Communication method, apparatus and system

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method, apparatus and system. In the method, after receiving first information, which is delivered by a first core network element and is used for instructing an access network device to start a WPT service, the access network device can notify, by delivering first system information indicating that the access network device supports the WPT service, a terminal that the access network device can provide the WPT service. In this way, efficient access of a WPT node can be implemented, ensuring that the WPT node can quickly and securely access a communication system, and helping provide a more stable and efficient wireless power transfer service for the terminal.

Description

Communication methods, devices and systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411966363.0, filed on December 26, 2024, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus and System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method, apparatus, and system. Background Technology

[0003] With the continuous development of communication technology, more and more IoT devices are emerging. If a large number of IoT devices require regular battery replacements, it will consume significant manpower and time costs. Therefore, wireless power transfer (WPT) will play a crucial role in the IoT.

[0004] In the process of wireless power transmission, how to achieve efficient access of WPT nodes (or power transmission nodes) and ensure that WPT nodes can quickly and securely access the system to provide terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system to achieve efficient access for WPT nodes.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a communication device. This communication device may be, for example, an access network device, a component configured within the access network device (such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device, etc. This application does not limit the scope of the application.

[0007] For example, the method includes: an access network device receiving first information from a first core network element, the first information instructing the access network device to initiate WPT service; and the access network device sending first system information, the first system information used to indicate that the access network device supports WPT service.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, after receiving the first information from the first core network element instructing the access network device to initiate WPT service, the access network device can inform the terminal that the access network device can provide WPT service by sending first system information carrying indication that the access network device supports WPT service. This enables efficient access for WPT nodes, ensuring that WPT nodes can quickly and securely access the communication system, and helps provide terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending first capability information to a first core network element, the first capability information being used to indicate that the access network device supports the WPT capability.

[0010] The access network device has the capability to provide WPT services to terminals; in other words, WPT nodes are deployed within the access network device. The access network device can report its WPT capability to the first core network element based on first capability information. This helps the access network device to quickly and securely access the system, enabling it to provide terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first capability information carries a specific public land mobile network (PLMN), which is used to indicate that the access network equipment supports providing WPT services to terminals in that specific PLMN.

[0012] Based on the initial capability information, the access network equipment determines which terminals it can provide WPT services to. For example, it can provide WPT services to terminals within the PLMN. This helps the access network equipment clearly define the scope of WPT services it can provide, thereby offering more stable and efficient WPT services to the terminals.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first information carries the geographical area where the access network device initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the access network device to initiate the WPT service.

[0014] Access network equipment can determine, based on the initial information, which areas of terminals it can provide WPT services to, or when it can provide WPT services to terminals. This helps WPT nodes to quickly and securely access the system, providing terminals with more stable and efficient WPT services.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving a registration request message from a terminal, the registration request message carrying a WPT capability indication, the registration request message being used to request WPT services; and sending the registration request message to the first core network element.

[0016] The terminal requests WPT services from the access network device by reporting a registration request message. Upon receiving the registration request message, the access network device reports it to the first core network element, which helps the first core network element determine whether to authorize the access network device to provide WPT services to the terminal based on the registration request message.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the registration request message carries a first network slice associated with the WPT capability, and the registration request message is used to request the WPT service associated with the first network slice.

[0018] Based on the first network slice associated with WPT capabilities carried in the registration request message, the terminal can request the access network device to provide WP services for the terminal under that first network slice. This helps the terminal request the access network device to provide more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving first authorization information, the first authorization information being used to instruct the terminal to authorize the WPT service requested.

[0020] Based on this first authorization information, the access network device can determine whether to provide WPT services to the terminal requesting WPT services.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first authorization information is used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the terminal.

[0022] Different network slices can be associated with WPT capabilities. Access network devices can determine to provide WPT services to terminals under the first network slice based on the first network slice carried by the first authorization information.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first authorization information includes permitted network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI), which includes the identifier of the first network slice.

[0024] The allowed NSSAI may include different network slices (e.g., the first network slice). The access network device may determine the first network slice corresponding to the identifier of the first network slice included in the allowed NSSAI based on the allowed NSSAI included in the first authorization information, and then provide WPT services to the terminal under the first network slice.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first authorization information also includes a network slice-area of ​​service (NS-AOS), which is used to indicate the area within the first tracking area (TA) to which the terminal currently belongs that has started the WPT service.

[0026] Access network devices can provide WPT services to areas within the first tracking area to which the terminal currently belongs, based on the NS-AOS included in the first authorization information. This helps to provide the terminal with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0027] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a communication device. This communication device may be, for example, a first communication unit of an access network device, a component (such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.) configured in the first communication unit, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication unit, etc. This application does not limit the scope of the application.

[0028] For example, the method includes: a first communication unit receiving first information from a first core network element, the first information being used to instruct the access network device to start WPT service; the first communication unit sending second information to a second communication unit of the access network device, the second information being used to instruct the access network device to start WPT service.

[0029] Based on the above scheme, the first communication unit of the access network device, upon receiving the first information from the first core network element instructing the access network device to initiate WPT service, can then send second information carrying this instruction to the second communication unit of the access network device, informing it that the access network device can provide WPT service. This enables efficient access for WPT nodes, ensuring they can quickly and securely access the communication system and provide terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations of the second aspect, the first information carries the geographical area where the access network device initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the access network device to initiate the WPT service.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving first capability information from a second communication unit of the access network device, the first capability information being used to indicate that the access network device supports the WPT capability; and sending the first capability information to the first core network element.

[0032] The first communication unit can receive first capability information reported by the second communication unit of the access network device, determining that the access network device has the capability to provide WPT services to terminals; in other words, WPT nodes are deployed in the access network device. The access network device can report its WPT capability to the first core network element based on the first capability information. This helps the access network device to quickly and securely access the system, providing terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending third information to the second communication unit based on the first information, the third information carrying a specific PLMN, the third information being used to instruct the access network device to support providing WPT services for terminals in the specific PLMN.

[0034] The second communication unit can determine, based on the third information sent by the first communication unit, that it can provide WPT services to terminals under a specific PLMN. This helps access network equipment to clearly define the scope of WPT services provided, thereby offering more stable and efficient WPT services to terminals.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving a registration request message from a terminal, the registration request message carrying a WPT capability indication, the registration request message being used to request WPT services; and sending the registration request message to the first core network element.

[0036] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations of the second aspect, the registration request message carries a first network slice associated with the WPT capability, and the registration request message is used to request WPT services associated with the first network slice.

[0037] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving first authorization information from the first core network element, the first authorization information being used to indicate authorization for the WPT service requested by the terminal.

[0038] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations of the second aspect, the first authorization information carries the geographical area where the access network device initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the access network device to initiate the WPT service.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations of the second aspect, the first authorization information is used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the terminal.

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations of the second aspect, the first authorization information includes permitted network slice selection auxiliary information NSSAI, which includes the identifier of the first network slice.

[0041] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations of the second aspect, the first authorization information also includes a network slice-service area (NS-AOS), which indicates the area within the first tracking area (TA) to which the terminal currently belongs that provides WPT services.

[0042] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a communication device. This communication device may be, for example, a second communication unit of an access network device, a component (such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.) configured in the second communication unit, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication unit, etc. This application does not limit the scope of the application.

[0043] For example, the method includes: a second communication unit sending first capability information to a first communication unit of the access network device, the first capability information being used to indicate that the access network device supports WPT capability; the second communication unit receiving second information, the second information instructing the access network device to start the WPT service.

[0044] Based on the above scheme, the second communication unit of the access network device can receive second information from the first communication unit after sending first capability information indicating that the access network device supports WPT services. This second information, carrying instructions for the access network device to activate WPT services, informs the second communication unit that the access network device can provide WPT services. This enables efficient access for WPT nodes, ensuring that WPT nodes can quickly and securely access the communication system, providing terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0045] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some possible implementations of the third aspect, the second information includes the Unified Access Control (UAC) parameters associated with the WPT service, which are used to indicate the initiation of the WPT service.

[0046] The second information may be sent from a second core network element to a second communication unit, and the second core network element may be, for example, OAM. The UAC parameter can be used to control the relevant parameters of the terminal accessing the access network device. OAM can use the UAC parameter carried in the second information to inform the access network device to which the second communication unit belongs that WPT service can be started.

[0047] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some possible implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving third information from the first communication unit, the third information carrying a specific public land mobile network (PLMN), the third information being used to indicate that the access network device supports providing WPT services to terminals in the specific PLMN; and sending first system information to the terminal, the first system information being used to indicate that the access network device supports WPT services.

[0048] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a communication device. This communication device may be, for example, a terminal, a component configured in the terminal (such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions, etc. This application does not limit the scope of the application.

[0049] For example, the method includes: a terminal receiving first system information, the first system information being used to indicate that an access network device supports WPT services; and the terminal sending a registration request message, the registration request message carrying a WPT capability indication, the registration request message being used to request WPT services.

[0050] Based on the above scheme, after receiving the first system information from the access network device, the terminal can send a registration request message to the access network device, based on the information that the access network device supports WPT services, requesting that the access network device provide WPT services to the terminal. This helps the access network device provide the terminal with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0051] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fourth aspect, the registration request message carries a first network slice associated with the WPT capability, and the registration request message is used to request the WPT service associated with the first network slice.

[0052] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving first authorization information, the first authorization information being used to instruct the terminal to authorize the WPT service requested.

[0053] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fourth aspect, the first authorization information carries the geographical area where the access network device initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the access network device to initiate the WPT service.

[0054] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fourth aspect, the first authorization information is used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the terminal.

[0055] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fourth aspect, the first authorization information includes permitted NSSAI, which includes the identifier of the first network slice.

[0056] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fourth aspect, the first authorization information is also used to indicate the network slice-service area NS-AOS, which indicates the area within the first tracking area TA to which the terminal currently belongs that provides WPT services.

[0057] Fifthly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a communication device. This communication device may be, for example, a first communication equipment, a component configured in the first communication equipment (such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication equipment, etc. This application does not limit the scope of the application.

[0058] For example, the method includes: a first communication device receiving a registration request message from an access network device, the registration request message carrying a WPT capability indication, the registration request message being used by a terminal to request WPT services; the first communication device sending first authorization information to the access network device, the first authorization information being used to indicate authorization for the WPT services requested by the terminal.

[0059] Based on the above scheme, after receiving the registration request message reported by the terminal, the first communication device can issue first authorization information based on the registration request message, which instructs the access network device to provide WPT services to the terminal. This enables efficient access for WPT nodes, ensuring that WPT nodes can quickly and securely access the communication system, and helps to provide terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0060] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the registration request message carries a first network slice associated with the WPT capability, and the registration request message is used to request the WPT service associated with the first network slice.

[0061] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the first authorization information carries the geographical area where the first relay node initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the first relay node to initiate the WPT service, and the first relay node supports the WPT capability.

[0062] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the first authorization information is used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the terminal.

[0063] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the first authorization information includes permitted NSSAI, which includes the identifier of the first network slice.

[0064] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the first authorization information is also used to instruct the NS-AOS, which in turn instructs the area within the first tracking area (TA) to which the terminal currently belongs to that provides WPT services.

[0065] Sixthly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a communication device. The communication device may be, for example, a first relay node, a component configured in the first relay node (such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first relay node, etc. This application does not limit this aspect.

[0066] For example, the method includes: a first relay node receiving second system information, the second system information being used to indicate that the access network device supports the access of the first relay node with WPT capability; the first relay node sending fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate the first relay node with WPT capability.

[0067] Based on the above scheme, after receiving the second system information indicating that the access network device supports the access of a first relay node with WPT capability, the first relay node can report the access of the first relay node with WPT capability to the access network device through the fourth information. In this way, efficient access of WPT nodes can be achieved, ensuring that WPT nodes can quickly and securely access the communication system, which helps to provide terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0068] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some possible implementations of the sixth aspect, the first relay node includes a network controlled repeater (NCR) and / or a wireless power repeater (WPR).

[0069] That is, WPT nodes can be deployed independently, such as NCR; or WPT nodes can be deployed within a terminal, such as WPR.

[0070] In a seventh aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a communication device. The communication device may be, for example, an access network device, a component configured in the access network device (such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device, etc. This application does not limit the scope of the application.

[0071] For example, the method includes: an access network device sending second system information, the second system information indicating that the access network device supports access of a first relay node with WPT capability; and the access network device receiving fourth information from at least one of the first relay nodes, the fourth information indicating that at least one of the first relay nodes with WPT capability accesses the access network device.

[0072] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can issue second system information to instruct the access network device to support the access of a first relay node with WPT capability, thereby informing at least one first relay node that it can access the access network device. The first relay node with WPT capability can then access the access network device based on the fourth information. This enables efficient access for WPT nodes, ensuring that WPT nodes can quickly and securely access the communication system, and helps provide terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0073] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some possible implementations of the seventh aspect, the method further includes: determining a first core network element based on the fourth information, the first core network element supporting the WPT capability.

[0074] When the first relay node is an NRC (Network Controller), after it connects to the access network device, the access network device determines the first core network element supporting WPT (Wireless Power Transmission) services based on the fourth information. This first core network element can be, for example, an AMF (Active Network Function), meaning the AMF determined by the access network device can also be called the target AMF. This enables efficient access for WPT nodes, ensuring they can quickly and securely access the communication system, and helps provide terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0075] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some possible implementations of the seventh aspect, the method further includes: receiving first authorization information, the first authorization information being used to indicate authorization for the WPT service requested by the terminal; and sending the first authorization information to the first relay node.

[0076] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some possible implementations of the seventh aspect, the first authorization information carries the geographical area where the first relay node initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the first relay node to initiate the WPT service.

[0077] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some possible implementations of the seventh aspect, the first authorization information is used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the terminal.

[0078] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some possible implementations of the seventh aspect, the first authorization information includes a permitted NSSAI, which includes the identifier of the first network slice.

[0079] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some possible implementations of the seventh aspect, the first authorization information is also used to indicate the network slice-service area NS-AOS, which indicates the area within the first tracking area TA to which the terminal currently belongs that provides WPT services.

[0080] For details regarding the content in aspects two through seven that is the same as or similar to aspect one, please refer to the detailed description in aspect one and some possible implementations of aspect one, which will not be repeated here.

[0081] Eighthly, this application provides a communication device including modules or units for implementing the methods of the first or seventh aspect and any possible implementation of the first or seventh aspect. Each module or unit can implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0082] Ninthly, this application provides a communication device including a processor, the processor being configured to execute the communication method described in the first or seventh aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0083] The device may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects. The device may also include a communication interface for communicating with other devices; exemplary, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0084] For example, the apparatus in the eighth or ninth aspect is an access network device, or a component in an access network device, such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.

[0085] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in the first or seventh aspect and any possible implementation of the first or seventh aspect, such as receiving or processing information involved in the above methods.

[0086] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0087] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0088] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a power supply circuit for supplying power to the chip system.

[0089] In one aspect, this application provides a communication device, including modules or units for implementing the methods of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Each module or unit can implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0090] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a communication device including a processor, the processor being configured to execute the communication method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0091] The device may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects. The device may also include a communication interface for communicating with other devices; exemplary, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0092] For example, the apparatus in the eleventh or twelfth aspect is a first communication unit of an access network device, or a component in the first communication unit of an access network device, such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.

[0093] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, such as receiving or processing information involved in the methods described above.

[0094] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0095] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0096] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a power supply circuit for supplying power to the chip system.

[0097] In a fourteenth aspect, this application provides a communication apparatus, including modules or units for implementing the methods of the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Each module or unit can implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0098] In a fifteenth aspect, this application provides a communication device including a processor, the processor being configured to execute the communication method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0099] The device may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects. The device may also include a communication interface for communicating with other devices; exemplary, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0100] For example, the apparatus in the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect is a second communication unit of an access network device, or a component in the second communication unit of an access network device, such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.

[0101] In a sixteenth aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, such as receiving or processing information involved in the methods described above.

[0102] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0103] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0104] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a power supply circuit for supplying power to the chip system.

[0105] In a seventeenth aspect, this application provides a communication apparatus, including modules or units for implementing the methods of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Each module or unit can implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0106] In an eighteenth aspect, this application provides a communication device including a processor, the processor being configured to execute the communication method described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0107] The device may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects. The device may also include a communication interface for communicating with other devices; exemplary, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0108] For example, the device in the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect is a terminal, or a component in a terminal, such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.

[0109] In a nineteenth aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, such as receiving or processing information involved in the above methods.

[0110] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0111] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0112] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a power supply circuit for supplying power to the chip system.

[0113] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a communication device, including modules or units for implementing the methods of the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Each module or unit can implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0114] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a communication device, including a processor, the processor being configured to execute the communication method described in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0115] The device may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects. The device may also include a communication interface for communicating with other devices; exemplary, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0116] For example, the apparatus in the twentieth or twenty-first aspect is a first communication device, or a component in the first communication device, such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.

[0117] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifth aspect, such as receiving or processing information involved in the above methods.

[0118] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0119] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0120] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a power supply circuit for supplying power to the chip system.

[0121] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a communication apparatus, including modules or units for implementing the methods of the sixth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Each module or unit can implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0122] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a communication device including a processor, the processor being configured to execute the communication method described in the sixth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0123] The device may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects. The device may also include a communication interface for communicating with other devices; exemplary, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0124] For example, the device in the twenty-third or twenty-fourth aspect is a first relay node, or a component in the first relay node, such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.

[0125] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in the sixth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixth aspect, such as receiving or processing information involved in the above methods.

[0126] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0127] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0128] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a power supply circuit for supplying power to the chip system.

[0129] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a communication apparatus, including modules or units for implementing the methods of the seventh aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Each module or unit can implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0130] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a communication device including a processor, the processor being configured to execute the communication method described in the seventh aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0131] The device may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects. The device may also include a communication interface for communicating with other devices; exemplary, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0132] For example, the device in the twenty-sixth or twenty-seventh aspect is a first core network element, or a component in the first core network element, such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.

[0133] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in the seventh aspect and any possible implementation of the seventh aspect, such as receiving or processing information involved in the above methods.

[0134] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0135] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0136] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a power supply circuit for supplying power to the chip system.

[0137] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the methods of the first to seventh aspects and any possible implementation of the first to seventh aspects.

[0138] In a thirtieth aspect, this application provides a computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform the methods of the first to seventh aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0139] In a thirty-first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, including the aforementioned terminal, access network equipment, first core network element, first communication unit and second communication unit of the access network equipment, and first communication device.

[0140] The eighth to thirty-first aspects of this application correspond to the technical solutions of the first to seventh aspects of this application. The beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be described again. Attached Figure Description

[0141] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the wireless power transmission architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0142] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the ORAN-based wireless power transfer architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0143] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the deployment architecture of the power transmission node provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0144] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of wireless power transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0145] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0146] Figure 6 is another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0147] Figure 7 is another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0148] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0149] Figure 9 is another schematic block diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0150] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0151] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the access network device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0152] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first:

[0153] First, in this application, for the convenience of describing the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish them in the embodiments of this application. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0154] Second, in this application, " / " can indicate that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe three relationships between the related objects. For example, A and / or B can mean three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0155] Third, in this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more, such as three, four, or more. Similar expressions (such as at least one, at least one, etc.) are used in the same way. "At least one of the following," "one or more of the following," or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, which may include only a single item or a combination of multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, or b, or c; a and b; or a and c; or b and c; or a, b, and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0156] Fourth, in this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0157] Fifth, in this application, "sending information / data" only indicates the direction of information / data transmission, including direct transmission via the device's communication interface (such as an air interface, or simply air interface). "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the module interface. "Sending" can include indirect transmission by the processing unit through the communication interface, that is, after the processing unit outputs information / data through the module interface, it is transmitted to the device's communication interface and then sent out. "Receiving information / data" only indicates the direction of information / data transmission, including direct reception via the communication interface. "Receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the module interface. "Receiving information / data" can include indirect reception by the processing unit through the communication interface, that is, after the communication interface receives information / data, it is transmitted to the module interface of the processing unit and then input to the processing unit through that module interface. "Sending information / data to... (such as a terminal)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal. It can include sending information / data directly or indirectly to the terminal. "Receiving information / data from... (such as a terminal)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal, and can include receiving information / data directly or indirectly from the terminal. Information / data may undergo necessary processing, such as format changes, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information / data from the source. Similar statements in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be repeated here.

[0158] The technical solution provided in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0159] The method provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, or New Radio Access Technology (NR). Among these, 5G mobile communication systems can include non-standalone (NSA) and / or standalone (SA) networks.

[0160] The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to machine-type communication (MTC), long-term evolution-machine (LTE-M) technology, device-to-device (D2D) networks, machine-to-machine (M2M) networks, Internet of Things (IoT) networks, or other networks. Among these, IoT networks may include, for example, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks. The communication methods in V2X systems are collectively referred to as vehicle-to-other-device (V2X) systems, where X can represent anything. For example, V2X may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0161] The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as 6th Generation (6G) mobile communication systems. This application does not limit the application in this regard.

[0162] The network system architecture of the method provided in this application mainly includes: terminal equipment, radio access network (RAN) equipment, and core network equipment.

[0163] Terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device.

[0164] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can communicate with one or more core network (CN) devices (or core devices) via access network devices (or access equipment) in a wireless access network. Terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and they can be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites). In this embodiment, the terminal device can be a terminal device in an Internet of Things (IoT) system, for example, an A-IoT device. IoT is an important component of future information technology development. Its main technical characteristic is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection. Connections can be made using broadband technology or narrowband (NB) technology. IoT technology, for example, can achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and low terminal power consumption through narrowband technology.

[0165] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components. This embodiment only uses the terminal device as an example to illustrate the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device, and does not constitute a limitation on the solution of this embodiment.

[0166] The terminal device in this application can be a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a software function running on general-purpose hardware. It can also be a virtualized device, for example, implemented through general-purpose hardware and instantiated virtualization functions, or dedicated hardware and instantiated virtualization functions. Among them, the general-purpose hardware can be a server, such as a cloud server.

[0167] In the embodiments of this application, the radio access network (RAN) device can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities. The RAN device can provide wireless communication services, enabling terminal devices to access the wireless network. The RAN can also be referred to as an access network device or a network device. The RAN device can also be called a RAN node or an access network device.

[0168] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a 6th-generation (6G) mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. A RAN node can be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, a donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server.

[0169] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0170] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system, CU can also be called an open CU (O-CU), DU can also be called an O-DU, CU-CP can also be called an O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called an O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called an O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0171] The core network functions of mobile communication networks (such as 5G, 6G, etc.) include: terminal device registration and connection management, session management, etc. The core network elements mainly include network exposure function (NEF) and access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0172] Specifically, the NEF can be used to expose services and capabilities provided by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network functions (NFs) to application functions (AFs), while also obtaining external application information from AFs. In other words, the NEF can provide interfaces for third-party applications, such as application programming interfaces (APIs).

[0173] The AMF (Active Mobility Controller) primarily performs functions such as mobility management and access authentication / authorization. In addition, the AMF network element can also be responsible for transmitting user policies between terminal devices and the PCF (Programmable Controller Network) network element.

[0174] The network elements in the core network described above are merely illustrative examples and should not be construed as limiting this application. Furthermore, the network elements shown in the figures can be understood as network elements in the core network used to implement different functions, such as those that can be combined as needed to form network slices. These core network elements can be independent devices or integrated into the same device to implement different functions; this application does not limit the specific form of the aforementioned network elements.

[0175] It is understood that the network elements used in future communication systems may be any of the aforementioned network elements, or network elements with the same or similar functions under other names; this application does not limit this.

[0176] In this embodiment, access network devices and core network elements can be collectively referred to as network devices. The apparatus used to implement the functions of a network device can be a network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or a hardware circuit plus a software module. This apparatus can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. In this embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the functions of a network device is used only, and does not constitute a limitation on the solutions of this embodiment.

[0177] The network device in this application can be a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a software function running on general-purpose hardware. It can also be a virtualized device, for example, implemented through general-purpose hardware and instantiated virtualization functions, or dedicated hardware and instantiated virtualization functions. Among them, the general-purpose hardware can be a server, such as a cloud server.

[0178] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless power transmission architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. This wireless power transmission architecture may include: an access network device, an AMF (Advanced Feature Controller), a terminal, and a power transmission node. The access network device may be, for example, a base station, and may include a CU (Combined Unit) and a DU (Distributed Unit). The power transmission node may be integrated with the access network device, or it may be deployed as an independent functional node outside the access network device, etc., and this application does not limit this. For example, when the power transmission node is deployed as an independent node, it may be a network-controlled repeater (NCR) or a wireless power repeater (WPR). The dashed lines in the figure represent power transmission links.

[0179] Among them, CU can be a logical node used to carry radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of base stations; DU can be a logical node used to carry radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical layer of gNB; NCR can be used to improve the coverage and performance of wireless networks, and can also integrate wireless power transfer; WPR is a newly defined wireless power transfer network element that can be controlled by the network to transfer power to UE. WPR can include wireless power transfer relay-mobile termination (WPR-MT) and power forwarding, where WPR-MT can be responsible for obtaining power transfer control information from network devices; AMF functions include mobility management, connection management, transparent proxy, access authentication, and authorization.

[0180] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the ORAN-based wireless power transfer architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. Unlike the wireless power transfer architecture shown in Figure 2, the WPT control function on the RAN side can be deployed on the RAN intelligent controller (RIC).

[0181] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the deployment architecture of the power transfer node provided in the embodiment of this application. Depending on the deployment configuration of the power transfer node, the wireless power transfer architecture can include three possible forms, where the solid line represents the data flow and the dashed line represents the energy flow.

[0182] Figure 3(a) illustrates the deployment of a power transmission node on a network device, where the power transmission node is integrated with network device nodes and transmits power based on the base station. For example, the power transmission node can be located in a gNB, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB), a wireless access and backhaul (WAB), or a femtocell (Femto) type of base station node, or a relay network element.

[0183] Figure 3(b) illustrates a power transfer node deployed as an independent network element, providing radio frequency power to passive devices, which then communicate with the base station for data. Optionally, the power source node can also communicate with the passive device. For example, a power transfer node can be deployed on a network controlled repeater (NCR). The NCR can extend the communication coverage of the base station while also transferring power to the passive device.

[0184] Figure 3(c) illustrates the integration of the power transfer node and the terminal, i.e., the power transfer node is deployed on the terminal. Passive devices can obtain power from other nearby device nodes, and similarly, they can be combined with a UE to network (U2N) relay.

[0185] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of wireless power transfer provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4(a) and Figure 4(b) respectively show different wireless power transfer architectures, in which one or more network devices can power low-power devices. Solid lines represent data flow, and dashed lines represent energy flow. Wireless power transfer (WPT) mainly transmits energy from the transmitter to the receiver through electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic radiation, or electromagnetic resonance. Cellular network-based wireless power transfer technologies typically use high-frequency electromagnetic waves, such as microwaves or radio frequency signals, to achieve long-distance energy transmission.

[0186] Wireless power transfer technology can be implemented based on transmitters, receivers, antennas, and energy management systems. The transmitter, typically a base station or a dedicated power transmitting device, converts electrical energy into electromagnetic waves and transmits them via the antenna. The receiver can be integrated into devices requiring power, such as smartphones, IoT devices, and wearables, receiving the electromagnetic waves and converting them back into electrical energy for the device's use. IoT devices, such as small sensors, can obtain a continuous power supply through wireless power transfer technology, avoiding frequent battery replacements. Future smartphones may integrate this technology, enabling true wireless charging and maintaining a charging state even while on the move. Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and smart glasses, can obtain power from surrounding base stations or transmitters, extending battery life. Efficient antenna design is key to improving transmission efficiency; the antenna needs to be able to efficiently transmit and receive electromagnetic waves of specific frequencies. The energy management system ensures the effective distribution and management of transmitted energy in multi-device environments, avoiding interference and energy waste.

[0187] During wireless power transfer, WPT nodes cannot access the network in a timely, fast, and secure manner, which prevents terminals that require WPT services from receiving stable and efficient wireless power transfer services.

[0188] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method in which an access network device has the capability to provide WPT services to terminals, i.e., WPT nodes are deployed on the access network device. In this case, the access network device reports capability information, which indicates that the access network device supports WPT services. Based on this capability information, a first core network element can issue first information to instruct the access network device to start WPT services. This enables efficient access for WPT nodes, ensuring that WPT nodes can quickly and securely access the communication system, and helps to provide terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0189] The methods provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0190] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the communication device may include, for example, an access network device, a terminal, and a first core network element. Figure 5 illustrates the method provided in this application using the interaction between various communication devices as an example, but this should not constitute any limitation on this application. Furthermore, each communication device in the figure can be replaced with a component within that communication device, such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc., or it can be replaced with a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of its functions. This application does not impose any limitations in this regard.

[0191] The method 500 shown in Figure 5 may include steps 510 to 520, and the steps in method 500 are described in detail below.

[0192] In step 510, the first core network element sends first information to the access network device, which instructs the access network device to initiate WPT service. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the first information from the first core network element.

[0193] Wireless Power Transmission (WPT) capability allows communication devices to transmit power wirelessly. In a communication network scenario, devices with this capability can power other communication devices. For example, if an access network device supports WPT, it can provide WPT services to terminals, effectively powering them. The first core network element can send a first message to the access network device indicating whether to enable WPT.

[0194] One possibility is that the first piece of information carries the geographical area where the access network device initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the access network device to initiate the WPT service.

[0195] The geographical area can be, for example, a cell, a TA (Tracking Area), etc., and this application does not limit it in this way. Based on the geographical area carried by the first information, the access network device determines that it can provide WPT services to terminals within the geographical area.

[0196] The effective time period could be, for example, the effective time or the activation period of the WPT capability. For instance, the access network device could periodically provide WPT services to the terminal based on the activation period of the first information carried; or, the access network device could provide WPT services to the terminal within the effective time period based on the effective time of the first information carried.

[0197] In step 520, the access network device sends first system information, which is used to indicate that the access network device supports WPT services.

[0198] For example, access network devices can broadcast the first system information to different cells. Correspondingly, terminals in the corresponding cells can receive the first system information.

[0199] As an example, the first system information may carry a specific PLMN, which is used to indicate that the access network equipment supports providing WPT services for terminals in the specific PLMN.

[0200] As another example, the first system information may carry a network slice assistance information group identification (NSAG ID). The NSAG ID can be used to uniquely identify different network slice groups. Access network devices can indirectly indicate that they support providing WPT services to terminals under that network slice or network slice group by broadcasting the NSAG ID associated with the network slice or network slice group.

[0201] Terminals can determine whether an access network device supports WPT services by using the network slice information carried in the received first system information. For example, the NSAG ID of a network slice or network slice group can be defined as associated with WPT services. When an access network device broadcasts its NSAG ID through the first system information, a terminal accessing that network slice can determine that the access network device supports WPT services within that network slice.

[0202] In another example, the first system information may carry user access control (UAC) parameters associated with WPT capabilities. These UAC parameters can be used to control parameters related to terminal access to access network equipment; for example, UAC parameters may include access priority, access prohibition factors, etc.

[0203] For example, if the access prohibition factor in the UAC parameters received by the terminal is high, then when the terminal attempts to access the access network device, it calculates based on its own attributes, such as service type and subscription information, and the access prohibition factor. If the calculation result indicates that the terminal's access to the access network device is prohibited, the terminal can temporarily refrain from attempting access and wait for a suitable opportunity or for the UAC parameters to be updated before attempting to access the access network device again. If the calculation result indicates that the terminal can access the access network device, then after the terminal can access the access network device, the access network device can provide WPT services to the terminal.

[0204] Based on the above technical solution, after receiving the first information from the first core network element instructing the access network device to initiate WPT service, the access network device can inform the terminal that the access network device can provide WPT service by sending first system information carrying indication that the access network device supports WPT service. This enables efficient access for WPT nodes, ensuring that WPT nodes can quickly and securely access the communication system, and helps provide terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0205] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device may include, for example, an access network device, a terminal, and a first core network element. The access network device may include a first communication unit and a second communication unit, wherein the first communication unit may be a CU and the second communication unit may be a DU. Based on method 500, the flowchart shown in FIG6 describes the method provided by this application using the interaction between the CU, DU, terminal, and first core network element as an example, but this should not constitute any limitation on this application. The access network device may also include more or fewer communication units, or the access network device may be deployed in other forms.

[0206] In some embodiments, when the access network device performs communication interaction for the execution entity, the access network device can be understood as CU and DU, or the access network device can be understood as the device as a whole.

[0207] The method 600 shown in Figure 6 may include steps 610 to 660, and the steps in method 600 are described in detail below.

[0208] In step 610, the first core network element sends first information to the access network device, which instructs the access network device to initiate WPT service. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the first information from the first core network element.

[0209] Optionally, one possible implementation of the first core network element sending the first information to the access network device is that the first core network element sends the first information to the first communication unit. Correspondingly, the first communication unit receives the first information from the first core network element.

[0210] In step 620, the access network device sends first system information, which indicates that the access network device supports WPT services. Accordingly, the terminal receives this first system information.

[0211] For details regarding steps 610 and 620, please refer to the detailed explanation of steps 510 and 520 in method 500, which will not be repeated here.

[0212] One possible implementation of step 620 includes:

[0213] In step 6201, the first communication unit sends second information to the second communication unit, which instructs the access network device to initiate the WPT service. Correspondingly, the second communication unit receives the second information.

[0214] In step 6202, the first communication unit sends third information to the second communication unit based on the first information. This third information carries a specific PLMN and is used to instruct the access network equipment to support providing WPT services to terminals in the specific PLMN. Accordingly, the second communication unit receives the third information.

[0215] In step 6203, the second communication unit sends first system information to the terminal, which indicates that the access network device supports WPT services. Accordingly, the terminal receives the first system information.

[0216] The following will explain these three steps in detail.

[0217] In step 6201, the first communication unit can inform the DU that the access network equipment to which the DU belongs can start the WPT service through the second information.

[0218] Optionally, the method further includes: a second core network element sending the second information to the DU, the second information instructing the access network device to start the WPT service.

[0219] The second core network element can be, for example, an operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) element. The OAM can use the UAC parameters carried in the second information to inform the access network equipment to which the DU belongs that WPT service can be initiated. For details regarding UAC parameters, please refer to the aforementioned detailed explanation of UAC; further details will not be repeated here.

[0220] In step 6202, after the first communication unit determines to start the WPT service based on the second information, it can send third information to the second communication unit to inform the access network equipment to which the second communication unit belongs that it can provide the WPT service to the terminal.

[0221] In step 6203, the second communication unit can broadcast first system information based on the third information sent by the first communication unit. Terminals within the coverage area of ​​the access network device can receive the first system information and determine, based on the first system information, that the access network device can provide WPT services to the terminals.

[0222] Optionally, before step 610, the method further includes: step 630, whereby the access network device sends first capability information to the first core network element, the first capability information indicating that the access network device supports WPT capability. Correspondingly, the first core network element receives the first capability information. The access network device has the capability to provide WPT services to the terminal, that is, a WPT node is deployed in the access network device. The access network device can inform the first core network element by reporting the first capability information that it can provide WPT services to the terminal, that is, it can supply power to the terminal. The first core network element may be, for example, an AMF (Advanced Management Function).

[0223] Example 1: The first capability information may carry a specific PLMN, which is used to indicate that the access network equipment supports providing WPT services for terminals in the specific PLMN.

[0224] Access network equipment can directly inform the first core network element through the first capability information that the access network equipment can provide WPT services only to terminals of a specific operator. For example, the first capability information can specify that the range of terminals served is terminals of one or several specific operators.

[0225] Example 2: The first capability information may carry a first network slice, which is used to indicate that the access network device supports providing WPT services for terminals under the first network slice.

[0226] For example, the DU can associate WPT capability with different network slices (e.g., the first network slice). By carrying the WPT capability identifier in the configuration information of the network slice, the CU can determine that the terminal under that network slice has WPT service requirements after receiving the WPT capability identifier carried in the first capability information sent by the DU.

[0227] Example 3: The second core network element can pre-configure or pre-define WPT capabilities related to the DU in the CU. In this case, the CU can send the WPT capabilities to the first core network element through first capability information. The second core network element can be, for example, OAM.

[0228] It is understood that the aforementioned example of the access network device reporting the WPT capabilities supported by the access network device to the first core network element through the first capability information is merely an example. For instance, the first capability information may also report the WPT capabilities supported by the access network device to the first core network element by carrying other information, and this application does not limit this.

[0229] One possible implementation of step 630 includes:

[0230] In step 6301, the second communication unit sends first capability information to the first communication unit, the first capability information indicating that the access network device supports WPT capability. Correspondingly, the first communication unit receives the first capability information from the second communication unit.

[0231] In step 6302, the first communication unit sends first capability information to the first core network element. Correspondingly, the first core network element receives the first capability information from the first communication unit.

[0232] The access network device may, based on the aforementioned Example 1, directly indicate the WPT capabilities supported by the access network device to the AMF through the first capability information; or it may, based on the aforementioned Example 2, indicate the WPT capabilities supported by the access network device to the AMF through network slicing, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0233] Optionally, the method further includes step 640, whereby the terminal sends a registration request message to the access network device. The registration request message carries a WPT capability indication and is used to request WPT services. Accordingly, the access network device receives the registration request message.

[0234] One possible implementation is that the terminal sends a registration request message to the first communication unit. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the registration request message from the terminal.

[0235] Optionally, the registration request message carries a first network slice associated with the WPT capability, and the registration request message is used to request the WPT service associated with the first network slice.

[0236] WPT capabilities can be associated with different network slices (e.g., the first network slice), meaning that WPT capabilities have a corresponding relationship with different network slices. This correspondence can be, for example, by having different WPT capability identifiers carried in the configuration information of different network slices, allowing for unique identification of different WPT capabilities. This correspondence can be pre-configured, predefined, etc., and this application does not impose any limitations on it.

[0237] This registration request message can be used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the terminal. Each NSSAI can be used to uniquely identify a different network slice; that is, the registration request message can include the requested NSSAI, which can include the identifier of the first network slice. In other words, the registration request message can carry the requested NSSAI including the first network slice. The terminal can send the requested NSSAI to the access network device according to its WPT service requirements and configuration information, and the access network device will allocate a suitable first network slice to the terminal based on the request.

[0238] Once the access network device receives the first network slice associated with WPT capability carried in the registration request message sent by the terminal, it can determine that the terminal under the first network slice requests the access network device to provide WPT services.

[0239] Optionally, the method further includes: step 650, whereby the access network device sends the registration request message to the first core network element. Correspondingly, the first core network element receives the registration request message.

[0240] After receiving the registration request message reported by the terminal, the access network device can forward the registration request message to the first core network element. For details regarding the registration request message, please refer to the detailed explanation in step 640, which will not be repeated here.

[0241] Optionally, the method further includes: step 660, whereby the first core network element sends first authorization information to the access network device, the first authorization information being used to indicate authorization for the WPT service requested by the terminal. Accordingly, the access network device receives the first authorization information.

[0242] Upon receiving the registration request message, the first core network element can send first authorization information back to the access network device. Further, the access network device can forward this first authorization information to the terminal. This first authorization information can either authorize the WPT service requested by the terminal or not authorize the WPT service requested by the terminal; that is, the access network device cannot provide WPT services to the requesting terminal.

[0243] One possibility is that the first authorization information carries the geographical area where the access network device initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the access network device to initiate the WPT service.

[0244] The first authorization information is the same as or similar to the geographical area of ​​the access network device that initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time of the access network device initiating the WPT service, which is carried in the first information in step 520 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0245] The geographical area can be, for example, a cell, a TA (Tracking Area), etc., and this application does not limit it in this way. The access network device provides WPT services to terminals within the geographical area carried by the first authorization information.

[0246] The effective time period could be, for example, the effective time or the activation period of the WPT capability. For instance, the access network device could periodically provide WPT services to the terminal based on the activation period carried in the first authorization information; or, the access network device could provide WPT services to the terminal within the effective time period carried in the first authorization information.

[0247] Another possibility is that the first authorization information is used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the authorized terminal. This first authorization information includes a permitted NSSAI, which includes the identifier of the first network slice.

[0248] For example, when an access network device is authorized to provide WPT services, the allowed NSSAI included in the first authorization information may include network slices related to WPT capabilities; when an access network device is not authorized to provide WPT services, the allowed NSSAI included in the first authorization information may otherwise not include network slices related to WPT capabilities.

[0249] Optionally, the first authorization information is also used to instruct NS-AOS, which in turn instructs the area within the first tracking area (TA) to which the terminal currently belongs to that provides WPT services.

[0250] NS-AOS can be used to delineate specific service areas, which are associated with network slices. Based on NS-AOS, the service range corresponding to different network slices can be marked. NS-AOS can be used to determine which specific areas within the first tracking area where the terminal is currently located can obtain WPT services. For example, the first relay node can provide WPT services to terminals within a specific cell.

[0251] Another possibility is that the first authorization information is also used to indicate the PLMN access type associated with WPT capabilities.

[0252] For example, operator-defined access types are defined based on PLMNs, and different operators can customize access categories according to their own network policies, resource allocation methods, and service packages.

[0253] Once a terminal is authorized to use WPT services, the PLMN access type associated with the WPT capability can be used for subsequent WPT access control of the terminal. The User Account Control (UAC) can be used to manage which terminals can access access network devices to provide WPT services, and under what conditions terminals can access the network. A specific PLMN access type can be sent to the terminal via the initial authorization information, and the network can determine whether to allow the terminal to access WPT services based on this access type.

[0254] For example, when network resources are limited, the UAC can allocate WPT resources based on the access type. If multiple terminals in a certain area request WPT services simultaneously, terminals with PLMN access types associated with WPT capabilities as defined by the operator may be given priority access, while terminals with other access types may have to wait or have their access restricted.

[0255] Based on the above technical solution, after receiving the first information from the first core network element instructing the access network device to initiate WPT service, the access network device can inform the terminal that the access network device can provide WPT service by sending first system information carrying indication that the access network device supports WPT service. This enables efficient access for WPT nodes, ensuring that WPT nodes can quickly and securely access the communication system, and helps provide terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0256] In methods 500 and 600, the power transmission node is deployed in the access network equipment. Alternatively, the power transmission node can also be deployed in the terminal, or it can be deployed independently; this application does not limit this. In this case, after the access network equipment issues second system information instructing it to support the access of a first relay node with WPT capability, the first relay node with WPT capability can access the access network equipment. This enables efficient access for WPT nodes, ensuring that WPT nodes can quickly and securely access the communication system, and helps provide terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0257] The following provides a detailed explanation of whether the energy transmission node is deployed in a terminal or independently.

[0258] Figure 7 is another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 uses the interaction between communication devices as an example to describe the method provided in this application, but this should not constitute any limitation on this application. Furthermore, the communication devices in the figure can be replaced by components within the communication devices, such as chips, chip systems, processors, etc., and can also be replaced by logic modules or software capable of implementing some or all of their functions. This application does not impose any limitations in this regard.

[0259] The method 700 shown in Figure 7 may include steps 710 to 760, and the steps in method 700 are described in detail below.

[0260] In step 710, the access network device sends second system information, which indicates that the access network device supports access from a first relay node with WPT capability. Accordingly, the terminal receives the second system information.

[0261] For example, the access network device can broadcast the second system information to different cells. Correspondingly, at least one first relay node in the corresponding cell can receive the second system information. Among the at least one first relay node that receives the second system information, the first relay node with WPT capability can access the access network device.

[0262] Optionally, the first relay node includes NCR and / or WPR.

[0263] When the power transfer node is deployed independently, it can be deployed in the NCR; when the power transfer node is deployed on a terminal, it can be deployed in the WPR, which includes WPR-MT and power forwarding, meaning the power transfer node can be deployed in WPR-MT. The WPR with WPT capability can, for example, be newly defined.

[0264] In step 720, the first relay node sends fourth information to the access network device, the fourth information indicating that at least one first relay node with WPT capability is connected to the access network device. Accordingly, the access network device receives the fourth information.

[0265] For example, the fourth piece of information may carry indication information of the NCR, which may extend support for WPT capabilities.

[0266] For example, the fourth piece of information may carry indication information for the WPR, which may be newly introduced.

[0267] For example, the fourth piece of information can carry the first network slice, that is, the slice identifier of the first network slice. The first relay node and OAM can communicate through a specific network slice. Therefore, the type of the first relay node can be indirectly indicated by the slice identifier of the network slice carried in the fourth piece of information.

[0268] When the first relay node is NCR, the method further includes: step 730, the access network device determines the first core network element based on the fourth information, the first core network element supporting WPT capability.

[0269] For example, WPT capability is associated with different network slices. Access network devices can select the AMF that supports WPT capability through the slice identifier carried in the fourth information. Subsequently, WPT services can be processed through the AMF in the relevant network slice environment.

[0270] For example, the access network device and the AMF may have previously exchanged information regarding WPT capabilities, such as during network initialization or specific configuration update phases, where the AMF informed the access network device whether it supports WPT. In this case, upon receiving the fourth piece of information, the access network device can select an AMF that supports WPT capabilities based on the previously exchanged WPT information.

[0271] Optionally, the method further includes: step 740, whereby the access network device sends a registration request message to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the registration request message from the access network device.

[0272] Optionally, the method further includes: the terminal sending a registration request message to the access network device. Accordingly, the access network device receives the registration request message from the terminal.

[0273] After the terminal sends a registration request message to the access network device, the access network device can forward the registration request message to the first communication device. The first communication device may be, for example, a first core network element or a RIC.

[0274] For details regarding the registration request message, please refer to step 640 of method 600 for the details of the registration request message, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] Optionally, the method further includes: step 750, whereby the first communication device sends first authorization information to the access network device, the first authorization information being used to indicate the WPT service requested by the authorized terminal.

[0276] After receiving the registration request message, the first communication device can determine whether to authorize the WPT service requested by the terminal based on the registration request message, and send the first authorization information to the access network device.

[0277] Optionally, the method further includes: step 760, whereby the access network device sends the first authorization information to the first relay node. Correspondingly, the first relay node receives the first authorization information.

[0278] The first relay node that receives the first authorization information can provide WPT services to the terminal based on the first authorization information. For details regarding the specific content of the first authorization information, please refer to step 660 of method 600, which will not be repeated here.

[0279] Based on the above technical solution, the first relay node with WPT capability is connected to the access network equipment. This enables efficient access for WPT nodes, ensuring they can quickly and securely connect to the communication system, and helps provide terminals with more stable and efficient wireless power transmission services.

[0280] The methods provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to several accompanying drawings. The apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0281] Figures 8 to 10 are schematic block diagrams of possible apparatuses provided in embodiments of this application. One apparatus provided in this application is shown in Figure 6; apparatus 800 includes a transceiver unit 810 and a processing unit 820.

[0282] One possible design is that the device 800 is used to implement the functions of the access network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG5 above. For example, the device 800 may correspond to the access network device in FIG5.

[0283] For example, the transceiver unit 810 is configured to receive first information from a first core network element, the first information instructing the access network device to initiate WPT service; the transceiver unit 810 is also configured to send first system information, the first system information being used to instruct the access network device to support WPT service.

[0284] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to send first capability information to the first core network element, the first capability information being used to indicate that the access network device supports the WPT capability.

[0285] Optionally, the first capability information carries a specific PLMN, which is used to indicate that the access network device supports providing WPT services to terminals in the specific PLMN.

[0286] Optionally, the first information carries the geographical area where the access network device initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the access network device to initiate the WPT service.

[0287] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to receive a registration request message from the terminal, the registration request message carrying a WPT capability indication, the registration request message being used to request WPT services; and send the registration request message to the first core network element.

[0288] Optionally, the registration request message carries a first network slice associated with the WPT capability, and the registration request message is used to request the WPT service associated with the first network slice.

[0289] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to receive first authorization information, which is used to indicate authorization for the WPT service requested by the terminal.

[0290] Optionally, the first authorization information is used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the terminal.

[0291] Optionally, the first authorization information includes permitted NSSAI, which includes the identifier of the first network slice.

[0292] Optionally, the first authorization information may also include a network slice-service area (NS-AOS), which indicates the area within the first TA to which the terminal currently belongs that has started WPT services.

[0293] One possible design is that the device 800 is used to implement the function of the first communication unit of the access network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 6 above. For example, the device 800 may correspond to the first communication unit of the access network device in FIG. 6.

[0294] For example, the transceiver unit 810 is configured to receive first information from a first core network element, the first information being used to instruct the access network device to start the WPT service; the transceiver unit 810 is also configured to send second information to a second communication unit of the access network device, the second information being used to instruct the access network device to start the WPT service.

[0295] Optionally, the first information carries the geographical area where the access network device initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the access network device to initiate the WPT service.

[0296] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to receive first capability information from the second communication unit of the access network device, the first capability information being used to indicate that the access network device supports the WPT capability; and to send the first capability information to the first core network element.

[0297] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to send third information to the second communication unit based on the first information, the third information carrying a specific public land mobile network (PLMN), the third information being used to instruct the access network equipment to support providing WPT services for terminals in the specific PLMN.

[0298] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to receive a registration request message from the terminal, the registration request message carrying a WPT capability indication, the registration request message being used to request WPT services; and send the registration request message to the first core network element.

[0299] Optionally, the registration request message carries a first network slice associated with the WPT capability, and the registration request message is used to request the WPT service associated with the first network slice.

[0300] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to receive first authorization information from the first core network element, the first authorization information being used to indicate authorization for the WPT service requested by the terminal.

[0301] Optionally, the first authorization information carries the geographical area where the access network device initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the access network device to initiate the WPT service.

[0302] Optionally, the first authorization information is used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the terminal.

[0303] Optionally, the first authorization information includes allowed network slice selection auxiliary information (NSSAI), which includes the identifier of the first network slice.

[0304] Optionally, the first authorization information may also include NS-AOS, which indicates the area within the first tracking area (TA) to which the terminal currently belongs that provides WPT services.

[0305] One possible design is that the device 800 is used to implement the function of the second communication unit of the access network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 6 above. For example, the device 800 may correspond to the second communication unit of the access network device in FIG. 6.

[0306] For example, the transceiver unit 810 is used to send first capability information to the first communication unit of the access network device, the first capability information being used to indicate that the access network device supports the Wireless Power Transmission (WPT) capability; the transceiver unit 810 is also used to receive second information, the second information being used to indicate that the access network device starts the WPT service.

[0307] Optionally, the second information includes the Unified Access Control (UAC) parameters associated with the WPT service, which are used to indicate the initiation of the WPT service.

[0308] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to receive third information from the first communication unit, the third information carrying a specific public land mobile network (PLMN), the third information being used to indicate that the access network device supports providing WPT services to terminals in the specific PLMN; and to send first system information to the terminal, the first system information being used to indicate that the access network device supports WPT services.

[0309] One possible design is that the device 800 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the method embodiment shown in FIG5 or FIG6 above. For example, the device 800 may correspond to the terminal in FIG5 or FIG6.

[0310] For example, the transceiver unit 810 is configured to receive first system information, which is used to indicate that the access network device supports WPT service; the transceiver unit 810 is also configured to send a registration request message, which carries a WPT capability indication and is used to request WPT service.

[0311] Optionally, the registration request message carries a first network slice associated with the WPT capability, and the registration request message is used to request the WPT service associated with the first network slice.

[0312] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to receive first authorization information, which is used to indicate authorization for the WPT service requested by the terminal.

[0313] Optionally, the first authorization information carries the geographical area where the access network device initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the access network device to initiate the WPT service.

[0314] Optionally, the first authorization information is used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the terminal.

[0315] Optionally, the first authorization information includes permitted NSSAI, which includes the identifier of the first network slice.

[0316] Optionally, the first authorization information is also used to instruct NS-AOS, which in turn instructs the area within the first tracking area (TA) to which the terminal currently belongs to that provides WPT services.

[0317] One possible design is that the device 800 is used to implement the function of the first communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG7 above. For example, the device 800 may correspond to the first communication device in FIG7.

[0318] For example, the transceiver unit 810 is configured to receive a registration request message from an access network device, the registration request message carrying a WPT capability indication, the registration request message being used by the terminal to request WPT services; the transceiver unit 810 is also configured to send first authorization information to the access network device, the first authorization information being used to indicate authorization for the WPT services requested by the terminal.

[0319] Optionally, the registration request message carries a first network slice associated with the WPT capability, and the registration request message is used to request the WPT service associated with the first network slice.

[0320] Optionally, the first authorization information carries the geographical area where the first relay node initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the first relay node to initiate the WPT service, and the fact that the first relay node supports the WPT capability.

[0321] Optionally, the first authorization information is used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the terminal.

[0322] Optionally, the first authorization information includes allowed network slice selection auxiliary information (NSSAI), which includes the identifier of the first network slice.

[0323] Optionally, the first authorization information is also used to indicate the network slice-service area NS-AOS, which indicates the area within the first tracking area TA to which the terminal currently belongs that provides WPT services.

[0324] One possible design is that the device 800 is used to implement the function of the first relay node in the method embodiment shown in FIG7 above. For example, the device 800 may correspond to the first relay node in FIG7.

[0325] For example, the transceiver unit 810 is configured to receive second system information, which is used to indicate that the access network device supports the access of a first relay node with WPT capability; the transceiver unit 810 is also configured to send fourth information, which is used to indicate the first relay node with WPT capability.

[0326] Optionally, the first relay node includes NCR and / or WPR.

[0327] One possible design is that the device 800 is used to implement the functions of the access network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG7 above. For example, the device 800 may correspond to the access network device in FIG7.

[0328] For example, the transceiver unit 810 is configured to send second system information, which is used to indicate that the access network device supports access of a first relay node with WPT capability; the transceiver unit 810 is also configured to receive fourth information from at least one of the first relay nodes, which is used to indicate that at least one of the first relay nodes with WPT capability accesses the access network device.

[0329] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is also used to determine a first core network element based on the fourth information, the first core network element supporting the WPT capability.

[0330] Optionally, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to receive first authorization information, which is used to indicate authorization for the WPT service requested by the terminal; and to send the first authorization information to the first relay node.

[0331] Optionally, the first authorization information carries the geographical area where the first relay node initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the first relay node to initiate the WPT service.

[0332] Optionally, the first authorization information is used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the terminal.

[0333] Optionally, the first authorization information includes permitted NSSAI, which includes the identifier of the first network slice.

[0334] Optionally, the first authorization information is also used to instruct NS-AOS, which in turn instructs the area within the first TA to which the terminal currently belongs that provides WPT services.

[0335] A more detailed description of the transceiver unit 810 and the processing unit 820 can be obtained directly from the relevant descriptions in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 5, 6 or 7, and will not be repeated here.

[0336] In one possible design, when the device 800 is a network device or a communication module within a network device, the functionality of the processing unit 820 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core. The functionality of the transceiver unit 810 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0337] In one possible design, when the device 800 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a network device, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 820 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the transceiver unit 810 can be implemented by the interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0338] It should also be understood that the transceiver unit in the communication device 800 can also be called a communication unit. This transceiver unit 810 may include a transmitting unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the transceiver unit 810 may include a receiving unit but not a transmitting unit. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme performed by the device 800 includes both transmitting and receiving actions. The receiving unit can be used to perform the receiving action in the above-described scheme, and the transmitting unit can be used to perform the transmitting action in the above-described scheme.

[0339] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0340] Figure 9 is another schematic block diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, the device 900 includes one or more processors 910. The processor 910 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, etc. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the device (e.g., a vehicle or a chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0341] Optionally, in one design, the processor 910 may include a program (also referred to as code or instructions) that can be run on the processor 910, causing the device 900 to perform the methods executed by the terminal, access network device, first communication unit of the access network device, second communication unit of the access network device, first core network element, and first communication device in the method embodiments described above. In yet another possible design, the device 900 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG9) for implementing the functions of the terminal, access network device, first communication unit of the access network device, second communication unit of the access network device, first core network element, and first communication device in the method embodiments described above.

[0342] For example, the processor 910 can be used to execute computer programs or instructions in memory to implement the steps performed by the terminal, access network device, first communication unit of access network device, second communication unit of access network device, first core network element and first communication device in the method embodiments shown in FIG5 to FIG7.

[0343] Optionally, the device 900 may include one or more memories 920 storing programs (sometimes referred to as code or instructions) that can be run on the processor 910, causing the device 900 to execute the methods performed by the terminal, access network device, first communication unit of access network device, second communication unit of access network device, first core network element and first communication device in the above embodiments.

[0344] Optionally, the processor 910 and / or memory 920 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0345] Optionally, the device 900 may further include a communication interface 930. The processor 910, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the device (e.g., a RAN node or terminal). The communication interface 930, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to implement the transceiver function of the device. For example, the communication interface 930 can be used to receive first system information from access network equipment.

[0346] Optionally, the device 900 also includes a communication interface 930. The processor 910 and the communication interface 930 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the communication interface 930 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0347] When device 900 is used to implement the methods shown in Figures 5 to 7, processor 910 can be used to execute the functions of processing unit 820, and communication interface 930 can be used to execute the functions of transceiver unit 810. Whether communication interface 930 is used for sending or receiving depends on whether the scheme executed by device 900 is used to perform a sending or receiving action.

[0348] When the aforementioned device 900 is a chip applied to a terminal, the chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives signals from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal, and these signals may be sent to the terminal by the access network device; or, the terminal chip sends signals to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal device, and these signals may be sent to the access network device by the terminal.

[0349] When the aforementioned device 900 is a chip applied to an access network device, the chip implements the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiments. The chip of the access network device receives signals from other modules in the access network device, which may be signals sent by a terminal to the access network device; or, the chip of the access network device sends signals to other modules in the access network device, which may be signals sent by the access network device to a terminal.

[0350] When the aforementioned device 900 is a chip applied to the first communication unit of an access network device, the chip implements the function of the first communication unit in the above method embodiment. The chip of the first communication unit receives signals from other modules in the first communication unit, which may be signals sent to the first communication unit by core network elements; or, the chip of the first communication unit sends signals to other modules in the first communication unit, which may be signals sent by the first communication unit to the second communication unit of the access network device.

[0351] When the aforementioned device 900 is a chip used in the second communication unit of an access network device, the chip implements the function of the second communication unit in the above method embodiment. The chip of the second communication unit receives signals from other modules in the second communication unit, which may be signals sent from the first communication unit to the second communication unit; or, the chip of the second communication unit sends signals to other modules in the second communication unit, which may be signals sent from the second communication unit to the terminal device.

[0352] When the aforementioned device 900 is a chip applied to a first core network element, the chip implements the functions of the first core network element in the above method embodiment. The chip of the first core network element receives signals from other modules in the first core network element, and these signals can be sent to the first core network element by the access network device; or, the chip of the first core network element sends signals to other modules in the first core network element, and these signals can be sent from the first core network element to the access network device.

[0353] It is understood that when the device 900 is a terminal, access network equipment, a first communication unit of the access network equipment, a second communication unit of the access network equipment, a first core network element, or a first communication device, the communication interface 930 can be a transceiver, specifically including a transmitter and a receiver, with the transmitter used to send signals and the receiver used to receive signals. When the device 900 is a chip applied to a terminal, access network equipment, a first communication unit of the access network equipment, a second communication unit of the access network equipment, a first core network element, or a first communication device, the communication interface 930 can be an input / output circuit, wherein the input circuit can be used for receiving and the output interface can be used for sending.

[0354] Optionally, the device 900 also includes a power supply circuit for supplying power to the device 900.

[0355] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the terminal device 1000 can be applied to the systems shown in Figures 1 to 4, and performs the functions of the terminal in the method embodiments shown in Figures 5, 6, or 7. As shown, the terminal device 1000 includes a processor 1001 and a transceiver 1002. Optionally, the terminal device 1000 also includes a memory 1003. The processor 1001, transceiver 1002, and memory 1003 can communicate with each other through internal connection channels to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 1003 is used to store computer programs, and the processor 1001 is used to call and run the computer programs from the memory 1003 to control the transceiver 1002 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the terminal device 1000 may also include an antenna 1004 for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1002 via wireless signals.

[0356] The processor 1001 and memory 1003 can be combined into a single processing device. The processor 1001 executes the program code stored in the memory 1003 to achieve the aforementioned functions. In specific implementations, the memory 1003 can be integrated into the processor 1001 or be independent of the processor 1001. The processor 1001 can correspond to the processing unit in FIG8 or the processor in FIG9.

[0357] The transceiver 1002 described above can correspond to the transceiver unit in Figure 8 or the communication interface in Figure 9. The transceiver 1002 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0358] It should be understood that the terminal device 1000 shown in Figure 10 can implement the various processes involving the terminal in the method embodiments shown in Figures 5, 6, or 7. The operation and / or function of each module in the terminal device 1000 are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0359] The processor 1001 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the terminal as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 1002 can be used to execute the actions described in the preceding method embodiments of sending data to or receiving data from the access network device by the terminal. Please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0360] Optionally, the terminal device 1000 may also include a power supply 1005 for providing power to various devices or circuits in the terminal device.

[0361] In addition, to make the terminal device more functional, the terminal device 1000 may also include one or more of the following: an input unit 1006, a display unit 1007, an audio circuit 1008, a camera 1009, and a sensor 1010. The audio circuit may also include a speaker 1008a, a microphone 1008b, etc.

[0362] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the access network device provided in an embodiment of this application, such as a schematic diagram of a base station. The base station 1100 can be applied to the systems shown in Figures 1 to 4, performing the functions of the access network device in the method embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 7. As shown, the base station 1100 may include one or more of the following: one or more (DU+RU) 1110s and one or more CUs 1120s. CUs 1120 can communicate with the next-generation core (NG core). The DU may include at least one antenna 1111, at least one radio frequency unit 1112, at least one processor 1113, and at least one memory 1114. The DU is mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals, converting radio frequency signals to baseband signals, and performing some baseband processing. CUs 1120 may include at least one processor 1122 and at least one memory 1121. CUs 1120 and DUs can communicate through an interface. The control plane (CP) interface can be Fs-C, such as F1-C, and the user plane (UP) interface can be Fs-U, such as F1-U. DUs and RUs can work together to implement the functions of the physical (PHY) layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DUs and RUs can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level and RF functions in the PHY layer. Higher-level functions in the PHY layer may include a portion of the PHY layer's functions, which are closer to the medium access control (MAC) layer, while lower-level functions in the PHY layer may include another portion of the PHY layer's functions, which are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0363] The CU 1120 is mainly used for baseband processing and base station control. The DU and CU 1120 can be physically installed together or separately, i.e., a distributed base station. The CU 1120 is the control center of the base station, which can correspond to the processing unit in Figure 8 or the processor in Figure 9, and can also be called a processing unit, mainly used to complete baseband processing functions. For example, the CU 1120 can be used to control the base station to execute the operation procedures of the access network equipment in the above method embodiments.

[0364] Specifically, baseband processing on the CU and DU can be divided according to the protocol layers of the wireless network. For example, the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above are set in the CU, while the functions of protocol layers below PDCP, such as the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer and the MAC layer, are set in the DU. Alternatively, the CU may implement the functions of the RRC and PDCP layers, while the DU may implement the functions of the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers.

[0365] Alternatively, base station 1100 may include one or more radio frequency units (RU), one or more DUs, and one or more CUs. A DU may include at least one processor 1113 and at least one memory 1114, an RU may include at least one antenna 1111 and at least one radio frequency unit 1112, and a CU may include at least one processor 1122 and at least one memory 1121.

[0366] In one example, the CU 1120 can be composed of one or more single boards. Multiple single boards can collectively support a single access indication wireless access network (such as a 5G network), or they can each support wireless access networks with different access standards (such as LTE, 5G, or other networks). The memory 1121 and processor 1122 can serve one or more single boards. That is, each single board can have its own memory and processor, or multiple single boards can share the same memory and processor. Furthermore, each single board can also have necessary circuitry. Similarly, the DU can be composed of one or more single boards. Multiple single boards can collectively support a single access indication wireless access network (such as a 5G network), or they can each support wireless access networks with different access standards (such as LTE, 5G, or other networks). The memory 1114 and processor 1113 can serve one or more single boards. That is, each single board can have its own memory and processor, or multiple single boards can share the same memory and processor. Furthermore, each single board can also have necessary circuitry.

[0367] It should be understood that the base station 1100 shown in Figure 11 can implement the various processes involving the access network equipment in the method embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 7. The operation and / or function of each module in the base station 1100 are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0368] It should be understood that the base station 1100 shown in Figure 11 is only one possible architecture for access network equipment and should not be construed as limiting this application in any way. The method provided in this application can be applied to access network equipment with other architectures, such as access network equipment including CU, DU, and AAU. This application does not limit the specific architecture of the access network equipment.

[0369] It should be understood that Figure 11 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the access network device may not depend on the structure shown in Figure 11. For example, the access network device may also include an AAU, a CU and / or a DU, or a BBU and an adaptive radio unit (ARU). This application does not limit this.

[0370] The aforementioned CU and / or DU can be used to perform the actions implemented internally by the access network device as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the AAU can be used to perform the actions sent by the access network device to the terminal or received from the terminal device as described in the preceding method embodiments. Please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0371] It should be noted that the above method embodiments can be applied to a processor, or implemented by a processor. A processor may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by software instructions.

[0372] The aforementioned processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0373] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can reside in mature storage media in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0374] The memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0375] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions of the terminal involved in any of the above method embodiments, or the functions of the access network device, or the functions of the first communication unit of the access network device, or the functions of the second communication unit of the access network device, or the functions of the first core network element, or the functions of the first communication device, such as sending, receiving or processing messages and / or information involved in the above methods.

[0376] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0377] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0378] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), wherein when the computer program is run, the method executed by the terminal in the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 7 is executed, or the method executed by the access network device is executed, or the method executed by the first communication unit of the access network device is executed, or the method executed by the second communication unit of the access network device is executed, or the method executed by the first core network element is executed, or the method executed by the first communication device is executed.

[0379] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions). When the computer program is run, the method executed by the terminal in the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 7 is executed, or the method executed by the access network device is executed, or the method executed by the first communication unit of the access network device is executed, or the method executed by the second communication unit of the access network device is executed, or the method executed by the first core network element is executed, or the method executed by the first communication device is executed.

[0380] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the aforementioned terminal, access network equipment, a first communication unit of the access network equipment, a second communication unit of the access network equipment, a first core network element, and a first communication device.

[0381] The methods provided in the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, they can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product may include one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic disk), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0382] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0383] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0384] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0385] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0386] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0387] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, or a part thereof, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a first communication unit of an access network device, includes: Receive first information from a first core network element, the first information being used to instruct the access network device to start WPT service; Send a second message to the second communication unit of the access network device, the second message being used to instruct the access network device to start the WPT service.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first information carries the geographical area where the access network device initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the access network device to initiate the WPT service.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The access network device receives first capability information from a second communication unit, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate that the access network device supports the WPT capability. Send the first capability information to the first core network element.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first information, third information is sent to the second communication unit. The third information carries a specific Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and is used to instruct the access network equipment to support providing WPT services to terminals in the specific PLMN.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a registration request message from the terminal, the registration request message carrying a WPT capability indication, the registration request message being used to request WPT services; The registration request message is sent to the first core network element.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The registration request message carries a first network slice associated with the WPT capability, and the registration request message is used to request the WPT service associated with the first network slice.

7. The method as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives first authorization information from the first core network element, wherein the first authorization information is used to indicate authorization for the WPT service requested by the terminal.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first authorization information carries the geographical area where the access network device initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the access network device to initiate the WPT service.

9. The method as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first authorization information is used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the terminal.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The first authorization information includes allowed network slice selection auxiliary information (NSSAI), wherein the allowed NSSAI includes the identifier of the first network slice.

11. The method as described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first authorization information also includes Network Slice-Service Area (NS-AOS), whereby NS-AOS indicates the area within the first tracking area (TA) to which the terminal currently belongs that provides WPT services.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a second communication unit in an access network device, includes: Send first capability information to the first communication unit of the access network device, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate that the access network device supports Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) capability; The second information is received, which instructs the access network device to start the WPT service.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The second information includes the Unified Access Control (UAC) parameters associated with the WPT service, which are used to indicate the initiation of the WPT service.

14. The method as described in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The third information is received from the first communication unit, the third information carrying a specific Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), the third information being used to instruct the access network equipment to support providing WPT services to terminals in the specific PLMN; Send first system information to the terminal, the first system information being used to indicate that the access network device supports WPT services.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to access network equipment, the method includes: Send a second system message, which is used to indicate that the access network device supports the access of a first relay node with WPT capability; The system receives fourth information from at least one of the first relay nodes, the fourth information being used to instruct the at least one of the first relay nodes with WPT capability to access the access network device.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the fourth information, a first core network element is determined, and the first core network element supports the WPT capability.

17. The method as described in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first authorization information, which is used to instruct the terminal to authorize the WPT service requested by the terminal; Send the first authorization information to the first relay node.

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The first authorization information carries the geographical area where the first relay node initiates the WPT service, and / or the effective time for the first relay node to initiate the WPT service.

19. The method as described in claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first authorization information is used to indicate the first network slice associated with the WPT capability requested by the terminal.

20. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The first authorization information includes allowed network slice selection auxiliary information (NSSAI), wherein the allowed NSSAI includes the identifier of the first network slice.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that, The first authorization information is also used to indicate the Network Slice-Service Area (NS-AOS), wherein the NS-AOS is used to indicate the area within the first tracking area (TA) to which the terminal currently belongs that provides WPT services.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 14, or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 21.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes one or more processors configured to execute computer programs or instructions in memory, causing the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 21.

24. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11 to be executed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 14 to be executed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 21 to be executed.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when run, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 14 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 21 to be performed.

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