Communication methods and apparatuses, device, system, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to communication methods and apparatuses, a device, a system, a storage medium, and a program product. A communication method is executed by a first network element and comprises: receiving first information sent by a first terminal, wherein the first information is used for requesting to enter a first state, the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and a plurality of terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively. The present disclosure can achieve collaborative work among a plurality of associated terminals.

Description

Communication methods and apparatus, devices, systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, device, system, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, individuals are owning an increasing number and variety of terminals. These terminals can all access communication networks. Each terminal has specific resources to perform specific functions.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is executed by a first network element. The communication method includes: receiving first information sent by a first terminal, wherein the first information is used to request entering a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. This communication method is executed by a second network element. The communication method includes: sending third information to a first network element, wherein the third information is used to authorize a first terminal to enter a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is executed by a first terminal. The communication method includes: sending first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to request entering a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. This communication method is performed by a second terminal. The communication method includes: receiving fourth information sent by a first network element, wherein the fourth information is used to request the second terminal to confirm that it is cooperating with the first terminal in a terminal set, and the first terminal is a terminal requesting to enter a first state; sending fifth information to the first network element, wherein the fifth information is used to instruct the second terminal to accept cooperating with the first terminal in a terminal set; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and cooperate with each other.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device is disposed in a first network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive first information sent by a first terminal, wherein the first information is used to request entering a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device is disposed in a second network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to send third information to a first network element, wherein the third information is used to authorize a first terminal to enter a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device is disposed in a first terminal. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to request entering a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device is disposed in a second terminal. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive fourth information sent by a first network element, wherein the fourth information is used to request the second terminal to confirm that it is cooperating with the first terminal in a terminal set, the first terminal being a terminal requesting to enter a first state; and to send fifth information to the first network element, wherein the fifth information is used to instruct the second terminal to accept cooperating with the first terminal in a terminal set; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and cooperate with each other.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes at least one of the following: a first network element for implementing the communication method as described in the first aspect; a second network element for implementing the communication method as described in the second aspect; a first terminal for implementing the communication method as described in the third aspect; and a second terminal for implementing the communication method as described in the fourth aspect.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided. When executed by a communication device, the program product causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0017] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0018] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0019] Through the embodiments of this disclosure, the network side can treat multiple interconnected terminals as a single terminal, thereby enabling resource sharing and collaborative work among multiple terminals.

[0020] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4C is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product.

[0033] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is executed by a first network element. The communication method includes: receiving first information sent by a first terminal, wherein the first information is used to request entering a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first terminal requests to enter a first state by sending first information to the first network element. The first terminal in the first state can be located in a terminal set. Thus, the first terminal can work collaboratively with other terminals associated with it in the terminal set. In this way, multiple terminals in the terminal set can be treated as a single terminal by the network side, enabling collaborative work among associated multiple terminals and improving user experience.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, multiple terminals in a terminal set can share resources.

[0036] In this embodiment, multiple terminals in the terminal set share resources, thereby improving the resource utilization efficiency of these terminals and enhancing overall performance.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the association relationship between multiple terminals in the terminal set may include at least one of the following: multiple terminals in the terminal set belong to the same user; multiple terminals in the terminal set jointly complete a task; multiple terminals in the terminal set have a temporary association relationship.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: an identifier of a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is the terminal to which the first terminal requests to work collaboratively in the terminal set; an identifier of the user to which the first terminal belongs; an identifier of the terminal set; and information about the resources that the first terminal opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending second information to a first terminal, wherein the second information is used to authorize the first terminal to enter a first state.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving third information sent by a second network element, wherein the third information is used to authorize the first terminal to enter a first state.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: indication information for instructing the authorized first terminal to enter the first state; and an identifier of the terminal set.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending a fourth message to a second terminal, wherein the fourth message is used to request the second terminal to confirm that it is working collaboratively with the first terminal in a terminal set; and receiving a fifth message sent by the second terminal, wherein the fifth message is used to instruct the second terminal to accept working collaboratively with the first terminal in a terminal set.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal; the identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; the identifier of the terminal set; and information about the resources that the first terminal opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the resources may include at least one of the following: bandwidth resources; network connectivity resources; and terminal capabilities.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: determining, based on third information and / or fifth information, the authorized first terminal to enter the first state and the terminal set to which the first terminal belongs; wherein the third information is used to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state in one or more terminal sets, and the fifth information is used to instruct the second terminal to accept cooperating with the first terminal in one or more terminal sets.

[0046] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is executed by a second network element. The communication method includes: sending third information to a first network element, wherein the third information is used to authorize a first terminal to enter a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first network element can obtain authorization from the second network element to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state. The first terminal in the first state can be located in a terminal set. Thus, the first terminal can work collaboratively with other terminals associated with it in the terminal set. In this way, multiple terminals in the terminal set can be treated as a single terminal by the network side, enabling collaborative work among associated multiple terminals to improve user experience.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, multiple terminals in a terminal set can share resources.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the association relationship between multiple terminals in the terminal set may include at least one of the following: multiple terminals in the terminal set belong to the same user; multiple terminals in the terminal set jointly complete a task; multiple terminals in the terminal set have a temporary association relationship.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: indication information for instructing the authorized first terminal to enter the first state; and an identifier of the terminal set.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the identifier of the terminal set may be determined based on the subscription information of the first terminal.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: determining, based on the subscription information of the first terminal, that the first terminal is authorized to enter a first state.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the subscription information of the first terminal may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal; the identifier of the terminal set; the identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; and information on the resources that the first terminal opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the resources may include at least one of the following: bandwidth resources; network connectivity resources; and terminal capabilities.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving sixth information sent by the first network element, wherein the sixth information is used to request authorization for the first terminal to enter the first state.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the sixth information may include at least one of the following: an identifier of the terminal set; an identifier of the first terminal; an identifier of the second terminal; an identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; and information about the resources that the first terminal opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0057] In a third aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is executed by a first terminal. The communication method includes: sending first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to request entering a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first terminal requests to enter a first state by sending first information to the first network element. The first terminal in the first state can be located in a terminal set. Thus, the first terminal can work collaboratively with other terminals associated with it in the terminal set. In this way, multiple terminals in the terminal set can be treated as a single terminal by the network side, enabling collaborative work among associated multiple terminals and improving user experience.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, multiple terminals in a terminal set can share resources.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the association relationship between multiple terminals in the terminal set may include at least one of the following: multiple terminals in the terminal set belong to the same user; multiple terminals in the terminal set jointly complete a task; multiple terminals in the terminal set have a temporary association relationship.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: an identifier of a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is the terminal to which the first terminal requests collaborative work; an identifier of the user to which the first terminal belongs; an identifier of a terminal set; and information about resources that the first terminal opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, resources may include at least one of the following: bandwidth resources; network connectivity resources; terminal capabilities.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving second information sent by the first network element, wherein the second information is used to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state.

[0064] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is executed by a second terminal. The communication method includes: receiving fourth information sent by a first network element, wherein the fourth information is used to request the second terminal to confirm that it is cooperating with the first terminal in a terminal set, and the first terminal is a terminal requesting to enter a first state; sending fifth information to the first network element, wherein the fifth information is used to instruct the second terminal to accept cooperating with the first terminal in a terminal set; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and cooperate with each other.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first network element can confirm with the second terminal associated with the first terminal whether it accepts to work collaboratively with the first terminal. After the second terminal confirms acceptance, the first terminal can enter a first state and join the terminal set. Thus, the first terminal can work collaboratively with other terminals (such as the second terminal) associated with it in the terminal set. In this way, multiple terminals in the terminal set can be treated as a single terminal by the network side, enabling collaborative work among associated multiple terminals and improving user experience.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, multiple terminals in a terminal set can share resources.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the association relationship between multiple terminals in the terminal set may include at least one of the following: multiple terminals in the terminal set belong to the same user; multiple terminals in the terminal set jointly complete a task; multiple terminals in the terminal set have a temporary association relationship.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal; the identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; the identifier of the terminal set; and information about the resources that the first terminal opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the resources may include at least one of the following: bandwidth resources; network connectivity resources; and terminal capabilities.

[0070] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The communication method includes: a first terminal sending first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to request entering a first state; a second network element sending third information to the first network element, wherein the third information is used to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the above communication method may further include: a first network element sending fourth information to a second network element, wherein the fourth information is used to request the second terminal to confirm that it is cooperating with the first terminal in the terminal set; and the second network element sending fifth information to the first network element, wherein the fifth information is used to instruct the second terminal to accept cooperating with the first terminal in the terminal set.

[0072] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is disposed in a first network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive first information sent by a first terminal, wherein the first information is used to request entering a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, multiple terminals in a terminal set can share resources.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the association relationship between multiple terminals in the terminal set may include at least one of the following: multiple terminals in the terminal set belong to the same user; multiple terminals in the terminal set jointly complete a task; multiple terminals in the terminal set have a temporary association relationship.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: an identifier of a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is the terminal to which the first terminal requests to work collaboratively in the terminal set; an identifier of the user to which the first terminal belongs; an identifier of the terminal set; and information about resources that the first terminal opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send second information to the first terminal, wherein the second information is used to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: receive third information sent by the second network element, wherein the third information is used to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: indication information for instructing the authorized first terminal to enter the first state; and an identifier of the terminal set.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send a fourth message to a second terminal, wherein the fourth message is used to request the second terminal to confirm that it is cooperating with the first terminal in the terminal set; and receive a fifth message sent by the second terminal, wherein the fifth message is used to instruct the second terminal to accept cooperating with the first terminal in the terminal set.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal; the identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; the identifier of the terminal set; and information about the resources that the first terminal opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the resources may include at least one of the following: bandwidth resources; network connectivity resources; and terminal capabilities.

[0082] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is disposed in a second network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to send third information to a first network element, wherein the third information is used to authorize a first terminal to enter a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, multiple terminals in a terminal set can share resources.

[0084] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the association relationship between multiple terminals in the terminal set may include at least one of the following: multiple terminals in the terminal set belong to the same user; multiple terminals in the terminal set jointly complete a task; multiple terminals in the terminal set have a temporary association relationship.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: indication information for instructing the authorized first terminal to enter the first state; and an identifier of the terminal set.

[0086] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the identifier of the terminal set may be determined based on the subscription information of the first terminal.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the communication device described above may further include a processing module. The processing module is configured to determine, based on the subscription information of the first terminal, that the first terminal is authorized to enter a first state.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the subscription information of the first terminal may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal; the identifier of the terminal set; the identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; and information on the resources that the first terminal opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the resources may include at least one of the following: bandwidth resources; network connectivity resources; and terminal capabilities.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: receive sixth information sent by the first network element, wherein the sixth information is used to request authorization for the first terminal to enter the first state.

[0091] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the sixth information may include at least one of the following: an identifier of the terminal set; an identifier of the first terminal; an identifier of the second terminal; an identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; and information about the resources that the first terminal opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0092] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is disposed in a first terminal. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to request entry into a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work collaboratively.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, multiple terminals in a terminal set can share resources.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the association relationship between multiple terminals in the terminal set may include at least one of the following: multiple terminals in the terminal set belong to the same user; multiple terminals in the terminal set jointly complete a task; multiple terminals in the terminal set have a temporary association relationship.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: an identifier of a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is the terminal to which the first terminal requests collaborative work; an identifier of the user to which the first terminal belongs; an identifier of a terminal set; and information about resources that the first terminal opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0096] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the resources may include at least one of the following: bandwidth resources; network connectivity resources; and terminal capabilities.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: receive second information sent by the first network element, wherein the second information is used to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state.

[0098] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is disposed in a second terminal. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive fourth information sent by a first network element, wherein the fourth information is used to request the second terminal to confirm that it is cooperating with the first terminal in a terminal set, the first terminal being a terminal requesting to enter a first state; and to send fifth information to the first network element, wherein the fifth information is used to instruct the second terminal to accept cooperating with the first terminal in a terminal set; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and cooperate with each other.

[0099] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, multiple terminals in a terminal set can share resources.

[0100] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the association relationship between multiple terminals in the terminal set may include at least one of the following: multiple terminals in the terminal set belong to the same user; multiple terminals in the terminal set jointly complete a task; multiple terminals in the terminal set have a temporary association relationship.

[0101] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal; the identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; the identifier of the terminal set; and information about the resources that the first terminal opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0102] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the resources may include at least one of the following: bandwidth resources; network connectivity resources; and terminal capabilities.

[0103] In a tenth aspect, this disclosure provides a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in any of the first to fourth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0104] In an eleventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes at least one of the following: a first network element for implementing the communication method as described in any of the first aspect and its possible embodiments; a second network element for implementing the communication method as described in any of the second aspect and its possible embodiments; a first terminal for implementing the communication method as described in any of the third aspect and its possible embodiments; and a second terminal for implementing the communication method as described in any of the fourth aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0105] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any of the first to fifth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0106] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product. When executed by a communication device, the program product causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any of the first to fifth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0107] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program. When run on a computer, the computer program causes the computer to perform the communication methods described in any of the first to fifth aspects and their possible implementations.

[0108] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform a communication method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0109] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, and chip systems are all used to execute the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0110] This disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method and information processing method can be used interchangeably; terms such as communication apparatus, communication device, and information processing apparatus can be used interchangeably; and terms such as information processing system and communication system can be used interchangeably.

[0111] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless contradictory, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementations in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined. Moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. As another example, a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0112] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0113] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0114] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0115] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0116] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0117] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0118] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0119] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0120] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0121] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0122] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0123] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0124] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0125] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0126] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0127] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0128] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0129] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0130] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0131] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first terminal 101, a second terminal 102, a first network element 103, and a second network element 104.

[0132] In some embodiments, either the first terminal 101 or the second terminal 102 includes, for example, at least one of the following: a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first network element 103 may be, for example, a control plane network function.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first network element 103 may be a network function in the core network.

[0135] In some embodiments, the second network element 104 may be, for example, a control plane network function.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second network element 104 may be a network function in the core network, for example. It is understood that the second network element 104 may be located outside the core network, and the comparison of embodiments in this disclosure is not specifically limited.

[0137] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 described above may be a 5G communication system, a 6G communication system, etc. It should be noted that the communication system 100 may also be other communication systems, and this disclosure does not specifically limit them.

[0138] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0139] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or some of the main components in the communication system 100, but are not limited thereto. The main components shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system 100 may include all or some of the main components in FIG1, or may include other main components other than those in FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main component are arbitrary. Each main component may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main components is illustrative. The main components may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0140] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0141] Currently, a user may own multiple devices, such as mobile phones, smartwatches, and vehicles. Each device possesses its own resources, such as service capabilities, processing power, storage space, and battery capacity. In some embodiments, service capabilities may include communication capabilities, sensing capabilities, and positioning capabilities. Sharing these resources among one or more devices belonging to the same user is beneficial.

[0142] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, a user can associate with multiple UEs, such as UE1, UE2, and UE3. UE1 can be the user's smartphone. UE2 can be the user's tablet computer. UE3 can be the user's smartwatch. UE1, UE2, and UE3 are adjacent to each other, and therefore can share resources. In other words, the network can treat UE1, UE2, and UE3 as a single logical terminal.

[0143] In some embodiments, resource sharing among multiple terminals can have beneficial effects in the following aspects:

[0144] (1) Resource optimization: By treating multiple terminals as a single logical terminal, the network can optimize resource usage. For example, if one terminal has high processing power but low battery life, and another terminal has high battery life but low processing power, the network can balance the resource usage of these two terminals to maximize efficiency.

[0145] (2) Seamless connectivity: Seamless connectivity for users can be guaranteed. If a terminal loses connection, the network can automatically switch to another terminal without interrupting service.

[0146] (3) Performance improvement: By pooling resources from multiple terminals, the network can improve the overall performance of the system. This enables faster data processing, better service quality, and an improved user experience.

[0147] (4) Cost-effectiveness: Through resource sharing among multiple terminals, users can save costs related to data usage, battery replacement, and equipment maintenance.

[0148] (5) Better data management: By treating multiple terminals as a single logical terminal, the network can manage data more effectively. This can include data synchronization, data backup, data recovery, etc.

[0149] (6) Energy efficiency: By managing resources for multiple terminals as a single logical terminal, the network can optimize energy use, thereby providing terminals with longer battery life.

[0150] (7) Simplified Management: From the user's perspective, treating multiple terminals as a single logical terminal can provide a more seamless and integrated user experience. For example, a user can start watching a movie on a smartphone, pause playback, and continue watching on a tablet.

[0151] (8) Improved reliability: If one terminal fails or is low on power, users can continue their previous activities on another terminal without interruption, thereby improving the overall reliability of the service.

[0152] In some embodiments, multiple terminals of a user can be treated as a single logical terminal by the network to achieve resource sharing, task distribution, seamless transition, data synchronization, power management, and joint processing.

[0153] In some embodiments, for resource sharing, the network can treat multiple terminals as a single logical terminal by enabling them to share resources. For example, if a user's smartphone has a high-speed data connection and the user's smartwatch has a low-speed data connection, then when the smartwatch and smartphone are in close proximity, the network can allow the smartwatch to use the smartphone's data connection to effectively treat the smartwatch and smartphone as a single terminal.

[0154] In some embodiments, for seamless transition, the network enables seamless transition between terminals. For example, a user can start watching a video on a smartphone and then switch to a smart TV without interruption. The network treats the smartphone and smart TV as a single logical terminal, thus allowing for a seamless transition.

[0155] In some embodiments, for data synchronization, the network can synchronize data across devices. For example, a user can take a photo on a smartphone, and that photo can be automatically displayed on a tablet and a laptop. The network treats the smartphone, tablet, and laptop as a single logical terminal, thereby ensuring data synchronization across all devices.

[0156] In some embodiments, for power management, the network can manage power across devices. For example, if a user's smartphone is running with low battery, the network can offload some tasks from the smartphone to a tablet or smartwatch. The network treats the smartphone, as well as the tablet or smartwatch, as a single logical device, thereby managing power to ensure that the user can continue to use the device.

[0157] In some embodiments, for federated processing, the network can combine the processing power of multiple terminals to handle more complex tasks. For example, a user's smartphone and laptop can work together to render high-resolution video. The network treats the smartphone and laptop as a single logical terminal, combining their processing power to handle the task.

[0158] Therefore, how to achieve resource sharing and collaborative operation among multiple interconnected terminals is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0159] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in this embodiment can be applied to a communication system 100. As shown in Figure 3, the communication method of this embodiment includes steps S301 to S308.

[0160] In step S301, the first terminal 101 communicates with the second terminal 102.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 may be associated.

[0162] In some embodiments, the association between the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 may include at least one of the following: the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 belong to the same user; the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 jointly complete a task; or the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 have a temporary association.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 may belong to the same user. In one example, the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 may be different terminals of the same user. For example, a user can log in or use the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 can jointly complete a task. In one example, the first terminal 101 can be responsible for a part of the task, and the second terminal 102 can be responsible for another part of the task. For example, in a video communication scenario, the first terminal 101 can be responsible for the acquisition and transmission of audio data, and the second terminal 102 can be responsible for the acquisition and transmission of video data.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 may have a temporary association. In one example, the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 may be associated for a short period of time. For example, the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 may be adjacent to each other, and the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 may jointly render video files.

[0166] In some embodiments, the number of second terminals 102 may be greater than or equal to one. In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may communicate with one or more second terminals 102. For example, the first terminal 101 may be a user's smartwatch. For example, the second terminal 102 may include at least one of the following user devices: smartphone, tablet, laptop, smart TV, smart vehicle system.

[0167] In some embodiments, when the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 are in adjacent locations, the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 can communicate.

[0168] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 can communicate with the second terminal 102 via non-3GPP methods. For example, the first terminal 101 can communicate with the second terminal 102 via Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), near link, or other methods.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 can communicate with the second terminal 102 through 3GPP proximity service (ProSe) technology.

[0170] In step S302, the first terminal 101 sends the first information to the first network element 103.

[0171] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may send first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be sent by the first terminal 101, but is not limited thereto; the first information may be sent by other entities.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first network element 103 can receive the first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be received by the first network element 103, but is not limited thereto; the first information can be sent by other entities.

[0173] In some embodiments, when the first terminal 101 determines that it is operating in a first state, the first terminal 101 may send first information.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to request entry into a first state. In some embodiments, the first information may be used to request cooperation with the second terminal 102.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first information can be used to request the first terminal 101 to join a terminal set. In one example, the second terminal 102 may be located in a terminal set. In this case, the first terminal 101 can request to join the terminal set where the second terminal 102 is located using the first information. In one embodiment, the second terminal 102 has not yet joined any terminal set. In this case, the first terminal 101 can request to form a terminal set with the second terminal 102 using the first information.

[0176] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may be a terminal that the first terminal 101 requests to work collaboratively in the terminal set.

[0177] In some embodiments, the terminal set is associated with the aforementioned user, and all terminals in the terminal set can cooperate collaboratively. In some embodiments, the terminal set may also be referred to as a terminal collaboration set.

[0178] In some embodiments, the terminal set may include multiple terminals. Each terminal in the terminal set may use at least a portion of its own resources for the terminal set. In other words, each terminal in the terminal set may share at least a portion of its own resources with other terminals in the terminal set. In some embodiments, the resources of the terminal set may include a combination of resources used by all terminals in the terminal set for the terminal set. In one example, the resources of the terminal set may include a combination of resources from all terminals in the terminal set.

[0179] In some embodiments, each terminal in the terminal set can operate in a first state. In some embodiments, a terminal in the first state can work collaboratively with other terminals in the terminal set. In one example, a terminal in the first state can share at least a portion of its resources with other terminals in the terminal set.

[0180] Understandably, "synergy" can refer to multiple terminals sharing their own resources with each other. In other words, each terminal shares at least a portion of its own resources with one or more other terminals.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first state may also be referred to as UoC mode.

[0182] In some embodiments, user-oriented connectivity (UoC) can be introduced for a set of terminals. UoC allows the network to treat multiple terminals as a single logical terminal, i.e., a set of terminals.

[0183] In some embodiments, the multiple terminals in the terminal set may be associated. In some embodiments, the multiple terminals in the terminal set may have a specific association relationship. In some embodiments, the association relationship between the multiple terminals in the terminal set may include at least one of the following: the multiple terminals in the terminal set belong to the same user; the multiple terminals in the terminal set jointly complete a task; or the multiple terminals in the terminal set have a temporary association relationship.

[0184] It should be noted that multiple terminals in a terminal set may have other relationships, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this. In the description of this disclosure, the example of multiple terminals in a terminal set belonging to the same user is used, but the solution of this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0185] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, and it may be, for example, collaborative work request information, resource sharing request information, state switching request information, etc.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the second terminal 102, the identifier of the user, the identifier of the terminal set, and information on the resources that the first terminal 101 opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0187] In some embodiments, the identifier of the second terminal 102 may include at least one of the following: International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI), 5G Globally Unique Temporary Identifier (5G-GUTI), International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), and Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI). It should be noted that the second terminal 102 may also have other identifiers, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this type of identifier.

[0188] In some embodiments, a user's identifier may be used to indicate the user. In some embodiments, the first information may include the user's identifier associated with the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102.

[0189] In some embodiments, a user's identifier may include at least one of the following: the user's login account on the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102, or the user's mobile phone number. For example, a user can log in on the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 using the same login account. In this case, the login account can serve as the user's identifier. Similarly, a user can log in on the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 using the same mobile phone number. In this case, the mobile phone number can serve as the user's identifier.

[0190] In some embodiments, the identifier of the terminal set can be used to indicate the terminal set. For example, the first information may include the identifier of the terminal set to which the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 are located.

[0191] In some embodiments, a user may correspond to one or more terminal sets. In some embodiments, multiple terminal sets corresponding to a user may correspond to different identifiers. For example, a user may correspond to two terminal sets, with identifiers ID1 and ID2, respectively.

[0192] In some embodiments, when a user corresponds to multiple terminal sets, the terminals in different terminal sets can be completely different or partially the same. In one example, a user can correspond to two terminal sets, where one terminal set may include two terminals associated with the user, and the other terminal set may include three terminals associated with the user. For example, the two terminals in the first terminal set and the three terminals in the second terminal set can be completely different. For example, one terminal in the first terminal set may also be located in the second terminal set.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 may be located in a set of terminals corresponding to a user. In some embodiments, the first information may include the identifier of the set of terminals in which the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 are located.

[0194] In some embodiments, information about resources that the first terminal 101 opens and shares in the terminal set can indicate resources shared by the first terminal 101 to the second terminal 102.

[0195] In some embodiments, the resources shared by the first terminal 101 may include at least one of the following: bandwidth resources, network connection resources, and terminal capabilities.

[0196] In some embodiments, bandwidth resources may be bandwidth available to the first terminal 101. In one example, bandwidth resources may include bandwidth allocated to the first terminal 101 by the network.

[0197] In some embodiments, network connectivity resources may be the network connectivity of the first terminal 101. The network connectivity of the first terminal 101 may refer to the ability of the first terminal 101 to connect to various types of networks. In one example, network connectivity may include at least one of the following: 3G network connectivity, 4G network connectivity, 5G network connectivity, WiFi connectivity, and Bluetooth connectivity.

[0198] In some embodiments, the terminal capability may be the hardware and software capability of the first terminal 101 itself.

[0199] In some embodiments, terminal capabilities may include at least one of the following: artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, computing capabilities, sensing capabilities, ranging / positioning capabilities, data communication capabilities, voice communication capabilities, and video communication capabilities.

[0200] In some embodiments, AI capabilities may include training and / or inference capabilities related to an AI / machine learning (ML) model. For example, the first terminal 101 may train an AI / ML model. For example, the first terminal 101 may perform inference based on an AI / ML model.

[0201] In some embodiments, computing power may include the ability to process information and perform calculations. In some embodiments, computing power may be hardware-related. For example, the computing power of the first terminal 101 may be related to the chip performance of the first terminal 101.

[0202] In some embodiments, the sensing capability may be the ability to perceive the environment. In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may be equipped with one or more sensors, and the first terminal 101 may perceive the environment through these sensors.

[0203] In some embodiments, ranging / positioning capability may be the ability to perform distance measurement and / or location determination. In some embodiments, the ranging / positioning capability of the first terminal 101 may include the ability to range and / or position itself. In some embodiments, the ranging / positioning capability of the first terminal 101 may include the ability to range and / or position other terminals besides the first terminal 101 (e.g., the second terminal 102). For example, ranging / positioning capability may include ranging capability and positioning capability.

[0204] In some embodiments, data communication capability may be the ability to send and receive data. In one example, data communication capability may include the ability of the first terminal 101 to receive and / or send data.

[0205] In some embodiments, voice communication capability can be the ability to perform voice communication. In one example, voice communication capability can include the ability of the first terminal 101 to perform voice communication with other terminals. In one example, the first terminal 101 may have software and / or hardware for implementing voice communication. For example, if the first terminal 101 has a speaker and a microphone and has voice communication software, the first terminal 101 may have voice communication capability.

[0206] In some embodiments, voice communication capability can be the ability to perform voice communication. For example, voice communication capability may include the ability of the first terminal 101 to perform video communication with other terminals. In one example, voice communication capability may include the ability of the first terminal 101 to perform video communication with other terminals. In one example, the first terminal 101 may have software and / or hardware for implementing video communication. For example, if the first terminal 101 has a camera, speaker, and microphone, and has video communication software, the first terminal 101 may have video communication capability.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first information may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the second terminal 102, the identifier of the user, the identifier of the terminal set, and information about resources that the first terminal 101 has opened and shared in the terminal set. In one example, the first information may include the identifier of the second terminal 102 and information about resources that the first terminal 101 has opened and shared in the terminal set. In one example, the first information may include the identifier of the terminal set and information about resources that the first terminal 101 has opened and shared in the terminal set. In one example, the first information may include the identifier of the second terminal 102, the identifier of the terminal set, and information about resources that the first terminal 101 has opened and shared in the terminal set. In one example, the first information may include the identifier of the user and information about resources that the first terminal 101 has opened and shared in the terminal set. In one example, the first information may include the identifier of the user, the identifier of the terminal set, and information about resources that the first terminal 101 has opened and shared in the terminal set. In one example, the first information may include the identifier of the user, the identifier of the terminal set, and information about resources that the first terminal 101 has opened and shared in the terminal set. It is understood that the first information may not include information about resources that the first terminal 101 has opened and shared in the terminal set. In this case, the first information can be used to indicate by default that all resources of the first terminal 101 can be shared with the terminal set.

[0208] In step S303, the first network element 103 sends the sixth information to the second network element 104.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first network element 103 may send the sixth information. In some embodiments, the sixth information may be sent by the first network element 103, but is not limited to this, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0210] In some embodiments, the second network element 104 may receive the sixth information. In some embodiments, the sixth information may be received by the second network element 104, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0211] In some embodiments, upon receiving the first information, the first network element 103 may request authorization from the second network element 104 for the first terminal 101 to enter the first state. At this time, the first network element 103 may send the sixth information.

[0212] In some embodiments, the sixth information may be used to request authorization for the first terminal 101 to enter the first state.

[0213] In some embodiments, the sixth information may be used to request authorization for the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 to work together.

[0214] In some embodiments, the name of the sixth information is not limited, and it may be, for example, an authorization request information.

[0215] In some embodiments, the sixth information may include at least one of the following: a user's identifier, an identifier of the first terminal 101, an identifier of the second terminal 102, an identifier of the terminal set, and information about resources shared by the first terminal 101 in the terminal set. In one example, the sixth information may include the identifier of the first terminal 101. In one example, the sixth information may include the identifier of the first terminal 101 and the user's identifier. In one example, the sixth information may include the identifier of the first terminal 101 and the identifier of the second terminal 102. In one example, the sixth information may include the identifier of the first terminal 101 and the identifier of the terminal set. In one example, the sixth information may include the identifier of the second terminal 102 and the identifier of the terminal set. In one example, the sixth information may include the identifier of the first terminal 101, the user's identifier, and the identifier of the second terminal 102. In one example, the sixth information may include the identifier of the first terminal 101, the identifier of the second terminal 102, the identifier of the terminal set, and information about resources shared by the first terminal 101 in the terminal set.

[0216] In step S304, the second network element 104 authorizes the first terminal 101.

[0217] In some embodiments, upon receiving the sixth information, the second network element 104 can determine whether to authorize the first terminal 101 to enter the first state based on the sixth information.

[0218] In some embodiments, the second network element 104 may have at least one of the following: the subscription information of the first terminal 101, or the subscription information of the terminal set.

[0219] In some embodiments, the subscription information of the first terminal 101 may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal 101, the identifier of the terminal set, the identifier of the user, and information on the resources that the first terminal 101 opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0220] In some embodiments, step S304 may include: the second network element 104 authorizing the first terminal 101 to work in a first state based on the subscription information of the first terminal 101.

[0221] In some embodiments, the second network element 104 may authorize the first terminal 101 to work in a first state based on the subscription information of the first terminal 101.

[0222] In some embodiments, the subscription information of the first terminal 101 can indicate that the first terminal 101 is allowed to operate in a first state. In this case, based on the subscription information of the first terminal 101, the second network element 104 can authorize the first terminal 101 to enter the first state.

[0223] In one example, the sixth piece of information may include the identifier of the first terminal 101. For example, the second network element 104 may determine whether to authorize the first terminal 101 to enter the first state based on the identifier of the first terminal 101 in the sixth piece of information and the subscription information of the first terminal 101.

[0224] In one example, the sixth information may include the identifier of the first terminal 101 and information about the resources that the first terminal 101 has made publicly available in the terminal set. For example, the second network element 104 may determine whether to authorize the first terminal 101 to enter the first state based on the identifier of the first terminal 101, the information about the resources that the first terminal 101 has made publicly available in the terminal set, and the subscription information of the first terminal 101 in the sixth information. For example, the second network element 104 may determine whether to authorize the first terminal 101 to enter the first state based on the subscription information of the first terminal 101 and the information about the resources that the first terminal 101 has made publicly available in the terminal set, as indicated by the information about the resources that the first terminal 101 has made publicly available in the terminal set, as contained in the sixth information.

[0225] In one example, the sixth information may include the user's identifier and the identifier of the first terminal 101. For example, the second network element 104 may determine the set of terminals associated with the user's identifier in the sixth information. Then, the second network element 104 may determine whether the identifier of the terminal set determined based on the user's identifier is the same as the identifier of the terminal set to which the first terminal 101 belongs, determined based on the subscription information of the first terminal 101. If they are the same, the second network element 104 may determine to authorize the first terminal 101 to enter the first state; if they are different, the second network element 104 may determine not to authorize the first terminal 101 to enter the first state.

[0226] In one example, the sixth piece of information may include the identifier of the first terminal 101 and the identifier of the terminal set. For example, the second network element 104 can determine the terminal set to which the first terminal 101 belongs based on the subscription information of the first terminal 101. Then, the second network element 104 can determine whether the identifier of the terminal set to which the first terminal 101 belongs is the same as the identifier of the terminal set contained in the sixth piece of information. If they are the same, the second network element 104 can determine that the first terminal 101 is authorized to enter the first state; if they are different, the second network element 104 can determine that the first terminal 101 is not authorized to enter the first state.

[0227] In step S305, the second network element 104 sends third information to the first network element 103.

[0228] In some embodiments, the second network element 104 may send third information. In some embodiments, the third information may be sent by the second network element 104, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first network element 103 may receive third information. In some embodiments, the third information may be received by the first network element 103, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0230] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the authorized first terminal 101 has entered the first state, the second network element 104 may send third information.

[0231] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state. In some embodiments, the third information may be used to instruct the first terminal to enter the first state.

[0232] In some embodiments, the name of the third information is not limited, and it may be, for example, authorization instruction information, authorization notification information, etc.

[0233] In some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: indication information, the identifier of the terminal set, and the identifier of the second terminal 102.

[0234] In some embodiments, indication information can be used to indicate whether to authorize a first terminal to enter a first state. In one example, the indication information can indicate authorization for the first terminal to enter the first state. In another example, the indication information can indicate denial of the first terminal from entering the first state. For example, the indication information may include one bit. When the value of this bit is 1, the indication information indicates authorization for the first terminal to enter the first state. When the value of this bit is 0, the indication information indicates denial of the first terminal from entering the first state.

[0235] In some embodiments, the third information may include an identifier of the terminal set. In some embodiments, the identifier of the terminal set in the third information may be determined by the second network element 104 in step S303. For example, if the sixth information does not include an identifier of the terminal set, the identifier of the terminal set in the third information may be determined by the second network element 104. For example, the identifier of the terminal set in the third information may be determined based on the subscription information of the first terminal 101. For example, the identifier of the terminal set in the third information may be determined based on the user's identifier. In some embodiments, the identifier of the terminal set in the third information may be obtained by the second network element 104 from the sixth information.

[0236] In some embodiments, the number of identifiers of terminal sets included in the third information may be greater than or equal to 1. For example, if the subscription information of the first terminal 101 indicates that the first terminal 101 is associated with a terminal set, then the third information may include the identifiers of that terminal set. For example, if the subscription information of the first terminal 101 indicates that the first terminal 101 is associated with multiple terminal sets, then the third information may include the identifiers of one or more of these terminal sets.

[0237] In some embodiments, the third information may include the identifier of the second terminal 102. In some embodiments, the identifier of the second terminal 102 in the third information may be determined by the second network element 104 in step S303. For example, if the sixth information does not include the identifier of the second terminal 102, the identifier of the second terminal 102 in the third information may be determined by the second network element 104 based on the subscription information of the terminal set.

[0238] In step S306, the first network element 103 sends the fourth information to the second terminal 102.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first network element 103 may send fourth information. In some embodiments, the fourth information may be sent by the first network element 103, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0240] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may receive fourth information. In some embodiments, the fourth information may be received by the second terminal 102, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first network element 103 may send fourth information to one or more second terminals 102.

[0242] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to request the second terminal 102 to verify the first terminal 101.

[0243] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to request the second terminal 102 to determine whether to allow the first terminal 101 to enter the first state.

[0244] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to request the second terminal 102 to confirm that it is working collaboratively with the first terminal 101 in the terminal set.

[0245] In some embodiments, the name of the fourth information is not limited, and it may be, for example, confirmation request information, verification request information, etc.

[0246] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal 101, the identifier of the user, the identifier of the terminal set, and information on the resources that the first terminal 101 opens and shares in the terminal set.

[0247] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102, which is the recipient of the fourth information, can be determined by at least one of the following methods: determined based on the identifier of the second terminal 102 in the first information, or indicated by the third information.

[0248] In some embodiments, if the first information includes the identifier of the second terminal 102, the first network element 103 may send fourth information to the second terminal 102 indicated by the first information. In some embodiments, the first information may include the identifiers of a plurality of second terminals 102, then the first network element 103 may send fourth information to each of these second terminals 102.

[0249] In some embodiments, if the first information does not include the identifier of the second terminal 102, the third information may include the identifier of the second terminal 102. In this case, the first network element 103 may send fourth information to the second terminal 102 indicated by the third information.

[0250] In step S307, the second terminal 102 sends the fifth information to the first network element 103.

[0251] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may send the fifth information. In some embodiments, the fifth information may be sent by the second terminal 102, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first network element 103 may receive the fifth information. In some embodiments, the fifth information may be received by the first network element 103, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0253] In some embodiments, the fifth information may be sent by the second terminal 102 in response to the fourth information.

[0254] In some embodiments, the fifth information may be used to instruct the second terminal 102 to agree to the first terminal 101 entering the first state.

[0255] In some embodiments, the fifth information may be used to instruct the second terminal 102 to confirm that it is working collaboratively with the first terminal 101 in the terminal set.

[0256] In some embodiments, the fifth information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the second terminal 102, the identifier of the terminal set.

[0257] In some embodiments, the number of identifiers of the terminal set included in the fifth information may be greater than or equal to 1.

[0258] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may determine whether to agree to the first terminal 101 entering the first state based on the fourth information.

[0259] In one example, if the identifier of the first terminal 101 included in the fourth information is the same as the identifier of the first terminal 101 obtained in step S301, then the second terminal 102 can determine that it agrees to the first terminal 101 entering the first state. In another example, if the identifier of the first terminal 101 included in the fourth information is different from the identifier of the first terminal 101 obtained in step S301, then the second terminal 102 can determine that it refuses the first terminal 101 from entering the first state.

[0260] In one example, if the user identifier contained in the fourth information is the same as the user identifier associated with the second terminal 102, then the second terminal 102 can determine that it agrees to allow the first terminal 101 to enter the first state. In another example, if the user identifier contained in the fourth information is different from the user identifier associated with the second terminal 102, then the second terminal 102 can determine that it refuses the first terminal 101 from entering the first state.

[0261] In one example, if the identifier of the terminal set contained in the fourth information is the same as the identifier of the terminal set to which the second terminal 102 is located, then the second terminal 102 can determine that it agrees to the first terminal 101 entering the first state. In another example, if the identifier of the terminal set contained in the fourth information is different from the identifier of the terminal set to which the second terminal 102 is located, then the second terminal 102 can determine that it refuses the first terminal 101 from entering the first state.

[0262] In some embodiments, if the first terminal 101 agrees to enter the first state, the second terminal 102 may send the fifth information.

[0263] In some embodiments, if the first terminal 101 is refused entry into the first state, the second terminal 102 may not send the fifth message, or it may send a rejection message to indicate that the second terminal 102 refuses to work with the first terminal 101 in the terminal set.

[0264] In some embodiments, the execution of steps S306 and S307 may be earlier than the execution of steps S303 to S305, later than the execution of steps S303 to S305, or simultaneously with steps S303 to S305.

[0265] In some embodiments, steps S306 and S307 may be executed earlier than steps S303 to S305. In this case, the identifier of the terminal set in the sixth information may, for example, be obtained from the fifth information.

[0266] It should be noted that steps S306 and S307 are optional. In some embodiments, steps S306 and S307 may not be performed.

[0267] In step S308, the first network element 103 sends the second information to the first terminal 101.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first network element 103 may send second information. In some embodiments, the second information may be sent by the first network element 103, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 may receive the second information. In some embodiments, the second information may be received by the first terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0270] In some embodiments, the second information is used to determine that the first terminal 101 has entered a first state.

[0271] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to instruct the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 to work together.

[0272] In some embodiments, the second information may be sent according to at least one of the following: third information, fifth information.

[0273] In some embodiments, the first network element 103 may determine, based on third and / or fifth information, that the first terminal 101 is authorized to enter the first state. Upon determining that the first terminal 101 is authorized to enter the first state, the first network element 103 may send second information.

[0274] In some embodiments, the first network element 103 can determine, based on third information and / or fifth information, the authorized first terminal 101 to enter the first state and the terminal set to which the first terminal 101 belongs. In some embodiments, the first network element 103 can determine at least one terminal set based on the third information and / or fifth information. The first terminal 101 can enter the first state in the determined terminal set. Then, the first terminal 101 in the first state can work collaboratively with the second terminal 102 in any of the at least one terminal set.

[0275] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to authorize the first terminal to enter a first state in one or more terminal sets.

[0276] In some embodiments, the third information may include identifiers of one or more terminal sets. In one example, these terminal sets may be the terminal sets to which the first terminal 101 belongs, as indicated by the subscription information of the first terminal 101. In one example, the third information may include a list of terminal sets. The list may include identifiers of one or more terminal sets.

[0277] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to instruct the second terminal 102 to accept working collaboratively with the first terminal 101 in one or more terminal sets.

[0278] In some embodiments, the fifth information may include identifiers of one or more terminal sets. In one example, these terminal sets may be sets of terminals that the second terminal 102 accepts to work in conjunction with the first terminal 101. In one example, the fifth information may include a list of terminal sets. It may include identifiers of one or more terminal sets.

[0279] In one example, steps S303 to S307 can all be executed, in which case the first network element 103 can receive the third and fifth information. In this case, the first network element 103 can determine, based on the third and fifth information, that the first terminal 101 is authorized to enter the first state. In another example, upon receiving the third information instructing the first terminal 101 to enter the first state, the first network element 103 can send the second information. In this case, steps S303 to S305 can be executed, while steps S306 and S307 can be omitted.

[0280] In one example, if all steps S303 to S307 are executed, the set of terminals that the first network element 103 authorizes the first terminal 101 to enter the first state can be determined based on one or more terminal sets indicated by the fifth information and one or more terminal sets indicated by the third information. For example, the set of terminals that the first network element 103 authorizes the first terminal 101 to enter the first state can be the intersection of one or more terminal sets indicated by the fifth information and one or more terminal sets indicated by the third information.

[0281] In one example, steps S303 to S305 can be executed, while steps S306 and S307 can be omitted, in which case the first network element 103 can receive the third information. In this case, the first network element 103 can determine, based on the third information, that the first terminal 101 is authorized to enter the first state. In another example, upon receiving the third information instructing the first terminal 101 to enter the first state, and the fifth information instructing agreement to the first terminal 101 entering the first state, the first network element 103 can send the second information. At this time, steps S303 to S307 can be executed.

[0282] In one example, if steps S306 and S307 are not executed, the set of terminals that the first network element 103 authorizes the first terminal 101 to enter the first state can be determined based on one or more terminal sets indicated by the fifth information. For example, the set of terminals that the first network element 103 authorizes the first terminal 101 to enter the first state may include at least one of the one or more terminal sets indicated by the fifth information.

[0283] In some embodiments, the number of second terminals 102 may be equal to one. In this case, upon receiving fifth information from the second terminal 102 indicating agreement that the first terminal 101 has entered the first state, the second information may be sent. In some embodiments, the number of second terminals 102 may be greater than one. In this case, upon receiving fifth information from at least one second terminal 102 indicating agreement that the first terminal 101 has entered the first state, the second information may be sent. For example, upon receiving fifth information from one of the plurality of second terminals 102, the second information may be sent. For example, upon receiving fifth information from all of the plurality of second terminals 102, the second information may be sent.

[0284] In some embodiments, the second information can activate a first state of the first terminal 101. For example, in the first state, the first terminal 101 can work collaboratively with the second terminal 102. For example, in the first state, the first terminal 101 can share its own resources with the second terminal 102, and / or share the resources of the second terminal 102. For example, in the first state, the first terminal 101 can share its own resources with a set of terminals, which includes the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102.

[0285] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 in the first state can be regarded as a single logical terminal. In this case, the resources of the first terminal 101 and the resources of the second terminal 102 can both be considered as resources of this logical terminal. The first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102 included in this logical terminal are both located in a terminal set.

[0286] It is understandable that the second terminal 102, which works in conjunction with the first terminal 101, can also be in the first state. The process by which the second terminal 102 enters the first state can be found in the above description of the first terminal 101, and will not be repeated here.

[0287] The communication method of this embodiment can be realized through the above steps S301 to S308.

[0288] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0289] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0290] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0291] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0292] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0293] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0294] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S301 to S308. For example, step S302 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S305 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S307 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S302 and S308 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S306 and S307 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S307 and S308 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S303, S304, and S305 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S302, S305, and S307 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S302, S305, S307, and S308 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps in steps S301 to S308 are not limited thereto.

[0295] In some embodiments, at least two steps in steps S301 to S308 may be executed simultaneously or in a different order. For example, steps S305 and S306 may be executed simultaneously or in a different order. For example, steps S305 and S307 may be executed simultaneously or in a different order.

[0296] In some embodiments, steps S301, S303, S304, S305, S306, S307, and S308 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0297] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the embodiment corresponding to FIG3 may be referred to.

[0298] Figure 4A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, the above method includes step S4101.

[0299] In step S4101, the first terminal 101 sends first information to the first network element 103.

[0300] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S302 in Figure 3, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0301] Figure 4B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, the above method includes step S4201.

[0302] In step S4201, the second network element 104 sends third information to the first network element 103.

[0303] The optional implementation of step S4201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S305 in Figure 3, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0304] Figure 4C is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4C, the above method includes steps S4301 and S4302.

[0305] In step S4301, the first network element 103 sends the fourth information to the second terminal 102.

[0306] The optional implementation of step S4301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S306 in Figure 3, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0307] In step S4302, the second terminal 102 sends the fifth information to the first network element 103.

[0308] The optional implementation of step S4302 can be found in the optional implementation of step S307 in Figure 3, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0309] In the following, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example.

[0310] This disclosure introduces the concept of UoC (User-Oriented Collection). UoC refers to the ability of a 6G network to operate a set of UEs (i.e., a UE collaboration set) as a single logical UE, thereby maximizing resource utilization of the UE set to optimize network operation and user experience. A UE collaboration set (i.e., a terminal set) is a group of UEs belonging to the same user, which share resources within the group. Shared resources include capabilities (e.g., computing, sensing, ranging) and states (e.g., battery state). For a 6G network, the resources of a UE collaboration set are an aggregation of the resources of each UE within the same set, enabling enhanced resource collaboration among UEs in the set.

[0311] In some embodiments, UE resources may include: bandwidth, network connectivity (the UE's ability to connect to different types of networks, such as 3G, 4G, 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.); and capabilities.

[0312] In some embodiments, the capabilities may include: AI, computing, sensing, ranging / positioning, data communication, voice communication, and video communication.

[0313] In some embodiments, the resources of a UE collaboration set are a combination of all resources of all UEs in the set.

[0314] In some embodiments, the UE set can operate in UoC mode (i.e., the first state) or not in UoC mode (i.e., the second state). When a UE operates in UoC mode, resources are shared within the set; when a UE does not operate in UoC mode, the UE operates as a normal UE, meaning that a UE's resources are used only by that UE.

[0315] In some embodiments, the UoC mode can be activated when multiple UEs in a UE collaboration set are in proximity (i.e., multiple UEs are connected via non-3GPP access or using 3GPP proximity service technology).

[0316] In some embodiments, when a UE (i.e., a first terminal) decides to operate in UoC mode, the UE requests the network to switch to UoC mode. In this request, the UE may indicate: a list of UEs in the UE collaboration set (i.e., a second terminal), an identifier of the UE collaboration set, resources contributed by the UE to the UE collaboration set (i.e., resources shared with other UEs in the UE collaboration set), and a user identifier.

[0317] In some embodiments, once a network-authorized UE is operating in UoC mode, its resources are shared with other UEs in the same UE collaboration set. Simultaneously, the UE's resources are expanded by incorporating the resources of other UEs in the same UE collaboration set.

[0318] In some embodiments, once the network authorizes a UE to operate in UoC mode, the network includes that UE in a UE cooperation set, which is requested by the UE or specified by the network. Furthermore, the network treats the UE cooperation set as a single logical UE, meaning that the resources of the UE cooperation set are considered as the resources of that logical UE.

[0319] In some embodiments, the network authorizes a UE to operate in UoC mode based on the UE's subscription information and / or the consent of other UEs in the same UE cooperation set. For the consent of other UEs in the same UE cooperation set, the network may contact one or more UEs in the same UE cooperation set. These one or more UEs may be indicated by a UE requesting to operate in UoC mode, or by the subscription information of the UE cooperation set.

[0320] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the communication method includes steps S501 to S506.

[0321] In step S501, UE1 (i.e., the first terminal) detects a proximity connection with UE2 (i.e., the second terminal).

[0322] In step S502, UE1 sends a UoC mode activation request (i.e., first information) to CN NF (i.e., the first network element).

[0323] In step S503, the CN NF interacts with the subscription management function (i.e., the second network element) to implement UoC authorization.

[0324] In step S504, CN NF interacts with UE2 to obtain UoC consent.

[0325] In step S505, CN NF sends a UoC mode activation response to UE1.

[0326] In step S506, UE1 enables UoC mode.

[0327] In some embodiments, one or more UEs belonging to the same user can share resources to achieve resource optimization, seamless connectivity, performance improvement, enhanced security, better data management, energy efficiency, simplified management, improved user experience, and enhanced reliability.

[0328] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0329] This disclosure also provides communication apparatuses for implementing any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure also provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the network element in any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure also provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods.

[0330] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0331] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit, microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0332] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the communication device 600 may include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 601 and a processing module 602.

[0333] In some embodiments, the communication device 600 may be a first terminal 101. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 601 may be configured to: send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to request entering a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work together. Optionally, the transceiver module 601 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first terminal 101 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S301, S302, S308, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0334] In some embodiments, the communication device 600 may be a second terminal 102. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 601 may be configured to: receive fourth information sent by a first network element, wherein the fourth information is used to request the second terminal to confirm that it is cooperating with the first terminal in a terminal set, and the first terminal is a terminal requesting to enter a first state; send fifth information to the first network element, wherein the fifth information is used to instruct the second terminal to accept cooperating with the first terminal in a terminal set; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in the terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and cooperate. Optionally, the transceiver module 601 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second terminal 102 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S301, S306, S307, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0335] In some embodiments, the communication device 600 may be a first network element 103. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 601 may be configured to: receive first information sent by a first terminal, wherein the first information is used to request entering a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work together. Optionally, the transceiver module 601 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element 103 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S302, S303, S305, S306, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0336] In some embodiments, the communication device 600 may be a second network element 104. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 601 may be configured to: send third information to a first network element, wherein the third information is used to authorize a first terminal to enter a first state; wherein the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated and work together. Optionally, the transceiver module 601 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S303, S305, but not limited thereto) performed by the second network element 104 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 602 may be configured to perform at least one of other steps (e.g., step S304, but not limited thereto) besides the communication steps (e.g., step S304) performed by the second network element 104 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0337] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting and receiving modules may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0338] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0339] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0340] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 7100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 7101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 7100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0341] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7102. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7102, the transceivers 7102 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S301, S302, S303, S305, S306, S307, S308, but not limited thereto), and the processor 7101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S304, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0342] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7103 may be located outside the communication device 7100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuits 7104 are connected to the memories 7103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 7103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 7103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 7104 can read data stored in the memories 7103 and send the data to the processor 7101.

[0343] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0344] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 7B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0345] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201. Chip 7200 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0346] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside chip 7200. Optionally, interface circuit 7202 is connected to memory 7203, and interface circuit 7202 can be used to receive data from memory 7203 or other devices, and interface circuit 7202 can be used to send data to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7202 can read data stored in memory 7203 and send the data to processor 7201.

[0347] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S301, S302, S303, S305, S306, S307, S308, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 7202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 7202 performing data interaction between the processor 7201, the chip 7200, the memory 7203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 7201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S304, but not limited thereto).

[0348] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0349] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 7100, cause the communication device 7100 to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0350] This disclosure also proposes a program product that, when executed by a communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0351] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0352] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0353] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed by a first network element, wherein, The method includes: Receive first information sent by a first terminal, wherein the first information is used to request to enter a first state; In this case, the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated with each other and work together.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple terminals in the terminal set share resources.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The association relationships between multiple terminals in the terminal set include at least one of the following: Multiple terminals in the terminal set belong to the same user; Multiple terminals in the terminal set work together to complete a task; There are temporary associations between multiple terminals in the terminal set.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the second terminal, wherein the second terminal is the terminal that the first terminal requests to work collaboratively in the terminal set; The identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; The identifier of the terminal set; The first terminal opens and shares information about resources in the terminal set.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The method further includes: Send a second message to the first terminal, wherein the second message is used to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The method further includes: The system receives third information sent by a second network element, wherein the third information is used to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The third information includes at least one of the following: Instruction information is used to instruct the first terminal to enter the first state; The identifier of the terminal set.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The method further includes: Send a fourth message to the second terminal, wherein the fourth message is used to request the second terminal to confirm that it is working together with the first terminal in the terminal set; The second terminal receives a fifth message, wherein the fifth message is used to instruct the second terminal to accept cooperating with the first terminal in the terminal set.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The fourth piece of information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the first terminal; The identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; The identifier of the terminal set; The first terminal opens and shares information about resources in the terminal set.

10. The method according to claim 4 or 9, wherein, The resources include at least one of the following: Bandwidth resources; Network connectivity resources; Terminal capabilities.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the third and / or fifth information, determine the authorization for the first terminal to enter the first state, and the set of terminals to which the first terminal belongs; The third information is used to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state in one or more terminal sets, and the fifth information is used to instruct the second terminal to accept cooperating with the first terminal in one or more terminal sets.

12. A communication method, executed by a second network element, wherein, The method includes: Send a third message to the first network element, wherein the third message is used to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state; In this case, the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated with each other and work together.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, Multiple terminals in the terminal set share resources.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The association relationships between multiple terminals in the terminal set include at least one of the following: Multiple terminals in the terminal set belong to the same user; Multiple terminals in the terminal set work together to complete a task; There are temporary associations between multiple terminals in the terminal set.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The third information includes at least one of the following: Instruction information is used to instruct the first terminal to enter the first state; The identifier of the terminal set.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The identifier of the terminal set is determined based on the subscription information of the first terminal.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the contract information of the first terminal, it is determined that the first terminal is authorized to enter the first state.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The subscription information of the first terminal includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the first terminal; The identifier of the terminal set; The identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; The first terminal opens and shares information about resources in the terminal set.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The resources include at least one of the following: Bandwidth resources; Network connectivity resources; Terminal capabilities.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein, The method further includes: The system receives a sixth message sent by the first network element, wherein the sixth message is used to request authorization for the first terminal to enter the first state.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The sixth piece of information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the terminal set; The identifier of the first terminal; The identifier of the second terminal; The identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; The first terminal opens and shares information about resources in the terminal set.

22. A communication method, executed by a first terminal, wherein, The method includes: Send first information to the first network element, wherein the first information is used to request to enter the first state; In this case, the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated with each other and work together.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, Multiple terminals in the terminal set share resources.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein, The association relationships between multiple terminals in the terminal set include at least one of the following: Multiple terminals in the terminal set belong to the same user; Multiple terminals in the terminal set work together to complete a task; There are temporary associations between multiple terminals in the terminal set.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the second terminal, wherein the second terminal is the terminal for which the first terminal requests to work collaboratively; The identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; The identifier of the terminal set; The first terminal opens and shares information about resources in the terminal set.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The resources include at least one of the following: Bandwidth resources; Network connectivity resources; Terminal capabilities.

27. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein, The method further includes: The system receives second information sent by the first network element, wherein the second information is used to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state.

28. A communication method, executed by a second terminal, wherein, The method includes: The system receives a fourth message sent by a first network element, wherein the fourth message is used to request the second terminal to confirm that it is working together with the first terminal in the terminal set, and the first terminal is the terminal that requests to enter the first state. Send a fifth message to the first network element, wherein the fifth message is used to instruct the second terminal to accept cooperating with the first terminal in the terminal set; In this case, the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated with each other and work together.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, Multiple terminals in the terminal set share resources.

30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, wherein, The association relationships between multiple terminals in the terminal set include at least one of the following: Multiple terminals in the terminal set belong to the same user; Multiple terminals in the terminal set work together to complete a task; There are temporary associations between multiple terminals in the terminal set.

31. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein, The fourth piece of information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the first terminal; The identifier of the user to whom the first terminal belongs; The identifier of the terminal set; The first terminal opens and shares information about resources in the terminal set.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein, The resources include at least one of the following: Bandwidth resources; Network connectivity resources; Terminal capabilities.

33. A communication device, disposed in a first network element, wherein, The communication device includes: The transceiver module is configured to receive first information sent by the first terminal, wherein the first information is used to request to enter a first state; In this case, the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated with each other and work together.

34. A communication device, disposed in a second network element, wherein, The communication device includes: The transceiver module is configured to send third information to the first network element, wherein the third information is used to authorize the first terminal to enter the first state; In this case, the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated with each other and work together.

35. A communication device, disposed in a first terminal, wherein, The communication device includes: The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the first network element, wherein the first information is used to request to enter the first state; In this case, the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated with each other and work together.

36. A communication device, disposed in a second terminal, wherein, The communication device includes: The transceiver module is configured as follows: The system receives a fourth message sent by a first network element, wherein the fourth message is used to request the second terminal to confirm that it is working together with the first terminal in the terminal set, and the first terminal is the terminal that requests to enter the first state. Send a fifth message to the first network element, wherein the fifth message is used to instruct the second terminal to accept cooperating with the first terminal in the terminal set; In this case, the first terminal in the first state is located in a terminal set, and multiple terminals in the terminal set are associated with each other and work together.

37. A communication device, comprising: One or more processors; A memory that stores instructions; When the instruction is executed by the communication device, it causes the communication device to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 32.

38. A communication system comprising at least one of the following: The first network element is used to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; The second network element is used to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 12 to 21; A first terminal is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 22 to 27; The second terminal is used to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 28 to 32.

39. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to perform at least one of the following: The communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; The communication method as described in any one of claims 12 to 21; The communication method as described in any one of claims 22 to 27; The communication method as described in any one of claims 28 to 32.

40. A computer program product comprising instructions, wherein, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs at least one of the following: The communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; The communication method as described in any one of claims 12 to 21; The communication method as described in any one of claims 22 to 27; The communication method as described in any one of claims 28 to 32.

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