Random access method and related apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a random access method and a related apparatus. A network device sends indication information to a device, wherein the indication information is used by the device to assist in detecting response information, the response information is used for responding to a first message, and the first message is used by the device to initiate random access to the network device. In other words, the indication information can be used by the device to assist in detecting the response information to the first message for initiating the random access. Assisting detection can be understood as detecting a random access response message of the device more efficiently, and ending at least one aspect of the random access response message more efficiently, thereby achieving the aim of reducing detection power consumption of the device.

Description

Random access method and related devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024115992319, filed on November 8, 2024, entitled "Random Access Method and Related Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a random access method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), higher demands are being placed on the application scenarios and performance of IoT. 3GPP is discussing the development of passive IoT technologies based on cellular communication. On the one hand, it can reduce costs by utilizing the existing large-scale cellular infrastructure. On the other hand, it can also utilize many mature cellular communication technologies, such as interference management and mobility management, to improve the coverage of passive IoT.

[0004] The communication processes within the 3GPP framework result in high energy consumption for IoT devices. Therefore, reducing device energy consumption is a problem that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a random access method and related apparatus to solve the problem of how to reduce the energy consumption of equipment. The disclosed technical solution is as follows:

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a random access method, which sends indication information to a device. The indication information is used for the device to assist in detecting response information, and the response information is used to respond to a first message. The first message is used by the device to initiate random access to the network device. That is, the indication information can be used by the device to assist in detecting the response information of the first message to initiate random access. Assisted detection can be understood as more efficiently detecting its own random access response message and more efficiently ending at least one aspect of the random access response message, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing the detection energy consumption of the device.

[0007] In some implementations, sending indication information to the device includes sending indication information to the device after receiving the first message sent by the device. This can be sent separately or carried within other messages sent to the device (such as MSG2).

[0008] In some implementations, the indication information includes a bitmap, where bits in the bitmap correspond to resources. A first value for a bit indicates that no response information is detected, and a second value for a bit indicates that response information is detected. The bitmap clearly indicates whether the device should detect response information. For devices that indicate no response information detection, there is no need to detect response information, thus saving energy.

[0009] In some implementations, the indication information includes: a code point set, which includes code points corresponding to a first resource, the first resource including resources for transmitting a first message that has collided, or the first resource including resources for transmitting the first message that has not collided. Compared to a bitmap, a code point set has less data in some cases, thus saving transmission overhead.

[0010] In some implementations, the indication information includes a bitmap and code points representing resource groups. Bits in the bitmap correspond to resources. A first value for a bit indicates that no response information is detected, and a second value for a bit indicates that a response information is detected. The combination of code points and bitmaps can indicate more dimensions of information and has greater flexibility.

[0011] In some implementations, resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources. The correspondence between bits and resources is determined based on the sorting rules of time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources, which facilitates implementation and processing.

[0012] In some implementations, sending indication information includes sending a second message (e.g., MSG2) in response to a first message (e.g., MSG1), the second message including indication information, and having high compatibility with 3GPP standards.

[0013] In some implementations, the second message includes indication information, including: the indication information is contained in the control information of the second message; or, the indication information is contained in the payload of the second message, and the control information and payload are encoded independently or as a whole.

[0014] In some implementations, the second message also includes the number of devices that received a response from the network device, among the devices that sent the first message.

[0015] In some implementations, the second message, including the indication information, is the first message sent in the time domain to respond to the first message. For example, the indication information is included in the first MSG2, enabling each device to determine whether to continue detecting subsequent MSG2s after detecting the first MSG2. This allows devices that do not receive a response to terminate the detection of MSG2 more efficiently, reducing energy consumption.

[0016] In some implementations, the indication information includes: a first type sequence, which indicates the device detection response information associated with the first type sequence. Therefore, devices not associated with the first type sequence do not need to detect response information, which can reduce the energy consumption of these devices.

[0017] In some implementations, the first type of sequence includes a preamble sequence in a first message that indicates no conflict occurred, and / or was correctly received, and / or was successfully detected. Using a preamble sequence in a first message that satisfies at least one of the following conditions—no conflict occurred, correct reception, and successful detection—as indication information eliminates the need for additional configuration, offering convenience and greater compatibility.

[0018] In some implementations, the first type of sequence is arranged according to a preset sorting rule, such as from smallest to largest or from largest to smallest. Sort according to certain rules, which helps the device to parse more efficiently.

[0019] In some implementations, the indication information also includes: response information corresponding to the first type of sequence.

[0020] In some implementations, the indication information includes a first part and a second part, with the first part preceding the second part. The first part includes a first-type sequence arranged according to a preset order rule, the preset order being determined based on the numerical values ​​of the first-type sequences. The second part includes response information corresponding to the first-type sequences in the first part, with the order of the response information being the same as the order of the corresponding first-type sequences. This structure facilitates more efficient detection and parsing by the device.

[0021] In some implementations, sending instruction information includes: sending a second message in response to a first message, the first part of which is contained in control information of the second message, and the second part of which is contained in the payload of the second message, wherein the control information and the payload are encoded independently or as a whole.

[0022] In some implementations, the indication information includes at least one part, any part including a first type sequence and corresponding response information, and at least one part is arranged according to a preset sorting rule of the included first type sequence, the sorting rule being determined based on the numerical value of the first type sequence.

[0023] In some implementations, the indication information includes: the number of second messages, which are used to respond to the first message and include response information. The number of second messages is used to stop detecting second messages once the number has been reached, which helps reduce the device's energy consumption.

[0024] In some implementations, before sending the indication information, the method further includes: determining the number of second messages based on the number of resources transmitting the second message; or, determining the number of second messages based on the number of categories of devices sending the first message. Determining the number based on resources is more accurate, while determining the number based on device categories is more efficient and allows for category-based responses or indications to devices.

[0025] In some implementations, sending indication information includes sending a second message, in which the number is included in the first second message sent in the time domain.

[0026] In some implementations, the number is included in the control information of the second message or in the payload of the second message. The control information and payload can be encoded separately or as a whole.

[0027] In some implementations, sending the indication information includes sending a second message, in which the number is included in the first message sent in the time domain. For example, carrying the number in the first MSG2 can minimize the power consumption of unresponsive devices detecting MSG2.

[0028] In some implementations, sending indication information includes sending a second type of sequence before sending the last second message. The second message is a response to the first message and includes response information. The second type of sequence indicates the last second message. This second type of sequence helps the device identify the last second message, thus allowing it to stop listening to and detecting it, and instead enter a low-power mode such as sleep, reducing power consumption.

[0029] In some implementations, before sending the second type of sequence, the process includes sending a third type of sequence and other second messages. The third type of sequence differs from the second type of sequence; it indicates that the other second messages are not the last second message. The third type of sequence helps the device more accurately identify the last second message.

[0030] In some implementations, sending indication information includes: after sending the last second message, sending a fourth type of sequence indicating the last second message, the second message being used in response to the first message, the second message including the response information.

[0031] In some implementations, the indication information includes: the number of second messages, where the second messages are used to respond to the first message and include response information; and / or, the association between the first and second resources, where the first resource is the resource for transmitting the first message and the second resource is the resource for transmitting the second message; and / or, information about the resource for transmitting the last second message. The number of second messages and the information about the resource for transmitting the last second message help the device determine the location of the last second message. After detecting the second message, the device can enter a low-power mode. The association between the first and second resources helps the device detect the location of the second message without blindly detecting it at a location where it can be transmitted, thus enabling efficient detection of the second message and reducing energy consumption for detecting it.

[0032] In some implementations, sending a first indication message to the device includes sending a configuration message to the device, the configuration message including the indication message. An example of a configuration message is MSG0. Combined with existing random access procedures, this can save on system modification costs.

[0033] A second aspect of this application provides a random access method, which receives indication information used to assist in detecting response information, and the response information used to respond to a first message, the first message used to initiate random access to a network device. Based on the indication information, the device can efficiently detect the second message, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0034] In some implementations, the indication information includes: a bitmap, where bits in the bitmap correspond to resources, a first value for a bit indicates that no response information is detected, and a second value for a bit indicates that a response information is detected.

[0035] In some implementations, resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources, and the correspondence between bits and resources is determined based on the sorting rules of time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources.

[0036] In some implementations, the indication information includes: a first type sequence, which indicates device detection response information associated with the first type sequence.

[0037] In some implementations, the first type of sequence includes: a preamble sequence in a first message that indicates no conflict occurred, and / or was correctly received, and / or was successfully detected.

[0038] In some implementations, the first type of sequence is arranged according to a preset sorting rule.

[0039] In some implementations, the indication information also includes: response information corresponding to the first type of sequence.

[0040] In some implementations, the instruction information includes a first part and a second part. The first part precedes the second part. The first part includes a first type of sequence arranged according to a preset order rule. The preset order is determined based on the values ​​of the first type of sequence. The second part includes response information corresponding to the first type of sequence in the first part. The order of the response information is the same as the order of the corresponding first type of sequence.

[0041] In some implementations, receiving instruction information includes: receiving a second message sent by a network device in response to a first message, wherein the first part is included in the control information of the second message, the second part is included in the payload of the second message, and the control information and payload are encoded independently or as a whole.

[0042] In some implementations, the indication information includes at least one part, any part including a first type sequence and corresponding response information, and at least one part is arranged according to a preset sorting rule of the included first type sequence, the sorting rule being determined based on the numerical value of the first type sequence.

[0043] In some implementations, the indication information includes: the number of second messages, which are used to respond to the first message, and the second messages include response information.

[0044] In some implementations, receiving indication information includes: receiving a second message sent by a network device, wherein the number is contained in the second message received first in the time domain.

[0045] In some implementations, receiving indication information includes: receiving a second type of sequence before receiving the last second message, the second message being used to respond to the first message, the second message including response information, and the second type of sequence representing the last second message.

[0046] In some implementations, before receiving the second type of sequence, the process includes receiving a third type of sequence and other second messages. The third type of sequence is different from the second type of sequence, and the third type of sequence indicates that the other second messages are not the last second message.

[0047] In some implementations, receiving indication information includes: after receiving the last second message, receiving a fourth type of sequence indicating the last second message, the second message being used in response to the first message, the second message including response information.

[0048] In some implementations, the indication information includes: the number of second messages, the second messages being used to respond to the first messages, the second messages including response information; and / or, the association between the first resource and the second resource, the first resource being the resource for transmitting the first message, the second resource being the resource for transmitting the second messages; and / or, information about the resource for transmitting the last second message.

[0049] A third aspect of this application provides an electronic device, comprising: one or more processors and a memory; the memory being used to store program code; the processor being used to run the program code, causing the network device to implement the random access method provided in the first or second aspect of this application.

[0050] A fourth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a random access method implementing the first or second aspect of this application.

[0051] The fifth aspect of this application provides a computer program product having stored on it an executable that, when the computer program product is run on an electronic device, causes the electronic device to implement the random access method provided in the first or second aspect of this application.

[0052] A sixth aspect of this application provides a chip system comprising: at least one processor and an interface, the interface being configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the at least one processor; the at least one processor executing the code instructions to implement the random access method provided in the first or second aspect of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0053] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0054] Figure 1 is an example diagram of IoT device types;

[0055] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the random access procedure;

[0056] Figure 3 is another illustration of the random access procedure;

[0057] Figure 4 is another illustration of the random access procedure;

[0058] Figure 5 is another illustration of the random access procedure;

[0059] Figure 6 is a structural example diagram of the Internet of Things;

[0060] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a random access method provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 8a is an example diagram of instruction information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 8b is another example diagram of the instruction information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 8c is another example diagram of the instruction information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 8d is another example diagram of the instruction information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a random access method provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 10 is another example diagram of the instruction information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a random access method provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 12a is another example diagram of the instruction information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 12b is another example diagram of the instruction information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0070] Figure 13 is a flowchart of a random access method provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 14a is another example diagram of the instruction information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0072] Figure 14b is another example diagram of the instruction information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0073] Figure 14c is another example diagram of the instruction information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0074] Figure 15 is a flowchart of a random access method provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 16 is a structural example diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 17 is a structural example diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0077] The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., used in this application specification, claims, and drawings are used to distinguish different objects, not to limit a specific order.

[0078] In the embodiments of this application, the words "in some implementations" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or descriptions, and should not be construed as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs.

[0079] Figure 1 shows the connection scale of the Internet of Things (IoT) based on different transmission rates. High-speed IoT is mainly carried by technologies such as 5G (Enhanced Mobile Broadband), 4G Category 4+ (Cat. 4+), or Wireless Fidelity 6 (WiFi 6). Medium-speed IoT is currently mainly carried by technologies such as 4G Cat.1, 3G, or 2G. Low-speed IoT is mainly carried by technologies such as Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN), or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Different transmission rates have different power consumption levels and correspond to different levels of IoT connection numbers.

[0080] As shown in Figure 1, low-speed IoT standards such as NB-IoT, LoRaWAN, and BLE can support tens of billions of connections, while medium-speed and high-speed IoT standards can achieve a much smaller connection scale than low-speed IoT. Passive IoT can support hundreds of billions of connections, and this category will become the main source of hundreds of billions of IoT connection scenarios. In Figure 1, the closer to the base of the triangle (i.e., the direction the arrow points), the larger the connection scale.

[0081] Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is a passive Internet of Things technology that uses wireless radio frequency for non-contact two-way data communication. It uses wireless radio frequency to read and write recording media (electronic tags or RFID cards) to achieve the purpose of identifying targets and exchanging data.

[0082] However, the coverage distance (i.e., effective communication distance) of RFID technology is only about 10 meters. Therefore, it is difficult to support the future demand of hundreds of billions of users. As a result, 3GPP is discussing the development of passive IoT technology based on cellular communication. On the one hand, it can reduce costs by utilizing the existing large-scale cellular infrastructure. On the other hand, it can also utilize many mature technologies of cellular communication, such as interference management and mobility management, to improve the coverage of passive IoT.

[0083] In scenarios under the 3GPP framework, Ambient IoT devices are among the commonly used passive devices. The random access process for Ambient IoT devices to access the network is shown in Figure 2. Random access is a function of terminal devices such as Ambient IoT devices to access the network through a contention mechanism. It should be understood that "random access" is only an example name for this function. The method provided in this embodiment is applicable to this function, but is not limited to the name "random access".

[0084] Figure 2 includes the following steps:

[0085] 1. The network device sends MSG0 to the Ambient IoT device. MSG0 is used to configure at least one of the resources for the Ambient IoT device, such as a preamble sequence and resources for transmitting SMG1. The configured resources are used by the Ambient IoT device to send subsequent messages.

[0086] 2. The Ambient IoT device sends MSG1 to the network device. MSG1 is used to initiate random access.

[0087] 3. The network device sends MSG2 to the Ambient IoT device.

[0088] MSG2 is a response message to MSG1. Similarly, messages used to respond to MSG1 are not limited to names such as "MSG2" or "Random Access Response".

[0089] If a network device detects that there is no conflict with a certain MSG1, it responds via MSG2.

[0090] An example of how network devices determine whether a conflict has occurred is as follows: a conflict is identified when the network device considers that the detection result of the preamble in MSG1 does not meet a pre-set criterion, for example, it does not meet the encoding rules used by the preamble, such as the Manchester encoding rules, or the detection energy exceeds a threshold, or it cannot detect any of the sent sequences.

[0091] It is also possible that the first Ambient IoT device and the second Ambient IoT device transmit MSG1 on the same resource and use different preambles. However, the network device detects that the MSG1 of the first Ambient IoT device does not meet the pre-set criteria, while it detects that the MSG1 of the second Ambient IoT device meets the pre-set criteria. In this case, the network device will respond to the MSG1 of the second Ambient IoT device.

[0092] The above methods for determining whether there is a conflict are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0093] If a conflict occurs in MSG1 sent by the first Ambient IoT device, then MSG2 will not include the uplink resources allocated to the first Ambient IoT device. Conversely, if no conflict occurs in MSG1 sent by the first Ambient IoT device, then MSG2 will include the uplink resources allocated to the first Ambient IoT device.

[0094] 4. If MSG2 includes uplink resources allocated for the Ambient IoT device, the Ambient IoT device sends MSG3 to the network device.

[0095] 5. The network device sends MSG4 to the Ambient IoT device.

[0096] If MSG2 does not include uplink resources allocated for Ambient IoT devices, then steps 4 and 5 will not be executed.

[0097] As can be seen, MSG2 is a response message to MSG1, and the Ambient IoT device decides whether to send MSG3 based on MSG2. It is understood that steps 1-5 above are merely examples and are not limited to including all steps, nor are they limited in their order. As long as contention-based network access is achieved and random access by the Ambient IoT device is responded to, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are applicable. Under current research progress, network devices send MSG2 in the following ways:

[0098] Figure 3 illustrates a one-to-one response to MSG1, where Device represents an Ambient IoT device. MSG0 indicates sending MSG0, and MSG1 Device1 indicates Device1 sending MSG1, or it can represent an Occasion for sending MSG1. An Occasion includes time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources. MSG1 Device2, MSG1 Device3, and MSG1 Device4 have similar meanings. MSG1 Device1 and MSG1 Device2 have the same time-domain resources but different frequency-domain resources, and MSG1 Device1 and MSG1 Device3 have the same frequency-domain resources but different time-domain resources. As mentioned earlier, the resources used by each Device to send MSG1 are configured by MSG0.

[0099] MSG2 Device1 represents the network device's response to MSG1, MSG2 Device2, MSG2 Device3, and MSG2 Device4 of Device1. The meanings are similar; the resources used by the network device to send MSG2 can also be called opportunities or other methods, which are not limited here. In Figure 3, an MSG2 sent by the network device only responds to an MSG1 sent by one Device, i.e., a one-to-one response. It is understood that the way MSG1s of Device1, Device2, Device3, and Device4 are responded to sequentially in the time domain, as shown in Figure 3, is merely an example. In reality, the network device does not restrict the response order to each Device. Therefore, after receiving MSG2, each Device needs to parse MSG2 to determine whether it was sent by the network device to that Device. For example, after Device1 receives MSG2, it needs to parse MSG2 to confirm whether it was sent to Device1. If so, and MSG2 indicates that the network device has allocated uplink resources for Device1, then MSG3 is sent to the network device on those uplink resources.

[0100] Therefore, each device needs to receive MSG2 at every resource where MSG2 might be transmitted, and parse all received MSG2 messages. This results in high energy consumption for the devices, and devices with poor energy storage capabilities may not have enough energy to complete this process.

[0101] Figure 4 shows another way in which a network device responds to MSG1. As can be seen from Figure 4, the network device responds to the MSG1 of two devices with one MSG2. MSG2 Device1,2 represents the response to MSG1 of Device1 and Device2, and MSG2Device3,4 represents the response to MSG1 of Device3 and Device4. Although the number of responses is reduced from 4 to 2 compared to the way shown in Figure 3, the device still needs to parse all of MSG2 in order to obtain the uplink resources allocated by the network device.

[0102] Figure 5 illustrates another way a network device responds to MSG1. The network device responds to MSG2 from more devices' MSG1 responses; Figure 5 uses four devices as an example, but it could also be all devices that received MSG1. However, each device still needs to parse all MSG2 responses to obtain the uplink resources allocated by the network device. The larger the payload portion of MSG2, the higher the energy consumption required for parsing.

[0103] It is clear that reducing the energy consumption of Ambient IoT devices in parsing MSG2 is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0104] To address the aforementioned issues, embodiments of this application provide a random access method. A network device sends indication information to a device, such as a low-power device (hereinafter, an Ambient IoT device is used as an example). This indication information assists in detecting a response message to a first message, where the first message is a message from the device initiating random access to the network device. Specifically, the indication information may include at least one of the following: the number of MSG2s sent to the device before the network device receives MSG1; the association between the resources used to transmit MSG1 and the resources used to transmit MSG2; and information about the resources used to transmit the last MSG2. Alternatively, the indication information may include at least one of the following: after the network device receives MSG1, an indication sent to the device indicating whether to detect the bitmap and code point set of MSG2; a preamble sequence arranged in a certain order sent to the device after the network device receives MSG1; and at least one of the following: the number of MSG2s sent to the device after the network device receives MSG1; and a sequence representing the last MSG2.

[0105] The auxiliary detection response message can be understood as the auxiliary device more efficiently detecting its own random access response message, and / or more efficiently ending the detection of the random access response message, so as to reduce the device's energy consumption.

[0106] It is understandable that the indication information with auxiliary detection function is different from the information that the network indicates to the terminal in the existing standard, such as resource information. It is an additional indication information relative to the information that the network can already indicate to the terminal.

[0107] The method is applied in communication systems, including but not limited to: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) systems, UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) systems, or GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN) systems of Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) / Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE) systems. Furthermore, the technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to any other wireless communication system with similar structure and function, such as Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) systems, 5th Generation (5G) communication systems, communication systems after 5G, New Radio Access Technology (NR) systems, and various future communication systems such as 6th Generation (6G) communication systems, and Vehicle-to-X (V2X) systems.The V2X system may include vehicle-to-network (V2N) systems, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) systems, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) systems, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) systems, Long Term Evolution-Vehicle (LTE-V) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, machine-type communication (MTC) systems, Long Term Evolution-Machine (LTE-M) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, etc., and this application does not impose any limitations on these embodiments.

[0108] An example of an IoT system is shown in Figure 6, including a network device 11 and an Ambient IoT device 12. The network device 11 and the Ambient IoT device 12 communicate based on the IoT standard framework of the 3GPP standard. Optionally, the network device 11 can communicate directly with the Ambient IoT device 12, or it can communicate through an auxiliary node (not shown in Figure 6) or a terminal. It is also possible that the terminal acts as a network device and communicates with the Ambient IoT device 12. This embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0109] In the Internet of Things (IoT) field, network devices are also known as readers. Network devices include, but are not limited to: evolved Node Bs (NodeBs, eNBs, or e-NodeBs) in LTE, base stations (gNodeBs or gNBs) or transmission receiving points / transmission reception points (TRPs) in NR, radio access network (RAN) equipment, 3GPP-evolved base stations, access nodes, wireless relay nodes, and wireless backhaul nodes in WiFi systems. Network devices can also be radio controllers, centralized units (CUs), and / or distributed units (DUs) in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios. Network devices can also be servers, wearable devices, or vehicle-mounted devices.

[0110] Terminals can include handheld devices or vehicle-mounted devices with wireless transceiver capabilities, specifically including but not limited to: mobile phones, tablets, PDAs, laptop computers, laptops, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, vehicle-mounted terminal equipment, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). The embodiments of this application do not limit this to personal assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs).

[0111] As an example and not a limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches, smart helmets, or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal can also be a terminal device in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0113] The terminal in this application embodiment may also be referred to as: electronic device, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), subscriber unit (SU), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminal, industrial control terminal, UE unit, UE station, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, remote terminal equipment, mobile device, user terminal, UE terminal equipment, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, UE agent, UE device, or user equipment, etc.

[0114] Ambient IoT devices include, but are not limited to, Device A, Device B, and Device C. Device A is not a power storage device and cannot independently generate or amplify signals; it is an example of a backscatter transmission component. Device B is a power storage device and cannot independently generate or amplify signals. Device C is a power storage device that can independently generate or amplify signals; it is an example of an active component used for RF transmission.

[0115] Ambient IoT devices can be used in the following scenarios:

[0116] 1. Industrial Sensor Networks: Industrial sensor networks are primarily used for monitoring parameters in industrial production processes, such as temperature and humidity monitoring, vibration monitoring, and production line monitoring, thereby achieving industrial automation and intelligent management. Taking railway track measurement as an example, by deploying Ambient IoT devices under the tracks, rail pressure, temperature, and other information can be monitored and collected. Furthermore, Ambient IoT devices can also be deployed in extreme environments where batteries cannot sustain long-term operation, such as high and low temperatures, moving or rotating parts, high vibration conditions, and high humidity.

[0117] 2. Logistics and Warehousing: With the continued growth of the logistics industry, enterprises are facing increasing pressure on warehousing and labor costs. Digital management of logistics parcels can not only further improve the efficiency of logistics and warehousing management, but also save significant labor costs. Zero-power communication technology allows Ambient IoT devices to be attached to the surface of parcels or goods packaging for acquiring logistics information and managing the entire logistics process, making warehousing operations simpler and more efficient.

[0118] 3. Smart Wearables: Smart wearable products are among the personal consumer terminals with the greatest potential for large-scale application after mobile phones. Currently, various wearable devices have achieved wireless connectivity. Depending on the functional positioning of different products, they can realize multiple application scenarios such as health monitoring, sports monitoring, motion sensing, and mobile positioning. In this scenario, the goal of using Ambient IoT devices is to ultimately break free from battery limitations, achieving longer battery life, more convenient energy security, and a better user experience.

[0119] 4. Healthcare: Portable medical devices can meet consumers' home health service needs, but due to the special nature of medical monitoring equipment (especially implantable devices), issues such as battery life and power supply portability greatly limit the expansion of their application scenarios. By using Ambient IoT devices, extremely low power consumption can be achieved. At the same time, the absence of batteries allows for smaller size, facilitates flexible folding, and eliminates concerns about liquid immersion, which will help with real-time monitoring of medical device data and efficient digital management of health status.

[0120] 5. Smart Home. Applying Ambient IoT devices in the smart home field can eliminate complex wiring, allowing each terminal to be controlled independently and achieving long-lasting online operation without manual power intervention.

[0121] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a random access method provided by an embodiment of this application. For example, before executing the following process, steps 1 and 2 in Figure 2 have been executed. That is, the Ambient IoT device has sent MSG1 to the network device based on MSG0, i.e., initiated random access.

[0122] Figure 7 includes the following steps:

[0123] S101. After receiving MSG1, the network device generates a bitmap.

[0124] Bitmap is an example of the aforementioned indicative information.

[0125] The bitmap is used to indicate to the network device whether a collision has been detected in the received MSG1. The method for detecting collisions has been described previously and will not be repeated here.

[0126] As shown in Figure 8a, the Bitmap includes multiple bits, each corresponding to an Occasion that sends MSG1. Taking any bit (called the first bit) as an example, the first bit indicates whether a collision was detected in the MSG1 received in the corresponding Occasion. If a collision was detected, the first bit is set to a first value; if no collision was detected, the first bit is set to a second value. The first value is 0, and the second value is 1. In Figure 8a, assuming the Bitmap value is 111100, it means that a collision was detected in the MSG1 transmitted with the Occasion corresponding to the last two bits from left to right, while no collision was detected in the MSG1 transmitted with the Occasions corresponding to the other bits.

[0127] The following will explain in detail how to associate the Occasion of MSG1 transmission with each bit:

[0128] In some implementations, the correspondence between the Occasion and the bit in the transmission of MSG1 is pre-configured in both the network device and the Ambient IoT device. For example, the Occasion is mapped one-to-one with the bits in the Bitmap from left to right (i.e. from high to low) in the order of first the frequency domain and then the time domain, with the frequency domain from small to large and the time domain from first to last. Taking Figure 8a as an example, assuming that the Occasions for transmitting MSG1 include Occasion1, Occasion2, Occasion3, Occasion4, Occasion5, and Occasion6, based on the frequency and time domain coordinate system shown in Figure 8a and the above-mentioned correspondence rules, the correspondence between each Occasion and bit is as indicated by the arrow: Occasion1, which is the earliest in time and has the lowest frequency, corresponds to the first bit. According to the rule of prioritizing the time domain, Occasion2 and Occasion3 should be arranged first. Among these two, Occasion2, which has a lower frequency, corresponds to the second bit, and Occasion3 corresponds to the third bit. After setting the earlier time domain resources, the later time domain resources are set. The correspondence rules between Occasion4, Occasion5, and Occasion6 and bit are similar.

[0129] In other implementations, the network device can select one of a variety of pre-configured correspondence rules to configure the correspondence between the Occasion and the bits of the transmitted MSG1, and indicate the selected correspondence rule to the Ambient IoT device.

[0130] It is understandable that the bits in the Bitmap correspond to the Occasion in which MSG1 was transmitted. It is possible that MSG1 was not transmitted in a certain Occasion. In this case, the correspondence between the Occasion in which MSG1 was not transmitted and the bits remains unchanged. The value of the bit corresponding to the Occasion in which MSG1 was not transmitted is the first value, the second value, or other values.

[0131] S102, The network device sends MSG2 carrying a Bitmap.

[0132] In the 3GPP standard, MSG2 includes at least one of the following: a preamble sequence, control information, payload, and a checksum. The control information and payload can be encoded separately to obtain separate checksums, or they can be encoded as a whole to obtain a checksum.

[0133] Regarding the MSG2 frame structure, in some implementations, taking Figure 8b as an example, the Bitmap is included in the control information. The control information is independently encoded using Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) to obtain a first CRC code, and the payload is CRC encoded to obtain a second CRC code. In other words, the control information and payload are CRC encoded independently. CRC encoding is merely an example of one encoding method and is not intended to be limiting. This method of separately CRC encoding or encoding the control information allows Ambient IoT devices to demodulate only the control information and then decide whether to demodulate the payload based on the Bitmap, achieving energy savings. This will be explained in detail in subsequent steps.

[0134] In some other implementations, taking Figure 8c as an example, the Bitmap is included in the payload. Here, we still take the example of CRC encoding of control information and payload being independent of each other. In addition, control information and payload can also be encoded as a whole.

[0135] In other implementations, taking Figure 8d as an example, the control information portion and the payload portion are not distinguished. Instead, the carried information is treated as a whole and CRC-encoded together to obtain a CRC code. The carried information includes a Bitmap and may also include control information, etc. The portion other than the CRC can be collectively referred to as data. This method of encoding the data as a whole using CRC or other methods reduces the overhead and complexity of the network device in generating MSG2.

[0136] It is understandable that the sorting of the data in Figure 8d is merely an example and not a limitation.

[0137] In another implementation, the Bitmap is encoded separately. For example, the Bitmap, control information, and payload are encoded separately to obtain their respective CRC codes. In this case, demodulating the Bitmap is sufficient to determine whether to demodulate the other parts, potentially eliminating the need for Ambient IoT devices to demodulate the control information and payload. Alternatively, an unencoded Bitmap can be included in MSG2. In this case, Ambient IoT devices do not need to perform CRC checks and can directly read the corresponding bits from the Bitmap, further reducing power consumption.

[0138] Taking the MSG2 transmission method shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4 as an example, the network device transmits MSG2 multiple times. In order to further reduce the overhead of the network device and the transmission overhead, in some implementations, assuming that the number of MSG2s transmitted is M, then N of these M MSG2s carry a Bitmap, where N is less than M. For example, in the MSG2 transmitted by Device1 shown in Figure 3, the Bitmap is carried, but not in other MSG2s. It can be understood that the earlier the temporal domain resource of the MSG2 carrying the Bitmap is, such as the first MSG2 transmitted, the more the overhead of the Ambient IoT device can be reduced. When N is 1, the overhead of transmitting the Bitmap can be reduced.

[0139] In addition to the above, MSG2 can also indicate the number of Ambient IoT devices that the network device responds to. For example, if the network device receives MSG1 for 6 Ambient IoT devices and responds to MSG1 for these 6 Ambient IoT devices, then MSG2 also includes the number 6.

[0140] S103 and Ambient IoT receive MSG2 immediately and detect the Bitmap in MSG2.

[0141] The first time is the time when MSG2 is received. The first time can be a specific moment or a time range. It is understood that the network device will only send MSG2 after receiving and processing (including but not limited to demodulation) MSG1. Therefore, the starting point of the moment or time range is determined based on the time domain resources of the network device for sending MSG2, the time domain resources for transmitting MSG1 occcasion, and the duration of the network device's processing of MSG1.

[0142] S104, Ambient IoT processes MSG2 based on Bitmap.

[0143] Regarding the transmission method of MSG2 shown in Figure 3, taking MSG2 Device1 as an example, the network device sends MSG2 for Device1. Since in this embodiment, each Device only knows which resources may transmit MSG2, but cannot know which Devices are responding to the transmitted MSG2, each Device will detect MSG2. As the first MSG2, which includes a Bitmap, each Device parses the Bitmap based on the pre-configured correspondence between Occasion and bit. For any Device, the value of the bit in the Bitmap corresponding to the Occasion of MSG1 transmitted by that Device indicates a conflict (or it can indicate no detection), and MSG2 will not be detected again. For Device1 and Device2, assuming that Device1 obtains a conflict in its MSG1 by parsing the Bitmap, no other part will be parsed, and steps 3 and 4 shown in Figure 2 will not be executed, thereby saving device power consumption.

[0144] Understandably, when the Ambient IoT device detects that the bit corresponding to the Occasion of the MSG1 it transmits is 1, it demodulates all parts except the Bitmap and executes steps 3 and 4 as shown in Figure 2.

[0145] As can be seen from the process provided in this embodiment, the network device indicates whether a conflict has occurred in the random access of the Ambient IoT device through a bitmap, so that the Ambient IoT device can stop detecting MSG2 in the event of a conflict, thereby saving the energy consumption of the Ambient IoT device.

[0146] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a random access method provided by an embodiment of this application. The difference between the flowchart shown in Figure 7 and the flowchart is in the form and transmission method of the instruction information.

[0147] Figure 9 includes the following steps:

[0148] S201. After receiving MSG1, the network device generates a code point set.

[0149] In this embodiment, a unique code point is configured for each Occasion transmitting MSG1, such as code point 000 for Occasion 1, code point 001 for Occasion 2, and so on. The code point set includes the code point corresponding to the first Occasion.

[0150] In some implementations, the first Occasion is used to transmit MSG1 without collision. That is, code points indicate whether an MSG1 Occasion has a collision or not. This code point indication method saves bitmap overhead when there are few collision-free Occasions, such as when only one Occasion has a collision. For example, referring to Figure 10, transmitting four MSG1 Occasions requires two bits. Assuming MSG1 Device1, MSG1 Device2, and MSG1 Device3 have no collision, but MSG1 Device4 has a collision, the code point corresponding to MSG1 Device4 is 11. Therefore, the code point set is 11, which saves overhead compared to using a 4-bit bitmap to indicate whether each Occasion has a collision.

[0151] To reduce the difficulty of detection, the number of Occasions indicated can be set before the code point. For example, assuming that the code point indicates the conflicting Occasion, and only Occasion2 is conflicted, the code point set is 1001. The first 1 indicates that the code point set indicates one Occasion, and 001 indicates Occasion2.

[0152] In other implementations, a combination of code point sets and bitmaps is used to indicate non-collision occcasions: code points represent occcasion groups, such as 0 representing the first group of occcasions transmitting MSG1, and 1 representing the second group of occcasions transmitting MSG1; a bitmap is used to indicate that the MSG1 transmissions in the occcasions within the occcasion group did not collide. For example, if the MSG1 transmissions in the first group of occcasions (Occasion1, Occasion2, and Occasion3) did not collide, then the bitmap would be 01111. Alternatively, code points can be used to represent occcasions that collided or did not collide, while a bitmap can be used to represent occcasion groups.

[0153] The above example uses a code point set or mixed method to indicate the Occasion of a transmission MSG1 that has not collided. Alternatively, a code point set or mixed method can also be used to indicate the Occasion of a transmission MSG1 that has collided.

[0154] S202, The network device sends MSG2 and code point set to the Ambient IoT device.

[0155] It is understood that in this embodiment, the code point set and MSG2 are decoupled and are independent messages. Sending MSG2 and the code point set together is only an example; it is also possible to send the code point set first and then send MSG2, or vice versa.

[0156] Referring to Figure 4, one example is that a set of code points is sent before transmitting MSG2 Device1,2. Similarly, to save transmission overhead and device detection overhead, the set of code points is not sent subsequently.

[0157] S203, Ambient IoT devices detect the code point set in real time.

[0158] S204, Ambient IoT devices are based on code point set processing MSG2.

[0159] If the first Ambient IoT device detects a conflict in the code point set indicating that the MSG1 transmitted by the first Ambient IoT device has been mutated, then the first Ambient IoT device will not detect it.

[0160] Taking Figure 4 as an example, assuming that the code point set indicates that Device1 has a conflict, then Device1 will end the random access process.

[0161] The method provided in this embodiment has, in some cases, less overhead for the code point set, and the code point set is transmitted independently of MSG2, thus offering greater flexibility.

[0162] Figure 11 is a flowchart of another random access method provided by an embodiment of this application. The main difference from the previous embodiment is that Bitmap or code points are no longer used. Instead, the preamble in MSG1 is used to indicate whether there is a conflict or not.

[0163] Figure 11 includes the following steps:

[0164] S301, Network device receives MSG1.

[0165] MSG1 includes a preamble, also known as a preamble sequence. The method by which Ambient IoT devices select a preamble can be found in relevant standards. Combined with a contention-based random access mechanism, the preamble sequence included in MSG1 can be understood as a sequence used for contention-based access. To distinguish it from preamble sequences with other functions, the preamble sequence included in MSG1 is referred to as a Type I preamble sequence.

[0166] S302, The network device sends MSG2.

[0167] MSG2 includes at least one of a preamble sequence, control information, payload, and checksum, wherein the preamble sequence includes at least a first type of preamble sequence.

[0168] In this embodiment, the payload includes at least response information for responding to MSG1, and one example of the response information is information about the allocated uplink resources.

[0169] In some implementations, taking Figure 12a as an example, MSG2 includes a first-type preamble sequence and response information. Here, we take the example where the first-type preamble sequence precedes the response information, but this is not a limitation.

[0170] The first type of preamble sequence is a sequence formed by arranging at least one non-collision preamble sequence from MSG1 received by the network device according to a certain sorting method. Among them, RN_16_1, RN_16_2, and RN_16_3 are the first type of preamble sequences, and here we take them as arranged in ascending order as an example.

[0171] In this embodiment, any Ambient IoT device is referred to as the first Ambient IoT device. It can be understood that, for the first Ambient IoT device, if the MSG1 sent by the first Ambient IoT device is determined to have no conflict, then the MSG2 should contain the preamble sequence in the MSG1 sent by the first Ambient IoT device; otherwise, the MSG2 should not contain the preamble sequence in the MSG1 sent by the first Ambient IoT device.

[0172] The response information corresponding to the first type of preamble sequence refers to the response information to MSG1 containing the first type of preamble sequence. The response information includes, but is not limited to, information on allocated uplink resources. Here, we take Remaining Info_1, Remaining Info_2, and Remaining Info_3 as examples. In Figure 12a, RN_16_1 corresponds to Remaining Info_1, RN_16_2 corresponds to Remaining Info_2, and RN_16_3 corresponds to Remaining Info_3. Assuming that RN_16_1 is the preamble sequence in MSG1 sent by the first Ambient IoT device, then Remaining Info_1 is the response information to MSG1 sent by the first Ambient IoT device.

[0173] In this implementation, RN_16_1, RN_16_2, and RN_16_3 can be included in the control information of MSG2. They can be encoded separately, partially as a whole, entirely as a whole, or encoded as a whole with the control information. Remaining Info_1, Remaining Info_2, and Remaining Info_3 can be included in the payload. They can be encoded separately, partially as a whole, entirely as a whole, or encoded as a whole with the payload, etc. The encoding method and their combination relationship with the various parts of MSG2 are not limited here. RN_16_1, RN_16_2, and RN_16_3 can be placed after the preamble sequence and before the control information.

[0174] In some implementations, as shown in Figure 12b, MSG2 consists of a preamble sequence (i.e., a first-type preamble sequence) for each non-collision-prone MSG1, followed by a response message. Specifically, the sequences are arranged in the order of RN_16_1, Remaining Info_1, RN_16_2, Remaining Info_2, RN_16_3, and Remaining Info_3. In this implementation, each preamble sequence can be encoded individually or as a whole with its corresponding response message.

[0175] It is understandable that Figures 12a and 12b use the preamble sequence and response information in MSG1 without conflict as examples. Alternatively, the first type of preamble sequence can be the preamble sequence in MSG1 with conflict.

[0176] In the examples above, only the MSG2 includes a first-type preamble sequence. However, it is understood that the MSG2 may include other preamble sequences besides the first-type preamble sequence, and these other preamble sequences may serve functions such as synchronization. Furthermore, the first-type preamble sequence may, in addition to indicating whether a collision has occurred, also be used for synchronization correction between the device and the network. For example, RN_16_1, RN_16_2, and RN_16_3 mentioned above not only indicate the absence of a collision but are also used for synchronization correction between the device and the network. "Preamble sequence" is an exemplary name; other names such as "sequence" may also be used.

[0177] S303, Ambient IoT devices detect MSG2 immediately.

[0178] The specific detection method is as follows: based on Figure 12a or Figure 12b, each field in MSG2 is detected sequentially from left to right (i.e. from high bit to low bit).

[0179] For the first Ambient IoT device, the preamble in MSG1 sent by the first Ambient IoT device is called the target preamble. If the first Ambient IoT device detects a preamble smaller than the target preamble in MSG2 shown in Figure 12a, it continues to detect the next preamble. If the target preamble is detected, the response information corresponding to the target preamble is the response information configured by the network device for the first Ambient IoT device. The first Ambient IoT device demodulates the response information and stops detecting the preamble. If a preamble larger than the target preamble is detected, it indicates that there is a conflict in MSG1 containing the target preamble, and the detection of MSG2 is stopped.

[0180] Based on the network device's need to send MSG2 multiple times as shown in Figure 4, and in the example of the response order to MSG1 shown in Figure 4, assuming that the network device includes the indication information shown in Figure 12a or Figure 12b in the first MSG2 it sends, if Device1 and Device2 do not conflict, they can detect the preamble sequence in their own MSG1 and the network device's response information in this MSG2. If a conflict occurs, the preamble sequence in their own MSG1 cannot be detected, and there is no need to detect the response information. It can be understood that in the example in Figure 4, the network device does not respond to Device3 and Device4 in the first MSG2 it sends, so regardless of whether a conflict occurs, Device3 and Device4 cannot detect the preamble sequence in their own MSG1 in this MSG2.

[0181] Alternatively, because the MSG1 response is split into two parts, the first MSG2 can include the preamble sequence from the non-collision MSG1, while the response information for devices other than Device1 and Device2 is transmitted in subsequent MSG2s. Taking Figure 4 as an example, MSG2 for Device1 and 2 includes the preamble sequence from the non-collision MSG1, as well as the non-collision response information from the MSG1 sent by Device1 and Device2. The MSG2 transmitted in the Occasion represented by MSG2 for Device3 and 4 includes the non-collision response information from the MSG1 sent by Device3 and Device4. In this method, Device3 and Device4 can determine whether a collision has occurred in the first MSG2; if a collision has occurred, there is no need to check MSG2 again. In summary, in the case of a multi-response device as shown in Figure 4, for Figure 12a, the first MSG2 includes a first type of preamble sequence arranged in a certain order. In the first MSG2, if before the first type of preamble sequence, the number of first type of preamble sequences included in the MSG2 can also be indicated to improve the accuracy of device parsing. The response information corresponding to the first type of preamble sequence is not limited to being included in one MSG2.

[0182] The random access method provided in this embodiment indicates whether a collision has occurred or not based on the preamble sequence in MSG1. Compared with setting bitmaps or code point sets, it does not require additional configuration rules and is easier to implement.

[0183] It is understood that, in this embodiment, the first type of preamble sequence is used as an example. In addition, as long as the sender device detection response information of MSG1 that satisfies at least one of the following conditions—no collision, correct reception, and successful detection—is acceptable, the first type of preamble sequence can be replaced with the first type of sequence. The first type of sequence indicates the device detection response information associated with the first type of sequence.

[0184] Figure 13 is a flowchart of another random access method provided by an embodiment of this application. The difference from the above embodiment is that the network device indicates the last MSG2-related information to the Ambient IoT device so that the Ambient IoT device does not need to continuously detect MSG2 and can enter a low-power mode such as sleep, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the Ambient IoT device.

[0185] Figure 13 includes the following steps:

[0186] S401, The network device sends MSG2, and the last MSG2 instruction information, to the Ambient IoT device.

[0187] In some implementations, taking Figure 14a as an example, MSG2 includes a count, indicating the number of MSG2s sent by the network device. Figure 14a illustrates this by including the count in the control information and encoding it as a whole. However, the count can also be encoded separately, included in the payload and encoded as a whole, or encoded as a whole with the control information and payload, or the count, control information, and payload can be encoded as a whole, or the count can be left unencoded. It is understood that the count is an implicit indication of the last MSG2.

[0188] The network device can determine the number of MSG2 transmissions in several ways, including: determining the number of MSG2 transmissions based on the number of MSG2 occcasions; and, in cases where a time-domain resource corresponds to multiple frequency-domain resources, placing the response information of MSG1 transmitted for multiple resources with the same time domain into a single MSG2. Alternatively, the number of MSG2 transmissions can be determined based on the number of categories of Ambient IoT devices that sent MSG1, such as one MSG2 per category of Ambient IoT devices. Examples of categories of Ambient IoT devices include the aforementioned device A, device B, and device C.

[0189] In addition to indicating MSG2, the number of MSG2s can also be indicated before or after the transmission of MSG2.

[0190] In some implementations, MSG2 includes a preamble sequence indicating whether it is the last MSG2. This preamble sequence serves several purposes, including indicating whether it is the last MSG2, and can also have time alignment functions, which are not limited here. As shown in Figure 14b, sending Preamble2 before the last MSG2 indicates that the MSG2 transmitted after Preamble2 is the last MSG2, while sending Preamble1 before other MSG2s, which differs from Preamble2, indicates that it is not the last MSG2. In this implementation, Preamble2 is a second type of preamble sequence, and Preamble1 is a third type of preamble sequence. These two preamble sequences have different functions than the first type of preamble sequence mentioned above, but their values ​​can be the same or different.

[0191] In some implementations, as shown in Figure 14c, a postamble representing the last MSG2 is sent after the last MSG2 is sent. Besides the example shown in Figure 14c, the postamble can also be carried within the last MSG2. In this case, it can be encoded as a whole with the control information and / or payload in the last MSG2, or it can be encoded separately; this is not limited here.

[0192] S402, Ambient IoT devices, based on indication information, will not detect MSG2 again after detecting the last MSG2.

[0193] In some implementations, if the Ambient IoT device detects a response message, it will continue with subsequent steps such as sending MSG3 to the network device and receiving MSG4.

[0194] In some other implementations, if the Ambient IoT device does not detect a response message, it will either enter a low-power mode or begin subsequent steps such as the next random access after detecting the last MSG2. This is not a limitation here.

[0195] For example, referring to Figures 3-5, in Figure 3, MSG2 Device 4 is the last MSG2; in Figure 4, MSG2 Devices 3 and 4 are the last MSG2; and in Figure 5, MSG2 Devices 1, 2, 3, and 4 are the last MSG2. After detecting the last MSG2, the Ambient IoT device enters sleep mode.

[0196] As can be seen from the steps executed by the Ambient IoT device, in this embodiment, the indication information sent by the network device is an implicit indication of when not to detect MSG2, or it can be regarded as an implicit indication of the opportunity to detect. For example, if the number of MSG2 detected has not reached the indicated number, MSG2 will continue to be detected, so that the Ambient IoT device enters a low-power mode after the last MSG2, thereby achieving the purpose of saving power for the Ambient IoT device.

[0197] It is understood that the implicit indication of not detecting MSG2 in this embodiment can also be integrated with the scheme provided in the above embodiments. For example, in addition to indicating the MSG2 of the bitmap or RN_16, the number of MSG2s can also be indicated. Another example is that before or after sending the MSG2s including the bitmap, code point set, or RN_16, a sequence indicating the last MSG2 can also be sent.

[0198] Figure 15 illustrates another random access method provided by an embodiment of this application. The difference from the above embodiments is that MSG0 indicates whether MSG2 is detected.

[0199] Figure 15 includes the following steps:

[0200] S501, The network device sends MSG0 to the Ambient IoT device.

[0201] MSG0 indicates the Occasion used to transmit MSG1. In addition, in this embodiment, MSG0 also includes indication information to assist in detecting MSG2. In Figure 15, the indication information takes the association relationship between the first resource and the second resource as an example.

[0202] In some implementations, MSG0 includes the number of MSG2s sent by the network device, as shown in Figure 14a.

[0203] In some implementations, MSG0 includes an association between a first resource (taking an opportunity as an example) and a second resource. The first resource is the resource used to transmit MSG1. Taking the Occasion that transmits MSG1 as an example, the second resource would be the resource used to transmit MSG2. The association between the first and second resources means that when the first Ambient IoT device selects the first resource to transmit MSG1, the network device will transmit MSG2, which is used to respond to MSG1 of the first Ambient IoT device, on the second resource associated with the first resource (i.e., the correspondence is pre-configured).

[0204] Referring to Figure 3, assuming that the Occasion represented by MSG1 Device1 and the Occasion represented by MSG2 Device1 are related, if Device1 sends MSG1 in the Occasion represented by MSG1 Device1, and the network device sends MSG2 in response to Device1 in the Occasion represented by MSG2 Device1, then Device1 only needs to detect the MSG2 that responds to MSG1 in the Occasion of MSG2 Device1, without needing to detect MSG2 in other Occasions, such as MSG2Device2-MSG2Device4. Therefore, the power consumption of Device1 can be reduced.

[0205] It is understandable that the association between the first resource and the second resource is only one example of indicating the detection of MSG2. It can also indicate resources that do not detect MSG2. Continuing the previous example, such as instructing Device1 to transmit MSG2Device2-MSG2Device4 time domain resources, instructing Device1 not to detect MSG2 on these time domain resources.

[0206] In another implementation, MSG0 indicates the resource to be transmitted for the last MSG2; that is, MSG0 includes information about transmitting the resource for the last MSG2. In this case, the Ambient IoT device can enter a low-power mode after detecting the last MSG2.

[0207] It is understandable that, as mentioned above, MSG0 indicates the number of MSG2s, the resource association, and the resource for transmitting the last MSG2. In addition to indicating when to detect MSG2s, it can also be seen as indicating when not to detect MSG2s. For example, after the number of MSG2s detected reaches the number of MSG2s indicated by MSG0, the detection of MSG2s stops.

[0208] Figure 15 illustrates the subsequent steps using the case where MSG0 indicates the association between the first and second resources as an example:

[0209] S502, Ambient IoT device sends MSG1 to network device in the first resource.

[0210] As mentioned earlier, the first resource is based on the Occasion selection of the transmission MSG1 configured by MSG0.

[0211] S503. After receiving MSG1 in the first resource, the network device sends MSG2 to the network device in the second resource corresponding to the first resource.

[0212] It is understood that MSG2 can indicate whether MSG1 has collided or not. MSG2 may include the bitmap, code point set, or RN_16 sequence described in the aforementioned embodiments. In addition, if the last MSG2 is transmitted on the second resource, the last MSG2 can also be identified, as shown in Figure 12a or Figure 12b.

[0213] The network device determines the second resource based on the correspondence between the first resource and the second resource.

[0214] S504, Ambient IoT devices are detected in the second resource MSG2.

[0215] In addition to the example steps shown in Figure 15, when MSG0 indicates the number of MSG2s, the Ambient IoT device stops receiving and detecting MSG2s after the number of detected MSG2s reaches the number indicated by MSG0. When MSG0 indicates the resource for transmitting the last MSG2, the Ambient IoT device no longer receives and detects MSG2s in the time domain after transmitting the time domain resource of the last MSG2. Furthermore, the Ambient IoT device can enter a low-power mode.

[0216] In the process provided in this embodiment, the network device indicates whether to detect MSG2 via MSG0, and the Ambient IoT device can detect MSG2 based on the indication. When detection is not required, it can enter a low-power mode such as sleep, which helps to further reduce energy consumption.

[0217] Figure 16 is a structural example diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application, including part 910, part 920 and part 930.

[0218] Section 910 is primarily used for baseband processing and control; section 910 is typically the control center of the network device, often referred to as a processor, used to control the network device to perform the processing operations described in the above method embodiments. Section 920 is primarily used to store computer program code and data. Section 930 is primarily used for the transmission and reception of radio frequency (RF) signals and the conversion between RF signals and baseband signals; section 930 is often referred to as a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver unit. The transceiver module of section 930, also referred to as a transceiver or transceiver unit, includes an antenna 933 and an RF circuit (not shown in the figure), where the RF circuit is mainly used for RF processing. Optionally, the device in section 930 used to implement the receiving function can be considered a receiver, and the device used to implement the transmitting function can be considered a transmitter; that is, section 930 includes a receiver 932 and a transmitter 931. The receiver can also be referred to as a receiving module, receiver circuit, or receiving circuit, and the transmitter can be referred to as a transmitting module, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0219] Sections 910 and 920 may include one or more single boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processors are used to read and execute programs in the memories to implement baseband processing functions and control network devices. If multiple single boards exist, they can be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an alternative implementation, multiple single boards may share one or more processors, multiple single boards may share one or more memories, or multiple single boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0220] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver module in section 930 is used to execute the transceiver-related processes performed by the network device in the above embodiments. The processor in section 910 is used to execute the processing-related processes performed by the network device in the above embodiments.

[0221] It should be understood that Figure 16 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the network devices described above, including processors, memory, and transceivers, may not depend on the structure shown in Figure 16.

[0222] The network device can reduce the energy consumption of IoT terminals detecting random access response information by indicating information.

[0223] Figure 17 is a structural example diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The example of the electronic device is a low-power Internet of Things (IoT) terminal device, such as the aforementioned Ambient IoT device. The electronic device includes one or more processors 171 and a memory 172, and may also include a bus 173 and a communication interface 174.

[0224] The processor 171, memory 172, and communication interface 174 communicate via bus 173. The memory 172 stores program code, and the communication interface 174 implements the steps of receiving and sending data in the Ambient IoT device described in the above embodiments. After the processor 171 runs the program code, it implements the steps of the Ambient IoT device described in the above embodiments. In this process, the sending and receiving of information is achieved by calling the communication interface 174.

[0225] The electronic device, under the instruction of the network device, can reduce the energy consumption for detecting random access response information.

[0226] Embodiments of this application also disclose a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the random access method provided in the above embodiments.

[0227] Embodiments of this application also disclose a computer program product on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program product is run on an electronic device, the electronic device enables the random access method provided in the above embodiments.

[0228] Embodiments of this application also disclose a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, the interface being used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the at least one processor; the at least one processor executes the code instructions to implement the random access method provided in the above embodiments.

[0229] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A random access method, characterized in that, include: Send indication information to the device, the indication information being used by the device to assist in detecting response information, the response information being used to respond to a first message, the first message being used by the device to initiate random access to the network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indication information includes: A bitmap, wherein bits in the bitmap correspond to resources, and a first value for a bit indicates that the response information is not detected, and a second value for a bit indicates that the response information is detected.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources, and the correspondence between the bits and the resources is determined based on the sorting rules of the time-domain resources and / or the frequency-domain resources.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The indication information includes: A first type of sequence, wherein the first type of sequence indicates that the device associated with the first type of sequence detects the response information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first type of sequence includes: No conflict occurred, and / or, was correctly received, and / or, was successfully detected in the preamble sequence of the first message.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first type of sequence is arranged according to a preset sorting rule.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The instruction information also includes: The response information corresponding to the first type of sequence.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The indication information includes a first part and a second part, with the first part preceding the second part. The first part includes a first type of sequence arranged according to a preset order rule, the preset order being determined based on the numerical values ​​of the first type of sequence. The second part includes response information corresponding to the first type of sequence in the first part, and the order of the response information is the same as the order of the corresponding first type of sequence.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sending instruction information includes: A second message is sent in response to the first message, wherein the first part is included in the control information of the second message, and the second part is included in the payload of the second message, wherein the control information and the payload are encoded independently or as a whole.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The indication information includes at least one part, any part including a first type sequence and corresponding response information, the at least one part being arranged according to a preset sorting rule of the included first type sequence, the sorting rule being determined based on the numerical value of the first type sequence.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The indication information includes: The number of second messages, which are used in response to the first message, and which include the response information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Before sending the indication information, the following is also included: The number of the second message is determined based on the number of resources used to transmit the second message; or, The number of second messages is determined based on the number of categories of the devices that sent the first message.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The sending instruction information includes: Send the second message, wherein the number is included in the first second message sent in the time domain.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The sending instruction information includes: Before sending the last second message, a second sequence is sent, the second message being a response to the first message, the second message including the response information, and the second sequence representing the last second message.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Before sending the second type of sequence, the method further includes: Send a third type of sequence and other second messages, wherein the third type of sequence is different from the second type of sequence, and the third type of sequence indicates that the other second messages are not the last second message.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The sending instruction information includes: After sending the last second message, a fourth type of sequence indicating the last second message is sent, the second message being used in response to the first message, the second message including the response information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that, The indication information includes: The number of second messages, the second messages being used in response to the first message, the second messages including the response information; and / or, The association between the first resource and the second resource, wherein the first resource is the resource for transmitting the first message, and the second resource is the resource for transmitting the second message; and / or, Transmit the information of the resource in the last second message.

18. A random access method, characterized in that, include: The system receives indication information, which is used to assist in detecting response information. The response information is used to respond to a first message, which is used to initiate random access to the network device.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The indication information includes: A bitmap, wherein bits in the bitmap correspond to resources, and a first value for a bit indicates that the response information is not detected, and a second value for a bit indicates that the response information is detected.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources, and the correspondence between the bits and the resources is determined based on the sorting rules of the time-domain resources and / or the frequency-domain resources.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18-20, characterized in that, The indication information includes: A first type of sequence, wherein the first type of sequence indicates that the device associated with the first type of sequence detects the response information.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first type of sequence includes: a preamble sequence in the first message that has not collided, and / or has been correctly received, and / or has been successfully detected.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first type of sequence is arranged according to a preset sorting rule.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20-23, characterized in that, The instruction information also includes: The response information corresponding to the first type of sequence.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The indication information includes a first part and a second part, with the first part preceding the second part. The first part includes a first type of sequence arranged according to a preset order rule, the preset order being determined based on the numerical values ​​of the first type of sequence. The second part includes response information corresponding to the first type of sequence in the first part, and the order of the response information is the same as the order of the corresponding first type of sequence.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The receiving indication information includes: The network device receives a second message in response to the first message, wherein the first part is included in the control information of the second message, and the second part is included in the payload of the second message, wherein the control information and the payload are encoded independently or as a whole.

27. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The indication information includes at least one part, any part including a first type sequence and corresponding response information, the at least one part being arranged according to a preset sorting rule of the included first type sequence, the sorting rule being determined based on the numerical value of the first type sequence.

28. The method according to any one of claims 18-27, characterized in that, The indication information includes: The number of second messages, which are used in response to the first message, and which include the response information.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, The receiving indication information includes: The second message sent by the network device is received, and the number is included in the second message received first in the time domain.

30. The method according to any one of claims 18-29, characterized in that, The receiving indication information includes: Before receiving the last second message, a second type sequence is received, the second message being used in response to the first message, the second message including the response information, and the second type sequence representing the last second message.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that, Before receiving the second type of sequence, the method further includes: Receive a third type of sequence and other second messages, wherein the third type of sequence is different from the second type of sequence, and the third type of sequence indicates that the other second messages are not the last second message.

32. The method according to any one of claims 18-31, characterized in that, The receiving indication information includes: After receiving the last second message, a fourth sequence indicating the last second message is received, the second message being used in response to the first message, the second message including the response information.

33. The method according to any one of claims 18-33, characterized in that, The indication information includes: The number of second messages, the second messages being used in response to the first message, the second messages including the response information; and / or, The association between the first resource and the second resource, wherein the first resource is the resource for transmitting the first message, and the second resource is the resource for transmitting the second message; and / or, Transmit the information of the resource in the last second message.

34. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors, and a memory; the memory is used to store program code; The processor is used to run the program code, causing the network device to implement the random access method as described in any one of claims 1 to 33.

35. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the random access method as described in any one of claims 1 to 33.

36. A computer program product, characterized in that, It stores an execution method that, when the computer program product is run on the electronic device, causes the electronic device to implement the random access method as described in any one of claims 1 to 33.

37. A chip system, characterized in that, include: At least one processor and an interface, the interface being used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the at least one processor; The at least one processor executes the code instructions to implement the random access method according to any one of claims 1-33.

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