Positioning method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communications, and provides a positioning method and apparatus, facilitating the improvement of positioning accuracy. The method is applied to a first Internet of Things (IoT) apparatus. The method comprises: sending a first message, the first message comprising a first sequence, and the first sequence being used for positioning the first IoT apparatus. The first IoT apparatus may be an IoT device or a chip, chip system, circuit, or module in an IoT device.

Description

Positioning method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411993961.7, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on December 30, 2024, entitled “Positioning Method and Apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and particularly to positioning methods and apparatus in the field of communications. Background Technology

[0003] Currently in the communications field, terminal devices can be located by reporting the identifier of the cell they are in. The cell identifier can be, for example, a cell identifier (ID). For instance, in an Internet of Things (IoT) communication system, IoT devices can also report the identifier of the cell they are in to a reader, allowing the reader to determine the cell where the IoT device is located.

[0004] However, this positioning method has low positioning accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a positioning method and apparatus that locates IoT devices by using a sequence carried in an uplink signal that can be used for positioning, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

[0006] In a first aspect, a positioning method is provided, the method comprising: sending a first message, the first message including a first sequence, the first sequence being used to locate a first IoT device.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the method is performed by a first IoT device. The first IoT device may also be a first AIoT device. The first IoT device may be the IoT device itself (such as a tag) or a component applied in the IoT device (e.g., a chip, chip system, circuit, software and / or hardware module, etc.).

[0008] The first sequence is used by the reader (the second IoT device below) to locate (or measure) the first IoT device.

[0009] The positioning method of this application allows the reader to locate the first IoT device based on a first sequence in the D2R transmission sent by the first IoT device, thereby determining the coordinates and other location information of the first IoT device. Compared to determining the cell where the first IoT device is located based on the cell identifier reported by the first IoT device, positioning the first IoT device based on the first sequence has higher positioning accuracy.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving a first request for locating a first IoT device.

[0011] The first request may carry information indicating the first IoT device, such as the ID of the first IoT device.

[0012] This allows the first IoT device to determine that the second IoT device is requesting a location measurement of the device, so that the first IoT device can send a first sequence for location measurement to the second IoT device.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the first request carries first indication information, which is used to indicate that the first sequence is one or more of a preamble, an intermediate preamble, or a postamble.

[0014] The first indication information is used to indicate that the first sequence is one or more of the preamble, intermediate preamble, or postamble. It can also be understood as: the first indication information indicates that there is no need to send a sequence specifically for positioning.

[0015] In this way, the first IoT device can determine that it can use one or more of the preamble, intermediate preamble, or postamble carried in the D2R transmission for positioning.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the first request carries first indication information, which is used to indicate that the first sequence is a second sequence, and the second sequence is a sequence specifically used for positioning.

[0017] The first indication information is used to indicate that the first sequence is the second sequence, which can also be understood as: the first indication information indicates that a sequence specifically for positioning needs to be sent.

[0018] In this way, the first IoT device can determine the sequence that needs to be sent to the second IoT device for location purposes.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate a second sequence.

[0020] In this way, the first IoT device can determine a sequence specifically for location.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the second indication information includes the first bandwidth and / or the index of the second sequence.

[0022] The first bandwidth can be a bandwidth determined based on the positioning accuracy. The bandwidth of the second sequence can be the first bandwidth or a bandwidth greater than the first bandwidth.

[0023] This makes it easier for the first IoT device to determine the bandwidth of the second sequence and the second sequence.

[0024] Optionally, the second sequence may belong to a sequence set, which may include multiple sequences. Each of the multiple sequences may correspond to a bandwidth, or a bandwidth may correspond to multiple sequences. The bandwidth of the second sequence is the first bandwidth, or the bandwidth of the second sequence is greater than the first bandwidth.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving information for indicating a set of sequences, the set of sequences including a second sequence.

[0026] The information used to indicate the sequence set can also be understood as the information used to indicate each sequence in the sequence set. That is, based on the information used to indicate the sequence set, the first IoT device can determine the sequence in the sequence set so that the first IoT device can determine the second sequence from the sequence set.

[0027] Optionally, the sequence set can also be pre-installed in the first IoT device, or it can be predefined for the protocol.

[0028] Optionally, each sequence in the sequence set can correspond to an index.

[0029] Optionally, each sequence in the sequence set may correspond to a bandwidth. The second sequence corresponds to the bandwidth of the second sequence, and the bandwidth of the second sequence is the first bandwidth or greater than the first bandwidth.

[0030] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate frequency domain resources of the second sequence.

[0031] It should be understood that, given a fixed bandwidth for the second sequence, the frequency domain resources of the second sequence can be related, for example, based on whether frequency hopping is used to transmit the second sequence. Therefore, the third indication information can also indicate, for example, whether frequency hopping is used to transmit the second sequence. Alternatively, the third indication information used to indicate the frequency domain resources of the second sequence can also be understood as indicating the distribution method of the frequency domain resources of the second sequence, etc.

[0032] This makes it easier for the first IoT device to determine how to transmit the second sequence.

[0033] Optionally, the first message satisfies any of the following: when the first message also includes a preamble, the second sequence is located after the preamble; when the first message also includes an intermediate preamble, the second sequence is located after the intermediate preamble; or, when the first message also includes a postamble, the second sequence is located after the postamble.

[0034] It should be understood that the first message typically includes a preamble, and may also include an intermediate preamble and / or a postamble.

[0035] By ensuring that the second sequence (or the first message) meets the above conditions, the second sequence can be made to not affect the function of the preamble, intermediate preamble, or postamble, thus enabling the reader to successfully receive the first message.

[0036] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate the position of the second sequence.

[0037] The position of the second sequence can also be understood as the position of the second sequence in the first message, or the position of the second sequence in the frame structure of the first message, or the relative positional relationship between the second sequence and other part sequences or information included in the first message.

[0038] In this way, the second IoT device can indicate different positions of the second sequence to the first IoT device in different application scenarios.

[0039] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending fifth indication information, the fifth indication information being used to indicate the device capabilities of the first AIoT device.

[0040] The fifth indication information can be carried in the device capability message, for example. The device capabilities of the first AIoT device may include, for example, whether it supports actively transmitting signals and / or device type, etc.

[0041] This makes it easier for the second AIoT device to determine the device capabilities of the first AIoT device, so that the second AIoT device can configure a more suitable positioning and measurement method for the first AIoT device based on the device capabilities of the first AIoT device.

[0042] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the device capability indicates that the first IoT device supports actively transmitting signals, and the method further includes: receiving sixth indication information, the sixth indication information being used to indicate one or more of the following: whether positioning measurements are performed periodically, the period of transmitting the first sequence, the time-domain location of the first transmission of the first sequence, or the number of times the first sequence is transmitted.

[0043] The option of whether or not positioning measurements are performed periodically can be replaced with: performing positioning measurements periodically or performing positioning measurement methods periodically, etc. The period for sending the first sequence can also be the positioning period or the positioning measurement period. The time domain position of the first transmission of the first sequence can also be the starting time domain position of the first transmission of the first sequence.

[0044] This allows the first IoT device to proactively send multiple first sequences to the second IoT device, enabling the second IoT device to perform multiple location measurements on the first IoT device. This eliminates the need for the second IoT device to send multiple location requests, resulting in lower signaling overhead.

[0045] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the number of times the first sequence is sent is determined based on the duration of the first IoT device being in the first state; the method includes: sending information indicating the duration.

[0046] The first state can be, for example, an ON state, meaning the first IoT device is capable of sending signals. It can also be understood as an active state. The duration of the first state can also be understood as a capability information component of the device's capabilities.

[0047] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the device capability indicates that the first IoT device does not support actively transmitting signals, and the method further includes: receiving seventh indication information, the seventh indication information being used to indicate one or more of the following: performing a positioning measurement, transmitting the time domain location of the first sequence, or transmitting the first sequence once.

[0048] In this context, performing a single positioning measurement can also be understood as performing non-periodic positioning measurements instead of periodic ones.

[0049] In this way, since the first IoT device does not support actively sending signals, it can send signals based on backscattering, so that the second IoT device can instruct the first IoT device to perform a positioning measurement.

[0050] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving a second request for requesting device capabilities of the first IoT device.

[0051] The second request can also be called a device capability request, etc.

[0052] Thus, when the power of the second request exceeds the activation threshold of the first IoT device, the first IoT device can switch to the first state, enabling it to send signals. Furthermore, the second request can carry information indicating the first IoT device, such as its ID, so that the first IoT device can determine whether it needs to report its capabilities.

[0053] Secondly, another positioning method is provided, which includes: receiving a first message from a first IoT device, the first message including a first sequence for positioning; and positioning the first AIoT device based on the first sequence.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the method is performed by a second IoT device. The second IoT device can also be a second AIoT device. The second IoT device can be the reader (or reader-writer, etc.) itself, or a component applied in the reader (e.g., a chip, chip system, circuit, software and / or hardware module, etc.).

[0055] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending a first request for requesting location of the first IoT device.

[0056] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the first request carries first indication information, which is used to indicate that the first sequence is one or more of a preamble, an intermediate preamble, or a postamble.

[0057] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the first request carries first indication information, which is used to indicate that the first sequence is a second sequence, and the second sequence is a sequence specifically used for positioning.

[0058] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate a second sequence.

[0059] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the second indication information includes the first bandwidth and / or the index of the second sequence.

[0060] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending information for indicating a set of sequences, the set of sequences including a second sequence.

[0061] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate frequency domain resources of the second sequence.

[0062] Optionally, the first message satisfies any of the following: when the first message also includes a preamble, the second sequence is located after the preamble; when the first message also includes an intermediate preamble, the second sequence is located after the intermediate preamble; or, when the first message also includes a postamble, the second sequence is located after the postamble.

[0063] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate the position of the second sequence.

[0064] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving fifth indication information, the fifth indication information being used to indicate the device capabilities of the first AIoT device.

[0065] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the device capability indicates that the first IoT device supports actively transmitting signals, and the method further includes: transmitting sixth indication information, the sixth indication information being used to indicate one or more of the following: whether positioning measurements are performed periodically, the period of transmitting the first sequence, the time-domain location of the first transmission of the first sequence, or the number of times the first sequence is transmitted.

[0066] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the number of times the first sequence is sent is determined based on the duration of the first IoT device being in the first state; the method includes: receiving information indicating the duration.

[0067] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the device capability indicates that the first IoT device does not support actively transmitting signals, and the method further includes: transmitting seventh indication information, the seventh indication information being used to indicate one or more of the following: performing a positioning measurement, transmitting the time domain location of the first sequence, or transmitting the first sequence once.

[0068] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0069] Send a second request, which requests the device capabilities of the first IoT device.

[0070] Thirdly, a communication device is provided that can be used in a first IoT device of the first aspect or a second IoT device of the second aspect. The communication device can be an IoT device or a reader, or a device in the IoT device or reader (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit, such as a circuit or chip in the IoT device or reader responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core)), or a device that can be used in conjunction with an IoT device or reader, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the IoT device or reader.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first or second aspect. These modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the communication device is used for a first IoT device in the first aspect, and the communication device may include a transceiver unit. The receiving unit is used to send a first message, the first message including a first sequence, the first sequence being used by a second IoT device to locate the first IoT device.

[0073] Alternatively, the communication device may be used for a second IoT device in the second aspect, and the communication device may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive a first message from the first IoT device, the first message including a first sequence for positioning; the processing unit is used to locate the first IoT device based on the first sequence.

[0074] Fourthly, this application provides another communication device, including a processor coupled to a memory, which can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method in any of the possible implementations of the first or second aspect described above. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, to which the processor is coupled.

[0075] In one implementation, the communication device is an IoT device or a reader. When the communication device is an IoT device or a reader, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0076] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip applicable to IoT devices or readers. When the communication device is a chip applicable to IoT devices or readers, the aforementioned communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0077] Fifthly, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0078] In the specific implementation process, the processor can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be output to, for example, but not limited to, a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0079] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in the memory, receive signals via a receiver, and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0080] Optionally, the processor may be one or more, and the memory may be one or more.

[0081] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be separated from the processor.

[0082] In the specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or set on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the way the memory and processor are set.

[0083] It should be understood that the relevant information exchange process, such as sending the first message, can be a process of the processor outputting a message, and receiving a message can be a process of the processor receiving input messages. Specifically, the processed output message can be output to the transmitter, and the input messages received by the processor can come from the receiver. Here, the transmitter and receiver can be collectively referred to as a transceiver.

[0084] The communication device in the sixth aspect above can be a chip. The processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. The memory can be integrated into the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0085] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, including a module for performing a method as described in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0086] Eighthly, this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0087] In one possible design, the chip or chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which is located either inside or outside the processor.

[0088] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0089] A ninth aspect provides a communication system comprising a first IoT device and a second IoT device; wherein the first IoT device is configured to perform a method in any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the second IoT device is configured to perform a method in any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0090] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when the computer program is run, causes a computer to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0091] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above. Attached Figure Description

[0092] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a method by which an RFID tag sends signals to an RFID reader;

[0093] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the first communication system applied in the embodiments of this application;

[0094] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a second communication system applied in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the third communication system applied in the embodiments of this application;

[0096] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of one positioning method;

[0097] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the frequency domain resources carrying the second sequence according to an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a frame structure for D2R transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another frame structure for D2R transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another frame structure for D2R transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the first method for comparing periodic positioning measurement process and non-periodic positioning measurement process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0103] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a periodic positioning measurement process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a second method for comparing periodic positioning measurement process and non-periodic positioning measurement process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 16 is a schematic block diagram of an O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 17 is a schematic block diagram of a fourth communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 18 is a schematic block diagram of the network element function division and protocol layer structure of the O-RAN equipment provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0110] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0111] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points are explained first:

[0112] First, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. For example, the first value and the second value are only used to distinguish different values ​​and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0113] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0114] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item)" or its similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single item (item) or plural items (items). For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a - b, a - c, b - c, or a - b - c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0115] Second, in the embodiments of the present application, "send" and "receive" represent the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to the second device" can be understood as the destination of the information is the second device, which can include directly sending through the air interface, and also include indirectly sending through the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive configuration information from the charging" can be understood as the source of the configuration information is the second device, which can include directly receiving from the second device through the air interface, and can also include indirectly receiving from the second device through the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as "input" of the chip interface.

[0116] In other words, sending and receiving can be carried out between devices, for example, between the second device and the first device; it can also be carried out within a device, for example, sending or receiving between components, modules, chips, software modules or hardware modules within a device through a bus, trace or interface.

[0117] It can be understood that before the information is sent from the source end to the destination end, necessary processing may be performed, such as encoding, modulation, etc. After the destination end receives the information from the source end, corresponding processing can also be performed, such as decoding, demodulation, etc., so as to interpret the valid information from the source end. Similar expressions in the present application can be understood similarly and will not be elaborated here.

[0118] Third, for the convenience of understanding, multiple examples of messages or signals are provided in this article, such as the first request, the second request, the first message, etc. These requests, messages, names, etc. are all examples and should not constitute any limitation to the present application.

[0119] Fourth, in the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (as described below, the instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can only indicate a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction.

[0120] It is understandable that, for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be indicated, and for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be indicated.

[0121] Fifth, the tables in the embodiments of this application are merely examples. The values ​​of the information in each table are only examples and can be configured to other values; this application is not limited thereto. The tables do not limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the tables described above, such as splitting, merging, etc. Furthermore, the parameter names shown in the headings of each table can also use other names understandable to the communication device, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations understandable to the communication device. Moreover, in the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0122] Sixth, in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the fact that the device (e.g., network device or terminal device) will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device (e.g., network device or terminal device) to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0123] Seventh, the predefined terms in this application can be understood as: definition, pre-defined, storage, pre-storage, pre-negotiation, pre-configuration, solidification, or pre-firing.

[0124] Eighth, the term "storage" in this application can refer to storage in one or more memory devices. These memory devices can be separate installations or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memory devices can be separately installed, while others can be integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0125] The technical solutions of 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) systems, or New Radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems.

[0126] The terminal equipment in this application embodiment can also be referred to as: user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), 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, etc.

[0127] Terminal devices can be devices that provide voice / data connectivity to users, such as handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, etc. Currently, examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPEs), light user equipment (UEs), reduced capability UEs (REDCAP UEs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, SIP phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). This application does not limit the scope to include devices such as personal assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs).

[0128] By way of example and not limitation, in this application, the terminal device can be a terminal device in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. The Internet of Things 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 object-to-object interconnection. Exemplarily, the terminal device in the embodiments of this application can be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that apply wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that can be worn directly on the body or integrated into a user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices; they can also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly defined, wearable smart devices include those with comprehensive functions, large size, and the ability to achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those focused on a specific application function and requiring the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0129] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in machine-type communication (MTC). Furthermore, the terminal device can also be an on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, or on-board unit, etc., built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods provided in this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, or on-board unit, etc. Therefore, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to vehicle networking, such as vehicle to everything (V2X), long term evolution-vehicle (LTE-V) technology, and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology.

[0130] The network equipment involved in this application may include access network equipment and core network equipment.

[0131] Access network equipment, also known as radio access network (RAN) equipment, is a device that communicates with terminal devices and has wireless transceiver capabilities. RAN equipment provides wireless communication services, allowing terminals to access the wireless network. RAN equipment can be a node in the radio access network, often referred to as a RAN node.

[0132] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a home evolved NodeB (or home Node B, HNB), a Wi-Fi access point (AP), a mobile switching center, a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a next-generation base station in a future mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. A RAN node can also be a device that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, and internet-to-things (IoT) communication systems. A RAN node can also be a RAN node in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), meaning that a RAN node can be deployed on a high-altitude platform or a satellite. RAN nodes can be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, donor nodes, etc., or radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, or nodes in open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) scenarios. Optionally, RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, RAN nodes can be roadside units (RSUs). Of course, RAN nodes can also be nodes in the core network.

[0133] 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).

[0134] 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 the ORAN system, CU can also be called open CU (O-CU), DU can also be called open DU (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called open RU (O-RU).

[0135] Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU units can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. That is, the wireless access network device in this application can be a virtualized device, for example, implemented through general-purpose hardware and instantiated virtualization functions, or dedicated hardware and instantiated virtualization functions. The general-purpose hardware can be a server, such as a cloud server.

[0136] The core network equipment in this application embodiment can be a core network equipment in a 4G system, such as a mobile management entity (MME) or a serving gateway (SGW), or a core network equipment in a 5G system, such as an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element or a user plane function (UPF) network element. It can also be a core network equipment with other names, or it can be a core network equipment in a future communication system. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0137] The following describes some of the technical terms used in this application.

[0138] 1. Preamble: A specific sequence of bits added to the beginning of a data frame or data packet. The main purpose of the preamble is to provide synchronization information to the receiving end, enabling it to correctly identify and decode subsequent data.

[0139] 2. Midamble: This refers to a specific bit sequence inserted in the middle of a data frame or data packet. The main purpose of the midamble is to provide additional synchronization and channel estimation information in long data frames, thereby improving the reliability and accuracy of data transmission.

[0140] 3. Postamble: Also known as a postsynchronization signal, it refers to a signal or code sequence sent after data transmission has ended. Its main function is to mark the end of data transmission and help the receiving end correctly identify and process the received data.

[0141] Postcodes can take, but are not limited to, the following forms: end-of-frame marker (in a frame structure, a specific bit sequence used to identify the end of a frame); checksum or cyclic checksum (sometimes postcodes may contain checksums or cyclic checksums to detect and correct errors during transmission); synchronization signal (in some communication systems, postcodes may contain synchronization signals to resynchronize the receiver); and padding bits (in some cases, postcodes may include padding bits to ensure that the length of the data block meets specific requirements).

[0142] With the increasing prevalence of 5G NR machine-type communication (MTC) and Internet of Things (IoT) communication, the number of IoT devices is growing daily. Therefore, the industry's demand for reducing the cost and power consumption of IoT devices is becoming increasingly strong. During the 4G era, the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) introduced narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) technology. However, NB-IoT devices typically require external power (batteries) and must generate high-frequency local oscillator carriers, resulting in power consumption only in the milliwatt range. With the evolution and development of 5G IoT, the demand for supporting even lower power IoT devices is growing, and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology provides a good technical reference in the low-power direction; for example, RFID tags support microwatt-level power consumption.

[0143] RFID tags use low-precision, low-power, medium-to-low frequency ring oscillators or receive downlink signals from RFID readers without any local oscillator. Furthermore, when an RFID tag is operating, the energy and carrier wave for sending uplink signals to the RFID reader typically originate from the RFID reader; that is, the RFID tag can send uplink signals based on reflected carrier waves.

[0144] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of communication between an RFID tag and an RFID reader. As shown in Figure 1, curve 101 can be understood as the carrier wave sent by the RFID reader; curve 102 can be understood as the uplink signal transmitted by the RFID tag by modulating the carrier wave sent by the RFID reader and reflecting it.

[0145] Given the low power consumption advantage of RFID communication technology, 5G ambient internet of things (AIoT) has emerged. AIoT, also known as passive IoT, is a type of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. It integrates various ambient IoT devices (AIoT devices) into our daily environment, enabling these devices to operate continuously and communicate with each other without active user intervention. For example, AIoT technology can be applied to scenarios such as inventory management, sensing, control, and positioning.

[0146] For hundreds or even trillions of AIoT devices, powering all of them with manual replacement or rechargeable batteries would result in high maintenance costs, serious environmental problems, and even safety hazards in some use cases, such as wireless sensors in the power and oil industries. Therefore, to reduce the size, complexity, and power consumption of IoT devices, AIoT devices can be battery-free or have energy storage capabilities that do not require manual replacement or charging.

[0147] It should be understood that AIoT devices can also be called tags, A-IoT devices, tags, electronic AIoT devices, AIoT tags, smart AIoT devices, transponders, data carriers, devices, or IoT devices, etc., and this application does not make any specific limitations in this regard.

[0148] For ease of understanding, the following description uses IoT devices as an example.

[0149] In addition, to meet the requirements of ultra-low power consumption, IoT devices can also be based on low-precision, low-power, mid-to-low frequency ring oscillators or receive signals without any local oscillator.

[0150] To accommodate different use cases, IoT devices can include various types of devices. For example, these include: device 1, device 2a, device 2b, and device c.

[0151] Device 1, also known as a Type 1 IoT device, lacks downlink and uplink power amplification capabilities and has a limited frequency modulation range. Device 1 can obtain power from carrier waves (CW) emitted by other devices. For example, it can transmit signals to other devices by reflecting carrier waves emitted by other devices. This method of sending signals to other devices by reflecting carrier waves can also be called backscatter. The device that transmits (or provides) the carrier wave can also be called a CW device or a CW node.

[0152] device 2a and device 2b can be understood as type 2 IoT devices or type 2 AIoT devices.

[0153] Device 2a is an IoT device that needs to send signals via backscattering. Device 2b is an IoT device that can generate signals internally (actively send signals), meaning that device 2b does not need to send signals via reflected carrier waves.

[0154] Device c, also known as AIoT device c, is an IoT device that can generate signals internally (actively send signals), meaning that device c does not need to send signals by reflecting a carrier wave.

[0155] Compared to devices 1, 2a, and 2b, device c can be understood as a wide-area coverage IoT device, meaning that device c has a larger uplink coverage area. Devices 1, 2a, and 2b, on the other hand, can be understood as local-area coverage IoT devices, meaning that their uplink coverage area is smaller.

[0156] It should be understood that "larger uplink coverage" can be interpreted as an uplink coverage area greater than or equal to a certain threshold, and "smaller uplink coverage" can be interpreted as an uplink coverage area less than a certain threshold; or, "larger uplink coverage" and "smaller uplink coverage" are relative terms, meaning that the uplink coverage area of ​​device c is greater than that of device 1, device 2a, and device 2b. This application does not impose specific limitations in this regard.

[0157] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the communication system (AIoT system) including AIoT devices will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0158] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a first type of communication system 200 applied in an embodiment of this application. The communication system 200 may include at least one reader, such as the network device 210 shown in Figure 2; the communication system 200 may also include at least one IoT device, such as the IoT device 220 shown in Figure 2, the IoT device 220 may be device 1 or device 2a, that is, the IoT device 220 needs to send D2R transmissions by backscattering; the communication system may also include a CW device (or CW node), such as the terminal device 230 shown in Figure 2.

[0159] In this configuration, network device 210 and terminal device 230 can communicate via a wireless link. In one possible scenario, network device 210 can act as a transmitter and terminal device 230 can act as a receiver, with network device 210 sending R2D transmissions to terminal device 230; in another possible scenario, network device 210 can act as a receiver and terminal device 230 can act as a transmitter, with terminal device 230 sending D2R transmissions to network device 210.

[0160] It is understood that in the communication system 200, network device 210 can be a network device operating in a limited-range mode, such as a base station operating in a limited-range mode. Terminal device 230 can be understood as an auxiliary terminal device or auxiliary UE of network device 210. Therefore, network device 210 can instruct terminal device 230 to transmit a carrier.

[0161] Network device 210 and IoT device 220 can communicate with each other. In one possible scenario, terminal device 230 can send a carrier wave to IoT device 220 so that IoT device 220 can send a reflected signal (or D2R transmission) to network device 210 by reflecting the carrier wave; in another possible scenario, network device 210 can act as a transmitter and IoT device 220 can act as a receiver, with network device 210 sending R2D transmission to IoT device 220.

[0162] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the reader may also be called a reader-writer, etc., and this application does not specifically limit it in this way.

[0163] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a second communication system 300 applied in an embodiment of this application. The communication system 300 may include at least one reader, such as the network device 310 shown in Figure 3; the communication system 300 may also include at least one IoT device, such as the IoT device 320 shown in Figure 3, which may be device 2b or device c. That is, the IoT device 320 may generate signals internally.

[0164] The network device 310 and the IoT device 320 can communicate via a wireless link. In one possible scenario, the network device 310 can act as a transmitter and the IoT device 320 can act as a receiver, with the network device 310 sending R2D transmissions to the IoT device 320. In another possible scenario, the network device 310 can act as a receiver and the IoT device 320 can act as a transmitter, with the IoT device 320 sending D2R transmissions to the network device 310.

[0165] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a third communication system 400 applied in an embodiment of this application. The communication system 400 may include at least one network device, such as network device 410 shown in Figure 4; the communication system 400 may also include at least one reader, such as terminal device 420 shown in Figure 4; the communication system 400 may also include at least one IoT device, such as IoT device 430 shown in Figure 4. IoT device 430 may be device 1 or device 2a, that is, IoT device 430 needs to send D2R transmission by backscattering.

[0166] In the communication system 400, the network device 410 is usually located outdoors, meaning that the distance between the network device 410 and the IoT device 430 is usually quite far. Therefore, the network device 410 can communicate with the IoT device 430 through an intermediate node, such as the terminal device 420 shown in Figure 4.

[0167] In this configuration, network device 410 and terminal device 420 can communicate via a wireless link. In one possible scenario, network device 410 can act as a transmitter and terminal device 420 can act as a receiver, with network device 410 sending R2D transmissions to terminal device 420; in another possible scenario, network device 410 can act as a receiver and terminal device 420 can act as a transmitter, with terminal device 420 sending D2R transmissions to network device 410.

[0168] Furthermore, the terminal device 420 and the IoT device 430 can also communicate. In one possible scenario, the terminal device 420 can act as a transmitter, and the IoT device 430 can act as a receiver, with the terminal device 420 sending signals to the IoT device 430; in another possible scenario, the IoT device 430 sends signals to the terminal device 420 via backscattering.

[0169] The carrier reflected by IoT device 430 can be a carrier transmitted from terminal device 420 to IoT device 430, meaning the intermediate node can act as a CW device. Alternatively, the communication system 400 may also include another CW device for transmitting carriers, such as terminal device 440 shown in Figure 4. Terminal device 440 can transmit carriers to IoT device 430 based on instructions from network device 410.

[0170] It should be understood that communication systems 200, 300, and 400 exemplarily illustrate a communication method between a reader and an IoT device. Optionally, communication systems 200, 300, or 400 may also include multiple readers and / or multiple IoT devices. This application does not limit this aspect.

[0171] It should be understood that each communication device in the aforementioned communication systems 200, 300, and 400 can be configured with multiple antennas. These multiple antennas may include at least one transmitting antenna for transmitting signals and at least one receiving antenna for receiving signals. Additionally, each communication device also includes a transmitter chain and a receiver chain, which, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, may include multiple components related to signal transmission and reception (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, or antennas). Therefore, communication devices can communicate with each other using multi-antenna technology.

[0172] Optionally, the communication system 200, communication system 300 or communication system 400 may also include other network entities such as network controllers and mobility management entities, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0173] It should be understood that the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to a variety of communication systems, including 5G NR systems. The communication systems shown in Figures 2 to 4 are only examples. This application does not limit the specific architecture of the applicable system, nor does it limit the number and form of various devices contained in each communication system.

[0174] Currently, in communication systems, terminal devices can be located using a cell ID (CID) process. The CID process is a location-based procedure. Because terminal devices report the identifier of the cell they are in (such as the cell ID) via radio resource control (RRC) connection request messages during registration, location updates, and call establishment, network devices can determine the cell where the terminal device is located based on the cell identifier reported by the terminal device. For example, as shown in Figure 5, assuming the terminal device is in cell 1, the terminal device can report the identifier of cell 1; thus, the network device can determine that the terminal device is located in cell 1 based on the identifier of cell 1.

[0175] The CID process can also be applied to AIoT systems, meaning that IoT devices can be located using the cell identifier reported by the IoT device.

[0176] However, this method can only determine the cell where the IoT device is located, not its specific location within that cell. In other words, the positioning accuracy depends on the cell's signal coverage area. The smaller the cell's coverage area and the higher the network density, the higher the positioning accuracy; conversely, the larger the cell's coverage area, the lower the positioning accuracy, with errors reaching hundreds or even thousands of meters. Therefore, this positioning method has relatively low accuracy.

[0177] In view of this, this application provides a positioning method in which the D2R transmission sent by the IoT device to the reader includes a first sequence. The first sequence can be used for positioning, that is, the reader can locate the IoT device based on the first sequence, for example, it can determine the coordinates of the IoT device based on the first sequence. Compared with determining the cell where the IoT device is located based on the cell identifier reported by the IoT device, positioning the IoT device based on the first sequence has higher positioning accuracy.

[0178] The positioning method of this application will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 6 to 13. The embodiments shown in this application illustrate the positioning method provided by this application from the perspective of device interaction. The specific forms and quantities of the devices shown are merely examples and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation of the method provided in this application. Below, taking IoT devices and readers as the implementing entities, the positioning method of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0179] It should be understood that an IoT device may also be referred to as a first IoT device (such as a first AIoT device, which may be a tag). The first IoT device may be the IoT device itself, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the positioning method of the IoT device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the IoT device. Similarly, a reader may also be referred to as a second IoT device (or a second AIoT device). The second IoT device may be the reader itself, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the positioning method of the reader, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the reader. This application does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0180] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the positioning method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. Method 600 is applicable to communication system 200, communication system 300, or communication system 400, and includes the following steps:

[0181] S601, the reader sends a first request to the IoT device, the first request being used to request the location of the IoT device. Correspondingly, the IoT device can receive the first request from the reader.

[0182] It should be understood that the first request may also be referred to as a location request, a measurement request, or a location and measurement request, etc. This application does not specifically limit the name of the first request.

[0183] In one possible implementation, the first request carries information for indicating the IoT device. Thus, when the first request carries information for indicating the device, the IoT device can determine that a location measurement is needed.

[0184] It should be understood that each IoT device can be identified by a unique identifier, which may be called an electronic code, ID, or device ID, etc.

[0185] S602, the IoT device sends a first message to the reader, the first message including a first sequence, the first sequence being used for positioning; correspondingly, the reader receives the first message from the IoT device.

[0186] The first message can also be referred to as a D2R (device-to-reader) transmission or measurement signal.

[0187] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the message sent by the IoT device to the reader can also be referred to as D2R (device-to-reader) transmission. Similarly, the message sent by the reader to the IoT device (such as the first request or the second request below) can also be referred to as R2D (reader-to-device) transmission. For the sake of brevity, this will not be elaborated further below.

[0188] The first message including the first sequence can also be referred to as: the first message carrying or carrying the first sequence. The first sequence is used by the reader to locate (or measure) IoT devices. After receiving the first message, the reader can demodulate the first message and determine the first sequence included in the first message.

[0189] Building upon the above embodiments, to enable the IoT device to determine the time-domain location of sending the first message (or the first sequence), the first request may, for example, carry information indicating a first interval. The first interval can be understood as the time-domain interval between the end of receiving the first request and the start of sending the first message (or the first sequence). It may also be referred to as a feedback interval, etc. This allows the IoT device to determine the time-domain location of sending the first message after receiving the first request. For example, the information indicating the first interval may be carried in the T_Lo field of the first request.

[0190] S603, the reader locates IoT devices based on the first sequence.

[0191] For example, a reader can calculate the time difference of arrival (TDOA) based on a first sequence and determine the location information of the IoT device based on the TDOA. For instance, reader 1 determines that it receives TDOA 1 of the first sequence; reader 2 determines that it receives TDOA 2 of the first sequence; and reader 3 determines that it receives TDOA 3 of the first sequence. Then, reader 1 (any reader in the TDOA positioning system) can determine the location information of the IoT device based on TDOA1, TDOA 2, and TDOA 3 using trilateration or similar methods, for example, determining the IoT device's coordinates as (x, y). This enables two-dimensional positioning of the IoT device. If three-dimensional positioning of the IoT device is required, the coordinates of the IoT device can also be determined as (x, y, z) by each of the four readers receiving the first sequence of TDOA.

[0192] It should be understood that the above-described method for locating IoT devices based on the first sequence is merely an example. In actual applications, the reader can also determine one or more of the following based on the first sequence: TDOA, time of arrival (TOA), angle of arrival (AOA), or received signal strength (RSS), etc., to achieve the location of the IoT device. This application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0193] It should be noted that in some possible implementations, the first message may be a D2R transmission sent by the IoT device in response to a first request. For example, to reduce power consumption, the IoT device may typically be in a second state (a state that does not transmit signals, such as a sleep state, an OFF state, or other states). When the power of the first request (R2D transmission) is sufficiently high, for example, greater than or equal to the activation threshold of the IoT device, the IoT device can be activated, that is, it can switch from the second state to the first state, which is a state that can transmit signals, such as an ON state. This allows the IoT device to parse the first message and, based on the information carried in the first request to indicate the IoT device, determine that it needs to be located, so that the IoT device can send the first message (or the first sequence). In other possible implementations, S601 may also be optional, and the first message may be, for example, a D2R transmission actively sent by the IoT device, as described below, which will not be elaborated here.

[0194] The positioning method of this application allows the reader to locate the IoT device based on the first sequence in the D2R transmission sent by the IoT device, thereby determining the IoT device's coordinates and other location information. Compared to determining the cell where the IoT device is located based on the cell identifier reported by the IoT device, positioning the IoT device based on the first sequence has higher positioning accuracy.

[0195] The first sequence used for positioning can be either a sequence (or preamble) carried in the D2R transmission itself, or a sequence specifically used for positioning, as follows.

[0196] As a first optional embodiment, the first request also carries first indication information, which indicates that the first sequence is one or more of a preamble, an intermediate preamble, or a postamble.

[0197] In this context, the preamble, intermediate preamble, or postamble can be understood as sequences that D2R transmissions (such as the first message) may typically carry. When the first indication information indicates that the first sequence is one or more of the preamble, intermediate preamble, or postamble, it means that the reader needs to locate the IoT device based on that one or more of the sequences carried in the D2R transmission (such as the first message). Therefore, the first sequence carried in the first message sent by the IoT device is that one or more of the sequences, enabling the reader to reuse sequences that may be carried in the D2R transmission itself for location measurement.

[0198] It can be understood that the first indication information indicating that the first sequence is one or more of a preamble, intermediate preamble, or postamble can also be understood as: the first indication information is used to indicate that the IoT device does not need to send a sequence specifically for positioning (or a positioning-specific sequence). In this way, the IoT device can also determine the preamble, intermediate preamble, or postamble carried in the multiplexed D2R transmission (such as the first message) by the reader for positioning.

[0199] As a second optional embodiment, the first request also carries first indication information, which is used to indicate that the first sequence is a second sequence dedicated to positioning.

[0200] Among them, the sequence specifically used for positioning can also be called a location-amble, locamble, or positioning-amble, positioning sequence, positioning-specific sequence, positioning-specific guide, guide specifically used for positioning, or sequence specifically used for positioning, etc., and can be understood as a sequence designed for positioning.

[0201] In this way, the IoT device can send a second sequence specifically for positioning to the reader based on the first indication information, that is, the first message includes or carries the second sequence.

[0202] It can be understood that the first indication information indicating that the first sequence is a second sequence specifically for positioning can also be understood as: the first indication information is used to instruct the IoT device to send a sequence specifically for positioning. Therefore, the IoT device can send a first message carrying the second sequence specifically for positioning to the reader based on the first indication information.

[0203] Based on the two optional embodiments above, the first indication information can be, for example, 1 bit, and the first indication information can be carried in the location field (locamble_flag). For example, when the first indication information is 1 (or 0), it indicates that the first message needs to carry a sequence dedicated to location, or indicates that the first sequence is a second sequence dedicated to location; when the first indication information is 0 (or 1), that is, when locamble_flag = 0 (or 1), it indicates that the first message does not need to carry a sequence dedicated to location, or indicates that the first sequence is one of a preamble, an intermediate preamble, or a postamble.

[0204] Alternatively, the first indication information can be 2 bits or more. Taking a 2-bit first indication information as an example, 00 indicates that the first sequence is a preamble; 01 indicates that the first sequence is an intermediate preamble; 10 indicates that the first sequence is a postamble; and 11 indicates that the first sequence is a second sequence specifically used for positioning, etc. The information indicated by 00, 01, 10, and 11 in this example can also be interchanged. For example, 11 indicates that the first sequence is a preamble; 10 indicates that the first sequence is an intermediate preamble; 01 indicates that the first sequence is a postamble; and 00 indicates that the first sequence is a second sequence specifically used for positioning, etc. This application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0205] Based on the above embodiments, the second sequence dedicated to positioning can achieve higher positioning accuracy. Therefore, the reader can determine whether the first message needs to include the positioning-dedicated sequence based on the positioning accuracy. This positioning accuracy can be understood as the positioning accuracy that needs to be achieved or satisfied for locating IoT devices.

[0206] Typically, the positioning accuracy is CRB. τ Satisfy the following formula:

[0207] Wherein, SNR is the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the D2R transmission received by the reader, and the unit can be dB; c is the speed of light; and B is the bandwidth of the first sequence.

[0208] Based on the formula above, it can be seen that the larger B is, the greater the CRB. τ The smaller the value of B, the higher the positioning accuracy; the smaller the value of B, the lower the CRB. τ The larger the value, the lower the positioning accuracy.

[0209] It is understandable that positioning accuracy can be represented by positioning error (or understood as resolution or error level, etc.), as exemplified by the CRB above. τ For example, it can be understood as a positioning error, therefore CRB τ The smaller the size, the higher the positioning accuracy; CRB τ The larger the value, the lower the positioning accuracy.

[0210] Therefore, the reader can determine whether the sequences carried by the first message itself can meet the positioning accuracy requirements based on the bandwidth (B0). The sequence carried by the first message itself is one or more of the preamble, intermediate preamble, or postamble.

[0211] For example, based on B0 and the above formula, the positioning accuracy (CRB0) that the sequence carried by the first message itself can satisfy is:

[0212] Wherein, SNR is the SNR received by the reader from D2R transmission, and the unit can be dB; c is the speed of light.

[0213] If the reader determines that the required positioning accuracy is Y meters (m), and CRB0 is greater than Y, it means that the sequence carried by the first message itself cannot meet the positioning accuracy requirement. In this case, the first indication information can indicate that the first message includes a sequence specifically for positioning, and the first sequence can be a second sequence specifically for positioning. If CRB0 is less than or equal to Y, it means that the sequence carried by the first message itself can meet the positioning accuracy requirement. In this case, the first indication information can indicate that the first message does not include a sequence specifically for positioning. The first sequence can be understood as one or more of the preamble, intermediate preamble, or postamble carried in the first message.

[0214] It should be noted that the positioning accuracy required for locating IoT devices can be obtained by the reader from the core network equipment, for example. For instance, the access and mobility management function (AMF) on the core network side can initiate a positioning service. For example, an AMF network element can send a positioning service request to a location management function (LMF) network element via the NL1 interface, and correspondingly, the LMF network element receives the positioning service request from the AMF network element. After receiving the positioning service request, the LMF network element can send positioning assistance data to the reader via the NL1, N2, and NR-Uu interfaces, which may include the positioning accuracy requirements, i.e., the positioning accuracy required for locating the IoT device. Therefore, after receiving the positioning accuracy, the reader can determine whether a positioning-specific sequence needs to be configured, and can determine the bandwidth of the positioning-specific sequence, etc.

[0215] When one or more of the preamble, intermediate preamble, or postamble cannot meet the positioning accuracy requirements, the IoT device can determine a second preamble specifically for positioning in the following way.

[0216] As an optional embodiment, prior to S602, method 600 further includes: the reader sending second indication information to the IoT device, the second indication information being used to indicate a second sequence. Correspondingly, the IoT device receives the second indication information from the reader.

[0217] In a first possible implementation, the second indication information includes indication information of a second sequence.

[0218] The indication information for the second sequence can be, for example, an index of the second sequence, or a direct indication of the second sequence or its generation method (such as parameters of the function that generates the second sequence). For example, the second sequence can belong to a sequence set. The sequence set includes at least one sequence specifically used for positioning, and the indices in the sequence set can be, for example, integers starting from 0, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, etc. Then, the IoT device can determine the second sequence from the sequence set based on its index.

[0219] In this implementation, the sequence set can be pre-configured in the IoT device, configured by the reader via signaling, or predefined by a protocol. For example, if the sequence set is configured via signaling, method 600 further includes: the reader sending information indicating the sequence set to the IoT device; correspondingly, the IoT device receiving the information indicating the sequence set from the reader. This allows the IoT device to determine the sequence set.

[0220] The index of each sequence in the sequence set can be indicated by the reader via signaling, for example, the information used to indicate the sequence set can be replaced with information indicating the sequence set and the index of each sequence in the sequence set. Alternatively, if the reader and the IoT device can determine that the indices of the sequences in the sequence set are arranged sequentially as integers starting from 0, then the reader may not need to indicate the index of each sequence in the sequence set.

[0221] In this implementation, the tag can determine the second sequence in such a way as to indicate the second sequence to the IoT device.

[0222] For example, the reader can determine the bandwidth of each sequence in the sequence set. Assuming the positioning accuracy is Ym, the reader can determine a bandwidth B1 based on the positioning accuracy, and the bandwidth of the second sequence must be greater than or equal to B1.

[0223] Wherein, SNR is the SNR received by the reader from D2R transmission, and the unit can be dB; c is the speed of light.

[0224] The reader can then determine a second sequence in the sequence set with a bandwidth greater than or equal to B1. For example, as shown in Table 1, the reader can determine the bandwidth of each sequence in the sequence set. The sequence set may include, for example, sequences 1 to 6, whose bandwidths are, for example, bandwidths 1 to bandwidth 6 respectively. Bandwidths 1 to bandwidth 6 can be identical, completely different, or partially identical. Assuming that the bandwidths of sequences 4 and 5 are both greater than or equal to B1, the second sequence indicated by the reader to the tag can be either sequence 4 or sequence 5.

[0225] Table 1

[0226] It should be understood that Table 1 is merely an example, and in actual application scenarios, the sequence set may include more or fewer sequences. This application does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0227] In a second possible implementation, the second indication information includes (or indicates) a first bandwidth. The second sequence is determined based on the first bandwidth.

[0228] That is, the second sequence is determined by the IoT device based on the first bandwidth indicated by the reader. For example, the tag and the reader can obtain a set of sequences and the bandwidth of each sequence in the set, such as the sequence-to-sequence bandwidth shown in Table 2. Then, based on the first bandwidth indicated by the reader, the tag can determine the second sequence.

[0229] It should be understood that the sequence set and the bandwidth of each sequence in the sequence set can be configured by the reader via signaling, predefined by the protocol, or pre-configured in the IoT device and / or reader. This application does not impose specific limitations in this regard.

[0230] Table 2

[0231] It should be understood that Table 2 is merely an example, and in actual application scenarios, the sequence set may include more or fewer sequences. Furthermore, each sequence in the sequence set shown in Table 2 may also correspond to an index. This application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0232] It is understandable that, in order to meet the requirements of positioning accuracy, the first bandwidth can be determined based on the positioning accuracy.

[0233] For example, the reader can determine a bandwidth (B1) based on the required positioning accuracy (Y). Then B1 can, for example, satisfy the following formula:

[0234] Where Y can represent the location as Y meters (m); SNR is the signal-to-noise ratio of the received D2R transmission; and c is the speed of light.

[0235] It is understandable that, in order for IoT devices based on the second sequence to meet the positioning accuracy requirements, the bandwidth of the second sequence needs to be greater than or equal to B1.

[0236] It should be noted that the formula for determining B1 above is merely an example. In actual applications, other formulas or functions can be used to determine a bandwidth B1 based on the required positioning accuracy; alternatively, B1 can be determined through the correspondence between positioning accuracy and bandwidth, such as the correspondence between positioning accuracy Y and bandwidth B1. The formula, function, or correspondence used to determine the bandwidth B1 can be preset in the reader or predefined by the protocol. This application does not specifically limit the method of determining B1 based on positioning accuracy.

[0237] Therefore, in order to ensure that the bandwidth of the second sequence sent by the IoT device is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of B1, the first bandwidth indicated by the reader to the IoT device can be B1, or the first bandwidth indicated by the reader to the IoT device can also be a bandwidth greater than B1. Furthermore, the bandwidth of the second sequence can be, for example, one of the following two cases.

[0238] In the first case, the bandwidth of the second sequence is the same as the bandwidth of the first sequence.

[0239] For example, an IoT device can determine a sequence in a set of sequences whose bandwidth is the first bandwidth based on a first bandwidth; this sequence is the second sequence. For instance, referring to Table 2, assuming bandwidth 4 is the first bandwidth, the IoT device can determine that the second sequence is sequence 4. That is, the IoT device can send sequence 4 to the reader so that the reader can locate the IoT device based on sequence 4.

[0240] In this case, the first bandwidth can be B1, determined based on the positioning accuracy. Alternatively, the first bandwidth can also be a bandwidth greater than B1. For example, if the reader determines that there is no sequence with bandwidth B1 in the sequence set, the reader can determine a first bandwidth greater than B1 from the bandwidths corresponding to each sequence in the sequence set.

[0241] It is understood that there may be multiple bandwidths greater than B1 among the bandwidths corresponding to each sequence in the sequence set. Therefore, the reader can determine the first bandwidth in any way. For example, the first bandwidth could be the bandwidth closest to B1 among the bandwidths greater than B1. However, the embodiments of this application do not limit the method by which the reader determines the first bandwidth.

[0242] For example, referring to Table 2, assuming that bandwidth 4 and bandwidth 5 are greater than B1, the reader can determine the first bandwidth between bandwidth 4 and bandwidth 5 and indicate the first bandwidth to the tag. If the reader determines that the bandwidth closest to B1 is the first bandwidth, then when the difference between bandwidth 4 and B1 is less than the difference between bandwidth 5 and B1, the first bandwidth is bandwidth 4. The reader can then indicate the first bandwidth (i.e., bandwidth 4) to the IoT device, and the IoT device can determine that the second sequence is sequence 4 corresponding to bandwidth 4.

[0243] In the second scenario, the bandwidth of each sequence in the sequence set may not be the first bandwidth. The first bandwidth can be determined by the reader based on the positioning accuracy (B1). The IoT device can determine a second sequence in the sequence set with a bandwidth greater than the first bandwidth based on the first bandwidth. Therefore, the second sequence can be any sequence in the sequence set with a bandwidth greater than the first bandwidth; that is, the bandwidth of the second sequence is greater than the first bandwidth.

[0244] It is understood that among the sequences in the sequence set, there may be multiple sequences with bandwidths greater than the first bandwidth. Therefore, the IoT device can determine the second sequence from these sequences in any manner. For example, and to reduce resource overhead, the second sequence can be the sequence with the bandwidth closest to the first bandwidth among at least one sequence in the sequence set with a bandwidth greater than the first bandwidth; that is, among at least one sequence with a bandwidth greater than the first bandwidth, the difference between the bandwidth of the second sequence and the first bandwidth is minimized. However, the embodiments of this application do not limit the method by which the IoT device determines the second sequence.

[0245] For example, referring to Table 2, assuming that bandwidth 4 and bandwidth 5 are greater than the first bandwidth, the reader can determine the second sequence from sequence 4 corresponding to bandwidth 4 and sequence 5 corresponding to bandwidth 5. The second sequence can be either sequence 4 or sequence 5. Alternatively, when the difference between bandwidth 4 and the first bandwidth is less than the difference between bandwidth 5 and the first bandwidth, the reader can also determine that the bandwidth of the second sequence is bandwidth 4, and the second sequence is sequence 4.

[0246] In a third possible implementation, the second indication information includes indication information of the second sequence and the first bandwidth.

[0247] In Method 1, the reader can directly indicate the second sequence and the first bandwidth, so the IoT device can determine the second sequence and determine the bandwidth of the second sequence as the first bandwidth.

[0248] In Method 2, the indication information for the second sequence can be the index of the second sequence in the sequence set, and the second sequence and its bandwidth are determined based on the first bandwidth. That is, in some cases, there may be multiple sequences in the sequence set corresponding to one bandwidth, in which case the IoT device needs to determine the bandwidth of the second sequence and the second sequence based on the first bandwidth and the index of the second sequence.

[0249] For example, as shown in Table 3, assuming the sequence set includes sequences 11 to 19, sequences 11, 12, and 13 all correspond to bandwidth 'a'. Sequences 14, 15, 16, and 17 correspond to bandwidth 'b'. Sequences 18 and 19 correspond to bandwidth 'c'. Then, based on the first bandwidth, the IoT device can determine the bandwidth of the second sequence from the bandwidths of each sequence in the sequence set, and further determine the second sequence from one or more sequences corresponding to the bandwidth of the second sequence based on the index of the second sequence.

[0250] Table 3

[0251] In the third scenario, similar to the first scenario in the second possible implementation described above, the bandwidth of the second sequence is the first bandwidth. That is, if the bandwidth of each sequence in the sequence set includes the first bandwidth, then the first bandwidth is the bandwidth of the second sequence. Similar to the first scenario described above, the first bandwidth can be B1 determined based on the positioning accuracy, or it can be a bandwidth greater than B1 determined by the reader from the bandwidth of each sequence in the sequence set. For details, please refer to the description above; further elaboration will not be repeated here.

[0252] In this scenario, when determining the bandwidth of the second sequence, for example, by referring to Table 3 and determining the bandwidth b (indicated by the reader), the second sequence can be determined based on the index of the second sequence indicated by the reader. For example, assuming the index of the second sequence indicated by the reader is 0, the second sequence is sequence 14, sequence 15, sequence 16, and sequence 14 in sequence 17 corresponding to bandwidth b. That is, the IoT device can send sequence 14 to the reader with bandwidth b, so that the reader can locate the IoT device based on sequence 14.

[0253] In the fourth scenario, similar to the second scenario in the second possible implementation described above, the bandwidth of the second sequence is greater than the first bandwidth. That is, the bandwidth of each sequence in the sequence set is not the first bandwidth; the first bandwidth can be B1 determined by the reader based on the positioning accuracy. Therefore, the IoT device can determine the bandwidth of the second sequence that is greater than the first bandwidth from the bandwidths corresponding to each sequence in the sequence set.

[0254] It is understood that there may be multiple bandwidths in the sequence set that are greater than the first bandwidth. Therefore, the IoT device can determine the bandwidth of the second sequence in any way, and the second bandwidth can be any one of these bandwidths. For example, to minimize resource overhead, the bandwidth of the second sequence can be the bandwidth in the sequence set that is greater than and closest to the first bandwidth. However, this application does not limit the method by which the IoT device determines the bandwidth of the second sequence.

[0255] For example, referring to Table 3, assuming that bandwidth b and bandwidth c are greater than the first bandwidth, the bandwidth of the second sequence determined by the IoT device can be either bandwidth b or bandwidth c. Alternatively, when the difference between bandwidth b and the first bandwidth is less than the difference between bandwidth c and the first bandwidth, the IoT device can also determine the bandwidth of the second sequence as bandwidth b.

[0256] Furthermore, the IoT device can combine the index of the second sequence to determine the second sequence from among multiple sequences corresponding to the bandwidth of the second sequence (e.g., bandwidth b). For example, if the bandwidth of the second sequence is bandwidth b, the IoT device can determine the second sequence as sequence 14 based on index 0.

[0257] It should be understood that, similar to the first or second possible implementation, the sequence set, the bandwidth of each sequence in the sequence set, and the index of each sequence can be configured by the reader via signaling, or predefined by the protocol, or pre-built into the IoT device. See the description above; it will not be repeated here.

[0258] It should also be understood that Table 3 is merely an example. In the correspondence shown in Table 3, the sequence corresponding to each bandwidth can also be split into a separate table. Table 3 can then be split into a table corresponding to bandwidth a, which includes sequences 11, 12, and 13, and may include the indices of each of sequences 11, 12, and 13; a table corresponding to bandwidth b, which includes sequences 14, 15, 16, and 17, and may include the indices of each of sequences 14, 15, 16, and 17; and a table corresponding to bandwidth c, which includes sequences 18 and 19, and may include the indices of each of sequences 18 and 19. This application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0259] It should also be understood that Table 3 is only an example. In actual application scenarios, the indices of each sequence in the sequence set can be replaced with others, and the number of sequences included in the sequence set can be more or less, and the amount of bandwidth can be more or less. This application does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0260] It should be noted that, in the second or third possible implementation methods described above, when the second indication information includes the index of the second sequence, the index of the second sequence can be carried in the locamble_index field. For example, if locamble_index = 0, the IoT device can determine that the index of the second sequence is 0; or if locamble_index = 11, the IoT device can determine that the index of the second sequence is 3, etc.

[0261] Based on the above embodiments, when the IoT device determines the bandwidth of the second sequence, the frequency domain resources used to carry the second sequence can be determined in the following way.

[0262] In one possible implementation, method 600 further includes: the reader sending third indication information to the IoT device, the third indication information indicating frequency domain resources of the second sequence. Correspondingly, the IoT device receives the third indication information from the reader.

[0263] It should be understood that, given a fixed bandwidth for the second sequence, whether or not frequency hopping is used to transmit the second sequence will affect the frequency domain resources occupied by the second sequence. Therefore, the third indication information used to indicate the frequency domain resources of the second sequence can also be replaced with: the third indication information used to indicate whether or not frequency hopping is used to transmit the second sequence.

[0264] For example, as shown in Figure 7, each cell can be understood as a frequency domain resource unit under a time domain resource unit. For example, a time domain resource unit can be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, a slot, etc., while a frequency domain resource unit can be a subcarrier or a resource element (RE), etc. For the sake of brevity, a frequency domain resource unit under a time domain resource unit will be simply referred to as a resource unit in the following text.

[0265] When transmitting the second sequence without frequency hopping, the frequency domain carrying the second sequence can be as shown in Figure 7(a), that is, from the perspective of the frequency domain, the second sequence occupies each resource unit sequentially, provided that the bandwidth of the second sequence is met. When transmitting the second sequence using frequency hopping, the frequency domain resources carrying the second sequence can be as shown in Figure 7(b) or Figure 7(c).

[0266] Figures 7(b) and 7(c) can be understood as illustrations of two frequency hopping methods. For example, that is, from the perspective of the frequency domain, under the premise of satisfying the bandwidth of the second sequence, the resource units occupied by the second sequence can be distributed with a spacing of 1 resource unit (as shown in Figure 7(b)), or, the resource units occupied by the second sequence can be distributed with a spacing of 2 resource units (as shown in Figure 7(c)), or, the resource units occupied by the second sequence can also be distributed with a spacing of more than 10 resource units, which will not be shown here.

[0267] It should be understood that the time-frequency domain resources carrying the second sequence shown in Figure 7 are merely examples, and the time-domain resources carrying the second sequence may also be more time-domain resource units, such as more OFDM symbols; and / or, the bandwidth of the second sequence may also be larger or smaller. This application does not impose any specific limitations in this regard.

[0268] When transmitting the second sequence using frequency hopping, the IoT device may need to determine the frequency hopping method. In possible scenario 1, the frequency hopping method can be predefined by the protocol. For example, the predefined frequency modulation method is similar to the frequency hopping method shown in Figure 7(b), that is, the resource units carrying the second sequence are distributed at intervals of 1 resource unit, or the predefined frequency modulation method is similar to the frequency hopping method shown in Figure 7(c), that is, the resource units carrying the second sequence are distributed at intervals of 2 resource units. The third indication information can then be used to indicate whether to transmit the second sequence using frequency hopping. This allows the IoT device to determine the frequency domain resources occupied by the second sequence based on the third indication information.

[0269] In scenario 2, the frequency hopping method can be indicated by the reader via signaling. Therefore, when transmitting the second sequence using frequency hopping, the third indication information can indicate both the frequency hopping method and the transmission of the second sequence, or it can indicate the frequency hopping method itself. That is, if the third indication information indicates frequency hopping, the IoT device can also determine that frequency hopping is necessary for transmitting the second sequence.

[0270] Frequency hopping mode can be indicated, for example, by the number of resource units at intervals. For example, when indicating the frequency hopping mode shown in Figure 7(b), the third indication information can indicate 1, indicating that, from the frequency domain perspective, the resource units carrying the second sequence are distributed at intervals of 1 resource unit; when indicating the frequency hopping mode shown in Figure 7(c), the third indication information can indicate 2, indicating that, from the frequency domain perspective, the resource units carrying the second sequence are distributed at intervals of 2 resource units.

[0271] It should be understood that the second and third instruction information shown above can be carried in the same signaling or in different signaling. Furthermore, if the second and third instruction information are carried in the same signaling, they can be carried in the same or different fields. Additionally, the second and / or third instruction information can be carried in the first request or in other signaling; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0272] In addition to the second sequence, the bandwidth of the second sequence, and the frequency domain resources of the second sequence shown above, the position of the second sequence in the D2R transmission (first message) can be determined in the following way.

[0273] It can be understood that the position of the second sequence in the D2R transmission (first message) can also be understood as the position of the second sequence in the frame structure of the D2R transmission (first message). For ease of understanding, we will first explain the frame structure of the D2R transmission excluding the second sequence with reference to Figure 8. Alternatively, the frame structure shown in Figure 8 can also be understood as the frame structure of the first message when the first sequence is one or more of the preamble, intermediate preamble, or postamble.

[0274] As shown in Figure 8, D2R transmission typically includes a preamble, followed by information transmitted via the physical device reader channel (PDRCH). In the figure, PDRCH represents the information transmitted via PDRCH. D2R transmission may also include intermediate preambles, which are typically inserted into the information transmitted via PDRCH, and there may be one or more intermediate preambles. And / or, D2R transmission may also include a post-preamble, which is typically located at the end of the D2R transmission.

[0275] That is, for D2R transmission, it may include any of the following: preamble; preamble + X intermediate preambles, X≥1; preamble + postamble; or, preamble + Y intermediate preambles + postamble, Y≥1.

[0276] Based on this, in one possible implementation, the position of the second sequence in the frame structure of the first message satisfies any one or more of the following.

[0277] Item 1: The second sequence follows the preamble.

[0278] It is understandable that the first message usually includes a preamble. In order not to affect the performance of the preamble and to enable the reader to determine the starting position of the first message based on the preamble, the second sequence can be located after the preamble.

[0279] As shown in Figure 9, the frame structure of the D2R transmission (first message) can be as shown in Figure 9(a). In this case, it can also be understood that the second sequence follows the information transmitted via PDRCH.

[0280] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9(b), the second sequence can be located between the preamble and the information transmitted via PDRCH.

[0281] Furthermore, in this case, the first message may include intermediate preamble and / or postamble, or it may not include intermediate preamble and postamble.

[0282] Item 2: The second sequence precedes the preamble. For example, the frame structure of a D2R transmission (first message) can be as shown in Figure 9(c). Alternatively, in this case, it can also be understood that the second sequence is located at the very beginning of the first message, that is, at the very beginning of the frame structure of the first message.

[0283] Furthermore, in this case, the first message may include intermediate preamble and / or postamble, or it may not include intermediate preamble and postamble.

[0284] Item 3: When the first message also includes one or more intermediate preambles, the second sequence is located after those one or more intermediate preambles. This is similar to Figure 9(a), where one or more intermediate preambles can be inserted into the information transmitted via PDRCH, and the second sequence can be located after the information transmitted via PDRCH. In this case, it can also be understood that the second sequence is located after the information transmitted via PDRCH.

[0285] Alternatively, when the first message includes one or more intermediate preambles (which may or may not include a post-preamble), the second sequence may be set at a position adjacent to any intermediate preamble. For example, the second sequence may also be inserted into the information transmitted via PDRCH, and similar to (d) in Figure 9, the second sequence may be located after any intermediate preamble.

[0286] Furthermore, in this case, the first message may or may not include a postcode.

[0287] Item 4: When the first message also includes one or more intermediate preambles, the second sequence is located before those one or more intermediate preambles. This is similar to Figure 9(b), where one or more intermediate preambles can be inserted into the information transmitted via PDRCH, and the second sequence can be located before the information transmitted via PDRCH. In this case, it can also be understood that the second sequence is located before the information transmitted via PDRCH.

[0288] Alternatively, when the first message includes one or more intermediate preambles (which may or may not include a post-preamble), the second sequence may be set in a position adjacent to any intermediate preamble. For example, the second sequence may also be inserted into the information transmitted via PDRCH, and similar to (e) in Figure 9, the second sequence may be located before any intermediate preamble.

[0289] Furthermore, in this case, the first message may or may not include a postcode.

[0290] Item 5: The second sequence is inserted into the information transmitted via PDRCH. For example, the frame structure of D2R transmission (first message) can be shown in Figure 9(f).

[0291] Furthermore, in this case, the first message may include intermediate preamble and / or postamble, or it may not include intermediate preamble and postamble.

[0292] Item 6: When the first message also includes a postcode, the second sequence is located after the postcode. This is similar to (g) in Figure 9, where the information transmitted via PDRCH may or may not include an intermediate precode. The second sequence can be located after the postcode so as not to affect the functionality of the intermediate and / or postcodes.

[0293] Item 7: When the first message also includes a postcode, the second sequence is located before the postcode. Then the frame structure of the first message is similar to that in Figure 9(a).

[0294] In this case, the information transmitted via PDRCH may or may not contain an intermediate preamble.

[0295] Item 8: The second sequence is located at the end of the first message.

[0296] That is, the second sequence is located at the end of the frame structure of the first message. In this case, the first message may include intermediate preambles and / or post-preambles, or it may not include intermediate preambles and post-preambles. For example, when the first message does not include intermediate preambles and post-preambles, the frame structure of the first message is similar to that in Figure 9(a), but it does not include a post-preamble, and no intermediate preamble is inserted in the information transmitted via PDRCH. When the first message does not include intermediate preambles but includes post-preambles, the frame structure of the first message is similar to that in Figure 9(a), but it includes a post-preamble, and no intermediate preamble is inserted in the information transmitted via PDRCH. When the first message includes intermediate preambles but does not include post-preambles, the frame structure of the first message is similar to that in Figure 9(a), but it does not include a post-preamble, and one or more intermediate preambles are inserted in the information transmitted via PDRCH.

[0297] It should be noted that the second sequence can be set at any position in the frame structure of the first message, so that the reader can perform positioning measurements through the second sequence. The position of the second sequence in this embodiment is not specifically limited.

[0298] It should be understood that in this application, the "after" used to describe the position of the second sequence is relative to the order in which the reader receives the information. For example, if the second sequence is located after the preamble, it means that when the reader receives the first message, it can receive the preamble first and then receive the second sequence.

[0299] Based on the above embodiments, the position of the second sequence in the first message can be predefined by the protocol, or it can be indicated by the reader via signaling. For example, method 600 further includes: the reader sending fourth indication information to the IoT device, the fourth indication information indicating the position of the second sequence in the first message, such as indicating any one of items 1 to 8 above. Correspondingly, the IoT device receives the fourth indication information from the reader.

[0300] That is, the fourth indication information can indicate the absolute position of the second sequence in the first message, such as indicating that the second sequence is located at the end of the first message, at the beginning of the first message, or inserted into information transmitted via PDRCH. It can also indicate the relative position of the second sequence with one or more of the preamble, information transmitted via PDRCH, intermediate preamble, or postamble included in the first message, such as indicating that the second sequence is after the preamble and before the information transmitted via PDRCH; or indicating that the second sequence is before the postamble and after the information transmitted via PDRCH. The reader can indicate the position of the second sequence in the frame structure of the first message in any way, and this application does not specifically limit this.

[0301] It should be understood that the fourth instruction information may be carried in the first request or transmitted through signaling outside the first request, and this application does not specifically limit this.

[0302] It should be noted that the methods readers use to instruct IoT devices to perform location tracking, or the parameters (or information) configured for the IoT devices, may differ depending on the capabilities of the devices themselves. Therefore, before performing location tracking, the reader can first obtain the device capabilities of the IoT device. Specifically, as follows.

[0303] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a positioning method 1000 provided in an embodiment of the application. Method 1000 is applicable to communication system 200, communication system 300, or communication system 400, and includes the following steps:

[0304] S1001, The reader sends a second request to the IoT device, the second request being used to request the IoT device's device capabilities. Correspondingly, the IoT device receives the second request from the reader.

[0305] The second request may also be referred to as a capability request, a device capability request, or a positioning capability request, etc. This application does not specifically limit the name of the second request.

[0306] In one possible implementation, the second request carries information indicating the IoT device. Thus, when the second request carries information indicating the device, the IoT device can determine that it needs to report its capabilities. The information indicating the IoT device may be, for example, an electronic code, an ID, or a device ID.

[0307] S1002, the IoT device sends a fifth indication message to the reader, which indicates the device capabilities of the IoT device. Correspondingly, the reader receives the fifth indication message from the IoT device.

[0308] It should be understood that the fifth indication information may, for example, be carried in a device capability message (or location capability message) sent by the IoT device to the reader. The device capabilities indicated by the fifth indication information may include, for example, whether it supports active signal transmission and / or the device type, etc.

[0309] Whether an IoT device supports actively transmitting signals indicates whether it needs to transmit signals via backscatter. Device types can include, for example, device 1, device 2a, device 2b, or device c. Device 1 and device 2a do not support actively transmitting signals, while device 2b and device c do. Therefore, the reader can determine whether an IoT device supports actively transmitting signals based on the device type it transmits.

[0310] The fifth indication information can be carried in the IoT device type (device_type) field, for example.

[0311] For example, when the fifth indication information indicates whether the tag supports actively transmitting signals, the device_type field can reserve 1 bit, or it can reserve multiple bits. When the device_type field reserves 1 bit, if the fifth indication information is 1 (or 0), that is, when device_type = 1 (or 0), it can indicate that the IoT device supports actively transmitting signals; if the fifth indication information is 0 (or 1), that is, when device_type = 0 (or 1), it can indicate that the IoT device does not support actively transmitting signals.

[0312] For example, when the fifth indication information indicates the device type of the tag, the device_type field can reserve 2 bits or more bits. Then, when 2 bits are reserved in the device_type field, as shown in Table 4, when the fifth indication information is 00 (i.e., device_type = 00), it can indicate that the IoT device's device type is device 1; when the fifth indication information is 01 (i.e., device_type = 01), it can indicate that the IoT device's device type is device 2a; when the fifth indication information is 10 (i.e., device_type = 10), it can indicate that the IoT device's device type is device 2b; and when the fifth indication information is 11 (i.e., device_type = 11), it can indicate that the IoT device's device type is device c.

[0313] Table 4

[0314] It should be understood that Table 4 is merely an example, and the information used to indicate different device types can be interchanged. For example, device_type=01 can indicate device 1, device_type=00 can indicate device 2b, device_type=10 can indicate device 2a, etc. This application does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0315] It should be noted that, in some cases, multiple location measurements may be performed on an IoT device for more accurate positioning or tracking. Therefore, using the fifth indication information, when the reader determines that the IoT device supports actively transmitting signals, it can instruct the IoT device to periodically send the first sequence. This reduces signaling overhead during the positioning process.

[0316] For example, referring to Figure 11, as shown in Figure 11(a), if a periodic positioning method is not used, the reader may need to send positioning requests (such as the first request) to the IoT device multiple times during the positioning measurement process, and the IoT device can respond to each positioning request by sending a first sequence for positioning to the reader once. For example, if four positioning measurements are required, the reader needs to send four positioning requests to the IoT device. If the IoT device supports actively sending signals, as shown in Figure 11(b), the reader can send one positioning request, and the IoT device can periodically send four first sequences for positioning. Compared to the situation shown in Figure 11(a), the number of times the reader sends positioning requests can be reduced, resulting in lower signaling overhead.

[0317] Alternatively, when the reader determines that the IoT device does not support actively sending signals, it can instruct the IoT device to periodically send a first sequence, that is, instruct the IoT device to perform non-periodic positioning measurements.

[0318] S1003, the reader sends a first request to the IoT device, the first request being used to request the location of the IoT device. Correspondingly, the IoT device can receive the first request from the reader.

[0319] S1004, the IoT device sends a first message to the reader, the first message including a first sequence, the first sequence being used for positioning; correspondingly, the reader receives the first message from the IoT device.

[0320] S1005. The reader locates the IoT device based on the first sequence.

[0321] It should be understood that the implementation of S1003 to S1005 is similar to the implementation of S601 to S603, except that the reader can also instruct the IoT device whether to perform positioning measurements periodically, as follows.

[0322] In scenario 1, the fifth instruction indicates that the IoT device supports actively sending signals. The reader instructs the IoT device to perform periodic positioning measurements.

[0323] Optionally, method 1000 further includes: the reader sending a sixth indication message to the IoT device, the sixth indication message indicating one or more of the following: periodic positioning measurements, the period of positioning measurements (the period of sending the first sequence), the time-domain location of the first transmission of the first sequence, or the number of times the first sequence is sent. Correspondingly, the IoT device receives the sixth indication message from the reader.

[0324] Periodic positioning measurements can also be understood as a method of periodic positioning measurement. The period of positioning measurement can also be understood as the period during which the IoT device sends the first sequence, or the time interval between two consecutive transmissions of the first sequence. The time-domain position of the first transmission of the first sequence can also be understood as the starting time-domain position of the first transmission of the first sequence. For example, it can be determined by the time-domain position at the end of the IoT device receiving the first request and the second interval, where the second interval is the interval between the time-domain position at the end of the IoT device receiving the first request and the starting time-domain position of the first transmission of the first sequence.

[0325] Optionally, the number of times the first sequence is sent can be determined based on the duration of the IoT device being in the first state (e.g., the ON state). That is, the IoT device can actively send signals in the first state. After the IoT device switches from the first ON state to the second state (e.g., the sleep state or the OFF state, which are states where no signals are sent), the IoT device can no longer send signals. Therefore, the number of times the first sequence is sent can be determined based on the duration of the IoT device being in the first state, and the reader can obtain the duration of the IoT device being in the first state.

[0326] For example, method 1000 further includes: the IoT device sending information indicating the duration to the reader; correspondingly, the reader receiving the information indicating the duration from the IoT device. The number of times the first sequence is sent can be determined based on the duration. The information indicating the duration and the fifth indication information can both be carried in, for example, a device capability message sent by the IoT device to the reader.

[0327] Assuming the number of times the first sequence is sent is num, the surrounding area of ​​the positioning measurement is T, the second interval is G, and the interval between the fifth indication information and the time domain location of the first request is Q, then (num-1)×T+G+Q is less than the duration of the first state. Referring to Figure 12, the capability feedback can include the fifth indication information and information indicating the duration of the first state. Assuming the fifth indication information indicates that the IoT device supports actively sending signals, and the duration indicated by the information indicating the duration of the first state is 10 time domain resource units (TRPs), such as 10 slots, 10 OFDM symbols, or even 1 ms, etc., the reader indicates periodic positioning measurements to the IoT device through the second request, indicating a positioning measurement period of T, indicating the number of times the first sequence is sent is 2, and indicating the second interval G. Then T+G+Q is less than the duration of the first state.

[0328] It is understandable that, still referring to Figure 12, the IoT device can determine the starting time domain position of the first transmission of the first sequence based on the second interval (G) and the end time domain position of receiving the first request.

[0329] In this scenario, it is understandable that since the IoT device can determine the need for periodic positioning measurements when the reader indicates the positioning measurement period to the IoT device, the sixth indication information may not indicate periodic positioning measurements. Furthermore, the sixth indication information may not indicate the number of times the first sequence is sent, and the IoT device may not report the duration of being in the first state. Since the IoT device cannot continue sending the first sequence after switching from the first state to the second state, the IoT device can send the first sequence according to the positioning measurement period until it switches from the first state to the second state, provided the reader does not indicate the number of times the first signal is sent. Additionally, the sixth indication information may not indicate the time domain location of the first transmission of the first sequence; for example, the IoT device may send the first sequence (or first message) immediately after receiving the first request. Therefore, the sixth indication information may refer to one or more of the above, and this application does not specifically limit it.

[0330] In scenario 2, the fifth instruction indicates that the IoT device does not support actively sending signals. The reader instructs the IoT device to perform a positioning measurement.

[0331] Optionally, method 1000 further includes: the reader sending a seventh indication message to the IoT device, the seventh indication message indicating one or more of the following: performing a positioning measurement, sending the time-domain location of the first sequence, or sending the first sequence once.

[0332] Here, performing a single positioning measurement can also be understood as performing non-periodic positioning measurements or non-periodic positioning measurements. The time-domain location of the first sequence can be referred to the description in Case 1.

[0333] In this context, it is understood that since the IoT device can also determine to send the first sequence once when the reader instructs it to perform a positioning measurement, the seventh indication information may not necessarily indicate that the first sequence is sent once. Furthermore, the seventh indication information may not necessarily indicate the temporal location of the first sequence transmission; for example, the IoT device may send the first sequence (or first message) immediately after receiving the first request. Therefore, the seventh indication information may refer to one or more of the above, and this application does not specifically limit it.

[0334] It should be noted that in scenario 2, the seventh indication information is optional. That is, if the reader determines that the IoT device does not support actively transmitting signals, it may not send the information indicating periodic positioning measurements to the IoT device. Therefore, even if the reader does not indicate periodic positioning measurements, the IoT device can still determine to perform a positioning measurement.

[0335] It should also be noted that the sixth or seventh instruction information may be included in the first request or sent via other signaling. This application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0336] In both of the above cases, whether periodic positioning measurements are performed can be indicated, for example, by the period field (period_flag) in the first request.

[0337] When the first request (or the sixth indication information) includes period_flag = 1 (or 0), it can indicate that positioning measurements are performed periodically. Furthermore, the period of positioning measurements can be indicated, for example, by the T_Lo field included in the first request (or the sixth indication information), such as T_Lo = T, indicating that the period of positioning measurements is T. And the number of times the first signal is sent can be indicated, for example, by the num field included in the first request (or the sixth indication information). For example, num = 3 indicates that the first sequence is sent 3 times.

[0338] When the first request (or the seventh indication information) includes period_flag = 0 (or 1), it can indicate that a positioning measurement is being performed. Furthermore, the time-domain location of transmitting the first sequence can be indicated, for example, by the T_Lo field in the first request; for instance, T_Lo = G indicates that the interval between the start time-domain location of transmitting the first sequence and the end time-domain location of receiving the first request is G. And transmitting a first signal can be indicated, for example, by num = 1 included in the first request (or the seventh indication information).

[0339] In other words, the information indicated by the T_Lo field can have different meanings depending on the different period_flag fields.

[0340] Alternatively, period_flag can indicate a single positioning measurement; it can also indicate periodic positioning measurements and the period (T) of the positioning measurement.

[0341] When the first request (or the sixth indication information) includes period_flag = T, it can indicate that positioning measurements are performed periodically, and the period of the positioning measurement is T. Furthermore, the number of times the first signal is transmitted can be indicated, for example, by the num field included in the first request (or the sixth indication information). For example, num = 3 indicates that the first sequence is transmitted 3 times. The time-domain position of the first transmission of the first sequence can be indicated, for example, by the T_Lo field in the first request (or the sixth indication information). For example, T_Lo = G indicates that the interval between the start time-domain position of the first transmission of the first sequence and the end time-domain position of receiving the first request is G. In this case, the positioning measurement process can be as shown in Figure 13(a).

[0342] When the first request (or the seventh indication information) includes period_flag = 0 (or 1), it can indicate that a positioning measurement is being performed, i.e., no periodic positioning measurement is being performed. Sending a first signal can be indicated, for example, by num = 1 included in the first request (or the seventh indication information). The time-domain position of sending the first sequence can be indicated, for example, by the T_Lo field in the first request (or the seventh indication information), for example, T_Lo = G, indicating that the interval between the start time-domain position of sending the first sequence and the end time-domain position of receiving the first request is G. In this case, the positioning measurement process can be as shown in Figure 13(b).

[0343] It should be noted that, similar to method 600, in method 1000, the first sequence sent by the IoT device can also be a second sequence specifically for positioning, or one of the preamble, intermediate preamble, or postamble in the first message. Furthermore, whether the first sequence is a positioning-specific sequence can also be indicated by the reader. For example, the first indication information in method 600. The difference is that the first indication information can be carried in either the first request or the second request.

[0344] Furthermore, similar to method 600, in method 1000, the reader can also indicate a second sequence to the IoT device. For example, the second sequence can be indicated via second indication information. The method by which the reader indicates the second sequence and determines the first bandwidth can be found in the description of method 600. The difference is that the second indication information can be carried in either the first request or the second request. Similarly, the third and / or fourth indication information in method 600 can also be carried in either the first or the second request. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0345] That is, in method 1000, compared with method 600, the relevant content for determining whether to perform positioning measurement periodically is added. The implementation of the rest is similar to method 600, and can be referred to the description above, which will not be repeated here.

[0346] In addition to the positioning methods mentioned above, in some possible implementations, the reader can determine whether the radius of the cell coverage area is less than or equal to the required positioning accuracy. If the radius of the cell coverage area is less than or equal to the positioning accuracy, it means that determining which cell the IoT device is in can also meet the positioning accuracy requirements. For example, if the required positioning accuracy may be at the level of hundreds of meters, then the radius of the cell coverage area may be less than or equal to the positioning accuracy.

[0347] In this scenario, the reader can also instruct the IoT device to report the identifier of the cell it is in. This allows the reader to determine the cell the IoT device is located in.

[0348] In another scenario, the reader can determine if the radius of the cell coverage area is greater than the required positioning accuracy. This indicates that simply determining which cell the IoT device is in is insufficient to meet the positioning accuracy requirements. In such cases, positioning measurements can be performed using either method 600 or method 1000 described above.

[0349] It should be noted that the order of the methods listed above does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0350] It should also be noted that the embodiments of this application provide a variety of fields, and the names of each field are examples. In actual application scenarios, the names of each field can also be replaced with other ones, and this application does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0351] The positioning method of the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 6 to 13. The communication device of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 14 to 18. The communication device includes modules or units for executing the corresponding parts of each of the above embodiments. The modules or units can be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The following is only a brief illustrative description of the communication device; for details of the implementation, please refer to the description of the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated below.

[0352] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 14, the communication device 1400 includes a transceiver module 1401.

[0353] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1400 is used to implement the steps corresponding to the IoT device in the above-described method 600 or method 1000.

[0354] The transceiver module 1401 is used to send a first message, the first message including a first sequence, the first sequence being used to locate the device 1400. The device 1400 may also include a processing module 1402, which can be used to determine the first message.

[0355] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: receive a first request, the first request being used to request the positioning of the device 1400.

[0356] Optionally, the first request carries first indication information, which indicates that the first sequence is one or more of a preamble, an intermediate preamble, or a postamble.

[0357] Optionally, the first request carries first indication information, which is used to indicate that the first sequence is the second sequence, and the second sequence is a sequence specifically used for positioning.

[0358] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: receive second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate a second sequence.

[0359] Optionally, the second indication information includes the index of the first bandwidth and / or the second sequence.

[0360] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: receive information indicating a set of sequences, the set of sequences including a second sequence.

[0361] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is also used to: display the frequency domain resources of the second sequence.

[0362] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: receive fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate the position of the second sequence.

[0363] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is also configured to: send a fifth indication message, the fifth indication message being used to indicate the device capability of the device 1400.

[0364] Optionally, the device capability indicator 1400 supports active signal transmission, and the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: receive sixth indication information, which indicates one or more of the following: whether positioning measurement is performed periodically, the period of transmitting the first sequence, the time domain position of the first transmission of the first sequence, or the number of times the first sequence is transmitted.

[0365] Optionally, the number of times the first sequence is sent is determined based on the duration of the device 1400 being in the first state; the transceiver module 1401 is also configured to: send information indicating the duration.

[0366] Optionally, the device capability indicator 1400 does not support active signal transmission, and the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: receive seventh indication information, which indicates one or more of the following: perform a positioning measurement, transmit the time domain position of the first sequence, or transmit the first sequence once.

[0367] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: receive a second request, the second request being used to request the device capability of the device 1400.

[0368] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1400 is used to implement the steps corresponding to the reader in method 600 or method 1000 described above.

[0369] The transceiver module 1401 is used to receive a first message from an IoT device, the first message including a first sequence, the first sequence being used for positioning; the processing module 1402 is used to locate the IoT device based on the first sequence.

[0370] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: send a first request, the first request being used to request the location of the IoT device.

[0371] Optionally, the first request carries first indication information, which indicates that the first sequence is one or more of a preamble, an intermediate preamble, or a postamble.

[0372] Optionally, the first request carries first indication information, which is used to indicate that the first sequence is the second sequence, and the second sequence is a sequence specifically used for positioning.

[0373] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: send second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate a second sequence.

[0374] Optionally, the second indication information includes the index of the first bandwidth and / or the second sequence.

[0375] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: send information indicating a set of sequences, the set of sequences including a second sequence.

[0376] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: send third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate the frequency domain resources of the second sequence.

[0377] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: send fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate the position of the second sequence.

[0378] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: receive fifth indication information, which is used to indicate the device capabilities of the IoT device.

[0379] Optionally, the device capability indicates that the IoT device supports actively sending signals, and the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: send a sixth indication information, which indicates one or more of the following: whether positioning measurements are performed periodically, the period of sending the first sequence, the time domain location of the first transmission of the first sequence, or the number of times the first sequence is sent.

[0380] Optionally, the number of times the first sequence is sent is determined based on the duration of the IoT device being in the first state; the transceiver module 1401 is also configured to: receive information indicating the duration.

[0381] Optionally, if the device capability indicates that the IoT device does not support actively sending signals, the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: send a seventh indication information, the seventh indication information being used to indicate one or more of the following: performing a positioning measurement, sending the time domain position of the first sequence, or sending the first sequence once.

[0382] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 is further configured to: send a second request, the second request being used to request the device capabilities of the IoT device.

[0383] It should be understood that the communication device 1400 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here can refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors, etc.) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device 1400 can specifically be an IoT device or reader as described in the above embodiments. The communication device 1400 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the IoT device or reader in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0384] The communication device 1400 described above has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the IoT device or reader in the above method; the above functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device 1400 in FIG14 can also be a chip, such as a SOC.

[0385] Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1500 includes a processor 1501, a transceiver 1502, and a memory 1503. The processor 1501, transceiver 1502, and memory 1503 communicate with each other via internal interconnection paths. The memory 1503 stores instructions, such as computer-defined code. The processor 1501 executes the instructions stored in the memory 1503 to control the transceiver 1502 to send and / or receive signals.

[0386] It should be understood that the communication device 1500 may specifically be an IoT device or reader as described in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the IoT device or reader in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1503 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 1501 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 1501 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 1501 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments. The transceiver 1502 may include a transmitter 15021, a receiver 15022, and an antenna 15023. The transmitter 15021 may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver for performing the transmission action. For example, the transmitter 15021 may be used to transmit information to another device through the antenna 15023. Receiver 15022 can be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver described above for performing the receiving action. For example, receiver 15022 can be used to receive information from another device via antenna 15023.

[0387] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), or it may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), ASICs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0388] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, combining them with its hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0389] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of an O-RAN system according to an embodiment of this application. The O-RAN system may also include other components besides those shown in Figure 16.

[0390] As shown in Figure 16, the network device in this embodiment can also be called an access network device. The access network device (i.e., RAN, such as an eNB, gNB, or next-generation access network device) can communicate with the core network (CN) through a backhaul link, or it can communicate with the terminal device through an air interface.

[0391] Specifically, the baseband unit (BBU) in the access network equipment communicates with the core network equipment via a backhaul link; the radio unit (RU) in the access network equipment communicates with at least one terminal device via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located.

[0392] The BBU includes at least one control unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU), which can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0393] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a wireless access network system according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 17, the wireless access network system includes core network equipment, RAN equipment, and terminal equipment. The RAN equipment includes CU, DU, and RU.

[0394] The CU (Core Unit) includes platforms that perform upper-layer (L2) and L3 functions. For example, the CU carries traffic between the CU and DU (Dedicated Utility Unit) through the midhaul interface; the CU carries traffic between the CU and core network equipment through the backhaul interface. L2, also known as Layer 2, can include the MAC layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. L3, also known as Layer 3, can include the RRC (Remote Control Code) layer and the non-access stratum (NAS) layer.

[0395] The DU performs L1 and some L2 functions, while the RU performs L1 computation and radio frequency (RF) digital functions. The fronthaul interface carries traffic between the RU and DU. L1, also known as Layer 1, can represent the physical (PHY) layer.

[0396] Optionally, when the DU is an integrated DU, the integrated DU includes the aforementioned DU and RU functions.

[0397] The CU / DU hardware includes a chassis platform, motherboard, peripherals, and cooling system. The motherboard contains processing units, memory, internal I / O interfaces, and external connection ports. Its hardware accelerator is designed with interfaces, and hardware functional components include: storage for software, hardware, and system debugging interfaces, and a single-board management controller.

[0398] DU systems are typically implemented using multi-core processors and one or more hardware accelerators. Parts of the DU protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the multi-core processor, while computationally intensive L1 and L2 functions can be offloaded to a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) / graphics processing unit (GPU)-based hardware accelerator; alternatively, all L1 functions can be offloaded to an FPGA / GPU-based hardware accelerator, while other protocol stack components are implemented in software running on the processor; or the entire protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the processor. The hardware accelerator supports interconnection with the processor. Similarly, the accelerator has a multi-channel peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interface pointing to the CPU and external connections via gigabit Ethernet (GbE) connectivity.

[0399] The RU consists of three parts: the O-RAN processing unit (OPU), which receives eCPRI frames from the O-RAN fronthaul and performs fronthaul interface, lowest-level L1 (coding, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding), synchronization, beamforming, and resource unit mapping. The OPU can be implemented as a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC. The O-RU's digital processing unit (DPU) performs synchronization, digital down-conversion (DDC) in the UL, digital up-conversion (DUC) in the DL, crest factor reduction (CFR), and digital pre-distortion (DPD). It improves power amplifier efficiency by reducing the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) / adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) of the RF front-end; the DPU can be implemented as an FPGA or ASIC. The O-RU's RF processing unit includes a transceiver module, up / down converters, power amplifiers (PA), low-noise amplifiers (LNA), and transmit (Tx) / receive (Rx) filters. All conversions between the analog and digital domains, such as digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), RF sampling, frequency conversion using RF during up-conversion and down-conversion, and mixing with the intermediate frequency (IF) and local oscillator (LO), are performed within the transceiver module. Note that the physical and logical partitions within the RF processing unit do not require specific boundaries.

[0400] Figure 18 is a diagram showing the network element function division and protocol layer structure of an O-RAN device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0401] In some examples, the CU is a logical node carrying the RRC layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU connects to network nodes such as core network equipment through interfaces, which may be E2 interfaces, etc. Optionally, the CU may possess some of the functions of the core network equipment. The CU (e.g., PDCP layer and higher layers) connects to the DU (e.g., RLC layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which may be F1 interfaces, etc. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., F1 interfaces) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions, such as interface management, system information management, UE context management, and RRC message transmission. F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface, defining the F1 signaling procedures in some examples. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0402] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP (control unit-control plane) and CU-UP (control unit-user plane). CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and PDCP-C (control plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) in a 5G system. AMF network elements are responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and PDCP-U (user plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements in the core network, such as the UPF (user plane function) in a 5G system, are responsible for data forwarding and receiving in terminal devices. The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0403] In some examples, a DU is a logical node that carries the radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which may be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0404] In some examples, the RU is a logical node carrying both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing, also known as RF chain. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP), a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entities. In some examples, the low-PHY includes PHY processing functions such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0405] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a lower-layer split-control, user, and synchronization (LLS-CUS) interface through a fronthaul link. LLS-CUS may include LLS-C and LLS-U interfaces, respectively providing the control plane (C-plane) and user plane (U-plane). In some examples, the control plane (C-plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via an LLS-M interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0406] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0407] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples.

[0408] This application also provides a communication device, which can be a chip system, or an apparatus configured with a chip system to implement the methods described in the above-described method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0409] The communication device may include a processor that can be used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory to perform the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the IoT device or reader in the above method embodiments.

[0410] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface. This communication interface can be used to communicate with other devices via a transmission medium, enabling the communication device to communicate with other devices. The communication interface may be, for example, a transceiver, an input / output interface, pins, a bus, a transceiver circuit, or a device capable of transmitting and receiving data. The processor can utilize the communication interface to input and output data to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the reader or IoT device in the above method embodiments.

[0411] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes at least one memory for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory and processor are coupled. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor may operate in conjunction with the memory. The processor may execute program instructions stored in the memory.

[0412] Alternatively, the memory may be a memory disposed within the device. Exemplarily, the memory may be integrated with the processor; or, the memory may be disposed separately from the processor.

[0413] Alternatively, the memory may be external to the device. It may also be external to the communication device.

[0414] This application also provides a communication system, including a first IoT device and a second IoT device. The first IoT device is used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the IoT device in the above method embodiments; the second IoT device is used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the reader in the above method embodiments.

[0415] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program for implementing the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0416] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, allows the computer to perform the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0417] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the modules 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.

[0418] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and modules described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0419] 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 modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules 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 modules may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0420] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0421] In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module.

[0422] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional modules 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, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, 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, ROM, random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0423] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A positioning method, characterized in that, Applied to a first Internet of Things (IoT) device, the method includes: Send a first message, the first message including a first sequence, the first sequence being used to locate the first IoT device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first request is received, which is used to request the location of the first IoT device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first request carries first indication information, which indicates that the first sequence is one or more of a preamble, an intermediate preamble, or a postamble.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first request carries first indication information, which indicates that the first sequence is a second sequence, and the second sequence is a sequence specifically used for positioning.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second indication information, which is used to indicate the second sequence.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second indication information includes the first bandwidth and / or the index of the second sequence.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive information indicating a set of sequences, the set of sequences including the second sequence.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third indication information, which is used to indicate the frequency domain resources of the second sequence.

9. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive fourth indication information, which is used to indicate the position of the second sequence.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fifth indication message, which is used to indicate the device capabilities of the first IoT device.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The device capability indicates that the first IoT device supports actively sending signals, and the method further includes: Receive a sixth indication message, which indicates one or more of the following: Whether positioning measurements are performed periodically, the period of sending the first sequence, the time-domain location of the first transmission of the first sequence, or the number of times the first sequence is sent.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The number of times the first sequence is sent is determined based on the duration of the first IoT device being in the first state; The method includes: Send information indicating the duration.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The device capability indicates that the first IoT device does not support actively transmitting signals, and the method further includes: Receive a seventh indication message, which indicates one or more of the following: One instance is defined as the number of times a positioning measurement is performed, the time-domain location of the first sequence is sent, or the first sequence is sent.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: A second request is received, which is used to request the device capabilities of the first IoT device.

15. A positioning method, characterized in that, Applied to a second Internet of Things (IoT) device, the method includes: Receive a first message from a first IoT device, the first message including a first sequence, the first sequence being used for positioning; Based on the first sequence, the first IoT device is located.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first request, which is used to request the location of the first IoT device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first request carries first indication information, which indicates that the first sequence is one or more of a preamble, an intermediate preamble, or a postamble.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first request carries first indication information, which indicates that the first sequence is a second sequence, and the second sequence is a sequence specifically used for positioning.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second indication message, which is used to indicate the second sequence.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The second indication information includes the first bandwidth and / or the index of the second sequence.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send information indicating a set of sequences, which includes the second sequence.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third indication message, which is used to indicate the frequency domain resources of the second sequence.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth indication message, which is used to indicate the position of the second sequence.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a fifth indication message, which is used to indicate the device capabilities of the first IoT device.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The device capability indicates that the first IoT device supports actively sending signals, and the method further includes: Send a sixth instruction message, which indicates one or more of the following: Whether positioning measurements are performed periodically, the period of sending the first sequence, the time-domain location of the first transmission of the first sequence, or the number of times the first sequence is sent.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The number of times the first sequence is sent is determined based on the duration of the first IoT device being in the first state; The method includes: Receive information indicating the duration.

27. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that, The device capability indicates that the first IoT device does not support actively transmitting signals, and the method further includes: Send a seventh indication message, which indicates one or more of the following: One instance is defined as the number of times a positioning measurement is performed, the time-domain location of the first sequence is sent, or the first sequence is sent.

28. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second request, which requests the device capabilities of the first IoT device.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, include: It includes modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 28.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, which, when invoked by the processor, causes the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method of any one of claims 15 to 28.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store computer programs, the computer programs including instructions for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 28.

32. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer causes the computer to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 28.

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