Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and an apparatus. In the method, it can be determined to activate a first AIoT device, and a first message can be sent to activate the first AIoT device. A simple mechanism for activating the first AIoT device is provided, filling a gap of the inability to activate an AIoT device in a temporary deactivated state, and the first AIoT device can also be activated in a timely manner. In addition, determining to activate the first AIoT device can avoid repeated activation or unnecessary activation of the first AIoT device, thereby facilitating the reduction of overhead caused by unnecessary activation.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411598287.2, filed on November 8, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0004] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) proposed the Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT or AIoT), also known as Ambient Power-enabled IoT or Passive IoT (P-IoT). Ambient IoT includes AIoT devices, readers (also called readers / writers), and servers.

[0005] Servers can perform various operations on AIoT devices via readers, such as deactivation, which temporarily inactivates the AIoT device. In this temporary deactivation state, the AIoT device does not respond to network paging. Currently, there is no solution for activating AIoT devices in this temporary deactivation state. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for providing a mechanism to activate AIoT devices.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to a first communication device or a chip within the first communication device. The first communication device is, for example, a network-side device, also referred to as a network device. The network device may be the network device itself, or other devices including network device functions, or a circuit, or a chip system (or chip) or other functional module capable of implementing the functions of the network device, and the chip system or functional module may be disposed within the network device. The network device may be an application network element, a server, or an ambient IoT management network element. An application network element may be, for example, an application function (AF). A server may be, for example, an application server (AS), such as an enterprise application server. An ambient IoT management network element is used to manage AIoT devices, such as an ambient IoT management function (AIoTMF / AIoTF). A chip may be, for example, a modem chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. For simplicity, the following description uses the application of this method to a first communication device as an example. The method includes: determining to activate a first environment Internet of Things (AIoT) device, and sending a first message indicating that the first AIoT device is activated.

[0008] Optionally, activating the first AIoT device can be understood as enabling the first AIoT device to respond to paging and / or perform operations, or enabling the first AIoT device to be in an enabled state (or an activated state).

[0009] This application provides a mechanism for activating a first AIoT device. Activating the first AIoT device via a first message does not involve a complex interaction process, thus reducing the complexity of activating the first AIoT device and enabling timely activation. Furthermore, the activation of the first AIoT device can be determined before activation, thereby avoiding duplicate or unnecessary activation and reducing unnecessary activation overhead.

[0010] In one possible implementation, determining to activate the first environment IoT AIoT device includes the following two methods: Method 1: If the first AIoT device is in a temporarily deactivated state, determine to perform an operation on the first AIoT device. In the temporarily deactivated state, the AIoT device does not respond to at least one of the following: paging or performing an operation; Method 2: Receive a second message indicating to activate the first AIoT device.

[0011] Thus, in Method 1, the first communication device can sense that the first AIoT device is currently in a temporarily deactivated state, thereby determining whether to activate the first AIoT device. This allows for a more accurate determination of whether to activate the first AIoT device, avoiding unnecessary or repeated activation. In Method 2, the activation of the first AIoT device can be determined based on the instruction of the second message without requiring the first communication device. This method is simple and helps reduce the processing load on the first communication device.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: acquiring the state of a first AIoT device and determining that the first AIoT device is in a temporarily deactivated state. Optionally, the state of the first AIoT device may be pre-stored by a first communication device. For example, the first communication device pre-stores first information, and the first communication device acquires the state of the first AIoT device based on the first information. The first information includes the identifier of the first AIoT device and the state of the first AIoT device associated with the identifier. The identifier of the first AIoT device may also be referred to as the device identifier of the first AIoT device. Alternatively, the state of the first AIoT device may be acquired from other devices. For example, the first communication device may determine the state of the first IoT device based on second information acquired from a unified data management network element or a unified data warehouse network element. The second information may indicate that the first AIoT device is in a temporarily deactivated state. The unified data management network element may be, for example, a unified data management function (UDM), and the unified data warehouse network element may be, for example, a unified data repository function (UDR).

[0013] Thus, multiple methods are provided for the first communication device to obtain the status of the first AIoT device. When the first communication device pre-stores the first information, the efficiency of determining the status of the first AIoT device can be improved, and signaling transmission overhead in the network can be reduced. When the first communication device obtains the status of the first AIoT device from other devices, the data storage volume of the first communication device can be reduced, and it is easier for other devices such as UDR or UDM to uniformly manage the status of various AIoT devices.

[0014] In one possible implementation, before receiving the second message, the method further includes: receiving a third message, the third message indicating that an operation should be performed on the first AIoT device; and, if the first AIoT device is in the temporarily deactivated state, sending a fourth message, the fourth message used to confirm whether to activate the first AIoT device. For example, the first communication device may determine to perform an operation on the first AIoT device by receiving the third message. That is, receiving the third message is one way for the first communication device to determine to perform an operation on the first AIoT device.

[0015] Thus, the first communication device sends a fourth message to reconfirm whether to activate the first AIoT device, which is equivalent to confirming the activation of the first AIoT device twice. This can minimize unnecessary and duplicate activations. Furthermore, if both the first communication device and the device sending the second message have pre-stored the state of the first AIoT device, even if there is a conflict between their pre-stored states, the first communication device sends a fourth message. This resolves the issue of whether to activate the first AIoT device under such a conflict.

[0016] In one possible implementation, activating the first AIoT device with a first message includes: the first message instructing the first AIoT device to be activated via a first instruction. For example, the first instruction may be sent after the first message.

[0017] In this way, the first AIoT device is activated by combining the first message and the first instruction. After receiving the first message, the first AIoT device can prepare to monitor the first instruction, which improves the success rate of the first AIoT device receiving the first instruction and thus helps to improve the success rate of activating the first AIoT device.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first instruction also instructs the first AIoT device to perform an operation. This operation could be a disk entry, write operation, or read operation. Essentially, the first instruction has a dual function: it can activate the first AIoT device and also instruct the activation of the first AIoT device. This eliminates the need for subsequent separate instructions to perform operations on the first AIoT device, reducing network signaling transmission overhead.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first message instructing the activation of the first AIoT device includes: the first message including first indication information, which instructs the activation of the first AIoT device. Optionally, the first indication information is an identifier of the first AIoT device, or the first indication information is proprietary information used to instruct the activation of the first AIoT device.

[0020] Thus, based on the first indication information, the activation of the first AIoT device can be clearly indicated, providing a direct indication of activation. When the first indication information is the identifier of the first AIoT device, this identifier can indicate both the activation of the AIoT device and that the activated device is the first AIoT device, eliminating the need to separately indicate which AIoT device is being activated, thus reducing the number of bits occupied by the first indication information.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first message also instructs the first AIoT device to perform an operation. This eliminates the need for subsequent separate instructions to perform operations on the first AIoT device, reducing network signaling transmission overhead. Furthermore, the first message can reuse existing instructions to activate the first AIoT device, minimizing modifications to the device.

[0022] In one possible implementation, after sending the first message, the method further includes: receiving a fifth message, the fifth message indicating that the first AIoT device has been activated. Optionally, if the first communication device has pre-stored the first information, the first communication device can also update the first information based on the fifth message.

[0023] This makes it easier for the first communication device to instruct the first AIoT device to perform subsequent operations, thereby improving the success rate of the first AIoT device performing subsequent operations.

[0024] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to a first AIoT device or the chip of the first AIoT device. The first AIoT device is, for example, a terminal-side device, also referred to as a terminal device. The terminal device may be the terminal device itself, or other devices including terminal device functions, or a circuit, or a chip system (or chip) or other functional module capable of implementing the terminal device's functions, and the chip system or functional module may be disposed within the terminal device. The terminal device may be a tag, such as an electronic tag, specifically a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, or a mobile phone, or various IoT devices, etc. The chip may be a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, etc. For simplicity, the following uses the application of this method to a first AIoT device as an example. The method includes: receiving a sixth message, the sixth message indicating activation of the first AIoT device, and in response to receiving the sixth message, enabling the first AIoT device to respond to paging and / or perform operations.

[0025] Enabling the first AIoT device to respond to paging and / or perform operations means that the first AIoT device is capable of or supports responding to paging and / or performing operations, or in other words, the first AIoT device has the capability and conditions to respond to paging and / or perform operations. However, whether the first AIoT device responds to paging and / or performs operations can be determined according to the instructions from the network side.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the sixth message instructs the activation of the first AIoT device, including: the sixth message instructs the activation of the first AIoT device via a second instruction, the second instruction being received after the sixth message.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the second instruction is also used to instruct the first AIoT device to perform an operation.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the sixth message instructs the activation of the first AIoT device, including: the sixth message includes second instruction information, which instructs the activation of the first AIoT device.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the second indication information is the identifier of the first AIoT device.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the sixth message also instructs the first AIoT device to perform an operation.

[0031] In one possible implementation, after receiving the sixth message, the method further includes sending a fifth message indicating that the first AIoT device has been activated.

[0032] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to a reader / writer or its chip. The reader / writer may be the reader / writer itself, or other devices including reader / writer functionality, or a circuit, or a chip system (or chip) or other functional module capable of implementing the reader / writer's functionality, and may be disposed within the reader / writer. The reader / writer may be an access network device, such as a base station, or a terminal device, or a handheld reader / writer, etc. The chip may be a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, etc. For simplicity, the following example uses the method applied to a reader / writer. The method includes: receiving a first message, the first message indicating activation of a first AIoT device; and sending a sixth message, the sixth message indicating activation of the first AIoT device. Optionally, the information included in the first message and the information included in the sixth message may be the same or different.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the content of the first message may refer to the content of any of the first messages in the first aspect, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the content of the sixth message can refer to the content of any of the sixth messages in the second aspect, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0035] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. For example, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a communication unit (sometimes also called a communication module). The communication unit is used to perform transmit and receive operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit may be called a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing unit is used to perform processing operations. Alternatively, the communication unit may be a transmitter and a receiver, or a transmitter and a receiver. Optionally, the communication device also includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module).

[0036] The communication device may be the first communication device or a chip in the first communication device described in the first aspect above, or the communication device may implement the functions of the first communication device or the chip in the first communication device described in the first aspect above. The communication device includes corresponding means or modules for performing the first aspect or any possible implementation described above.

[0037] For example, the processing unit is used to determine to activate the first AIoT device, and the communication unit is used to send a first message, the first message indicating that the first AIoT device is activated.

[0038] The communication device can also implement any of the possible implementations in the first aspect described above, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0039] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. For example, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a communication unit (sometimes also called a communication module). The communication unit is used to perform transmit and receive operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit may be called a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing unit is used to perform processing operations. Alternatively, the communication unit may be a transmitter and a receiver, or a transmitter and a receiver. Optionally, the communication device also includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module).

[0040] The communication device may be the first AIoT device or a chip in the first AIoT device as described in the second aspect above, or the communication device may implement the functions of the first AIoT device or a chip in the first AIoT device as described in the second aspect above. The communication device includes corresponding means or modules for performing the second aspect above or any possible implementation.

[0041] For example, the communication unit receives a sixth message, and the processing unit enables the first AIoT device to respond to a paging and / or perform an operation in response to receiving the sixth message.

[0042] The communication device can also implement any of the possible implementations in the second aspect described above, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0043] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. For example, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a communication unit (sometimes also called a communication module). The communication unit is used to perform transmit and receive operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit may be called a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing unit is used to perform processing operations. Alternatively, the communication unit may be a transmitter and a receiver, or a transmitter and a receiver. Optionally, the communication device also includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module).

[0044] The communication device may be a reader / writer or a chip within a reader / writer as described in the third aspect above, or the communication device may implement the functions of a reader / writer or a chip within a reader / writer as described in the third aspect above. The communication device includes corresponding means or modules for performing the third aspect above or any possible implementation.

[0045] For example, the communication unit receives the first message and sends the sixth message.

[0046] The communication device can also implement any of the possible implementations in the third aspect described above, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0047] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system. The communication system includes a first communication device and a first AIoT device. The first communication device is, for example, any of the communication devices described in the fourth aspect and possible embodiments, and the first AIoT device is, for example, any of the communication devices described in the fifth aspect and possible embodiments.

[0048] Optionally, the first communication device may also implement any of the possible implementations in the first aspect described above, and the first AIoT device may also implement any of the possible implementations in the second aspect described above, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a reader / writer, which may be, for example, any of the communication devices described in the sixth aspect and any of the possible implementations. Optionally, the reader / writer may also implement the contents of any of the possible implementations in the third aspect described above, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0050] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are capable of executing computer programs or instructions stored in a memory, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, any possible implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0051] Optionally, the communication device may include a memory, in which case the memory may be coupled to one or more processors, or the memory may be configured relatively independently of one or more processors. Alternatively, the memory may exist independently of the communication device.

[0052] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0053] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal device, or a communication module within a terminal device, or a chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module. Alternatively, the aforementioned communication device may be an access network device, or a module within an access network device.

[0054] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. The communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device. The processor, through logic circuits or executable code instructions, is used to implement methods as described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, any possible implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation of the third aspect. The number of processors can be one or more, and is not limited thereto.

[0055] In the specific implementation process, the communication device can be a chip, and the processor can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits, etc. The specific implementation method of the processor is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0056] In one implementation, the communication device can be a wireless sensing device, i.e., a computer device that supports wireless communication functions. Specifically, the wireless sensing device can be a terminal device such as a smartphone, or a network device such as a wireless access network device (e.g., a base station).

[0057] In another implementation, the communication device can be a component of a wireless sensing device, such as an integrated circuit product like a system-on-chip (SoC) or communication chip. A SoC can also be called a System-on-Chip (SoC). The communication chip can include a baseband processing chip and a radio frequency (RF) processing chip. The baseband processing chip is sometimes referred to as a modem or baseband chip. The RF processing chip is sometimes referred to as an RF transceiver or RF chip. In physical implementation, some or all of the communication chip can be integrated within the SoC. For example, the baseband processing chip is integrated into the SoC, while the RF processing chip is not integrated. The interface circuit can be the RF processing chip in the wireless sensing device, and the processor can be the baseband processing chip in the wireless sensing device. The interface circuit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0058] In another implementation, the communication device can be a chip system, which may consist of chips or include chips and other discrete devices. Chip systems may include, for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), CPUs, network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips.

[0059] Tenthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip system. The chip system includes a processor. Optionally, the chip system may further include an interface (such as a communication interface). The processor can be used to implement any of the methods described in the first aspect and possible implementations to the fourth aspect and possible implementations. Optionally, the chip system also includes a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions). The processor is used to call and run the computer program from the memory, causing a device equipped with the chip system to perform the methods described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, any possible implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation of the third aspect. Implementations of the chip system can be referred to the content of the chip system discussed above, and will not be listed here.

[0060] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the methods of the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, any possible implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0061] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed, it causes a processor to perform a method as described in the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, any possible implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation of the third aspect. The computer program product includes a computer program and / or instructions, etc.

[0062] Regarding the beneficial effects of any of the technical solutions in the second to twelfth aspects mentioned above, please refer to the discussion of the beneficial effects of the corresponding technical solutions in the first aspect, which will not be listed here again. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a 5G communication network;

[0064] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an AIoT scenario under AIoT technology;

[0065] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another AIoT scenario under AIoT technology;

[0066] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of performing a read operation on an AIoT device;

[0067] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0073] The embodiments of this application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to 5th generation (5G) communication networks (or communication systems), such as new radio (NR) networks, or future evolved communication networks. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to side link (SL) or non-terrestrial networks (NTN). NTN networks include, for example, satellite communication networks, including satellite communication networks in regenerative mode or transparent mode. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to converged networks of the above-mentioned communication networks, such as converged networks of 5G communication networks and satellite communication networks, without limitation.

[0075] Figure 1 illustrates the architecture of a 5G communication network. Figure 1 shows terminal equipment, a radio access network (RAN), several network elements, and a data network (DN). These network elements include core network elements in the core network (CN), which can also be referred to as core network entities, core network equipment, or core network devices.

[0076] For example, terminal devices can access the core network via (R)AN, and further access DN, etc. The various parts listed in Figure 1 are described below.

[0077] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can be a fixed device, a mobile device, a handheld device (e.g., a mobile phone), a wearable device, an in-vehicle device, or a wireless device (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip system) built into the aforementioned devices. The terminal device is used to connect people, objects, and machines, and can be widely used in various scenarios, including but not limited to: sensing scenarios, cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine / machine-type (M2M / MTC) communication, the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, self-driving, remote medical care, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, and terminal devices in indoor commercial scenarios (such as mobile phone screen mirroring, file sharing, and video transmission from a mobile phone to VR glasses). When the terminal equipment is applied to V2X, it can also be called a V2X device, such as a smart car, digital car, unmanned car, driverless car, pilotless car, or automobile, self-driving car, or autonomous car, pure electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), new energy vehicle, or roadside unit (RSU). The terminal equipment can also be a device used in D2D communication, such as an electricity meter or water meter.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, the terminal device 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.

[0079] The various terminal devices described above, if located in a vehicle (e.g., placed inside or installed inside a vehicle), can all be considered in-vehicle terminal devices, also known as on-board units (OBUs). The terminal device of this application can also be an in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit.

[0080] The terminal equipment may sometimes be referred to as UE, terminal, access station, UE station, remote station, wireless communication equipment, or user equipment, etc.

[0081] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the terminal device function can be a terminal device, which can be a terminal device or a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a terminal device being used to implement the terminal device function is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0082] (R)AN includes one or more access network devices (or access network elements), wherein the access network devices are devices with wireless transceiver capabilities, used to communicate with the terminal devices. The access network devices include, but are not limited to, base stations (base transceiver stations, BTS, Node B, evolved Node B (eNodeB) / eNB, or the next generation Node B (gNodeB) / gNB), transmission reception points (TRPs), base stations evolved from the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), access nodes in wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, etc. The base stations can be: macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small cells, relay stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same access technology or networks using different access technologies. A base station can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located transmission and reception points. The access network equipment can also be a radio controller, centralized unit (CU), and / or distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The access network equipment can also be a server, etc. For example, in V2X technology, the access network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU). The following description uses a base station as an example. A base station can communicate with a terminal device, or it can communicate with a terminal device through a relay station. A terminal device can communicate with multiple base stations using different access technologies.

[0083] In a CU-DU architecture, or in an open RAN (ORAN) system, access network equipment can include one or more logical network elements such as a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). Core network elements and access network equipment can communicate via a backhaul link; within the access network equipment, CUs and DUs can communicate via a midhaul link, and DUs and RUs can communicate via a fronthaul link.

[0084] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open CU (O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-CP), and RU can also be called an open RU (O-RU). For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples in its embodiments. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0085] The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement. For example, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (such as the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and / or the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer); the DU can be configured to implement the functions of protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as one or more of the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, or Physical (PHY) layer). As another example, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of protocol layers above the PDCP layer (such as the RRC and / or SDAP layers), and the DU can be configured to implement the functions of protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as one or more of the RLC, MAC, or PHY layers).

[0086] The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0087] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0088] In this application embodiment, the apparatus for implementing the functions of the access network device can be referred to as the access network device. The access network device can be a network element, an access network device, or an apparatus capable of supporting the access network device or network element to implement the function, such as a chip system. This apparatus can be installed in the access network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the use of an access network device as an example to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0089] An Application Server (AF) provides a server-side solution for a specific type of service to users. An AF can be a server, an application server, or a service server. AFs can be deployed within the operator's network itself or be third-party AFs. The Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF) is responsible for discovering edge application servers.

[0090] The network slice selection function (NSSF) is responsible for selecting and managing network slice instances that serve the UE. The network exposure function (NEF) is responsible for managing the external exposure of network data. For example, it converts information received from the AF into information sent to internal core network elements, and vice versa; it also securely exposes network capabilities and events provided by core network elements to the AF.

[0091] The network repository function (NRF) handles the registration, management, and status detection of network functions (NFs). The policy control function (PCF) primarily provides policy control related to UE access and mobility, and session management. The User Equipment Management (UDM) is responsible for managing and storing user equipment information, such as user identity, device configuration, and user preferences.

[0092] UDR is used to support the storage and retrieval of user data by other network elements, including subscription data, policy data, structured data, or application data. The Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF) is used to send data to edge application servers.

[0093] The network slice-specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF) is responsible for authenticating and authorizing network slices. NSSAAF can belong to a standalone non-public network (SNPN). The authentication server function (AUSF) supports the unified authentication service, enabling access authentication for both 3GPP and non-3GPP systems. The access and mobility management function (AMF) provides mobility management, lawful monitoring, access authorization, and authentication.

[0094] The Session Management Function (SMF) is used for session and bearer management, address allocation, etc. The Service Communication Proxy (SCP) provides indirect communication, proxy service discovery, message routing, and other functions. The Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) supports monitoring and controlling the number of registered users in each network slice. The User Plane Function (UPF) is used for user plane data routing and forwarding, threshold control, traffic monitoring, authentication, and other functions.

[0095] The aforementioned UPF can be used as a user plane core network element, while other core network elements besides the UPF can be used as control plane core network elements.

[0096] Each of the above network elements can provide corresponding services through service-oriented interfaces. The UE and AMF can communicate via the N1 interface; (R)AN and AMF can communicate via the N2 interface; (R)AN and UPF can communicate via the N3 interface; SMF and UPF can communicate via the N4 interface; UPF and DN can communicate via the N6 interface; and UPFs can communicate with each other via the N9 interface.

[0097] Figure 1 above illustrates a 5G communication system architecture. A communication system may include many more network elements, but this is not a limitation. Furthermore, as standards evolve, the functions and names of these network elements may change, and even more network elements may emerge; this is not specifically limited.

[0098] With the continuous development of communication technology, 3GPP has defined AIoT technology. The main services of AIoT technology (referred to as AIoT services) include: inventory, positioning, sensing, and command. Typical application scenarios of AIoT technology include logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, and environmental monitoring.

[0099] In A-IoT technology, some network nodes can be passive, meaning they don't have their own power source or rely on batteries or other power devices. Instead, they obtain energy from the environment, such as through solar, radio frequency, wind, hydro, or tidal power. There are no restrictions on the method of energy acquisition, thus supporting data sensing, transmission, and distributed computing. These network nodes can also store the acquired energy.

[0100] Figure 2 illustrates an AIoT scenario involving AIoT technology. Figure 2 shows an AIoT device, a reader, an ambient IoT management function (AIoTMF / AIoTF), an intermediate node, and an operation requester. At least one of the AIoTMF, intermediate node, and operation requester can be considered a network-side device.

[0101] Figure 2 uses an example where the number of AIoT devices, readers, and AIoTMFs are all one. In reality, there are no restrictions on the number of AIoT devices, readers, and AIoTMFs. For example, there are two, three, or even more AIoTMFs.

[0102] AIoT devices can be tags (such as electronic tags, specifically RFID tags), radio frequency cards, sensors, electricity meters, water meters, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with communication capabilities, or any other terminal form. For example, an AIoT device can be any of the terminal devices shown in Figure 1. The specific implementation method of the AIoT device is not limited. Tags include passive tags, semi-active tags, or active tags. Passive or semi-active tags can acquire energy to receive or transmit data. Energy can be acquired through radio waves, solar energy, light energy, wind energy, hydropower, thermal energy, kinetic energy, etc., and there is no limitation on this. When an AIoT device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device, it can also be directly referred to as an IoT device or IoT terminal. When an AIoT device is a terminal device, it can also be referred to as a terminal device or terminal. The AIoT devices in the various embodiments of this application can be replaced with or referred to as other IoT terminals, environmental IoT terminals, or environmental IoT devices, etc. In short, there may be multiple names for AIoT devices, and this is not limited. Furthermore, as standards continue to evolve, AIoT devices can have other names, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0103] A reader / writer can also be called a reader or other names, without limitation. It interacts with AIoT devices via radio frequency (RF) signals or wireless signals, such as using RF to read and write to AIoT devices (e.g., electronic tags or RFID cards), thereby achieving the purpose of identifying AIoT devices and exchanging data. A reader / writer may have functions such as performing operations on AIoT devices (e.g., acquiring AIoT device information, inventory operations, read operations, write operations, failure operations, or message interaction with AIoT devices), acquiring billing-related information and / or billing information, and sending billing information to billing network elements. A billing network element may be, for example, a charging function (CHF).

[0104] The reader / writer can be a terminal device, or an access network device, pole station, eNodeB, gNodeB, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, etc. This application does not limit the form of the reader / writer. The reader / writer can be an access network device, such as a base station, pole station, micro base station, macro station, or eNodeB, gNodeB, or integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, etc. The reader / writer can also be a terminal device, such as a mobile phone, IoT device, handheld reader / writer, etc. When there is more than one reader / writer, different readers / writers can serve different AIoT devices.

[0105] AIoTMF can handle service requests from service requesters (such as servers or AFs), as well as manage AIoT devices and execute security authentication processes. Optionally, AIoTMF can belong to the core network element. When there is more than one AIoTMF, different AIoTMFs can serve different AIoT devices.

[0106] Intermediate nodes are used for communication between the server / AF and AIoTMF.

[0107] An operation requester can be understood as a device that sends operation instructions. For example, an operation requester could be a server, a P-IoT server, an AF (Ambient Airflow), or other devices that send operation instructions. An operation requester can correspond to a certain type of user, which can include enterprises, tenants, third parties, or companies, without restriction. An operation requester corresponding to a certain type of user can be understood as the operation requester belonging to that type of user and being managed by that type of user. A server can be or be replaced by an AF (Ambient Airflow) or an Ambient IoT / P-IoT AF (Ambient Airflow / P-IoT AF). Alternatively, a server can be an application server. The following primarily uses the example of a server / AF; in the following text, "server" can be replaced with "AF" or "server / AF".

[0108] The following section uses AIoT devices as a label to illustrate two working methods involved in AIoT devices and readers.

[0109] In the first operating mode, when the tag enters the effective identification range of the reader, it receives the radio frequency signal emitted by the reader, and the tag uses the energy obtained from the induced current to emit the information stored in the chip. This operating mode is suitable for passive tags.

[0110] Another operating method involves the tag storing some electrical energy through solar power or other means, actively transmitting a signal at a specific frequency. The reader receives and decodes the information, then sends it to a central information system for data processing. This method is suitable for semi-active or active tags.

[0111] The following section provides examples of the interactions between various devices involved in the AIoT scenario.

[0112] Before an AIoT device connects to the network, the reader can send an access command to the AIoT device. After the AIoT device successfully connects, when the server operates on the AIoT device, the server can directly send a command (also called an operation command, service command, business command, operation, etc.) to AIoTMF, or the server can send a command to AIoTMF through an intermediate node.

[0113] The following examples, using A1 to A3, illustrate several possible implementation methods for intermediate nodes.

[0114] A1. Intermediate nodes are control plane network elements. This is equivalent to the server sending commands to AIoTMF through the control plane channel.

[0115] For example, the intermediate node is the AMF, meaning the server sends commands to the AIoTMF through the AMF. In this case, the server can be an AF, an application server (AS), or an Ambient IoT / P-IoT application function (A-IoT / P-IoT AF).

[0116] For example, intermediate nodes can be at least one of NEF, SMF, PCF, UDM, or NSSAAF.

[0117] A2. Intermediate nodes are user plane network elements. This is equivalent to the server sending instructions to the AIoTMF through the user plane channel. For example, the server sends instructions to the base station through a user plane network element such as a UPF.

[0118] A3. Intermediate nodes include user plane network elements and control plane network elements.

[0119] For example, intermediate nodes include UPF and SMF.

[0120] Of course, there are various ways for AIoTMF to communicate with the server, and there are also various ways to implement intermediate nodes, so no specific restrictions are made.

[0121] The instructions include, for example, regional location information and AIoT device identification information. The instructions include, but are not limited to, at least one of the instructions shown in B1 to B8 below, which will be described in detail below.

[0122] B1. Inventory Instruction (or Instruction): The inventory instruction is used to direct AIoT devices to perform an inventory operation, or in other words, to instruct the AIoT devices to be inventoried. The inventory instruction is used to inventory the existing AIoT devices, which can also be understood as obtaining the device ID (hereinafter referred to as the identifier) ​​information of the AIoT devices. Each AIoT device has its own identifier, which can be assigned by the enterprise (i.e., written into the AIoT device when the enterprise prints the AIoT device) or by the operator. For example, the AIoT device identifier can be a globally unique code, such as an electronic product code (EPC), or it can be a temporary identifier or a non-globally unique identifier. During the inventory process, the server can issue inventory instructions. The inventory instructions will include information such as the identifier range of the AIoT devices, reader identifiers, and location information.

[0123] B2. Read command: This command instructs the AIoT device to perform a read operation, or in other words, to perform a read operation on the AIoT device, i.e., to read data from the AIoT device. AIoT devices may have storage capabilities, and their storage areas can store data. If a server wants to perform a read operation on an AIoT device, it will send a read command. The reader or core network will then perform the read operation according to the command, reading data from the AIoT device's storage area and sending the data to the server.

[0124] B3. Write command: This command instructs the AIoT device to perform a write operation, or in other words, to perform a write operation on the AIoT device, i.e., to write data to the AIoT device. The server can send a write command, and the reader or core network will perform a write operation on the AIoT device according to the command, writing data to the AIoT device's storage area.

[0125] B4. Deactivation command, also known as invalidation command. A deactivation command instructs the AIoT device to be permanently deactivated (or instructs the AIoT device to perform a permanent deactivation operation), and thus can be called a permanent deactivation command. A deactivation command instructs the AIoT device to be temporarily deactivated (or instructs the AIoT device to perform a temporary deactivation operation), and thus can be called a temporary deactivation command. A temporary deactivation command can also be called a locking command. After the locking operation is completed, the tag will be locked and temporarily cannot be subjected to other operations. In short, the deactivation operation enables the AIoT device to be temporarily or permanently disabled (or deactivated). The server can send a deactivation command, which can include the AIoT device identifier (i.e., the identifier of the AIoT device to be deactivated or disabled). The reader or core network performs a disable operation on the AIoT device according to the command. After the operation is completed, the AIoT device will be disabled or deactivated and cannot be inventoried or subjected to other operations.

[0126] B5. Location Command: The requesting party can send a location command to the reader, which may include the AIoT device identifier (i.e., the identifier of the AIoT device to be located). The reader obtains the location information of the AIoT device based on the location command and sends the location information of the AIoT device to the server.

[0127] B6. An instruction for acquiring AIoT device information, used to instruct the operation of acquiring AIoT device information. For example, AIoT device information includes AIoT device identification information and / or information stored by the AIoT device. For instance, the reader acquires or receives AIoT device information sent by the AIoT device. The reader then sends the AIoT device information to the operation requester or a core network element. Alternatively, before acquiring the AIoT device information sent by the AIoT device, the reader may receive an operation instruction and send the operation instruction to the AIoT device; the operation instruction may come from the operation requester or from a core network element, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0128] In another possible implementation, the instruction to obtain AIoT device information does not distinguish whether the server is inventorying AIoT devices or reading AIoT device data. This instruction is used to obtain AIoT device information, which may be the identification information of the AIoT device or information stored in the AIoT device's storage area. The instructions shown in B1 or B2 above can be used as examples of instructions to obtain AIoT device information. In this case, the instruction to obtain AIoT device information may include other instructions besides those shown in B1 and / or B2 above, which are not limited thereto.

[0129] B7. A payload transmission instruction, used to instruct the transmission of a payload to the AIoT device. For example, the operation requester can transmit a payload to the AIoT device via a reader / writer. After receiving the payload from the server or application function, the reader / writer transmits the payload to the AIoT device. Alternatively, core network elements can transmit a payload to the AIoT device via a reader / writer. After receiving the payload from the core network element, the reader / writer transmits the payload to the AIoT device. For example, the payload here can be an instruction sent to the AIoT device by a core network element, server, or application function; data written to the AIoT device by a core network element, server, or AF; application layer information sent to the AIoT device by a core network element, server, or application function; or, the payload here can also be other information related to the AIoT device, which is not limited in this application.

[0130] B8. Message interaction operation instructions, used to instruct AIoT devices to perform message interaction operations. These instructions refer to the reader / writer receiving instructions from the server, interacting with the AIoT device to exchange information or messages, and sending information from the AIoT device back to the server. This instruction is primarily for readers / writers that do not view the instruction content and are only responsible for forwarding messages sent from the server to the AIoT device and messages sent from the AIoT device to the server.

[0131] For example, the reader sends a message from the operation requester (server or application function) to the AIoT device. Alternatively, the reader receives a message from the AIoT device and sends a message from the AIoT device back to the operation requester (server or application function). Or, the reader can interact with the AIoT device by exchanging messages, such as exchanging random numbers, before receiving messages from the AIoT device.

[0132] In another possible implementation, the instruction for message interaction with the AIoT device can refer to any instruction for interacting with the AIoT device, including but not limited to at least one of the instructions shown in B1 to B7 above.

[0133] There are many more commands in AIoT scenarios, which will not be listed here.

[0134] After receiving instructions from the server, AIoTMF can send instructions to the reader, which in turn sends instructions to the AIoT device, causing the AIoT device to perform corresponding operations, such as acquiring or sending information. The reader sends (or forwards) information to the intermediate node; the intermediate node then sends the information to the server.

[0135] Different instructions result in different operations performed by AIoT devices, which will be introduced below in conjunction with C1 to C8.

[0136] C1, the instruction is the inventory instruction shown in B1 above.

[0137] After receiving an inventory command, the reader can perform an inventory check on the AIoT devices according to the command and send the identification information of the AIoT devices to the server. Alternatively, the server sends a command, which the reader forwards to the AIoT devices. The AIoT devices determine that an inventory operation is being performed based on the content of the command. For example, when the command is an inventory command or when an inventory operation is being performed, the AIoT devices will send their identification information.

[0138] C2, the instruction is the read instruction shown in B2 above.

[0139] AIoT devices can send data stored in their storage area. For example, an AIoT device sends its identification information to a reader, and the reader sends the identification information to a server; or, an AIoT device sends its identification information to the core network through a reader, and the core network sends the identification information to a server.

[0140] C3 is the write instruction shown in B3 above.

[0141] AIoT devices can store the data information to be written to the AIoT device, which is included in the write command, into the AIoT device's storage area.

[0142] C4, the instruction is the inactivation instruction shown in B4 above.

[0143] When the deactivation command is a permanent deactivation command, the AIoT device can enter a permanently deactivated state. In this state, the AIoT device will no longer respond to network paging or perform any operations; it is essentially disabled or killed. When the deactivation command is a temporary deactivation command, the AIoT device can enter a temporary deactivation state. In this state, the AIoT device will not respond to network paging or perform any operations, but it may still be able to be put back into use.

[0144] C5, the instruction is the positioning instruction shown in B5 above.

[0145] AIoT devices can report their location information based on positioning commands.

[0146] C6 is the instruction for obtaining AIoT device information as shown in B6 above.

[0147] AIoT devices can report AIoT device information based on instructions to obtain AIoT device information.

[0148] C7 is the instruction for the transmission load shown in B7 above.

[0149] AIoT devices can receive and store the load according to the instructions for transmitting the load.

[0150] C8 is the instruction for the message interaction operation shown in B8 above.

[0151] AIoT devices can send messages to the network side or receive messages from AIoT devices on the network side according to the instructions of message interaction.

[0152] The following examples illustrate specific applications of AIoT scenarios, using AIoT devices as the label.

[0153] Example 1: Applied to warehouse / transportation / materials scenarios.

[0154] For example, goods are embedded with or equipped with passive or semi-passive tags. During the logistics process, the relevant information of the goods is automatically collected by the reader when the goods are stored in warehouses, shopping malls, etc. In this way, managers can quickly query the information of the goods in the system, reduce the risk of loss or theft, improve the speed of goods handover, improve accuracy, and prevent cross-selling and counterfeiting.

[0155] Example 2, applied in the context of fixed asset management.

[0156] For example, places with large assets or valuable items, such as libraries, art galleries, and museums, need complete management procedures or rigorous protection measures. When there are abnormal changes in the storage information of books or valuable items, the tags on these items can be used to alert the administrator in the system immediately, allowing for timely handling of the situation.

[0157] Figure 3 illustrates an AIoT scenario involving AIoT technology. The example in Figure 3 uses a reader / writer as the terminal device and a server / AF as the operation requester.

[0158] As shown in Figure 3, the server can sequentially send instructions to the reader (i.e., the terminal device) through intermediate nodes, AIoTMF, and access network devices, and the reader then sends instructions to the AIoT device. The content of the intermediate nodes can be referred to in Figure 2 above, and will not be listed here. Alternatively, the server and AIoTMF can communicate directly, without restriction.

[0159] In another possible implementation, AIoTMF can directly send instructions to AIoT devices. The content of the instructions can be seen in Figure 2, and will not be listed here.

[0160] The following example illustrates the process of an AIoT device performing a write operation, using a read command as the instruction and an access network device as the reader / writer. Figure 4 shows the process of an AIoT device performing a read operation.

[0161] S401, Core network elements (such as AIoTMF) send inventory request messages to access network devices.

[0162] After a core network element determines that a service operation (such as inventory management) needs to be performed, it can send an inventory management request message to the access network device. Optionally, this inventory management request message includes mask information. The mask information may be, for example, a prefix representing the identifier of the AIoT device.

[0163] S402. The access network device sends mask information. For example, the access network device broadcasts mask information. Figure 4 shows an example of an AIoT device receiving this mask information.

[0164] S403, The access network device sends a random number to the AIoT device.

[0165] IoT devices can generate random numbers and broadcast them periodically. These random numbers can be included in query commands or queryrep commands.

[0166] S404, the AIoT device sends RN16 to the access network device.

[0167] When an AIoT device determines that the broadcast mask information matches its own identification information (e.g., the mask information and the identification prefix are the same), it will decrement the generated random number by one each time it receives a random number, until it reaches 0. Then, it will send a 16-bit random number (RN). This 16-bit random number can be abbreviated as RN16.

[0168] S405. The access network device sends an acknowledgment (ACK) message to the AIoT device.

[0169] Access network devices can send ACK messages to AIoT devices, which acknowledge successful random access by the AIoT device. Optionally, this acknowledgment message can carry RN16.

[0170] S402 to S405 can be used as a process for AIoT devices to perform random access. Of course, this is just one example of AIoT performing random access. In fact, there are many other ways for AIoT devices to perform random access, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0171] S406. The AIoT device sends an uplink (uopplink, UL) non-access stratum (NAS) message to the access network device.

[0172] The IoT device confirms its successful access by verifying the correct RN16 information carried in the confirmation message and sends a UL NAS message to the access network device. The AIoT device's identifier is included in the uplink message.

[0173] S407. Access network equipment sends UL NAS messages to core network elements.

[0174] S408, the core network element sends a read command to the access network device.

[0175] Once the core network element identifies an IoT device that needs to perform a read operation, it sends a read command to the IoT device through the access network device.

[0176] S409. The access network device sends a read command to the AIoT device.

[0177] AIoT devices can send the data they need to read to the core network elements through a reader / writer.

[0178] S410 and AIoT devices send data to access network devices.

[0179] S411. Access network equipment sends data to core network elements.

[0180] As can be seen from the process in Figure 4, before an AIoT device can perform an operation, it needs to be able to respond to the mask information from the network side in order to access the network.

[0181] However, when an AIoT device is in a temporarily deactivated state, it cannot respond to network-side mask information, thus preventing it from accessing the network and rendering it unusable. Therefore, reactivating AIoT devices in a temporarily deactivated state is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.

[0182] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that provides a mechanism for activating AIoT devices to compensate for the inability to activate AIoT devices that are in a temporarily deactivated state.

[0183] The network architecture and business scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0184] The method provided by the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings corresponding to the various embodiments of this application, all steps indicated by dashed lines are optional steps. Furthermore, the first communication device involved in the embodiments of this application can be, for example, the AF shown in FIG1, the operation requester involved in FIG2, such as an AF or server, the server or AF involved in FIG3, any AIoTMF involved in FIG2, or the AIoTMF involved in FIG3; the first AIoT device can be, for example, any AIoT device involved in FIG1 to FIG3; the server can be, for example, the AF involved in FIG1, the AF or server involved in FIG2, or the AF or server involved in FIG3, etc.; the AF can be any AF involved in FIG1 to FIG3; the AIoTMF can be, for example, any AIoTMF involved in FIG2 or FIG3; the reader / writer can be, for example, the (R)AN involved in FIG1, the reader / writer involved in FIG2, or the terminal device involved in FIG3; and the NEF can be, for example, any NEF involved in FIG1 or FIG2, etc. The names of the devices involved here can also be various, and there is no limitation thereto. Furthermore, if the technical solutions provided in the various embodiments of this application are applied to other communication systems or as standards continue to evolve, the name and / or functions of the devices may change, but this is not a limitation.

[0185] The following describes some of the terms or technologies involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0186] 1. An operation, also known as a service operation or business operation, refers to an operation that the network side (such as an AF or server) expects to perform on an AIoT device. The operations in the embodiments of this application include at least one of the following: inventory operation, location operation, AIoT device information reporting operation, message interaction operation, transmission load operation, read operation, or write operation. These operations are used to obtain information from the AIoT device or for message interaction with the AIoT device. As standards evolve, the types of operations may increase, and this is not limited to these.

[0187] The network side can perform operations on AIoT devices by issuing commands.

[0188] For example, if the network side issues an inventory command, it means that it expects to perform an inventory operation on the AIoT device, or expects the AIoT device to perform an inventory operation, or it means that it is paging the AIoT device.

[0189] For example, if the network side issues a read command, it means that it expects to perform a read operation on the AIoT device, or in other words, it expects the AIoT device to perform a read operation.

[0190] For example, if the network side issues a write command, it means that it expects to perform a write operation on the AIoT device, or in other words, it expects the AIoT device to perform a write operation.

[0191] For example, if the network side issues a location command, it means that it expects the AIoT device to perform a location operation, or in other words, it expects the AIoT device to perform a location operation.

[0192] For example, if the network side issues an operation to obtain AIoT device information, it means that it expects the AIoT device to report AIoT device information, or in other words, it expects the AIoT device to perform the operation of reporting AIoT device information.

[0193] For example, if the network side issues a command to perform message interaction operations with the AIoT device, it means that it expects to perform message interaction operations with the AIoT device, or in other words, it expects the AIoT device to perform message interaction operations.

[0194] For example, if the network side issues a command to transmit load, it means that it expects the AIoT device to perform a transmission load operation, or in other words, it expects the AIoT device to perform a transmission load operation.

[0195] The contents of inventory, read, and write instructions can be found in the previous sections on inventory, read, and write instructions, and will not be listed here again. After receiving instructions from the network side, AIoT devices can execute the operations indicated by those instructions.

[0196] In this application embodiment, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0197] In this application, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. For example, the first sequence and the second sequence refer to two different sequences, and do not indicate that the content, priority, or importance of these two sequences are different. For a technical feature, the technical features within that technical feature are distinguished by "A", "B", "C", and "D", and the technical features described by "A", "B", "C", and "D" have no sequential or size order.

[0198] In the embodiments of this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the device taking corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require the device to perform a judgment action, nor do they imply any other limitations. Unless otherwise specified, "if" and "if" can be substituted, and "when" and "in the case of" can be substituted. "When" and "if" / "if" can be substituted.

[0199] In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0200] Figure 5 illustrates a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application. The steps involved in Figure 5 will be described below.

[0201] S501, The first communication device determines to activate the first AIoT device.

[0202] Determining to activate the first AIoT device can be replaced or understood as at least one of the following: determining that the first AIoT device needs to be activated, determining that an activation operation is to be performed on the first AIoT device, determining that the first AIoT device needs to be activated, or desiring to activate the first AIoT device. Activating the first AIoT device can be understood as enabling the first AIoT device to respond to paging and / or perform operations, or in other words, when the first AIoT device is in an enabled state (or activated state), the first AIoT device is able to or supports responding to paging and / or performing operations, or in other words, enabling the first AIoT device to have the conditions to respond to paging and / or perform operations, making it impossible for the first AIoT device to refuse to respond to paging and / or perform operations, or in other words, the first AIoT device can perform operations but cannot respond to paging, or in other words, the first AIoT device can respond to paging but cannot perform operations. Operations include, for example, at least one of the following: inventory operation, location operation, operation to obtain AIoT device information, message interaction operation with AIoT device information, operation to transmit payload, read operation, or write operation. The content of the operation can be referred to the operation content discussed above, and will not be listed here.

[0203] Optionally, activation may include multiple types (or categories or modes, etc.) of activation. In this case, activating the first AIoT device may specifically involve performing at least one type of activation on the first AIoT device.

[0204] Activation types can be categorized based on the actions the first AIoT device can perform after activation. For example, activation types may include at least one type: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Type 1 activation enables the first AIoT device to respond to paging and perform operations. Type 2 activation enables the first AIoT device to respond to paging but cannot perform operations other than inventory management; or it can be understood as responding to paging including performing inventory management. Type 3 activation enables the first AIoT device to perform operations but may not be able to respond to paging. Of course, there can be multiple types of activation, and this is not specifically limited.

[0205] Alternatively, the activation type can be categorized based on the types of operations that the AIoT device can perform after activation. For example, at least one activation type includes type 1 to type N, where N is an integer greater than 1, such as 7 or 8.

[0206] For example, at least one activated type includes types 1 through 7. Type 1 indicates that the activated first AIoT device is able to respond to paging. Type 2 indicates that the activated first AIoT device is able to perform inventory operations. Type 3 indicates that the activated first AIoT device is able to perform location operations. Type 4 indicates that the activated first AIoT device is able to perform operations to acquire (or report) AIoT device information. Type 5 indicates that the activated first AIoT device is able to perform message interaction operations. Type 6 indicates that the activated first AIoT device is able to perform payload transmission operations.

[0207] The activation of at least one type includes type 8. Type 8 indicates that the first AIoT device after activation is capable of performing inventory, write, and read operations.

[0208] A paging response can be replaced or understood as at least one of the following: the first communication device can page the AIoT device; the AIoT device can monitor paging messages from the network side (such as the first communication device or a reader / writer); the AIoT device can respond to paging messages from the network side (such as the first communication device or a reader / writer); the AIoT device can access the network side based on paging messages; the AIoT device cannot refuse to receive paging messages from the network side; the AIoT device cannot refuse to respond to paging messages from the network side; the AIoT device can respond to paging but cannot perform operations; the AIoT device can perform inventory operations; the AIoT device can report its identifier to the network side; or the AIoT device can access the network side.

[0209] Performing an operation can also be referred to as performing an operation on an AIoT device. Performing an operation can be replaced or understood as at least one of the following: the first communication device can perform an operation through the AIoT device; the AIoT device can receive instructions from the network side (such as the first communication device or a reader / writer) to instruct the AIoT device to perform an operation; the AIoT device cannot refuse to receive instructions from the network side to instruct the AIoT device to perform an operation; the AIoT device can perform a specific operation; the AIoT device can perform any operation; or the AIoT device can perform an operation instructed by the network side (such as the first communication device or a reader / writer). Operations include, for example, at least one of disk storage operations, write operations, or read operations.

[0210] Optionally, before activating the first AIoT device, the first AIoT device may be in a temporarily deactivated state. This temporarily deactivated state can also be called a temporarily invalid state. In the temporarily deactivated state, the AIoT device does not respond to at least one of the following: paging or performing an operation.

[0211] "Not responding to paging" can be understood as, or replaced by, at least one of the following: the first communication device cannot page the AIoT device; the AIoT device does not monitor paging messages from the network side (such as the first communication device or a reader); the AIoT device cannot respond to paging messages from the network side (such as the first communication device or a reader); the AIoT device cannot access the network side based on paging messages; the AIoT device cannot report its identifier to the network side; the AIoT device cannot perform inventory operations; the AIoT device may refuse to respond to paging; or the AIoT device cannot access the network side.

[0212] A non-response operation can be replaced or understood as at least one of the following: the first communication device cannot perform the operation through the AIoT device, the AIoT device can receive instructions for the operation, the AIoT device can refuse to perform the operation, or the AIoT device is unable to perform the operation indicated by the network side (such as the first communication device or reader).

[0213] For example, when the first AIoT device is in a temporarily deactivated state, the first AIoT device cannot (or is unable to) respond to paging or perform operations.

[0214] The following section uses D1 to D2 to illustrate how the first communication device determines the activation method of the first AIoT device.

[0215] D1. If the first AIoT device is in a temporarily deactivated state, the first communication device determines to perform an operation on the first AIoT device. In this case, the first communication device can sense that the first AIoT device is currently in a temporarily deactivated state.

[0216] For example, a first communication device receives a service request from a server / AF. This service request requests an operation to be performed on the first AIoT device, such as performing at least one of the following: inventory operation, location operation, obtaining AIoT device information, message interaction with AIoT device information, load transmission operation, read operation, or write operation. If this request is received, the first communication device determines that it needs to activate the first AIoT device. Optionally, the service request may include the identifier of the first AIoT device, or it may include a range of identifiers for the AIoT device. This range includes the identifier of the first AIoT device. Thus, the first communication device can determine that an operation needs to be performed on the first AIoT device based on the identifier or range of identifiers in the service request.

[0217] Determining that an operation needs to be performed on the first AIoT device can also be described as requiring the first AIoT device to perform an operation, or expecting the first AIoT device to perform an operation. This operation may include at least one of operations such as disk entry, write operation, or read operation. However, if the first communication device determines that the first AIoT device is currently in a temporarily deactivated state, then the first communication device determines to activate the first AIoT device.

[0218] The following provides an example of the possible ways in which the first communication device determines that the first AIoT device is currently in a temporary deactivated state.

[0219] In one possible design, upon receiving a temporary deactivation instruction for the first AIoT device, or upon confirming that the first AIoT device has been successfully temporarily deactivated, the first communication device can store the state of the first AIoT device as a temporarily deactivated state to pre-store first information. The temporary deactivation instruction is used to instruct the first AIoT device to perform a temporary deactivation operation, or to perform a temporary deactivation operation on the first AIoT device. After performing the temporary deactivation operation, the first AIoT device enters a temporary deactivation state. Confirming that the first AIoT device has been successfully temporarily deactivated can be replaced by or understood as at least one of the following: the first communication device receives an instruction that the first AIoT device has been successfully temporarily deactivated, or the first communication device sends a temporary deactivation instruction to the first AIoT device; after sending the temporary deactivation instruction, the first communication device is unable to page the first AIoT device; or after sending the temporary deactivation instruction, the first communication device is unable to obtain feedback from the first AIoT device regarding paging.

[0220] The first information includes the identifier of the first AIoT device, or the first information includes the identifier of the first AIoT device and the status of the first AIoT device associated with the identifier of the first AIoT device. The first information can take various forms, such as tables, bits or bitmaps or other forms, and there is no specific limitation on this.

[0221] The identifier of the first AIoT device can be assigned by the enterprise, such as being written into the AIoT device during production or printing, or it can be assigned by the operator. For example, the identifier of the AIoT device can be a globally unique code, such as EPC, or it can be a temporary identifier or a non-globally unique identifier; there are no specific limitations on this. In this way, the first communication device can determine that the first AIoT device is in a temporarily deactivated state based on the pre-stored first information.

[0222] Please refer to Table 1 below for an example of the first information provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0223] Table 1

[0224] Table 1 uses "1" to represent the temporary inactivation state as an example.

[0225] For example, if a first communication device receives a service request that requests a first AIoT device identified as "11110" to perform an operation, the first communication device can determine, based on the contents of Table 1 above, that the first AIoT device is in a temporarily deactivated state. Therefore, the first communication device can determine to activate the first AIoT device so that the first AIoT device can perform the operation.

[0226] For example, if the first communication device receives a service request that requests the first AIoT device identified as "11011" to perform an operation, the first communication device can determine, based on the contents of Table 1 above, that the first AIoT device is in a temporarily deactivated state. Therefore, the first communication device can determine to activate the first AIoT device so that the first AIoT device can perform the operation.

[0227] In another possible design, after the first communication device receives a service request, it can obtain the status of the first AIoT device from the UDR or UDM based on the service request, thereby determining whether the first AIoT device is in a temporarily deactivated state. For example, the UDR or UDM sends second information to the first communication device, which indicates that the first AIoT device is in a temporarily deactivated state. For example, the second information may include information about the status of the first AIoT device. Optionally, the second information may also carry the identifier of the first AIoT device, etc.

[0228] In this scenario, the service request may include the identifier or a prefix of the identifier of the first AIoT device. Thus, the first communication device can request the status of the first AIoT device from the UDR or UDM based on the identifier or prefix of the first AIoT device. The content of the UDR or UDM storing the status of the first AIoT device can be referenced from the content of the first information, and will not be listed here.

[0229] The above-mentioned D1 can be applied to various situations where the first communication device is an AF, a server, or an AIoTMF.

[0230] D2. The first communication device receives a second message, which instructs the first AIoT device to be activated.

[0231] For example, the first communication device receives a second message from the second communication device, and based on the second message, determines to activate the first AIoT device. The second communication device refers to a device other than the first communication device. For example, the first communication device is AIoTMF, and the second communication device is AF or a server. Another example is that the first communication device is AIoTMF, and the second communication device is UDR or UDM, etc.

[0232] In one possible implementation, the first communication device may receive a third message before receiving the second message, the third message instructing an operation to be performed on the first AIoT device. If the first AIoT device is in a temporarily deactivated state, a fourth message is sent to confirm whether the first AIoT device should be activated.

[0233] In this embodiment, the first communication device pre-stores first information, and the second communication device pre-stores third information. The third information indicates the temporary deactivation status of the AIoT device. The content of the third information can refer to the content of the first information, and will not be listed here. However, the first information and the third information may conflict.

[0234] Suppose that the third information indicates the first AIoT device's state is not temporarily deactivated, but the first information indicates its state is temporarily deactivated. In this case, the second communication device can send a third message to the first communication device, which is the service request. However, if the first communication device, based on the first information, determines the first AIoT device's state is temporarily deactivated, it can send a fourth message to the second communication device to confirm whether the first AIoT device needs to be activated. The first communication device then determines whether to activate the first AIoT device based on the feedback from the second communication device. This facilitates accurate management of the first AIoT device's state and avoids the possibility of repeatedly activating the first AIoT device.

[0235] Optionally, the first communication device may also send the first information to the second communication device, so that the second communication device can update the third information in a timely manner based on the first information.

[0236] The above D2 can be applied to situations where the first communication device is AIoTMF or other core network elements.

[0237] The above D1 or D2 are examples of how the first communication device determines to activate the first AIoT device. In fact, there are many other ways for the first communication device to determine to activate the first AIoT device, which are not limited here.

[0238] In cases where activation includes multiple types of activation, in addition to determining that activation of the first AIoT device is required, the first communication device may optionally determine which type of activation to perform on the first AIoT device, that is, determine the type of activation to perform on the first AIoT device, such as the first type, the second type, or the third type discussed above, or at least one of type 1 to type N.

[0239] In one possible design, the first communication device determines which type of activation to perform on the first AIoT device based on the service request. For example, if the service request instructs the first AIoT device to perform an inventory operation, then the first communication device can determine to perform a second type of activation. If the service request instructs the first AIoT device to perform a write or read operation, then the first communication device can determine to perform a first type of activation.

[0240] In another possible design, the second message also indicates what type of operation to perform on the first AIoT device. For example, the second message may also indicate whether to perform a first type, a second type, or a third type of activation on the first AIoT device. In this way, the first communication device can determine which type of activation to perform on the first AIoT device based on the second message.

[0241] S502, the first communication device sends a first message to the reader / writer. Correspondingly, the reader / writer receives the first message from the first communication device.

[0242] The first message is used to instruct the activation of the first AIoT device. The following examples, using E1 or E2, illustrate how the first message instructs the activation of the first AIoT device. Alternatively, E1 or E2 can be considered two possible implementations of the first message.

[0243] E1. The first message indicates that the first AIoT device is activated via a first instruction. In this case, after sending the first message to the reader, the first communication device can also send a first instruction to the reader. That is, the first instruction is sent after the first message. Optionally, the first communication device can send the first instruction to the reader via a NAS message, meaning the first instruction can be carried within a NAS message.

[0244] The first message can explicitly or implicitly indicate that the first AIoT device is activated via a first instruction, without limitation. For example, the first message may include third indication information indicating that the first AIoT device is activated via a first instruction. Alternatively, the message type or message name of the first message may be used to indicate that the first AIoT device is activated via a first instruction. For instance, the protocol may pre-configure or predefine the message type or message name of the first message in the reader to indicate that the first AIoT device is activated via a first instruction. Thus, after receiving the first message, the reader can determine, based on the message type or message name, that the first message indicates that the first AIoT device is activated via a first instruction.

[0245] This method is equivalent to activating the first AIoT device in two steps. After the first AIoT device receives the first message, it can monitor the first command based on the first message. This can increase the success rate of the first AIoT device receiving the first command, and thus increase the success rate of activating the first AIoT device.

[0246] Optionally, the first instruction can also be used to instruct the first AIoT device to perform an operation, such as instructing the first AIoT device to perform an inventory operation, a read operation, or a write operation. In this way, the first instruction can not only activate the first AIoT device, but also instruct the first AIoT device to perform an operation, eliminating the need to separately instruct the first AIoT device to perform an operation, which helps to save signaling overhead.

[0247] Under E1, the first message can be a Non-access stratum (NAS) message, specifically an N2 message (N2 Msg). In this case, the first message may also include at least one of a random access indication, mask information, or instructions. The mask information may include, for example, the identifier of the first AIoT device, a portion of the identifier of the first IoT device, such as a prefix of the identifier of the first AIoT device. Thus, reusing the existing N2 message, when activating the first AIoT device, also helps to save signaling overhead.

[0248] E2. The first message includes a first instruction message, which instructs the activation of the first AIoT device.

[0249] The first message can explicitly or implicitly indicate the activation of the first AIoT device, without limitation.

[0250] For example, the message type or message name of the first message indicates that the first AIoT device should be activated. For instance, the protocol may pre-configure or predefine the message type or message name of the first message in the reader to indicate that the first AIoT device should be activated. In this way, after the reader receives the first message, it can determine that the first message indicates that the first AIoT device should be activated based on the message type or message name of the first message.

[0251] Alternatively, the first message may include first indication information to indicate activation of the first AIoT device. Optionally, the first indication information may be carried in a first field of the first message.

[0252] For example, the first indication information is the identifier of the first AIoT device, which is equivalent to the identifier of the first AIoT device indicating that the first AIoT device should be activated. The identifier of the first AIoT device can refer to the content of the identifier of the first AIoT device discussed above, and will not be listed here. Alternatively, the first indication information can be information other than the identifier of the first AIoT device, such as the location information of the first AIoT device, or the type information of the first AIoT device, etc.

[0253] Alternatively, the first message may indicate activation of the first AIoT device via a specific field within the first message. For example, if the first message includes this specific field, then the specific field indicates activation of the first AIoT device. Alternatively, if the first message does not include the specific field, then activation of the AIoT device is not indicated.

[0254] The following example illustrates the first message under E1, using either E2-1 or E2-2 as examples.

[0255] Both E2-1 and the first message can be NAS messages, specifically N2 messages (N2 message, N2 Msg). In this case, the first message may also include at least one of the following: random access indication, mask information, or instructions. The mask information may include, for example, the identifier of the first AIoT device, a portion of the identifier of the first IoT device, such as a prefix of the identifier of the first AIoT device.

[0256] E2-2. The first message also instructs the execution of an operation on the first AIoT device. The content of the operation can be referred to the operation described above, and will not be listed here. In this case, the first message can also be an instruction (or service command, etc.). This also helps to reduce signaling overhead.

[0257] Optionally, if the first message also instructs the first AIoT device to perform an operation, the first message may also be a NAS message, without any specific limitation.

[0258] In cases where activation includes multiple types, optionally, the first message (or first instruction) may, in addition to instructing the first AIoT device to be activated, also indicate the type of activation to be performed on the first AIoT device, or in other words, indicate which type of activation the first AIoT device should undergo. For example, the first message (or first instruction) may instruct the first AIoT device to undergo a first type of activation, a second type of activation, a third type of activation, or instruct the first AIoT device to perform at least one type of activation from type 1 to type N. Different implementations of the first message will result in different ways of indicating the type of activation to be performed on the first AIoT device, which will be described separately below.

[0259] If the first message is the first message shown in E1 above, then the first message may also indicate the type of activation for the first AIoT device. For example, the first message may indicate a second type of activation that enables the first AIoT device to respond to a paging, or a third type of activation that enables the first AIoT device to perform an operation. Alternatively, the first instruction may also indicate the type of activation for the first AIoT device.

[0260] If the first message is the first message shown in E2 above, then the first message may also indicate the type of activation for the first AIoT device.

[0261] S503, the reader sends a sixth message to the first AIoT device. The first AIoT device receives the sixth message from the reader.

[0262] The sixth message indicates the activation of the first AIoT device, or it can be described as the sixth message indicating the activation of the first AIoT device. The content of the sixth message indicating the activation of the first AIoT device can be referred to the content of the first message indicating the activation of the first AIoT device mentioned above, and will not be listed here.

[0263] In one possible implementation, the first communication device sends a first message to the first AIoT device via a reader / writer. In this implementation, after receiving the first message, the reader / writer can send a sixth message to the first AIoT device. The following example, using F1 or F2, illustrates the scenario where the reader / writer sends a sixth message based on the first message.

[0264] Under F1, the reader can transparently transmit the first message to the first AIoT device. This means the information in the sixth message is the same as the information in the first message, or the first and sixth messages can be considered identical. In F1 mode, the reader transparently forwards the first message without parsing its content, directly forwarding it to the first AIoT device. The content of the sixth message under F1 mode can refer to the content of the first message; duplicates will not be listed.

[0265] The information included in the first message is different, so the information included in the sixth message is also different. The following will explain this in conjunction with F1-1 or F1-2.

[0266] F1-1. If the first message is the message shown in E1 above, then the sixth message indicates that the first AIoT device should be activated via a second instruction, which is sent after the sixth message. The content of the sixth message indicating that the first AIoT device should be activated via the second instruction can be referred to the content of the first message indicating that the first instruction should be used to activate the first AIoT device, and will not be listed here.

[0267] For example, the sixth message may include a fourth instruction, which instructs the first AIoT device to be activated via a second instruction. The content of the fourth instruction may refer to the content of the third instruction discussed above. The content of the fourth instruction is the same as that of the third instruction. Optionally, the second instruction may also instruct the first AIoT device to perform an operation.

[0268] Optionally, the reader can transmit the first instruction to the first AIoT device. In this case, the second instruction is the same as the first instruction. For example, the reader can send the first instruction to the first AIoT device via an RRC message, meaning the first instruction can be carried within an RRC message.

[0269] F1-2. If the first message is the message shown in E2 above, then the sixth message indicates activation of the first AIoT device. The content of the sixth message indicating activation of the first AIoT device can be referred to the content of the first message indicating activation of the first AIoT device, and will not be listed here. The second instruction information in the sixth message indicates activation of the first AIoT device. The content of the second instruction information can be referred to the content of the first instruction information discussed above. The relationship between the sixth message and the second instruction information can be referred to the relationship between the first message and the first instruction information, and will not be listed here. The content of the second instruction information is the same as the content of the first instruction information.

[0270] Optionally, the sixth message may also instruct an operation to be performed on the first AIoT device, for example, the second instruction message may also instruct an operation to be performed on the first AIoT device.

[0271] F2. The reader / writer can generate a sixth message based on the first message and send the sixth message to the first AIoT device, which is equivalent to the reader / writer reprocessing the message. In this case, the information included in the sixth message may be the same as or different from the information included in the first message.

[0272] If the information included in the sixth message is the same as that included in the first message, the information included in the sixth message can be referred to in F1-1 or F1-2 above. Examples are given below for cases where the information included in the sixth message differs from that included in the first message.

[0273] Optionally, the sixth message may include, compared to the first message, the identifier of the first AIoT device or a portion thereof, such as a prefix for the first AIoT device. For example, the first message could be an N2 message, and the sixth message could be a paging message. Alternatively, the sixth message may not include a random access indication compared to the first message. In this case, both the first and sixth messages can be instructions.

[0274] Optionally, in the F2 scenario, the reader can still transmit the first instruction to the first AIoT device. In this case, the second instruction can still be the same as the first instruction. Alternatively, the reader can parse the first instruction and generate a second instruction that is different from the first instruction; for example, the format of the second instruction might be different from the format of the first instruction. Further, the reader sends the second instruction to the first AIoT device.

[0275] In another possible implementation, the first communication device can communicate directly with the first AIoT device. In this case, if the first communication device determines that the first device needs to be activated, it can directly send a first message to the first AIoT device. Correspondingly, the first AIoT device receives the first message from the first communication device. In this case, the content of the first message can refer to the content of the sixth message discussed above, and will not be listed here again. Thus, there is no need for a reader / writer to relay messages, reducing the transmission burden and improving the efficiency of activating the first AIoT device.

[0276] In either case F1 or F2 above, the sixth message indicates that the operation performed on the first AIoT device is the same as the operation performed on the first AIoT device by the first message. For example, the second instruction indicates that the operation performed on the first AIoT device is the same as the operation performed on the first AIoT device by the first instruction. Alternatively, the second instruction indicates that the operation performed on the first AIoT device is the same as the operation performed on the first AIoT device by the first instruction.

[0277] In cases where activation includes multiple types, optionally, the sixth message (or second instruction), in addition to indicating the activation of the first AIoT device, can also indicate the type of activation for the first AIoT device, or in other words, which type of activation the first AIoT device should perform. For example, the sixth message (or second instruction) can indicate that the first AIoT device should be activated using a first type, a second type, or a third type. The implementation of the first message differs, and therefore the way the type of activation for the first AIoT device is indicated also differs, which will be described below.

[0278] If the first message is the first message shown in E1 above, then the sixth message may also indicate the type of activation for the first AIoT device. For example, the sixth message may indicate that the first AIoT device is enabled to respond to a paging of a certain type of activation from the first to the third type or a certain type of activation from type 1 to type N. Alternatively, the second instruction may also indicate the type of activation for the first AIoT device.

[0279] If the first message is the first message shown in E2 above, then the sixth message can also indicate the type of activation for the first AIoT device.

[0280] S504, the first AIoT device responds to the sixth message, enabling the first AIoT device to respond to paging and / or perform operations.

[0281] After receiving the sixth message, the first AIoT device can transition from a temporarily deactivated state to an enabled state (or active state), enabling it to respond to paging and / or perform operations. While in the active state, the first AIoT device can respond to paging and / or perform operations. The content of paging responses and operation executions can be found in the preceding discussion.

[0282] The content of the sixth message is different, so the subsequent actions performed by the first AIoT device after it is switched to the enabled state will also be different. The following will use G1 to G4 as examples to illustrate this.

[0283] G1 and the sixth message also instruct the first AIoT device to perform an operation. After the first AIoT device is switched to the enabled state, the operation can be performed.

[0284] G2, the sixth message indicates that the first AIoT device is activated by the first instruction, and the second instruction also indicates that an operation is performed on the AIoT device. After receiving the second instruction, the first AIoT device can also perform the operation.

[0285] G3. The sixth message is a paging message. After the first AIoT device is switched to the enabled state, it can send the identifier of the first AIoT device to the reader based on the sixth message in response to the paging message.

[0286] If neither G4, the sixth message, nor the second instruction instructs to perform an operation on the first AIoT device, and the sixth message is not a paging message, then after the first AIoT device is switched to the enabled state, it can monitor the reader's broadcast messages, such as paging messages.

[0287] In one possible design, the first AIoT device can also send a fifth message to the reader, indicating that the first AIoT device has been activated. The reader can forward the fifth message to AIoTMF to notify the first AIoT device that it has been activated. Optionally, the fifth message includes an identifier of the first AIoT device, indicating that it has been activated. Optionally, AIoTMF can also notify the AF or server that the first AIoT device has been activated, enabling the AF or server to page the first AIoT device or issue commands to the first AIoT device to perform operations, etc.

[0288] In another possible design, if the first AIoT device can communicate directly with the first communication device, then the first AIoT device can directly send the fifth message to the first communication device.

[0289] Optionally, after the first communication device receives the fifth message, it can update the pre-stored state of the AIoT device. For example, if the first communication device is AIoTMF, then AIoTMF can delete the identifier of the first AIoT device included in the first message, and set the state of the first AIoT device to a temporary deactivated state. For example, if the first communication device is AF / server, then AF / server can delete the identifier of the first AIoT device included in the third message, and set the state of the first AIoT device to a temporary deactivated state.

[0290] This application provides a mechanism for activating the first AIoT device, enabling the first AIoT device to switch from a temporarily deactivated state to an enabled state, thus allowing the AIoT device to flexibly switch from a temporarily deactivated state to an enabled state.

[0291] The following examples, using the communication methods shown in Figures 6, 7, or 8, illustrate the interactions between the various devices involved in different first messages as shown in Figure 5.

[0292] The steps involved in Figure 6 will be introduced below. Figure 6 uses AIoTMF as the first communication device, AIoTMF and AF to communicate through NEF, and the first message is the first message shown in E1 in Figure 5 above, that is, the first message indicates that the first AIoT device is activated by the first instruction.

[0293] S601 and AIoTMF store the first information.

[0294] For example, the AIoTMF side maintains first information. The content of the first information can be referred to the content of the first information discussed in Figure 5 above, and will not be listed here.

[0295] S602, AF sends a service request to NEF. Correspondingly, NEF receives the service request from AF. The content of this service request can be referred to in Figure 5 above, and will not be repeated. Optionally, the service request includes the identification range of AIoT devices. This identification range of AIoT devices indicates the identification of one or more AIoT devices. In this embodiment, the example uses one or more AIoT devices including a first AIoT device for illustration.

[0296] Optionally, the service request may also include one or more of the following: AF identifier, location information, and reader information. The AF identifier may be, for example, the AF's address, such as its internet protocol (IP) address and port. The location information may indicate the location area of ​​the AIoT device used to perform the service. This service request can be seen as an example of the service request in Figure 6.

[0297] S603, NEF selects AIoTMF.

[0298] For example, if multiple AIoTMFs exist, NEF can select the AIoTMF that handles the service request from among them. For instance, NEF can select the AIoTMF closest to the location area indicated by the location information. Alternatively, NEF can select the least busy AIoTMF to handle the service request based on the service load status of the multiple AIoTMFs.

[0299] S604, NEF sends a service request to AIoTMF. Correspondingly, AIoTMF receives the service request from NEF.

[0300] S605. If the identification range of the AIoT device includes the identification of the first AIoT device in the first information, AIoTMF determines to activate the first AIoT device.

[0301] S606, AIoTMF sends the first message to the reader / writer. Correspondingly, the reader / writer receives the first message from AIoTMF.

[0302] In this embodiment, taking the activation of a first AIoT device via a first instruction as an example, the first message may optionally include third instruction information, which indicates that the first AIoT device is activated via the first instruction. The contents of the first message, the first instruction, and the third instruction information can be referred to the contents of the first message, the first instruction, and the third instruction information discussed in Figure 5 above, and will not be listed here.

[0303] S607, the reader sends a sixth message to the first AIoT device. Correspondingly, the AIoT device receives the sixth message from the reader.

[0304] In this embodiment, the activation of the first AIoT device via the second instruction is indicated by the sixth message. Optionally, the sixth message includes a fourth instruction, which indicates that the first AIoT device is activated via the second instruction. The contents of the sixth message, the second instruction, and the fourth instruction can be referred to the contents of the sixth message, the second instruction, and the fourth instruction discussed in Figure 5 above, and will not be listed here.

[0305] S608. The first AIoT device sends a first NAS message to the AIoTMF via a reader / writer. Correspondingly, the AIoTMF receives the first NAS message from the first AIoT device via the reader / writer. This first NAS message can be an AIoT NAS message. Optionally, the first NAS message includes the identifier of the first AIoT device. This first NAS message is equivalent to a response to the sixth message, indicating that the first AIoT device has received the sixth message.

[0306] S609, AIoTMF sends the first instruction to the reader. Correspondingly, the reader receives the first instruction from AIoTMF. The content of the first instruction can be referred to in Figure 5 above; repeated parts will not be listed again.

[0307] Optionally, the first instruction may include a data identifier and / or a storage block identifier. For example, if the first instruction is a write instruction, the data may be data to be written to the first AIoT device, and the storage block identifier may be the storage location in the first AIoT device used to write the data. Alternatively, if the first instruction is a read instruction, the data may be an identifier of data to be read from the first AIoT device, and the storage block identifier may be the storage location in the first AIoT device used to read the data.

[0308] S610, the reader sends a second instruction to the first AIoT device. Correspondingly, the first AIoT device receives the second instruction from the reader. The content of the second instruction can be referred to the discussion in Figure 5 above, and will not be listed here again.

[0309] Optionally, the second instruction may include a data identifier and / or a storage block identifier. For example, if the second instruction is a write instruction, the data may be data to be written to the first AIoT device, and the storage block identifier may be the storage location in the first AIoT device used to write the data. Alternatively, if the second instruction is a read instruction, the data may be an identifier of data to be read from the first AIoT device, and the storage block identifier may be the storage location in the first AIoT device used to read the data.

[0310] Optionally, the reader can transmit a first instruction to the first AIoT device, meaning the second instruction is the same as the first instruction.

[0311] S611, the first AIoT device is determined to have entered the enabled state. Optionally, the first AIoT device performs an operation. If the second instruction further instructs the first AIoT device to perform an operation, the first AIoT device may perform the operation. The content of the enabled state can be referred to the enabled state discussed in Figure 5 above, and will not be listed here again.

[0312] S612, the first AIoT device sends a fifth message to the AIoTMF via a reader / writer. Correspondingly, the AIoTMF receives the fifth message from the first AIoT device via the reader / writer.

[0313] The content of the fifth message can be referred to the content of the fifth message discussed in Figure 5 above, and the repeated parts will not be listed again.

[0314] If the second instruction also instructs the first AIoT device to perform an operation, the fifth message can also indicate that the first AIoT device has performed the operation. For example, if the second instruction is a write instruction, then the fifth message indicates that the first AIoT device has written data. Or, if the second instruction is a read instruction, then the fifth message indicates that the first AIoT device has read data. Optionally, the fifth message includes the data read from the first AIoT device. Or, if the second instruction is an inventory instruction, then the fifth message indicates that the first AIoT device has executed the inventory instruction; optionally, this fifth message includes the identifier of the first AIoT device.

[0315] S613, AIoTMF sends a first response message to NEF. Correspondingly, NEF receives the first response message from AIoTMF. Optionally, the first response message includes the identifier of the AIoT device that has executed the service request, such as the identifier of the first AIoT device, and / or the identifier of the AIoT device that has not executed the service request. Optionally, the first response message also includes the identifier of AF.

[0316] S614, NEF sends a second response message to AF. Correspondingly, AF receives the second response message from NEF.

[0317] The NEF can send a second response message to the AF based on the AF's identifier in the first response message. The second response message may include the identifier of the AIoT device that has executed the service request, such as the identifier of the first AIoT device, and / or the identifier of the AIoT device that has not executed the service request.

[0318] The steps S601 to S605, S608 to S610, and S612 to S614 mentioned above are all optional and are shown as dashed lines in Figure 6.

[0319] This application provides a mechanism for activating a first AIoT device, enabling the first AIoT device to transition from a temporarily deactivated state to an enabled state. Furthermore, using a sixth message and a second instruction to jointly activate the first AIoT device allows for more accurate activation.

[0320] The steps involved in Figure 7 are described below. Figure 7 uses AIoTMF as the first communication device, and AIoTMF communicates with AF through NEF. The first message is the first message shown in E2 of Figure 5 above, that is, the first indication information in the first message indicates that the first AIoT device is activated, and the first message does not indicate that an operation is performed on the first AIoT device.

[0321] S701 and AIoTMF store the first information. The content of the first information can be referred to the first information discussed in Figure 5 above, and will not be listed here again.

[0322] S702, AF sends a service request to NEF. Correspondingly, NEF receives the service request from AF. The content of this service request can be found in the service request description in Figure 6; repeated details will not be listed here.

[0323] S703, NEF selects AIoTMF. The reasons for NEF selecting AIoTMF can be found in Figure 6 above, and will not be listed here again.

[0324] S704, NEF sends a service request to AIoTMF. Correspondingly, AIoTMF receives the service request from NEF.

[0325] S705. If the identification range of the AIoT device includes the identification of the first AIoT device in the first information, AIoTMF determines to activate the first AIoT device.

[0326] S706, AIoTMF sends the first message to the reader / writer. Correspondingly, the reader / writer receives the first message from AIoTMF.

[0327] In this embodiment, taking the activation of a first AIoT device via a first message as an example, optionally, the first message includes first indication information, which indicates the activation of the first AIoT device. The content of the first message and the first indication information can be referred to the content of the first message and the first indication information discussed in Figure 5 above, and will not be listed here. For example, the first indication information includes the identifier of the first AIoT device.

[0328] S707, the reader sends a sixth message to the first AIoT device. Correspondingly, the first AIoT device receives the sixth message from the reader.

[0329] In this embodiment, the activation of the first AIoT device is indicated by a sixth message. Optionally, the sixth message includes second indication information, which indicates the activation of the first AIoT device. The contents of the sixth message and the second indication information can be referred to the contents of the sixth message and the second indication information discussed in Figure 5 above, and will not be listed here. For example, the second indication information includes the identifier of the first AIoT device.

[0330] S708. The first AIoT device is determined to have entered the enabled state. Optionally, the first AIoT device performs an operation. For example, if the second indication information also instructs the first AIoT device to perform an operation, the first AIoT device can perform the operation.

[0331] For example, if the second indication information is the identifier of the first AIoT device, then the first AIoT device determines that the sixth message includes the identifier of the first AIoT device, and determines to transition from the temporary deactivated state to the enabled operation. The content of the enabled state can be referred to the enabled state content discussed in Figure 5 above, and will not be listed here.

[0332] S709, the first AIoT device sends a first NAS message to the AIoTMF via a reader / writer. Correspondingly, the AIoTMF receives the first NAS message from the first AIoT device via the reader / writer. The content of the first NAS message can be referred to the content of the first NAS message discussed in Figure 6 above.

[0333] S710 and AIoTMF can send third commands to the first AIoT device via a reader / writer. Correspondingly, the first AIoT device receives the third commands from AIoTMF via the reader / writer.

[0334] The third instruction directs the first AIoT device to perform an operation. Optionally, the third instruction may include a data identifier and / or a storage block identifier. For example, if the third instruction is a write instruction, the data may be data to be written to the first AIoT device, and the storage block identifier may be the storage location within the first AIoT device used to write the data. As another example, if the third instruction is a read instruction, the data may be an identifier of data to be read from the first AIoT device, and the storage block identifier may be the storage location within the first AIoT device used to read the data.

[0335] S711, the first AIoT device sends a fifth message to the AIoTMF via a reader / writer. Correspondingly, the AIoTMF receives the fifth message from the first AIoT device via the reader / writer.

[0336] The content of the fifth message can be referred to in Figure 5 above, and repeated details will not be listed again. Optionally, the fifth message can also indicate that the first AIoT device has performed an operation. For example, if the third instruction is a write instruction, then the fifth message indicates that the first AIoT device has written data. Or, if the third instruction is a read instruction, then the fifth message indicates that the first AIoT device has read data. Optionally, the fifth message includes the data read from the first AIoT device. Or, if the third instruction is an inventory instruction, then the fifth message indicates that the first AIoT device has executed the inventory instruction; optionally, this fifth message includes the identifier of the first AIoT device.

[0337] S712, AIoTMF sends a first response message to NEF. Correspondingly, NEF receives the first response message from AIoTMF. The content of the first response message can be referred to the discussion in Figure 6 above.

[0338] S713, NEF sends a second response message to AF. Correspondingly, AF receives the second response message from NEF.

[0339] The NEF can send a second response message to the AF based on the AF identifier in the first response message. The content of the second response message can be referred to the content of the second response message discussed in Figure 6 above.

[0340] The steps S701 to S705 and S709 to S713 mentioned above are all optional and are shown as dashed lines in Figure 7.

[0341] This application provides a mechanism for activating a first AIoT device, enabling the first AIoT device to transition from a temporarily deactivated state to an enabled state. Furthermore, using a dedicated first message to activate the first AIoT device allows for more accurate activation.

[0342] The steps involved in Figure 8 are described below. Figure 8 uses AIoTMF as the first communication device, and AIoTMF communicates with AF through NEF. The first message is the first message shown in E2 of Figure 5 above, that is, the first indication information in the first message indicates the activation of the first AIoT device, and the first message indicates the execution of an operation on the first AIoT.

[0343] S801 and AIoTMF store the first information. The content of the first information can be referred to the first information discussed in Figure 5 above, and will not be listed here.

[0344] S802, AF sends a service request to NEF. Correspondingly, NEF receives the service request from AF. The content of this service request can be found in the service request description in Figure 6; repeated details will not be listed here.

[0345] S803, NEF selects AIoTMF. The reasons for NEF selecting AIoTMF can be found in Figure 6 above, and will not be listed here again.

[0346] S804: NEF sends a service request to AIoTMF. Correspondingly, AIoTMF receives the service request from NEF.

[0347] S805. If the identification range of the AIoT device includes the identification of the first AIoT device in the first information, AIoTMF determines to activate the first AIoT device.

[0348] S806 and AIoTMF send the first message to the reader / writer. Correspondingly, the reader / writer receives the first message from AIoTMF.

[0349] In this embodiment, the example is a first message instructing the activation of a first AIoT device, and the first message also instructing the execution of an operation on the first AIoT device. The first message, the instruction to activate the first AIoT device, and the instruction to execute an operation on the first AIoT device can be referred to the contents of the first message, the instruction to activate the first AIoT device, and the instruction to execute an operation on the first AIoT device as described in Figure 5 above, and will not be listed here.

[0350] S807, the reader sends a sixth message to the first AIoT device. Correspondingly, the AIoT device receives the sixth message from the reader.

[0351] In this embodiment, the sixth message indicates the activation of the first AIoT device, and the sixth message also indicates the operation to be performed on the first AIoT device. The sixth message, the instruction to activate the first AIoT device, and the instruction to perform the operation on the first AIoT device can be referred to in Figure 5 above, respectively, and will not be listed here.

[0352] S808, the first AIoT device determines that it has entered the enabled state and performs an operation. For example, if the identifier of the first AIoT device in the sixth message indicates that the first AIoT device is activated, then the first AIoT device determines that the sixth message includes the identifier of the first AIoT device and determines to transition from the temporary deactivated state to the enabled operation. The content of the enabled state can be referred to the enabled state content discussed in Figure 5 above, and will not be listed here.

[0353] S809, the first AIoT device sends a fifth message to the AIoTMF via a reader / writer. Correspondingly, the AIoTMF receives the fifth message from the first AIoT device via the reader / writer.

[0354] The content of the fifth message can be referred to in Figure 5 above, and repeated details will not be listed again. Optionally, the fifth message can also indicate that the first AIoT device has performed an operation. For example, if the sixth message indicates that the first AIoT device has performed a write operation, then the fifth message indicates that the first AIoT device has written data. Or, if the sixth message indicates that the first AIoT device has performed a read operation, then the fifth message indicates that the first AIoT device has read data. Optionally, the fifth message includes the data read from the first AIoT device. Or, if the sixth message indicates that the first AIoT device has performed an inventory operation, then the fifth message indicates that the first AIoT device has executed the inventory instruction; optionally, this fifth message includes the identifier of the first AIoT device.

[0355] S810 and AIoTMF send a first response message to NEF. Correspondingly, NEF receives the first response message from AIoTMF. The content of the first response message can be referred to the discussion in Figure 6 above.

[0356] S811, NEF sends a second response message to AF. Correspondingly, AF receives the second response message from NEF.

[0357] The NEF can send a second response message to the AF based on the AF identifier in the first response message. The content of the second response message can be referred to the content of the second response message discussed in Figure 6 above.

[0358] The steps S801 to S805 and S809 to S811 mentioned above are all optional and are shown as dashed lines in Figure 8.

[0359] This application provides a mechanism for activating a first AIoT device, enabling the first AIoT device to transition from a temporarily deactivated state to an enabled state. Furthermore, activating the first AIoT device using a first message and instructing it to perform an operation not only activates the first AIoT device but also allows it to execute the operation quickly, reducing signaling overhead and improving the timeliness of the operation.

[0360] Based on the same inventive concept, this application provides a communication device. The communication device shown in FIG9 or FIG10 will be described below. These communication devices are, for example, the AF shown in FIG1 above, the operation requesting party involved in FIG2, such as the AF or server, the AF or server involved in FIG3, any of the AIoTMF involved in FIG2, the terminal device involved in FIG1, any of the AIoT devices involved in FIG2 or FIG3, any of the AIoTMF involved in FIG2, the (R)AN involved in FIG1, the reader / writer involved in FIG3, or the terminal device involved in FIG3, etc., or can be modules in these devices, or devices that can realize the functions of these devices, without specific limitation.

[0361] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 may include modules or units for implementing the methods described in the embodiments above. In one possible design, the communication device 900 includes a processing unit 910 and a communication unit 920. The communication unit 920 is used to perform transmit and receive operations, such as functions related to sending and receiving; the communication unit 920 may be referred to as a transceiver unit; optionally, the communication unit 920 includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The processing unit 910 is used to perform processing operations. Alternatively, the communication unit 920 may be a transmitter and a receiver, or a transmitter and a receiver. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include a storage unit 930. The storage unit 930 is used to store the device's program code or data. The storage unit 930 is indicated by a dashed box in Figure 9 as an optional unit.

[0362] In the first embodiment, the communication device 900 can be the first communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG5 above, a module (such as a communication module, circuit or chip) in the first communication device, or a device that implements the function of the first communication device, or the AIoTMF in any of the method embodiments of FIG6 to FIG8, a module (such as a communication module, circuit or chip) in the AIoTMF, or a device that implements the function of the AIoTMF.

[0363] In the above embodiment, the processing unit 910 is used to determine to activate the first AIoT device, and the communication unit 920 is used to send a first message.

[0364] The communication device 900 can also implement the first communication device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 5 above, and other steps performed by AIoTMF in any of the method embodiments of Figures 6 to 8, which will not be listed here one by one.

[0365] In the second embodiment, the communication device 900 can be the first AIoT device in any of the method embodiments of Figures 5 to 8, a module (such as a communication module, circuit or chip) in the first AIoT device, or a device that implements the functions of the first AIoT device.

[0366] In the above embodiment, the processing unit 910 is used to receive the sixth message and enable response to paging and / or perform operations.

[0367] The communication device 900 can also perform other steps executed by the first AIoT device in any of the method embodiments of Figures 5 to 8 above, which will not be listed here one by one.

[0368] In the third embodiment, the communication device 900 can be a reader / writer as described in any of the method embodiments of Figures 5 to 8, a module in the reader / writer (such as a communication module, circuit, or chip), or a device that implements the function of the reader / writer.

[0369] In the above embodiment, the processing unit 910 is used to receive the first message and send the sixth message.

[0370] The communication device 900 can also perform other steps executed by the reader in any of the method embodiments of Figures 5 to 8 above, which will not be listed here one by one.

[0371] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a terminal device, a communication module within a terminal device, an access network device, or a communication module within an access network device, the function of the processing unit 910 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 920 can be implemented by a transceiver circuit.

[0372] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in an access network device, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 910 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 920 can be implemented by the interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0373] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0374] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more DSPs, or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0375] In one example, storage unit 930 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0376] This application embodiment can divide the device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, which are not specifically limited.

[0377] The communication device 1000 shown in Figure 10 includes at least one processor 1010, and Figure 10 illustrates two processors 1010. The processors 1010 can be used for internal processing within the device to implement certain control processing functions. Optionally, the processor 1010 includes instructions. Optionally, the processor 1010 can store data. Optionally, different processors can be independent devices, located in different physical locations, or located on different integrated circuits. Optionally, different processors can be integrated into one or more processors, for example, integrated on one or more integrated circuits.

[0378] [Correction 19.12.2025 according to Rule 91] Optionally, the communication device 1000 includes one or more memories 1030 for storing instructions. Optionally, the memories 1030 may also store data. The processor and the memories may be separate or integrated together. Figure 10 is an illustration of one or more memories 1030.

[0379] Optionally, the communication device 1000 includes at least one communication interface 1020.

[0380] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver and / or an antenna. The transceiver can be used to send information to or receive information from other devices. The transceiver may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver circuit, input / output interface, etc., and is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 1000 via the antenna. Optionally, the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver. For example, the transmitter can be used to generate a radio frequency (RF) signal from a baseband signal, and the receiver can be used to convert the RF signal back into a baseband signal.

[0381] The processor 1010 may include a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of programs according to the present application.

[0382] The communication interface 1020 uses any transceiver-like device for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), wired access network, etc.

[0383] The memory 1030 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory 1030 may exist independently and be connected to the processor 1010 via a communication line. Alternatively, the memory 1030 may be integrated with the processor 1010.

[0384] The memory 1030 stores computer execution instructions for implementing the scheme of this application, and the processor 1010 controls the execution. The processor 1010 executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1030 to implement any of the method embodiments in Figures 5 to 8. For example, it can implement the steps performed by the first communication device shown in Figure 5, the steps performed by any of the AIoTMFs in Figures 6 to 8, the steps performed by the first AIoT device involved in Figures 5 to 8, and the steps performed by the reader / writer involved in Figures 5 to 8.

[0385] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0386] In a specific implementation, as one example, the processor 1010 may include one or more CPUs.

[0387] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 1000 may include multiple processors, such as the two processors 1010 in FIG10. Each of these processors may be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. Here, a processor may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0388] When the device shown in Figure 10 is a chip, such as the chip of a first AIoT device, a chip of a first communication device, or a chip of a reader / writer, the chip includes a processor 1010 and a communication interface 1020. Optionally, it may include a memory 1030. Specifically, the communication interface 1020 may be an input interface, pins, or circuits, etc. The memory 1030 may be a register, cache, etc. The processor 1010 may be a general-purpose CPU, microprocessor, ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of a program that controls the communication method of any of the above embodiments.

[0389] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, including a processor and an interface; the processor is used to execute the methods performed by the first AIoT device, or the first communication device, or the AIoTMF, or the reader / writer involved in any of the method embodiments in Figures 5 to 8 above.

[0390] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, including a first AIoT device and a first communication device. The first AIoT device can implement the functions performed by the first AIoT device in any of the method embodiments of Figures 5 to 8, and the first communication device can implement the functions of the first communication device in the method embodiment of Figure 5 and the AIoTMF in any of the method embodiments of Figures 6 to 8.

[0391] Optionally, the communication system also includes a reader / writer that can perform the functions of any of the readers / writers shown in Figures 5 to 8 above.

[0392] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 8.

[0393] Thus, the functions described in the above embodiments can be implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to it, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0394] Based on the same inventive concept, this application provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute any of the method embodiments in Figures 5 to 8.

[0395] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0396] The various illustrative logic units and circuits described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented or operate the described functions using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), ASIC, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor; alternatively, it can be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented using a combination of computing devices, such as a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processor core, or any other similar configuration.

[0397] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in the embodiments of this application can be directly embedded in hardware, software units executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software units can be stored in RAM, flash memory, ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium in the art. Exemplarily, the storage medium can be connected to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium can also be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium can be disposed in an ASIC, which can be disposed in the terminal device. Optionally, the processor and storage medium can also be disposed in different components of the terminal device.

[0398] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0399] The contents of the various embodiments of this application can be referenced to each other. Unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0400] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the first communication device, the first AIoT device, the AIoTMF, or the reader / writer, etc., may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples. In the embodiments of this application, other operations or variations of various operations may also be performed. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0401] The various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be based on its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, which involves applying a chip to a first communication device or a chip in a first communication device, includes: Activate the AIoT devices in the first environment; Send a first message, which instructs the first AIoT device to be activated.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Activating the first AIoT device includes enabling the first AIoT device to respond to paging and / or perform operations.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Activation of AIoT devices in the first environment is determined, including: If the first AIoT device is in a temporarily deactivated state, it is determined that an operation will be performed on the first AIoT device, wherein, in the temporarily deactivated state, the AIoT device does not respond to at least one of the following: paging or performing an operation; or, A second message is received, which instructs the first AIoT device to be activated.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the status of the first AIoT device and determine that the first AIoT device is in the temporary deactivated state.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Obtaining the status of the first AIoT device includes: Based on pre-stored first information, the status of the first AIoT device is obtained, wherein the first information includes the identifier of the first AIoT device and the status of the first AIoT device associated with the identifier; or Receive second information, the second information indicating that the state of the first AIoT device is the temporary inactivated state.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, Before receiving the second message, the method further includes: Receive a third message, the third message indicating to perform an operation on the first AIoT device; If the first AIoT device is in the temporary deactivated state, a fourth message is sent to confirm whether the first AIoT device should be activated.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first message activates the first AIoT device, including: The first message indicates that the first AIoT device is activated by a first instruction, which is sent after the first message.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first instruction is also used to instruct the first AIoT device to perform an operation.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first message instructs the activation of the first AIoT device, including: The first message includes a first instruction message, which instructs the first AIoT device to be activated.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first indication information is the identifier of the first AIoT device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-6 and 9-10, characterized in that, The first message also instructs the execution of an operation on the first AIoT device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, After sending the first message, the method further includes: A fifth message is received, indicating that the first AIoT device has been activated.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The first communication device includes an AIoT management network element, a server, or an application network element.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: (1) A chip applied to a first-environment AIoT device or a first AIoT device; Receive a sixth message, the sixth message indicating that the first AIoT device should be activated; In response to receiving the sixth message, the first AIoT device is enabled to respond to a paging and / or perform an operation.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The sixth message instructs the activation of the first AIoT device, including: The sixth message indicates that the first AIoT device is activated by a second instruction, which is received after the sixth message.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second instruction is also used to instruct the first AIoT device to perform an operation.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The sixth message instructs the activation of the first AIoT device, including: The sixth message includes a second instruction message, which indicates that the first AIoT device should be activated.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The second indication information is the identifier of the first AIoT device.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14, 16, and 17, characterized in that, The sixth message also instructs the first AIoT device to perform an operation.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14-19, characterized in that, After receiving the sixth message, the method further includes: A fifth message is sent, indicating that the first AIoT device has been activated.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A module or unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-13; or, A module or unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 14-20.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes one or more processors, said one or more processors for executing computer programs or instructions in memory, causing the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-13, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 14-20.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-13 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 14-20 to be performed.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-13 to be implemented, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 14-20 to be implemented.

Images