] In a possible design, the first signaling is used to indicate that an access time slot starts; correspondingly, the processing module 1302 can be configured to: set a counter according to the first signaling, and switch from the first state to the second state after the counter is set to a preset value. This design can be compatible with an inventory mechanism in an existing RFID system.

[0317] In a possible design, the transceiver 1301 can further be configured to: before detecting the first signaling in the first state, detect a third signaling in the first state, the third signaling being used to indicate that an inventory period starts, and the third signaling including a first value. Correspondingly, the processing module 1302 can further be configured to: generate an initial value of the counter according to the first value, and keep the first state when the initial value is not the preset value. This design can be compatible with an inventory mechanism in an existing RFID system.

[0318] In a possible design, the transceiver 1301 can further be configured to: before detecting the first signaling in the first state, detect a third signaling in the second state, the third signaling being used to indicate that an inventory period starts, and the third signaling including a first value. Correspondingly, the processing module 1302 can further be configured to: generate an initial value of the counter according to the first value, and switch from the second state to the first state when the initial value is not the preset value. This design can be compatible with an inventory mechanism in an existing RFID system.

[0319] In a possible design, the transceiver 1301 can further be configured to: complete network access and / or data transmission in the first access time slot after the processing module 1302 switches from the first state to the second state according to the first signaling; and detect fourth signaling in the second state, where the fourth signaling is used to indicate the end of the first access time slot and the start of a second access time slot. The processing module 1302 is further configured to switch from the second state to the first state according to the fourth signaling. This design can be compatible with the inventory mechanism in the existing RFID system.

[0320] In a possible design, the transceiver 1301 can further be configured to: after the processing module 1302 switches from the second state to the first state, detect fifth signaling in the first state, where the fifth signaling is used to indicate at least one of the start of inventory of at least one device, the start of an inventory cycle, or the start of an access time slot, and the fifth signaling carries indication information used to indicate that the fifth signaling is retransmission signaling of a service. The processing module 1302 is further configured to maintain the first state according to the fifth signaling.

[0321] This design can enable the device to switch back to the first state in time after the end of the access time slot corresponding to the device, thereby avoiding detection of signaling irrelevant to the device in an access time slot not corresponding to the device, and further saving power.

[0322] For example, when the device is an A-IoT terminal device or when the device is located on an A-IoT terminal device:

[0323] The transceiver 1301 is configured to detect, in the first state, sixth signaling used to switch from the first state to the second state, where the sixth signaling includes first information used to indicate that the sixth signaling is new transmission signaling of a service or retransmission signaling of a service.

[0324] The processing module 1302 is configured to switch from the first state to the second state according to the sixth signaling, where the first state is a low-power-consumption state, and the second state is a normal state.

[0325] For example, when the device is a reader / writer or when the device is located on a reader / writer:

[0326] The processing module 1302 is configured to determine the first signaling, where the first signaling is broadcast signaling, a PHY header or a MAC header of the first signaling is a first sequence, the first sequence is one of a plurality of sequences, and the first signaling is used to indicate at least one of the start of inventory of at least one device, the start of an inventory cycle, or the start of an access time slot.

[0327] The transceiver 1301 is configured to send the first signaling, so as to enable the A-IoT terminal device to switch from the first state to the second state according to the first signaling, where the first state is a low-power-consumption state, and the second state is a normal state.

[0328] In a possible design, the transceiver 1301 can further be configured to send second signaling, the second signaling being unicast signaling, a PHY header or a MAC header of the second signaling being a second sequence, the second sequence being one of a plurality of sequences, the second sequence being different from the first sequence, and the second signaling being used to indicate network access and / or data transmission.

[0329] In a possible design, the first signaling is used to indicate a start of an access slot; and the transceiver 1301 is further configured to, before sending the first signaling, send third signaling, the third signaling being used to indicate a start of an inventory period, and the third signaling including the first value.

[0330] In a possible design, the transceiver 1301 can further be configured to send fourth signaling, the fourth signaling being used to indicate an end of the first access slot and a start of the second access slot, so that the A-IoT terminal device switches from the second state to the first state according to the fourth signaling.

[0331] In a possible design, the transceiver 1301 can further be configured to send fifth signaling, the fifth signaling being used to indicate at least one of a start of inventory of at least one device, a start of an inventory period, or a start of an access slot, and the fifth signaling carrying indication information, the indication information being used to indicate that the fifth signaling is retransmission signaling of a service.

[0332] For example, when the device is a reader or when the device is located on a reader:

[0333] The processing module 1302 is configured to determine sixth signaling, the sixth signaling being used to indicate switching from the first state to the second state, and the sixth signaling including first information, the first information being used to indicate that the sixth signaling is new transmission signaling of a service or retransmission signaling of a service.

[0334] The transceiver 1301 is configured to send the sixth signaling, so that the A-IoT terminal device switches from the first state to the second state according to the sixth signaling; and the first state is a low-power-consumption state, and the second state is a normal state.

[0335] It should be understood that all related content of each step involved in the method embodiments described above can be cited to the function description of the corresponding function module, which will not be repeated here.

[0336] In a specific implementation, the apparatus described above can have various product forms, and the following introduces several possible product forms.

[0337] As shown in FIG. 14, the embodiment of the present application further provides a communication apparatus, which comprises:

[0338] at least one processor 1401; and a communication interface 1403 connected with the at least one processor 1401; the at least one processor 1401 executes the instructions stored in the memory 1402, so that the apparatus executes the method steps in the above-mentioned method embodiments through the communication interface 1403.

[0339] Optionally, the memory 1402 is located outside the apparatus.

[0340] Optionally, the apparatus includes the memory 1402, which is connected with the at least one processor 1401, and the memory 1402 stores instructions executable by the at least one processor 1401. FIG. 14 shows that the memory 1402 is optional for the apparatus with a dashed line.

[0341] The processor 1401 and the memory 1402 can be coupled through an interface circuit or integrated together, which is not limited here.

[0342] The specific connection medium between the processor 1401, the memory 1402 and the communication interface 1403 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In FIG. 14, the processor 1401, the memory 1402 and the communication interface 1403 are connected through a bus 1404, and the bus is represented by a thick line in FIG. 14. The connection mode between other components is only schematically illustrated and is not limited. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For convenience, only one thick line is used to represent the bus in FIG. 14, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0343] Based on the same technical concept, the embodiments of the present application also provide a chip, which can include a logic circuit and an input / output interface. Optionally, it can also include a memory. The input / output interface can be used to receive code instructions (code instructions stored in the memory can be directly read from the memory or also read from the memory through other devices) and transmit to the logic circuit; the logic circuit can be used to run the code instructions to execute the methods in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0344] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or software. When implemented by hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc. When implemented by software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor which reads the software code stored in the memory to implement.

[0345] The processor can be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or the like. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, or the processor can be any conventional processor, etc.

[0346] It should be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be 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 are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM) and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0347] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, a discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated in the processor.

[0348] It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0349] Based on the same technical concept, the embodiment of the present application further provides a computer readable storage medium, wherein the computer program or instructions are stored in the storage medium, and when the computer program or instructions are executed by a communication device, the method steps in the method embodiment described above are realized.

[0350] Based on the same technical concept, the embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, wherein the computer program product comprises computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or the instructions are run by a communication device, the method steps in the method embodiment described above are executed.

[0351] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0352] The present application is described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the method, device (system), and computer program product according to the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and the combination of flows and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus produce the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0353] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a manufactured product comprising instruction means, which realizes the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0354] These computer program instructions can also be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, so that a series of operation steps are performed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus provide steps for realizing the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: detecting first signaling in a first state, the first signaling being broadcast signaling, a physical layer (PHY) header or a medium access control (MAC) header of the first signaling being a first sequence, the first sequence being one of a plurality of sequences, the first signaling being used to indicate at least one of at least one device starting inventory, a start of an inventory period, or a start of an access slot; switching from the first state to a second state according to the first signaling; wherein the first state is a low-power-consumption state, and the second state is a normal state.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: detecting second signaling in the second state, the second signaling being unicast signaling, a PHY header or a MAC header of the second signaling being a second sequence, the second sequence being one of the plurality of sequences, the second sequence being different from the first sequence, the second signaling being used to indicate network access and / or data transmission.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method further comprises: when a preset condition is met, entering the first state; the preset condition comprising at least one of the following: charging being completed, network access failing.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first signaling is used to indicate at least one of at least one device starting inventory or a start of an inventory period.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first signaling is used to indicate a start of an access slot. The switching from the first state to the second state according to the first signaling comprises: setting a counter according to the first signaling, the counter being set to a preset value, and then switching from the first state to the second state.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, Before the detecting the first signaling in the first state, the method further comprises: detecting third signaling in the first state, the third signaling being used to indicate a start of an inventory period, the third signaling comprising a first value; generating an initial value of the counter according to the first value, the initial value being different from the preset value, and then maintaining the first state; or detecting third signaling in the second state, the third signaling being used to indicate a start of an inventory period, the third signaling comprising a first value; generating an initial value of the counter according to the first value, the initial value being different from the preset value, and then switching from the second state to the first state.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein After the switching from the first state to the second state according to the first signaling, the method further comprises: completing network access and / or data transmission in a first access slot; detecting fourth signaling in the second state, the fourth signaling being used to indicate an end of the first access slot and a start of a second access slot, and then switching from the second state to the first state according to the fourth signaling.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, After the switching from the second state to the first state, the method further comprises: detecting fifth signaling in the first state, the fifth signaling being used to indicate at least one of at least one device starting inventory, a start of an inventory period, or a start of an access slot, the fifth signaling carrying indication information, the indication information being used to indicate that the fifth signaling is retransmission signaling of a service; maintaining the first state according to the fifth signaling.

9. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: determining first signaling, wherein the first signaling is broadcast signaling, a physical layer (PHY) header or a medium access control (MAC) header of the first signaling is a first sequence, the first sequence is one of a plurality of sequences, and the first signaling is used to indicate at least one of that at least one device starts inventorying, that one inventorying period starts, or that one access slot starts; sending the first signaling, so that an ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) terminal device switches from a first state to a second state according to the first signaling; wherein the first state is a low-power-consumption state, and the second state is a normal state.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, Further comprising: sending second signaling, wherein the second signaling is unicast signaling, a PHY header or a MAC header of the second signaling is a second sequence, the second sequence is one of the plurality of sequences, the second sequence is different from the first sequence, and the second signaling is used to indicate network access and / or data transmission.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein, The first signaling is used to indicate that one access slot starts; before the first signaling is sent, further comprising: sending third signaling, wherein the third signaling is used to indicate that one inventorying period starts, and the third signaling includes a first value.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, Further comprising: sending fourth signaling, wherein the fourth signaling is used to indicate that the first access slot ends and that a second access slot starts, so that the A-IoT terminal device switches from the second state to the first state according to the fourth signaling.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, Further comprising: sending fifth signaling, wherein the fifth signaling is used to indicate at least one of that at least one device starts inventorying, that one inventorying period starts, or that one access slot starts, the fifth signaling carries indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate that the fifth signaling is a retransmission of one service.

14. A communications device, characterized by Comprising: a transceiver module, configured to detect first signaling in a first state, wherein the first signaling is broadcast signaling, a physical layer (PHY) header or a medium access control (MAC) header of the first signaling is a first sequence, the first sequence is one of a plurality of sequences, and the first signaling is used to indicate at least one of that at least one device starts inventorying, that one inventorying period starts, or that one access slot starts; a processing module, configured to switch from the first state to a second state according to the first signaling; wherein the first state is a low-power-consumption state, and the second state is a normal state.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, The transceiver module is further configured to: detect second signaling in the second state, wherein the second signaling is unicast signaling, a PHY header or a MAC header of the second signaling is a second sequence, the second sequence is one of the plurality of sequences, the second sequence is different from the first sequence, and the second signaling is used to indicate network access and / or data transmission.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 or 15, wherein, The processing module is further configured to: enter the first state when a preset condition is met, wherein the preset condition includes at least one of the following: that charging is complete, and that network access fails.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The first signaling is used to indicate that at least one device starts inventorying or that one inventorying period starts.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 14-16, wherein, The first signaling is used to indicate that one access slot starts. The processing module is configured to: According to the first signaling, a counter is set to a preset value, and the counter is switched from the first state to a second state.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The transceiver module is further configured to: before detecting the first signaling in the first state, detect third signaling in the first state, the third signaling being used to indicate the start of one inventory period, and the third signaling including a first value; and the processing module is further configured to: generate an initial value of the counter according to the first value, the initial value not being the preset value, and maintain the first state; or, The transceiver module is further configured to: before detecting the first signaling in the first state, detect third signaling in the second state, the third signaling being used to indicate the start of one inventory period, and the third signaling including a first value; and the processing module is further configured to: generate an initial value of the counter according to the first value, the initial value not being the preset value, and switch from the second state to the first state.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 14-19, wherein, The transceiver module is further configured to: after the processing module switches from the first state to the second state according to the first signaling, complete network access and / or data transmission in a first access time slot; and detect fourth signaling in the second state, the fourth signaling being used to indicate the end of the first access time slot and the start of a second access time slot. The processing module is further configured to: switch from the second state to the first state according to the fourth signaling.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein, The transceiver module is further configured to: after the processing module switches from the second state to the first state, detect fifth signaling in the first state, the fifth signaling being used to indicate at least one of the start of inventory of at least one device, the start of one inventory period, or the start of one access time slot, and the fifth signaling carrying indication information, the indication information being used to indicate that the fifth signaling is signaling for retransmission of one service. The processing module is further configured to: maintain the first state according to the fifth signaling.

22. A communications device, characterized by The processing module is further configured to: The processing module is further configured to: The transceiver module is further configured to: The first state is a low-power-consumption state, and the second state is a normal state.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, The transceiver module is further configured to: The transceiver module is further configured to: send second signaling, the second signaling being unicast signaling, a PHY header or a MAC header of the second signaling being a second sequence, the second sequence being one of a plurality of sequences, the second sequence being different from the first sequence, and the second signaling being used to indicate network access and / or data transmission.

24. The apparatus of claim 22 or 23, wherein, The first signaling is used for indicating a start of an access time slot; the transceiver module is further configured to: before sending the first signaling, send third signaling, the third signaling being used for indicating a start of an inventory period, and the third signaling including a first value.

25. The apparatus of any one of claims 22-24, wherein, The transceiver module is further configured to: send fourth signaling, the fourth signaling being used for indicating an end of the first access time slot and a start of a second access time slot, so that the A-IoT terminal device switches from the second state to the first state according to the fourth signaling.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein, The transceiver module is further configured to: send fifth signaling, the fifth signaling being used for indicating at least one of a start of inventory of at least one device, a start of an inventory period, or a start of an access time slot, and the fifth signaling carrying indication information, the indication information being used for indicating that the fifth signaling is a retransmission signaling of a service.

27. A communications device, characterized by The communication device comprises at least one processor; and a communication interface connected with the at least one processor; the at least one processor executes the method according to any one of claims 1-8, or executes the method according to any one of claims 9-13, by executing instructions stored in a memory.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed by a communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1-8 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 9-13 is implemented.

29. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product stores instructions, and when the instructions are run on a computer, the computer executes the method according to any one of claims 1-8, or the computer executes the method according to any one of claims 9-13.

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