Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, which are applied to the technical field of communications. In the method, a first apparatus acquires first information, wherein the first information is used for configuring a positioning signal; and the first apparatus sends second information, wherein the second information is used for indicating whether energy of the first apparatus supports sending the positioning signal configured by means of the first information, and the first apparatus is an Internet-of-Things device. It can be seen that in the method, the first apparatus feeds back, by means of the second information, whether the energy of the first apparatus supports sending the positioning signal configured by means of the first information. This helps enable a second apparatus that has received the second information to determine whether the energy of the first apparatus supports sending the configured positioning signal. Therefore, when the energy of the first apparatus supports sending the configured positioning signal, the second apparatus schedules the first apparatus to send the positioning signal. The method can ensure that a first apparatus can successfully send a positioning signal configured by means of first information, thereby ensuring the positioning accuracy.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510120778.4, filed on January 24, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Passive Internet of Things (PIOT) is a passive IoT technology aimed at low cost, low power consumption, and low maintenance costs. PIOT tags can communicate using external energy. For example, a PIOT tag receives an excitation signal, modulates the received signal, and reflects the modulated excitation signal to transmit the signal. Furthermore, the excitation signal received by the PIOT tag also provides energy for the tag to perform modulation, reflection, and other operations.

[0004] PIOT positioning is a key feature of PIOT systems. It is achieved by sending positioning signals through PIOT tags, which are then measured and received by a base station. Ensuring the accuracy of PIOT positioning still requires further research. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can ensure PIOT positioning accuracy.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a first device or components within the first device (e.g., processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), and can also be applied to logic nodes, logic modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device. The first device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The following explanation uses the first device as the executing entity; similar methods apply when components within the first device or logic nodes, logic modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device are used as the executing entity.

[0007] The method includes: a first device acquiring first information, the first information being used to configure a positioning signal; and the first device sending second information, the second information being used to indicate whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured by the first information.

[0008] As can be seen, in this method, the first device can determine the configured positioning signal through the first information, and the second information provides feedback on whether the first device's energy supports sending the configured positioning signal. This allows the second device, upon receiving the second information, to determine whether the first device's energy supports sending the configured positioning signal. Therefore, if the first device's energy supports sending the configured positioning signal, the second device schedules the first device to send the positioning signal, and the first device sends the positioning signal. This method ensures that the first device can successfully send the positioning signal configured in the first information, or in other words, ensures that the first device can complete the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. It avoids a decrease in positioning signal measurement accuracy caused by the first device failing to send or partially failing to send the positioning signal due to insufficient energy, thus ensuring positioning accuracy. This method can ensure the accuracy of PIOT positioning when applied to PIOT positioning.

[0009] In one optional embodiment, the energy of the first device includes at least one of the following: the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy allocated to the positioning signal from the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy absorbed and converted by the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy absorbed by the first device in the current unit time, and the energy used to transmit the positioning signal from the energy absorbed by the first device in the current unit time.

[0010] In one alternative implementation, before the first device sends the second information, the method further includes: the first device receiving third information, the third information being used to query whether the first device's energy supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, the first device can determine the timing of sending the second information based on the third information: the first device sends the second information after receiving the third information. Alternatively, the receipt of the third information by the first device can be used to trigger the sending of the second information. In one possible approach, the first device sends the second information upon receiving the third information; if the first device does not receive the third information, it may not send the second information, which helps reduce the power consumption of the first device in determining the second information and reduces the signaling overhead of the second information.

[0012] In one optional implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: the duration of the positioning signal, the start time of the positioning signal, the end time of the positioning signal, the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, or the number of times the positioning signal is sent.

[0013] Based on the above scheme, the first information can be used to configure one or more of the following: the duration of the positioning signal transmission, the start time of the positioning signal transmission, the end time of the positioning signal transmission, the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, or the number of times the positioning signal is transmitted. It can be seen that the first information can be configured by configuring one or more of these items to configure the positioning signal, so that the first device can determine the configured positioning signal, thereby determining whether its own energy supports the transmission of the configured positioning signal, and then transmit the second information, which is beneficial to ensuring positioning accuracy.

[0014] In one optional implementation, the second information is used to indicate whether the energy of the first device supports transmitting the positioning signal configured by the first information, including:

[0015] The second information includes information on the number of times the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal. This information is used to indicate whether the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0016] Alternatively, the second information may include duration information of the positioning signal supported by the power of the first device, which is used to indicate whether the power of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information.

[0017] Alternatively, the second information may include information on the number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device is transmitted and information on the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device. The information on the number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device is transmitted and information on the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device are used to indicate whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0018] Alternatively, the second information may include time information indicating whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0019] Based on the aforementioned scheme where the second information includes the number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device's energy is transmitted, or the second information includes the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device's energy, or the second information includes both the number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device's energy is transmitted and the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device's energy, it can be seen that the second information can indicate whether the first device's energy supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information. This allows the second device receiving the second information to determine whether the first device's energy supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device's energy is transmitted and / or the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device's energy. Therefore, if the first device's energy supports transmitting the configured positioning signal, the second device schedules the first device to transmit the positioning signal, and the first device transmits the positioning signal to ensure that the first device can successfully transmit the positioning signal configured in the first information, thereby ensuring positioning accuracy.

[0020] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned second information including the time information of the first device's energy support for transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information, this scheme can be applied to the following scenario: the first device's current energy may not support transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information, but based on the first device's energy harvesting capability, the first device's energy may support transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information after a period of time. In this case, the first device can use the second information to feed back the time information of the first device's energy support for transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information, so that the second device can determine the time information of the first device's energy support for transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information. Then, the second device can schedule the first device to transmit the positioning signal configured in the first information when the first device's energy supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information, ensuring that the first device can successfully transmit the positioning signal configured in the first information, thereby ensuring positioning accuracy.

[0021] In one optional implementation, the time information for the first device to support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration includes: the start time of the first device supporting the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration.

[0022] Alternatively, the time information for the first device to support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration includes: the time interval between the current time and the start time of the first device supporting the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration.

[0023] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a second device or components within the second device (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, or functional modules), and can also be applied to logic nodes, logic modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second device. For example, the second device can be a network device, or it can also be a reader / writer. The following description uses the second device as the executing entity; similar methods apply when components within the second device or logic nodes, logic modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second device are used as the executing entity.

[0024] The method includes: a second device receiving second information; the second device determining, based on the second information, whether the energy of a first device supports sending a positioning signal configured in the first information, wherein the first device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device.

[0025] Optionally, the method further includes: when the first device has the energy to send the positioning signal configured by the first information, the second device sends fourth information, the fourth information being used to schedule the first device to send the positioning signal configured by the first information.

[0026] As can be seen, based on the above scheme, the second device can determine whether the first device's energy supports sending the configured positioning signal through the second information. Therefore, if the first device's energy supports sending the configured positioning signal, the second device schedules the first device to send the positioning signal. This helps ensure that the first device can successfully send the positioning signal configured by the first information, or in other words, ensures that the first device can complete the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information, avoiding a decrease in positioning signal measurement accuracy caused by the first device failing to send or partially failing to send the positioning signal due to insufficient energy, thus ensuring positioning accuracy. This method can ensure the accuracy of PIOT positioning when applied to PIOT positioning.

[0027] In one optional embodiment, the energy of the first device includes at least one of the following: the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy allocated to the positioning signal from the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy absorbed and converted by the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy absorbed by the first device in the current unit time, and the energy used to transmit the positioning signal from the energy absorbed by the first device in the current unit time.

[0028] In one alternative implementation, before the second device receives the second information, the method further includes: the second device sending third information, the third information being used to query whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0029] In one alternative implementation, the method further includes: the second device sending first information.

[0030] In one optional implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: the duration of the positioning signal, the start time of the positioning signal, the end time of the positioning signal, the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, or the number of times the positioning signal is sent.

[0031] In one alternative implementation, the second information includes information on the number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device has been transmitted.

[0032] The second device determines whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the second information, including: the second device determines whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the number of times the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal.

[0033] In one alternative implementation, the second information includes information about the duration of the positioning signal powered by the first device.

[0034] The second device determines whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information based on the second information, including: the second device determines whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information based on the duration information of the positioning signal supported by the energy of the first device.

[0035] In one optional implementation, the second information includes information on the number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device was transmitted and information on the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device.

[0036] The second device determines whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the second information, including: the second device determines whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the number of times the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal and the duration information of the positioning signal supported by the energy of the first device.

[0037] In one alternative implementation, the second information includes timing information for the first device's energy support to transmit the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0038] The second device determines whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the second information, including: the second device determines whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the time information of the first device's energy supporting the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0039] In one optional implementation, the time information for the first device to support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration includes: the start time of the first device supporting the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration.

[0040] Alternatively, the time information for the first device to support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration includes: the time interval between the current time and the start time of the first device supporting the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration.

[0041] The various embodiments in this aspect also have the same beneficial effects as those in the first aspect described above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0042] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a first device or components within the first device (e.g., processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), and can also be applied to logic nodes, logic modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device. The first device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The following explanation uses the first device as the executing entity; similar methods apply when components within the first device or logic nodes, logic modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device are used as the executing entity.

[0043] The method includes: a first device acquiring first information, the first information being used to configure a positioning signal. If the first device's energy does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information, the first device performs one of the following: canceling the transmission of the positioning signal, reducing the transmission power of the positioning signal, or transmitting the positioning signal on a portion of the symbols occupied by the positioning signal configured by the first information.

[0044] As can be seen, in this method, the first device can determine the configured positioning signal through the first information.

[0045] If the first device's energy does not support the transmission of the configured positioning signal, the first device can cancel the transmission of the positioning signal. This method can avoid the decrease in positioning accuracy caused by the failure or partial failure of the configured positioning signal transmission when the first device's energy does not support the transmission of the configured positioning signal.

[0046] Alternatively, if the first device's energy does not support the transmission of the configured positioning signal, the first device can reduce the transmission power of the positioning signal. This method, by reducing the transmission power of the positioning signal, can evenly distribute the energy of the first device across the entire positioning signal, allowing the second device to receive the entire positioning signal and thus achieving positioning based on the positioning signal. This method can be applied to scenarios with high tolerance for positioning accuracy, as reducing the transmission power of the positioning signal can meet the positioning requirements in such scenarios.

[0047] Alternatively, if the first device's energy does not support the transmission of the configured positioning signal, the first device can transmit the positioning signal on only a portion of the symbols occupied by the configured positioning signal. This method, by reducing the number of symbols used to transmit the positioning signal, achieves partial signal transmission on a limited number of symbols, ensuring the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the positioning signal transmitted on these partial symbols. This allows the second device to receive a positioning signal that meets the SNR requirements, ensuring the reliability of measurements based on the positioning signal. This method can be applied to scenarios with high tolerance for positioning accuracy or scenarios with redundant positioning signal configurations. By reducing the number of symbols used to transmit the positioning signal, it ensures the SNR of the positioning signal, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy of the positioning signal measurement. This method can meet the SNR requirements of the positioning signal in such scenarios, balancing positioning service needs with measurement accuracy requirements.

[0048] In one optional embodiment, the energy of the first device includes at least one of the following: the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy allocated to the positioning signal from the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy absorbed and converted by the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy absorbed by the first device in the current unit time, and the energy used to transmit the positioning signal from the energy absorbed by the first device in the current unit time.

[0049] In one optional implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: the duration of the positioning signal, the start time of the positioning signal, the end time of the positioning signal, the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, or the number of times the positioning signal is sent.

[0050] The various embodiments in this aspect also have the same beneficial effects as those in the first aspect described above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0051] Fourthly, this application also provides a communication device. This communication device may be a first device or a component of a first device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module, etc.), or it may be a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device, wherein the first device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device, and the communication device has the function of implementing some or all of the embodiments described in the first or third aspect above. Alternatively, the communication device may be a second device or a component of a second device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module, etc.), or it may be a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second device, and the communication device has the function of implementing some or all of the embodiments described in the second aspect above. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0052] In one possible design, the communication device may include a processing unit configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above methods. Optionally, the communication device may also include a communication unit for supporting communication between the communication device and other communication devices. Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage unit coupled to the processing unit and the communication unit, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Additionally, the processing unit may be used to control the communication unit to transmit and receive data / signaling.

[0053] In one embodiment, a processing unit is configured to acquire first information, which is used to configure a positioning signal. A communication unit is configured to transmit second information, which is used to indicate whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information.

[0054] In addition, other alternative implementations of the communication device in this regard can be found in the relevant content of the first aspect above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0055] In another embodiment, a communication unit is used to receive second information. A processing unit is used to determine, based on the second information, whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, wherein the first device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device or a chip within an IoT device.

[0056] In addition, other alternative implementations of the communication device in this regard can be found in the relevant content of the second aspect above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0057] In another embodiment, the processing unit is configured to acquire first information, which is used to configure a positioning signal. The processing unit is further configured to, if the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information, perform one of the following: cancel transmission of the positioning signal, reduce the transmission power of the positioning signal, or transmit the positioning signal on a portion of the symbols occupied by the positioning signal configured by the first information.

[0058] In addition, other alternative implementations of the communication device in this regard can be found in the relevant content of the third aspect above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0059] As an example, the communication unit can be a transceiver or a communication interface, the storage unit can be a memory, and the processing unit can be a processor. The processor is coupled to the memory, which is used to store programs or instructions. The processor can be used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and / or, through logic circuitry, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first, second, or third aspects above. The transceiver or communication interface can be used to transmit and receive signals and / or data.

[0060] In another embodiment, the communication device is a chip or chip system. The processing unit may also be a processing circuit or logic circuit; the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the processor can be used for, for example, but not limited to, baseband-related processing, and the transceiver or communication interface can be used for, for example, but not limited to, radio frequency transceiver. The aforementioned devices can be disposed on separate chips, or at least partially or entirely on the same chip. For example, the processor can be further divided into analog baseband processors and digital baseband processors. The analog baseband processor can be integrated with the transceiver (or communication interface) on the same chip, while the digital baseband processor can be disposed on a separate chip. With the continuous development of integrated circuit technology, more and more devices can be integrated on the same chip. For example, a digital baseband processor can be integrated with multiple application processors (e.g., but not limited to graphics processors, multimedia processors, etc.) on the same chip. Such a chip can be called a system-on-a-chip (SoC). Whether the various devices are disposed independently on different chips or integrated on one or more chips often depends on the needs of the product design. This application does not limit the implementation form of the aforementioned devices.

[0062] Fifthly, this application also provides a processor for executing the various methods described above. In executing these methods, the processes of sending and receiving the aforementioned information can be understood as the process of the processor outputting the aforementioned information and the process of the processor inputting the aforementioned information. When outputting the aforementioned information, the processor outputs the aforementioned information to a transceiver so that the transceiver (or communication interface) can transmit it. After being output by the processor, the aforementioned information may require further processing before reaching the transceiver (or communication interface). Similarly, when the processor receives the input information, the transceiver (or communication interface) receives the aforementioned information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver (or communication interface) receives the aforementioned information, the aforementioned information may require further processing before being input into the processor.

[0063] Unless otherwise specified, or unless it contradicts its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and reception operations involved by the processor can be more generally understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, rather than transmission and reception operations directly performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas.

[0064] In implementation, the processor can be a dedicated processor for executing these methods, or it can be a processor that executes computer instructions stored in memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. 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 disposed on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0065] Sixthly, this application also provides a communication system including means for performing the method described in the first aspect. Optionally, the system further includes means for performing the method described in the second aspect. Optionally, the system may also include other devices that interact with the means for performing the method described in the first aspect, and / or other devices that interact with the means for performing the method described in the second aspect.

[0066] In a seventh aspect, this application also provides a communication system including means for performing the method described in the third aspect. The system may further include other devices that interact with the means for performing the method described in the third aspect.

[0067] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when run, causes the methods described in the first, second, or third aspect above to be performed.

[0068] Ninthly, this application also provides a computer program product including instructions, the computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when executed, causes the methods described in the first, second, or third aspects above to be performed.

[0069] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a chip including at least one processor for executing instructions to cause the methods described in the first, second, or third aspects to be performed. Optionally, the chip further includes an interface circuit for receiving the executed instructions and transmitting them to the processor. And / or, the interface circuit is used to receive information from the processor and output information. Optionally, the chip further includes a memory for storing instructions and data. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an NG-RAN terminal positioning architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a UL-TDOA positioning method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another UL-TDOA positioning provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a frequency hopping positioning method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of tag positioning achieved by multiplexing communication storage signals according to an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a tag positioning system that defines new positioning-specific signaling and positioning-specific signals according to an embodiment of this application.

[0076] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a positioning reference signal transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an O-RAN system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of transmitting a positioning signal on a portion of symbols evenly distributed among the symbols occupied by the positioning signal in the first information configuration, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0082] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems. For example, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, 4th Generation (4G) mobile communication system, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication system, New Radio (NR) system, Next Generation (NG) mobile communication system, and, with the continuous development of communication technology, the technical solutions of this application embodiment can also be used in future communication systems. This application embodiment can also be applied to the Internet of Things (IoT), Passive Internet of Things (PIOT), and Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT).

[0087] This application embodiment can also be applied to positioning scenarios in various communication systems. For example, please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of a terminal positioning architecture for an NG-Radio Access Network (RAN) provided by an embodiment of this application. This architecture includes a terminal, NG-RAN, a Location Management Function (LMF) network element, and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element. NG-RAN includes next-generation eNodeBs (ng-eNBs) and 5G base stations (gNodeBs, gNBs). ng-eNBs are LTE base stations, and gNBs are NR base stations. Base stations communicate with each other via the Xn interface, and base stations communicate with AMF network elements via the NG-C interface. The terminal can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), and the UE communicates with the serving base station via a Uu link.

[0088] For example, the UE and ng-eNB can communicate via the LTE-Uu interface. The UE and gNB can communicate via the NR-Uu interface. The ng-eNB and gNB can communicate via the Xn interface. The ng-eNB and AMF network elements can communicate via the NG-C interface. The gNB and AMF network elements can communicate via the NG-C interface. The AMF network elements and LMF network elements can communicate via the NLs (e.g., NL1) interface.

[0089] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1, the UE in the NG-RAN terminal positioning architecture can also be replaced with a SUPL-enabled terminal (SET). The ng-eNB can also be replaced with a transmission point (TP). The gNB can also be replaced with a transmission and reception point (TRP).

[0090] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1, the NG-RAN terminal positioning architecture may also include an enhanced serving mobile location center (E-SMLC) and a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP).

[0091] The LMF (Location-Based Function) network element is a device or component deployed in the core network to provide positioning functionality for the UE. The LMF network element can be used to achieve UE location estimation. It can also exchange signaling with the UE / gNB for measurement requests, measurement reporting, and other related tasks.

[0092] An AMF (Active Mobility Management) network element is a network element deployed in the core network to provide mobility management and connectivity management for the network. An AMF network element typically acts as an intermediate route between LMF (Local Management Function) network elements, Session Management Function (SMF) network elements, and the RAN (Radio RAN). In other words, an AMF network element is equivalent to a router for communication between the gNB (Gateway NB) and the LMF network element.

[0093] An eNB is a device deployed in a radio access network that meets 4G standards to provide wireless communication functions for a UE. eNBs can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells), relay stations, access points, wearable devices, and vehicle-mounted equipment. An eNB can also be a TRP (Transportation Reference Point).

[0094] A gNB is a device deployed in a radio access network that meets 5G standards to provide wireless communication functions for a user interface (UE). A gNB can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells), relay stations, access points, wearable devices, and vehicle-mounted equipment. A gNB can also be a transmission measurement function (TRP) or a transmission measurement function (TMF). A gNB can include a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) integrated on it.

[0095] UE includes various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication capabilities. UE can also be a mobile station (MS), subscriber unit, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, tablet computer, wireless modem, handset, laptop computer, machine type communication (MTC) terminal, tag, etc.

[0096] The deployment methods and forms of the network elements / devices listed above are merely examples. As standard technologies evolve, other deployment forms and forms may exist, and this application does not limit them.

[0097] The relevant concepts involved in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0098] 1. Positioning technology

[0099] Positioning technologies include the following: downlink (DL) time difference of arrival (TDOA) positioning, downlink angle of departure (AOD) positioning, uplink (UL) TDOA positioning, uplink angle of arrival (AOA) positioning, multi-round trip time (multi-RTT) positioning, carrier phase positioning, and sidelink positioning.

[0100] Among them, DL-TDOA positioning, UL-TDOA positioning, and multi-RTT positioning are positioning technologies based on time of arrival. In time-of-arrival positioning technologies, a transmitting end sends a signal (e.g., a reference signal), and multiple receiving ends measure the arrival time of the signal sent by the transmitting end. Based on the signal arrival time, the distance information between the transmitting end and the receiving end is determined, and the location of the transmitting end is determined based on the distance information between the multiple receiving ends and the transmitting end. Here, the transmitting end is the target to be located; the transmitting end can be, for example, a terminal, and the receiving end can be, for example, a base station.

[0101] DL-AOD positioning and UL-AOA positioning are angle-based positioning technologies. In angle-based positioning technologies, multiple transmitters at known locations send signals (e.g., reference signals), and a receiver measures the angle of arrival (Angle of Arrival) of the signals sent by each transmitter. The receiver's position is determined based on the angle information (including the Angle of Arrival) between the receiver and the multiple transmitters with known location information. Here, the receiver is the target to be located; the receiver can be, for example, a terminal, and the transmitters can be, for example, a base station.

[0102] In positioning scenarios, distance or angle information between a terminal and multiple base stations at the same time or within the same time period is obtained by measuring signals, and then the terminal's location is determined based on this distance or angle information. For example, when using triangulation or triangulation positioning technologies (e.g., DL-TDOA, UL-TDOA, DL-AOD, UL-AOA) to locate a terminal, it is necessary to obtain distance or angle information between the terminal and multiple base stations, thus requiring multi-cell or multi-site measurements. Due to frequency reuse between networks, to suppress inter-cell interference, the signal of a single cell can generally only cover a single cell. To ensure the measurement quality of neighboring cells during positioning measurements, a positioning reference signal is introduced. The positioning reference signal can cover multiple cells to ensure the measurement quality of neighboring cells, thereby obtaining multi-cell / multi-site measurements and completing triangulation or triangulation positioning.

[0103] The following example uses UL-TDOA positioning as a case study:

[0104] UL-TDOA positioning is an uplink-based positioning technology. Taking a terminal and a base station as an example: the terminal sends an uplink positioning reference signal, the base station measures the arrival time of the uplink positioning reference signal, and determines the terminal's location based on the arrival time of the uplink positioning reference signal. The uplink positioning reference signal can be, for example, a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0105] Optionally, referring to Figure 2, in UL-TDOA positioning, the LMF network element sends a location information request to the terminal's serving base station. This location information request is used to request the SRS configuration information. The serving base station sends a location information response to the LMF network element, which includes the SRS configuration information. The serving base station also sends the SRS configuration information to the terminal so that the terminal can send the SRS. The LMF network element sends the SRS configuration information to neighboring base stations (excluding the serving base station) among multiple base stations. The LMF network element sends measurement requests to multiple base stations (including the serving base station and neighboring base stations), which are used to request the base stations to measure the SRS sent by the terminal. After receiving the measurement request, each base station begins to receive the SRS sent by the terminal, measures the arrival time of the SRS, and reports the measurement results to the LMF network element. The LMF network element determines the terminal's location based on the measurement results reported by multiple base stations.

[0106] For example, referring to Figure 3, assume the base stations involved in the positioning are base station #1, base station #2, and base station #3. The locations of base station #1, base station #2, and base station #3 are all known. The coordinates of base station #1 are (x1, y1), the coordinates of base station #2 are (x2, y2), and the coordinates of base station #3 are (x3, y3). The target to be positioned is a terminal, and the coordinates of the terminal are represented as (x1, y1). UE ,y UE Base station #1 is the reference base station. The difference Δt between the arrival time of the SRS from the terminal measured by base station #2 and the arrival time of the SRS from the terminal measured by base station #1 is... 21 It can be used to determine the hyperbola l 21 , l 21 Can be used to characterize Δt 21 The difference Δt between the arrival time of the SRS from the terminal measured by base station #3 and the arrival time of the SRS from the terminal measured by base station #1. 31 It can be used to determine the hyperbola l 31 , l 31 Can be used to characterize Δt 31 Since the distance between any point on the hyperbola and the two fixed points is constant, the terminal lies on the hyperbola with the two base stations as its foci. UE y UE It satisfies the following formulas (1) and (2).

[0107] Where c is the speed of light. Combining equations (1) and (2) to form a system of equations, we can determine x. UE and y UE This determines the terminal's location coordinates. However, due to measurement errors when the base station measures the SRS, this system of equations generally does not have a closed-form solution. In engineering practice, classic optimization algorithms such as least squares algorithm or particle swarm filtering algorithm can be used to estimate the optimal solution of the above system of equations.

[0108] 2. PIOT positioning

[0109] PIOT is a passive Internet of Things (IoT) technology designed for low cost, low power consumption, and low maintenance. PIOT tags can absorb external electromagnetic signals to obtain energy for communication, modulation, and other operations. The PIOT tags themselves do not require a power source and are widely used in logistics, warehousing, and material and asset management. Additionally, PIOT tags can also be referred to as PIOT terminals.

[0110] PIOT positioning can be used to locate PIOT tags. PIOT tags have the following characteristics:

[0111] (1) Low transmission power. Due to the low power consumption of PIOT tags, their transmission power is generally in the range of 1 microwatt (uW) to 100uW.

[0112] (2) Low bandwidth. Due to the low-cost hardware of PIOT tags, their communication and positioning bandwidth is small, less than or equal to 180 kilohertz (kHz).

[0113] In scenarios where PIOT positioning is achieved using the time of arrival (TOA) of a signal, the PIOT tag sends a signal for positioning (e.g., a reference signal or a positioning reference signal). The base station measures the time of arrival (TOA) of the signal in the air to the base station based on the received signal, and then obtains the TOA measured by different base stations. PIOT positioning is achieved based on the TOA measured by multiple base stations.

[0114] It is evident that the measurement accuracy of ToA (or the estimation accuracy of ToA) affects the positioning accuracy, and the positioning accuracy is positively correlated with the measurement accuracy of ToA. Combining estimation theory with orthogonal frequency divided multiplexing (OFDM) transmission systems, the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRB) of the ToA estimation mean square error can be determined. τ As shown in formula (3) below. Among them, the Cramer-Rao lower bound can be used to measure the theoretical accuracy bound of parameter estimation. The Cramer-Rao lower bound of the mean square error of ToA estimation can be used to determine the theoretical minimum value of the ToA estimation error. The actual ToA estimation error can only approach the Cramer-Rao lower bound infinitely, and will not be less than the Cramer-Rao lower bound.

[0115] Where SNR is the signal-to-noise ratio of the positioning reference signal received by the base station. c is the speed of light. B is the bandwidth occupied by the signal used for positioning in the frequency domain.

[0116] As can be seen from formula (3), the ToA estimation error is inversely correlated with the signal bandwidth. The larger the signal bandwidth, the smaller the Cramer-Rao lower bound of the ToA estimation error, and the higher the estimation accuracy of ToA.

[0117] Because the maximum bandwidth of a single PIOT tag transmission is 180kHz, the bandwidth of the signal used for positioning is relatively small, which may lead to poor positioning accuracy. To improve positioning accuracy, one option is to increase the bandwidth of the signal used for positioning. Optionally, the PIOT tag can use different frequency domain resources to transmit positioning signals in different time domain symbols. The base station then concatenates the channels in different frequency domains obtained based on signal and channel estimation in different time domain symbols, thereby combining low-bandwidth signals from multiple time domain symbols into a large-bandwidth signal to improve positioning accuracy. This method achieves positioning by frequency hopping, and can also be called frequency hopping positioning.

[0118] For example, referring to Figure 4, the PIOT tag transmits a positioning reference signal via RB1 on symbol 1, via RB2 on symbol 2, via RB3 on symbol 3, and via RB4 on symbol 4. Here, RB1, RB2, RB3, and RB4 are different RBs, each with a bandwidth of 180 kHz. The base station can perform channel estimation based on the received positioning reference signals on symbols 1, 2, 3, and 4, obtaining the channels h1, h2, h3, and h4 on symbols 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. Then, h1, h2, h3, and h4 are concatenated to obtain a large-bandwidth channel with a bandwidth of 180 × 3 = 720 kHz. The base station performs TOA estimation based on this concatenated large-bandwidth channel, which improves the accuracy of TOA estimation and thus enhances positioning accuracy.

[0119] Alternatively, in PIOT positioning, the signals sent by the PIOT tag for positioning can be multiplexed communication storage signals, or they can be newly defined positioning-specific signals and positioning-specific signaling. The following provides illustrative examples of these two methods:

[0120] (1) PIOT positioning using multiplexed communication storage signals: Referring to Figure 5, the base station sends a select command and a query command. After receiving the query command, the tag sends a 16-bit random or pseudo-random number (RN16) to initiate random access. After receiving the RN16, the base station sends an acknowledgement (ACK) command. After receiving the ACK command, the tag sends an electronic product code (EPC). The radio frequency signal carrying the EPC is also used to report the tag's identity (ID). The base station receives the EPC and performs positioning based on the EPC's radio frequency signal. This method has a simple protocol and has no impact on standards.

[0121] (2) Define new positioning-specific signaling and signals to achieve PIOT positioning: Referring to Figure 6, the base station sends a paging message containing a positioning indication identifier. After receiving the paging message, the paging tag sends a positioning signal (PosSig) (which may be, for example, a short positioning signal) or a positioning data packet. The base station achieves positioning based on the received positioning signal or positioning data packet. This method allows for the design of positioning-specific sequences for the positioning signal or positioning data packet, which can reduce carrier duplex interference and improve the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), thereby improving positioning performance. In addition, the positioning signal transmitted in this method has a short transmission time, which can also reduce resource overhead.

[0122] The batteryless nature of PIOT tags means that they power their transmission by absorbing ambient energy and converting it into electrical energy. This power supply is unstable and may cause the PIOT tag to partially fail in transmitting the signal used for positioning. As a result, the positioning signal received by the base station is incomplete. Positioning based on incomplete signals will lead to a decrease in measurement accuracy (e.g., the accuracy of signal arrival time measurement), thereby reducing positioning accuracy.

[0123] For example, referring to Figure 7, the PIOT tag continuously transmits positioning reference signals over 100 consecutive symbols. Due to the energy absorption efficiency of the PIOT tag, it lacks sufficient energy when transmitting symbols 55-57 and 82-84, causing the transmission of positioning reference signals to fail in these symbols, while the transmission of positioning reference signals on the remaining symbols is successful. This leads to channel measurement failures for the base station in symbols 55-57 and 82-84, resulting in decreased accuracy in TOA estimation by the base station using concatenated channels across 100 symbols, thus reducing positioning accuracy. For details on TOA estimation by the base station using concatenated channels across multiple symbols, please refer to the aforementioned explanations, which will not be repeated here.

[0124] For example, in scenarios where PIOT tags reuse communication storage signals to achieve PIOT positioning, the battery-less nature of PIOT tags may cause partial failures in the transmission of EPC radio frequency signals. This results in incomplete EPC radio frequency signals received by the base station, leading to decreased positioning accuracy. A similar scenario applies when defining new dedicated positioning signaling and signals for PIOT positioning; partial failures in transmitting positioning signals or data packets by the PIOT tag can also lead to decreased positioning accuracy.

[0125] This application provides a communication method that can improve positioning accuracy.

[0126] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0127] For ease of explanation, this application uses a first device and a second device as examples to illustrate the corresponding methods. However, this application does not limit the execution subject of the method. For example, the operation performed by the first device in this application embodiment can also be performed by components in the first device (e.g., processor, chip, chip system, circuit or functional module, etc.), or it can also be performed by a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device. The operation performed by the second device in this application embodiment can also be performed by components in the second device (e.g., processor, chip, chip system, circuit or functional module, etc.), or it can also be performed by a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second device. The first device and the second device are described exemplarily below.

[0128] 1. First device

[0129] In this embodiment of the application, the first device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device.

[0130] Optionally, the IoT device can be an active or passive IoT device. The IoT device can be an IoT device with or without energy harvesting. For example, the IoT device is passive and has energy harvesting capabilities. Another example is an active IoT device with energy harvesting capabilities. Yet another example is an active IoT device without energy harvesting capabilities. Yet another example is a semi-passive IoT device with an energy storage module capable of storing a small amount of energy.

[0131] Optionally, the IoT device can be a tag. For example, the IoT device can be a PIOT tag or an AIoT tag. Optionally, the tag can be a battery-free radio frequency device with energy harvesting capabilities, or it can also be a radio frequency device with a small battery and energy harvesting capabilities (such as a semi-passive tag with an energy storage module), etc.

[0132] Optionally, IoT devices can be terminal devices in the Internet of Things (IoT), such as terminal devices in PIOT, terminal devices in AIoT, etc. Terminal devices can also be referred to as UE, user communication equipment, terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile terminal (MT), mobile device, user terminal, user agent, or user equipment.

[0133] Terminal devices can be handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, vehicle communication modules or other embedded communication modules, wearable devices, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, or devices used to provide voice or data connectivity to users. Terminal devices can also be terminals capable of connecting to cellular base stations.

[0134] For example, terminal devices can be cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, handheld computers, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wireless data cards, personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistant (PDA) computers, wireless modems, handsets, handheld terminals, laptop computers, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), vehicle terminals (such as hardware or software in private vehicles, commercial vehicles, etc.), shipboard terminals (such as hardware or software in private boats, commercial vessels, etc.), and airborne terminals (such as hardware or software in civil aviation, airplanes, etc.).

[0135] Terminal devices can also include virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, smart point of sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light user equipment (UE), reduced capability user equipment (REDCAP UE), wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless communication equipment in smart factories, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), smart robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, and flying equipment (e.g., smart robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. Terminal devices can also be vehicle devices, such as vehicle devices, vehicle modules, on-board units (OBUs), or telematics boxes (T-BOXs). Terminal devices can also be other devices with terminal functions, such as devices that serve as terminals in D2D communication.

[0136] The deployment methods and forms of the first device listed above are merely examples. As standard technologies evolve, the first device may have other deployment forms and / or forms, and this application does not limit these.

[0137] 2. Second device

[0138] In this embodiment of the application, the second device may be, for example, a network device or a reader / writer. The reader / writer can serve as the peer device of the tag and can be compared to a network device.

[0139] Network devices are entities on the network side capable of transmitting and receiving signals, possessing wireless transceiver capabilities. Network devices include, but are not limited to: access network equipment, radio access network (RAN) equipment, radio network controllers (RNCs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home network equipment (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband units (BBUs), relay equipment, donor nodes, radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, transceiver nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, TRPs, TPs, wireless fidelity (WiFi) access points (APs) (i.e., WiFi APs), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, mobile switching centers, and network devices in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, which can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. Network equipment can also function as a base station in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Optionally, network equipment can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the access network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0140] Access network equipment can be a base station (BS), a device deployed in a wireless access network that provides wireless communication capabilities. Examples include evolved Node Bs (eNBs or e-NodeBs) and Node Bs in LTE systems, gNodeBs or gNBs in 5G systems, and base stations in future communication systems. A base station can contain a Base Unit (BBU) and a Remote Radio Unit (RRU). The BBU and RRU can be located in different places; for example, the RRU can be remotely deployed in high-traffic areas, while the BBU is located in the central equipment room. Alternatively, the BBU and RRU can be located in the same equipment room. They can also be different components within the same rack. Base stations can take the following forms: macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), indoor stations, pico base stations, relay stations, access points, balloon stations, etc.

[0141] Optionally, multiple network devices can collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different network devices each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, network devices can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control planes (CPs), CU-user planes (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as RRUs, active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices comprising both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, CUs can be classified as network devices in the RAN or as network devices in the core network (CN), without limitation.

[0142] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open-radio access network (O-RAN) system, CU can also be called an open CU (open-CU, O-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. Network equipment can be a base station in ORAN, or an O-DU, O-CU, or a RAN intelligent controller (RIC). Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0143] For example, referring to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of an O-RAN system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application, the differences between the O-RAN system architecture and the traditional RAN system architecture include: the RAN system architecture can be composed of a series of modules, such as antennas, RRUs, and BBUs. The traditional RAN architecture does not concern itself with the transmission and communication between internal modules, but only with the overall reception and output. Therefore, for traditional RAN equipment, all modules in the RAN come from the same manufacturer. O-RAN defines the architectural connections and interface standardization between various modules within the RAN. Thus, such a RAN can be decomposed into multiple modules. Because of the interface standardization, it can be assembled from modules from different equipment manufacturers. For example, for O-RAN, antennas from company A, RRUs from company B, and BBUs from company C can be purchased and finally assembled into a RAN device. In addition, O-RAN also defines some new network elements to make the RAN architecture clearer and the functions more decoupled.

[0144] Referring to Figure 8, the O-RAN system architecture may include some or all of the following network elements:

[0145] Service Management and Orchestration Framework (SMO): Its function is similar to that of a network management system.

[0146] Non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Non-RT RIC): This is used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions. It enables artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) workflows, including model training and model updates, and guides applications / functions within the Near-RT RIC based on policies. The Non-RT RIC is located within the SMO module.

[0147] Real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (RT RIC): An RT RIC can also be a near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC), used to achieve near-real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, it enables near-real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources.

[0148] O-RAN central unit (O-CU): can be used to implement the radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and other control functions in the 3GPP standard.

[0149] O-RAN Central Unit Control Plane (O-CU-CP): Similar to the CU-CP in the NR system, it is used to implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. The O-CU-CP is a part of the O-CU.

[0150] O-RAN Central Unit User Plane (O-CU-UP): Similar to the CU-UP in the NR system, it is used to implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer. O-CU-UP is a part of O-CU.

[0151] O-RAN distributed unit (O-DU): Based on low-layer function segmentation, it can be used to implement the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer in the 3GPP standard. The higher physical layer functions include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation.

[0152] The O-RAN radio unit (O-RU) is based on low-layer function partitioning and can be used to implement lower physical layer (PHY) functions and radio frequency (RF) functions in the 3GPP standard. These PHY functions include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (iFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH). It can be similar to a transmission reception point (TRP) or remote radio head (RRH) in 3GPP, but includes PHY functions such as FFT / iFFT or PRACH extraction.

[0153] O-RAN Cloud (O-Cloud): It can serve as a cloud computing platform, including physical infrastructure nodes, for hosting O-RAN functions such as RIC and O-DU; it can also support software components (such as operating systems, virtual machine monitoring, container runtimes), management and orchestration functions.

[0154] Referring to Figure 8, the O-RAN interfaces that may be included in the O-RAN system architecture are described below:

[0155] A1 Interface: The interface between Non-RT RIC and Near-RT RIC, used for intelligent and dynamic control of radio resources within the O-RAN. Non-RT RIC provides policies, rich information, and ML model updates to Near-RT RIC through the A1 interface, while Near-RT RIC provides policy feedback to Non-RT RIC through the A1 interface.

[0156] E2 Interface: The E2 interface is an open interface between two endpoints used to connect the Near-RT RIC and the RAN node. RAN nodes include, for example, CU and DU in 5G, O-RAN compatible eNB in ​​4G, O-CU (O-CU-CP and / or O-CU-UP) and / or O-DU in O-RAN, etc. The RIC can obtain data collection and feedback from the RAN node through the E2 interface, and the RAN node can obtain control feedback from the Near-RT RIC through the E2 interface.

[0157] O1 Interface: The interface between the management entity in the SMO and the O-RAN module is used for operation management. Through this interface, fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security (FCAPS) management, software management, and file management are implemented.

[0158] O2 Interface: The interface between the SMO and the infrastructure management framework that supports O-RAN virtual network functionality.

[0159] The open fronthaul control user synchronization plane (CUS-plane, Open FH Cus-plane) interface includes a control plane (C-Plane), a user plane (U-Plane), and a synchronization plane (S-Plane). The control plane is used for real-time control between the O-DU and O-RU, such as transmitting beamforming weights from the O-DU to the O-RU or performing power control from the O-DU to the O-RU. The user plane is used to transmit communication data between the DU and RU for access network equipment and terminals. The synchronization plane is used by the O-DU to provide clock synchronization for the O-RU.

[0160] The O-RAN system architecture may also include the following 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) interfaces:

[0161] NG interface: The interface between NR RAN equipment (such as base stations, CUs, CU-CPs, or CU-UPs) and the NR core network; among them, NG-u is the user plane NG interface, and NG-c is the control plane NG interface.

[0162] Xn interface: The interface between NR RAN devices (such as base stations, CUs, CU-CPs, or CU-UPs); where Xn-u is the user plane Xn interface and Xn-c is the control plane Xn interface.

[0163] X2 Interface: The interface between LTE RAN devices; X2-u is the user plane X2 interface, and X2-c is the control plane X2 interface. In NR, the X2 interface is mainly used in the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) New Radio Interface (E-UTRA-NR) dual connectivity (EN-DC) scenario, where the master station is an LTE RAN device that connects to the LTE core network through the X2 interface.

[0164] E1 interface: The interface between CU-CP and CU-UP.

[0165] F1-C interface: The interface between CU-CP and DU.

[0166] F1-U interface: The interface between CU-UP and DU.

[0167] Furthermore, the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network devices. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a network device in the following description. It is understood that a base station can be referred to as a communication device. For example, a base station can be understood as a device with base station functions. For example, the device used to implement the functions of a base station can be a base station; or some components in a base station, such as CU, DU, etc. It can also be a device that can support the base station in implementing this function, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module, which can be installed in a base station or can be used in conjunction with a base station. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0168] The deployment methods and forms of the second device listed above are merely examples. As standard technologies evolve, the second device may have other deployment forms and / or forms, and this application does not limit these.

[0169] The embodiments disclosed in this application will be presented to illustrate various aspects, embodiments, or features of this application in relation to systems including multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches may also be used.

[0170] Please refer to Figure 9, which is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method includes the following steps.

[0171] S101, The first device acquires first information, which is used to configure the positioning signal.

[0172] This application does not limit the implementation method of the first device acquiring the first information in the embodiments.

[0173] For example, the first piece of information can be predefined or preconfigured.

[0174] For example, the first information may be pre-stored in the first device, and the first device obtains the first information by reading the first information internally.

[0175] For example, the first information could be received by the first device from another device. For instance, the second device sends the first information, and the first device obtains the first information by receiving the first information from the second device. Or, for another example, the first information could be sent by a device other than the first and second devices, and the first device receives the first information.

[0176] The above examples illustrate possible ways in which the first device acquires the first information, but do not limit the ways in which the first device acquires the first information.

[0177] S102, the first device sends second information, the second information being used to indicate whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0178] Accordingly, the second device receives the second information. Based on the second information, the second device can determine whether the energy of the first device supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0179] In one optional embodiment, the energy of the first device includes at least one of the following: the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy allocated to the positioning signal from the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy absorbed and converted by the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy absorbed by the first device in the current unit time, and the energy used to transmit the positioning signal from the energy absorbed by the first device in the current unit time.

[0180] Optionally, the energy of the first device is the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device. Alternatively, the energy of the first device is the energy allocated to the positioning signal from the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device; this allocated energy can also be understood as the energy allocated for transmitting the positioning signal. Alternatively, the energy of the first device is the energy absorbed and converted by the current battery or energy storage module in the first device. Alternatively, the energy of the first device is the energy allocated to the positioning signal from the energy absorbed and converted by the current battery or energy storage module in the first device. This optional approach can be applied to scenarios where the first device includes a battery or energy storage module. Additionally, optionally, the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module mentioned can be the remaining energy of the battery or energy storage module within the current unit of time. The energy absorbed and converted by the current battery or energy storage module can be the energy absorbed and converted by the battery or energy storage module within the current unit of time.

[0181] Optionally, the energy of the first device is the energy absorbed by the first device in the current unit time. Alternatively, the energy of the first device is the energy used to transmit the positioning signal from the energy absorbed by the first device in the current unit time. This optional approach can be applied to scenarios where the first device does not contain a battery or energy storage module.

[0182] In an optional implementation, before the second device receives the second information, the method further includes: the second device sending third information, the third information being used to query whether the first device's energy supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information. Optionally, for the scenario where the second device sends the first information, this application embodiment does not restrict the order in which the second device sends the first information and the third information. For example, the second device sends the first information first, then sends the third information. Another example is that the second device sends the third information first, then sends the first information. Yet another example is that the second device sends the first information and the third information simultaneously; for example, the first information and the third information can be transmitted in the same message, whereby the message is used both to configure the positioning signal and to query whether the first device's energy supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0183] Other alternative implementations of this communication method are described below.

[0184] First, let's illustrate the first piece of information with an example:

[0185] In one optional implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: duration information of the positioning signal, start time information of the positioning signal, end time information of the positioning signal, number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, or number of times the positioning signal is transmitted. These pieces of information are described exemplarily below.

[0186] 1. Duration information of the positioning signal

[0187] The duration information of the positioning signal is used to indicate the duration of the positioning signal transmission. Understandably, if the first information includes the duration information of the positioning signal, the first information can be used to configure the duration of the positioning signal transmission.

[0188] Optionally, the duration of the positioning signal transmission is the duration from the first transmission of the positioning signal to the Nth transmission, where N is the number of times the positioning signal is transmitted, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, the positioning signal configured in the first information satisfies the following: the positioning signal is transmitted 10 times within 1 second (s), and the duration information of the positioning signal in the first information indicates that the duration of the positioning signal transmission is 1 second.

[0189] Optionally, the duration of the location signal transmission is the sum of the durations of each location signal transmission in N transmissions, where N is the number of location signal transmissions and is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, the location signal configured in the first information satisfies the following: the location signal is transmitted 10 times within 1 second and the duration of each location signal transmission is 10 ms. The duration information of the location signal in the first information indicates that the duration of the location signal transmission is 100 milliseconds (ms).

[0190] In addition, the duration information of the positioning signal is used to indicate the duration of the positioning signal transmission, which can be achieved through direct indication or through indirect indication.

[0191] Optionally, the duration information of the positioning signal includes the duration of the positioning signal transmission, which can directly indicate the duration of the positioning signal transmission.

[0192] Optionally, the duration information of the positioning signal includes information associated with the duration of the positioning signal transmission, thereby indirectly indicating the duration of the positioning signal transmission. For example, M1 values ​​for the duration of the positioning signal transmission are predefined or preconfigured, along with the index corresponding to each of the M1 values. M1 is a positive integer, and the duration of the positioning signal transmission is one of the M1 values. The duration information of the positioning signal includes the index corresponding to this value. For instance, the predefined values ​​for the duration of the positioning signal transmission include: 100ms, 200ms, 300ms, 400ms, and 500ms, which correspond one-to-one with indices #1 to #5. The first information includes the duration information of the positioning signal. Assuming that the duration information of the positioning signal in the first information includes index 2, and index 2 is associated with a positioning signal transmission duration of 200ms, it can be seen that the first information configures the duration of the positioning signal transmission to be 200ms.

[0193] 2. Start time information of positioning signal

[0194] The start time information of the positioning signal is used to indicate the start time of the positioning signal transmission. Understandably, if the first information includes the start time information of the positioning signal, the first information can be used to configure the start time of the positioning signal transmission.

[0195] Optionally, the start time of the location signal transmission can be the start time of the first transmission of the location signal out of N transmissions, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, the location signal configured in the first information satisfies the following: the start time of the first transmission of the location signal is t1, and the start time information of the location signal in the first information is used to indicate that the start time of the location signal transmission is t1.

[0196] Furthermore, the start time information of the positioning signal, used to indicate the start time of the positioning signal transmission, can be implemented through direct indication or indirect indication. This is similar to the aforementioned duration information of the positioning signal, which directly or indirectly indicates the duration of the positioning signal transmission; please refer to the relevant explanations above, which will be briefly described here:

[0197] Optionally, the start time information of the positioning signal includes the start time of the positioning signal transmission.

[0198] Optionally, the start time information of the positioning signal includes information associated with the start time of the positioning signal transmission. For example, M2 values ​​for the start time of the positioning signal transmission and the index corresponding to each of the M2 values ​​are predefined or preconfigured, where M2 is a positive integer, the start time of the positioning signal transmission is one of the M2 values, and the start time information of the positioning signal includes the index corresponding to this one value.

[0199] 3. Location signal end time information

[0200] The end time information of the positioning signal is used to indicate the end time of the positioning signal transmission. Understandably, if the first information includes the end time information of the positioning signal, the first information can be used to configure the end time of the positioning signal transmission.

[0201] Optionally, the end time of the positioning signal transmission is the end time of the Nth positioning signal transmission out of N transmissions, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, the positioning signal configured in the first information satisfies the following: the end time of the Nth positioning signal transmission is t2, and the end time information of the positioning signal in the first information is used to indicate that the end time of the positioning signal transmission is t2.

[0202] In addition, the end time information of the positioning signal is used to indicate the end time of the positioning signal transmission. This can be achieved through direct indication or indirect indication. This is similar to the aforementioned duration information of the positioning signal, which directly or indirectly indicates the duration of the positioning signal transmission; please refer to the relevant explanations above. A brief description is provided here:

[0203] Optionally, the end time information of the positioning signal includes the end time of the positioning signal transmission.

[0204] Optionally, the end time information of the positioning signal includes information associated with the end time of the positioning signal transmission. For example, M3 values ​​for the end time of the positioning signal transmission and the index corresponding to each of the M3 values ​​are predefined or preconfigured, where M3 is a positive integer, the end time of the positioning signal transmission is one of the M3 values, and the end time information of the positioning signal includes the index corresponding to this value.

[0205] 4. Information on the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal

[0206] The information on the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal is used to indicate the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal. Understandably, if the first information includes the information on the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, the first information can be used to configure the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal.

[0207] Optionally, the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal is the number of symbols occupied in each transmission of the positioning signal. For example, the positioning signal configured in the first information satisfies the following: the positioning signal is transmitted 10 times and each transmission occupies 6 symbols. The symbol count information of the positioning signal in the first information indicates that the positioning signal occupies 6 symbols.

[0208] Optionally, the number of symbols used by the positioning signal is the sum of the number of symbols used in each of the N transmissions of the positioning signal, where N is the number of times the positioning signal is transmitted, and N is an integer greater than 1. For example, the positioning signal configured in the first information satisfies the following: the positioning signal is transmitted 10 times and each transmission uses 6 symbols. The symbol count information in the first information indicates that the positioning signal uses 60 symbols.

[0209] In addition, the symbol count information used by the positioning signal indicates the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal. This can be achieved through direct indication or indirect indication. This is similar to the aforementioned positioning signal duration information, which directly or indirectly indicates the duration of the positioning signal transmission; please refer to the previous explanations. A brief description is provided here:

[0210] Optionally, the information on the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal includes the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal.

[0211] Optionally, the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal includes information associated with the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal.

[0212] 5. Information on the number of times the positioning signal was sent.

[0213] The information regarding the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted is used to indicate the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted. Understandably, if the first information includes the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted, the first information can be used to configure the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted. Furthermore, the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted configured in the first information can be an integer greater than or equal to 1. The fact that the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted is greater than 1 also allows the second device to perform coherent accumulation and combining in the time domain based on multiple transmitted positioning signals, which can improve the signal-to-noise ratio and thus improve positioning accuracy.

[0214] The information regarding the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted indicates the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted. This can be achieved through direct indication or indirect indication. This is similar to the aforementioned information regarding the duration of the positioning signal transmission, which directly or indirectly indicates the duration of the signal transmission; please refer to the preceding explanations. A brief description is provided here:

[0215] Optionally, the location signal transmission count information includes the number of times the location signal was transmitted.

[0216] Optionally, the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted includes information associated with the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted.

[0217] The above describes the possible inclusion of the first information, including the duration of the positioning signal, the start time of the positioning signal, the end time of the positioning signal, the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, and the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted. The following provides examples of possible ways in which the first information includes one or more of these pieces of information:

[0218] Example 1: The first information includes: the duration of the positioning signal and the number of times the positioning signal is sent. It can be seen that the first information configures the duration of the positioning signal transmission and the number of times the positioning signal is sent.

[0219] Example 2: The first information includes: the start time of the positioning signal, the end time of the positioning signal, and the number of times the positioning signal was sent. It can be seen that the first information configures the start time, end time, and number of times the positioning signal was sent.

[0220] Example 3: The first information includes: the number of symbols used by the positioning signal and the number of times the positioning signal was sent. It can be seen that the first information configures the number of symbols used by the positioning signal and the number of times the positioning signal was sent.

[0221] Example 4: The first information includes: the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, the start time of the positioning signal, and the end time of the positioning signal. It can be seen that the first information configures the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, the start time of the positioning signal transmission, and the end time of the positioning signal transmission.

[0222] Example 5: The first information includes: the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal and the duration of the positioning signal. It can be seen that the first information configures the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal and the duration of the positioning signal transmission.

[0223] Example 6: The first information includes: the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, the number of times the positioning signal was sent, and the duration of the positioning signal. It can be seen that the first information configures the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, the number of times the positioning signal was sent, and the duration of the positioning signal transmission.

[0224] Example 7: The first information includes: the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, the number of times the positioning signal was sent, the start time of the positioning signal, and the end time of the positioning signal. It can be seen that the first information configures the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, the number of times the positioning signal was sent, the start time of the positioning signal transmission, and the end time of the positioning signal transmission.

[0225] In another optional implementation, the first information is used to configure the positioning signal, including: the first information is used to indicate the index of a first combination, which is one of X combinations. Each of the X combinations includes one or more of the following: the duration information of the positioning signal, the start time information of the positioning signal, the end time information of the positioning signal, the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, and the number of times the positioning signal is transmitted. The information included in different combinations among the X combinations may be partially or completely different. The X combinations may be predefined, pre-configured, or determined by negotiation between the second device and the first device, and there is no limitation thereto. For details regarding the duration information, start time information, end time information, number of symbols occupied, and number of times the positioning signal is transmitted, please refer to the foregoing descriptions, which will not be repeated here.

[0226] For example, X equals 7, and the indices of the 7 combinations are 0 to 6 respectively. The information indicated by the 7 combinations is shown in Table 1 below.

[0227] Table 1

[0228] Based on Table 1, the combination of index 0 includes the duration information of the positioning signal and the number of times the positioning signal is sent. The duration information of the positioning signal indicates that the duration of the positioning signal transmission is 100ms, and the number of times the positioning signal is sent indicates that the positioning signal is sent 10 times.

[0229] The combination of index 1 includes information on the duration of the positioning signal and the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted. The duration information indicates that the positioning signal was transmitted for 100ms, and the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted indicates that the positioning signal was transmitted 15 times. It is evident that the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted indicated by the combination of index 1 differs from the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted indicated by the combination of index 0.

[0230] The combination in Index 2 includes information on the duration of the positioning signal and the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted. The duration information indicates that the positioning signal was transmitted for 150ms, and the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted indicates that the positioning signal was transmitted 15 times. It is evident that the duration of the positioning signal transmission indicated by the combination in Index 2 differs from the duration of the positioning signal transmission indicated by the combination in Index 1.

[0231] The combination of index 3 includes the duration information of the positioning signal and the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal. The duration information of the positioning signal indicates that the duration of the positioning signal transmission is 150ms, and the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal indicates that the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal is 10.

[0232] The combination of index 4 includes the start time information of the positioning signal, the end time information of the positioning signal, and the number of times the positioning signal was sent. The start time information of the positioning signal indicates that the start time of the positioning signal transmission is t1, the end time information of the positioning signal indicates that the end time of the positioning signal transmission is t2, and the number of times the positioning signal was sent indicates that the positioning signal was sent 10 times.

[0233] The combination in index 5 includes the start time information, end time information, and number of times the positioning signal was transmitted. The start time information indicates that the positioning signal transmission started at time t1, the end time information indicates that the positioning signal transmission ended at time t3, and the number of times the positioning signal was transmitted indicates that the positioning signal was transmitted 10 times. It is evident that the end time of the positioning signal transmission indicated by the combination in index 5 differs from the end time of the positioning signal transmission indicated by the combination in index 4.

[0234] The combination of index 6 includes information on the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal and information on the number of times the positioning signal was sent. The information on the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal indicates that the positioning signal occupies 10 symbols, and the information on the number of times the positioning signal was sent indicates that the positioning signal was sent 10 times.

[0235] The first information has been described above by example. The second information is described below by example, as described in the following optional implementation methods 1.1 to 1.4:

[0236] In implementation 1.1, the second information includes bit information, which indicates whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. This bit information may occupy 1 bit, or it may be more than 1 bit; there is no limitation on this.

[0237] Optionally, the value of the bit information is used to characterize whether the energy of the first device supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information. The second device can determine whether the energy of the first device supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the value of the bit information.

[0238] For example, the value of the bit information can use "0" or "1" to represent whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information. For instance, a bit information value of "1" indicates that the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information, and a bit information value of "0" indicates that the energy of the first device does not support sending the positioning signal configured in the first information. Alternatively, a bit information value of "0" indicates that the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information, and a bit information value of "1" indicates that the energy of the first device does not support sending the positioning signal configured in the first information. Furthermore, the value of the bit information can also use other representations, such as a bit information value of "true" indicating that the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information, and a bit information value of "false" indicating that the energy of the first device does not support sending the positioning signal configured in the first information; there are no restrictions.

[0239] For example, assuming a bit value of "1" indicates that the first device's energy supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information, and a bit value of "0" indicates that the first device's energy does not support sending the positioning signal configured in the first information, and assuming that sending the positioning signal configured in the first information requires 10 milliwatt-hours (mWh); if the energy of the first device is greater than or equal to 10 mWh, the first device can determine that its energy supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information, and the second information includes a bit value of 1; if the energy of the first device is less than 10 mWh, the first device can determine that its energy does not support sending the positioning signal configured in the first information, and the second information includes a bit value of 0. For the second device, if the received second information includes a bit value of 1, the second device can determine that the first device's energy supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information; if the received second information includes a bit value of 0, the second device can determine that the first device's energy does not support sending the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0240] In implementation 1.2, the second information includes information on the number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device has been transmitted.

[0241] The information regarding the number of times the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal is used to indicate whether the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. Therefore, the second information uses the information regarding the number of times the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal to indicate whether the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. For the second device, it can determine whether the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the information regarding the number of times the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal.

[0242] In addition, the information on the number of times the positioning signal supported by the power of the first device is transmitted can be used to indicate the number of times the positioning signal supported by the power of the first device is transmitted. This can be achieved by direct indication (for example, the information on the number of times the positioning signal supported by the power of the first device is transmitted includes: the number of times the positioning signal supported by the power of the first device is transmitted), or it can be achieved by indirect indication (for example, the information on the number of times the positioning signal supported by the power of the first device is transmitted includes: information associated with the number of times the positioning signal supported by the power of the first device is transmitted). Similar to the information on the number of times the positioning signal is transmitted included in the aforementioned first information, please refer to the relevant descriptions above, and will not be repeated here.

[0243] Optionally, the second device determines whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the number of times the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal. This includes: the second device determining whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the number of times the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information in the second information, and the number of times the positioning signal configured in the first information is transmitted.

[0244] Optionally, if the number of transmissions indicated by the power-supported location signal transmission count information of the first device is greater than or equal to the number of transmissions of the location signal configured in the first information, the second device may determine that the first device's power supports transmission of the location signal configured in the first information. If the number of transmissions indicated by the power-supported location signal transmission count information of the first device is less than the number of transmissions of the location signal configured in the first information, the second device may determine that the first device's power does not support transmission of the location signal configured in the first information.

[0245] For example, the first information configures the number of times the positioning signal is transmitted to be 10, and the first device's energy supports the number of times the positioning signal is transmitted to be 9. The second information indicates that the first device's energy supports the number of times the positioning signal is transmitted to be 9. Based on the second information's information on the number of times the first device's energy supports the number of times the positioning signal is transmitted and the first information's configuration, the second device can determine that the first device's energy does not support the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0246] In implementation 1.3, the second information includes the duration information of the positioning signal supported by the energy of the first device.

[0247] The duration information of the positioning signal supported by the energy of the first device is used to indicate whether the energy of the first device supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information. Therefore, the second information uses the duration information of the positioning signal supported by the energy of the first device to indicate whether the energy of the first device supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information. For the second device, it determines whether the energy of the first device supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the duration information of the positioning signal supported by the energy of the first device.

[0248] In addition, the duration information of the power-supported positioning signal of the first device can be used to indicate the duration of the power-supported positioning signal transmission of the first device. This can be achieved by direct indication (e.g., the duration information of the power-supported positioning signal of the first device includes the duration of the power-supported positioning signal transmission of the first device), or by indirect indication (e.g., the duration information of the power-supported positioning signal of the first device includes information associated with the duration of the power-supported positioning signal transmission of the first device). Similar to the duration information of the positioning signal included in the aforementioned first information, please refer to the foregoing related descriptions, which will not be repeated here.

[0249] Optionally, the second device determines whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the duration information of the positioning signal supported by the energy of the first device, including: the second device determines whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the duration information of the positioning signal supported by the energy of the first device and the duration of the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0250] Optionally, if the duration of the positioning signal transmission supported by the power of the first device is greater than or equal to the duration of the positioning signal transmission configured by the first information, the second device may determine that the power of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information. If the duration of the positioning signal transmission supported by the power of the first device is less than the duration of the positioning signal transmission configured by the first information, the second device may determine that the power of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information.

[0251] For example, the duration of the positioning signal transmission configured in the first information is 100ms, and the duration of the positioning signal transmission supported by the power of the first device is 80ms. The duration information of the positioning signal transmission supported by the power of the first device in the second information is used to indicate that the duration of the positioning signal transmission supported by the power of the first device is 80ms. Based on the duration information of the positioning signal transmission supported by the power of the first device in the second information and the duration of the positioning signal transmission configured in the first information, the second device can determine that the power of the first device does not support the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0252] In implementation 1.4, the second information includes information on the number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device is transmitted and information on the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device.

[0253] The information regarding the number of times the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal and the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device are used to indicate whether the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. Therefore, the second information uses the information regarding the number of times the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal and the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device to indicate whether the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. For the second device, it determines whether the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the information regarding the number of times the first device's energy supports the transmission of the positioning signal and the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device.

[0254] Information regarding the number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device is transmitted can be found in the relevant description in the aforementioned embodiment 1.2. Information regarding the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device can be found in the relevant description in the aforementioned embodiment 1.3. It will not be repeated here.

[0255] Optionally, the second device determines whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the number of times the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal and the duration of the positioning signal supported by the energy of the first device. This includes: the second device determining whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the number of times the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal, the duration of the positioning signal supported by the energy of the first device, the number of times the positioning signal configured in the first information is transmitted, and the duration of the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0256] Optionally, if the number of transmissions of the positioning signal supported by the power of the first device is greater than or equal to the number of transmissions of the positioning signal configured in the first information, and the duration of the positioning signal transmission supported by the power of the first device is greater than or equal to the duration of the positioning signal transmission configured in the first information, the second device may determine that the power of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. If the number of transmissions of the positioning signal supported by the power of the first device is less than the number of transmissions of the positioning signal configured in the first information, and / or the duration of the positioning signal transmission supported by the power of the first device is less than the duration of the positioning signal transmission configured in the first information, the second device may determine that the power of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0257] In implementation 1.5, the second information includes the timing information of the positioning signal configured to be transmitted by the first device in order to support the energy of the first device.

[0258] The first device's energy support for transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information is used to indicate whether the first device's energy supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information. Therefore, the second information uses the first device's energy support for transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information to indicate whether the first device's energy supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information. For the second device, it determines whether the first device's energy supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the first device's energy support for transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0259] This implementation method 1.5 can be applied to the following scenario: The current energy of the first device may not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, but based on the energy harvesting capability of the first device, the energy of the first device may support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information after a period of time. In this case, the first device can use the second information feedback to provide the time information that the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, so that the second device can determine the time information that the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. Then, the second device can schedule the first device to transmit the positioning signal configured in the first information when the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0260] In one of the optional methods, the time information for the first device to support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration includes: the start time of the first device supporting the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration.

[0261] For example, the first device may not have enough energy to send the positioning signal configured in the first information at the current time t1, but may start sending the positioning signal configured in the first information at time t2 after time t1, where the second information includes time t2. After receiving the second information, the second device can determine that the first device starts sending the positioning signal configured in the first information at time t2, and the second device can schedule the first device to send the positioning signal at time t2.

[0262] In another optional approach, the time information for the first device's energy support in transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration includes: the time interval between a first moment and the start moment of the first device's energy support in transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration. The first moment can be the current moment, or it can be the start moment of transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration, or it can be the end moment of transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration, or it can be the moment of transmitting the second information.

[0263] For example, if the first device's energy at the current time t1 does not support sending the positioning signal configured in the first information, it will begin supporting the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information after a delay of Δt from time t1. The second information includes the time interval Δt. After receiving the second information, the second device can determine that the first device began supporting the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information after a delay of Δt from time t1. The second device can then schedule the first device to send the positioning signal after a delay of Δt from time t1.

[0264] Furthermore, any of the above embodiments 1.1 to 1.5 can be used alone. Alternatively, any one of embodiments 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 can be combined with embodiment 1.1 or embodiment 1.5. For example, the second information includes one or more of the following: bit information (which indicates whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information), information on the number of times the positioning signal can be transmitted with the energy of the first device, information on the duration of the positioning signal supported by the energy of the first device, or information on the time when the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0265] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: when the first device has sufficient energy to transmit the positioning signal configured by the first information, the second device transmits fourth information, which is used to schedule the first device to transmit the positioning signal configured by the first information. Correspondingly, the first device receives the fourth information. Optionally, scheduling the first device to transmit the positioning signal configured by the first information may include: configuring time-frequency domain resources for transmitting the positioning signal configured by the first information.

[0266] For example, the first device determines, based on any of embodiments 1.1 to 1.4, that the first device's energy supports the transmission of a positioning signal configured for the first information, and the second device transmits the fourth information.

[0267] For example, based on implementation method 1.5, the first device determines the time information of the first device's energy support for transmitting the positioning signal configured for the first information, and then transmits the fourth information at the time when the first device's energy supports transmitting the positioning signal configured for the first information.

[0268] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: if the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, the second device does not schedule the second device to transmit the positioning signal, or the second device may adjust the configuration of the positioning signal.

[0269] For example, based on any of the embodiments 1.1 to 1.4, if the first device determines that its energy does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured for the first information, the second device may not schedule the second device to transmit the positioning signal, or the second device may reduce the number of times and / or the duration and / or the number of symbols used to transmit the configured positioning signal.

[0270] In an optional implementation, based on the communication method described above, this application embodiment also provides an exemplary communication method, as shown in FIG10. The communication method shown in FIG10 includes the following steps.

[0271] S201, the second device sends first information, which is used to configure the positioning signal. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first information.

[0272] S202, the first device sends second information, which indicates whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information. Correspondingly, the second device receives the second information.

[0273] S203. The second device determines, based on the second information, whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning information configured in the first information.

[0274] S204. If the first device has sufficient energy to transmit the positioning information configured in the first information, the second device transmits fourth information, which is used to schedule the first device to transmit the positioning signal configured in the first information. Correspondingly, the first device receives the fourth information.

[0275] S205, The second device sends an excitation signal.

[0276] The second device can continuously send excitation signals, and this operation can occur simultaneously with steps S201 to S204.

[0277] Alternatively, the excitation signal can be transmitted by the second device via frequency hopping, so that the first device can subsequently transmit the positioning signal via frequency hopping.

[0278] S206. The first device modulates the positioning signal onto the excitation signal and reflects the modulated excitation signal to transmit the positioning signal. Correspondingly, the second device receives the modulated excitation signal reflected by the first device, or in other words, the second device receives the positioning signal. After receiving the positioning signal, the second device can perform positioning based on the positioning signal.

[0279] For details regarding the communication method shown in Figure 10, please refer to the relevant explanations in the communication method described in Figure 9 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0280] In summary, in the communication method provided by this application embodiment, a first device acquires first information, which is used to configure a positioning signal; the first device sends second information, which is used to indicate whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information. Based on the received second information, a second device determines whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0281] As can be seen, in this method, the first device can determine the configured positioning signal through the first information, and the second information provides feedback on whether the first device's energy supports sending the configured positioning signal. This allows the second device, upon receiving the second information, to determine whether the first device's energy supports sending the configured positioning signal. Therefore, if the first device's energy supports sending the configured positioning signal, the second device schedules the first device to send the positioning signal, and the first device sends the positioning signal. This method ensures that the first device can successfully send the positioning signal configured in the first information, or in other words, ensures that the first device can complete the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, guaranteeing positioning measurement. This method avoids the first device failing to send or partially failing to send the positioning signal due to insufficient energy, thus avoiding a decrease in positioning signal measurement accuracy caused by the failure or partial failure of sending the configured positioning signal, ensuring positioning accuracy. This method, when applied to PIOT positioning, can ensure the accuracy of PIOT positioning.

[0282] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method includes the following steps.

[0283] S301, The first device acquires first information, which is used to configure the positioning signal.

[0284] In one optional implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: the duration of the positioning signal, the start time of the positioning signal, the end time of the positioning signal, the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, or the number of times the positioning signal is sent.

[0285] For details regarding the acquisition of first information by the first device and the specific description of the first information, please refer to the relevant description in the communication method described in Figure 9 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0286] S302. If the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, the first device performs one of the following: cancels the transmission of the positioning signal, reduces the transmission power of the positioning signal, or transmits the positioning signal on a portion of the symbols occupied by the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0287] In one optional embodiment, the energy of the first device includes at least one of the following: the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy allocated to the positioning signal from the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy absorbed and converted by the current battery or energy storage module in the first device, the energy absorbed by the first device in the current unit time, and the energy used to transmit the positioning signal from the energy absorbed by the first device in the current unit time.

[0288] For details regarding the energy of the first device and the fact that the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured for the first information, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the communication method described in Figure 9 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0289] The methods described in step S302 are explained below.

[0290] In implementation method 2.1, if the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, the first device cancels the transmission of the positioning signal. This method can avoid the decrease in positioning accuracy caused by the failure of the first device to transmit the positioning signal configured in the first information when the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, and at the same time reduce the transmission of invalid positioning signals, thus saving power consumption.

[0291] In implementation method 2.2, if the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, the first device reduces the transmission power of the positioning signal. This method, by reducing the transmission power of the positioning signal, can evenly distribute the energy of the first device across the entire positioning signal, so that the second device can receive the entire positioning signal, thereby achieving positioning based on the positioning signal. This method can be applied to scenarios with high tolerance for positioning accuracy; reducing the transmission power of the positioning signal can meet the positioning requirements in such scenarios.

[0292] For example, the positioning signal configured in the first information setting satisfies the following: the positioning signal is transmitted on 10 symbols, and the transmission power required to transmit the positioning signal on each symbol is 10uW. Therefore, the total energy required to transmit the positioning signal is 10uW × 10T. symbol , where T symbol This represents the duration of a symbol. Assume the energy of the first device, or the energy the first device uses to allocate to the positioning signal, is 10uW × 8T. symbol Therefore, it is evident that the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. Consequently, based on the positioning signal configured in the first information, the first device reduces the transmission power of the positioning signal, using 8uW of transmission power per symbol out of the 10 symbols to transmit the positioning signal, thus distributing the energy of the first device evenly across the positioning signals on the 10 symbols.

[0293] In implementation method 2.3, when the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, the first device transmits the positioning signal on a portion of the symbols occupied by the positioning signal configured in the first information. This method, by reducing the number of symbols used to transmit the positioning signal, achieves the transmission of the positioning signal on only a portion of the symbols, thus ensuring the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or SINR of the positioning signal transmitted on these partial symbols. This allows the second device to receive a positioning signal that meets the SNR requirements, ensuring the reliability of measurements based on the positioning signal. This method can be applied to scenarios with high tolerance for positioning accuracy or scenarios with redundant positioning signal configurations. By reducing the number of symbols used to transmit the positioning signal to ensure the SNR of the positioning signal, the accuracy of the positioning signal measurement is guaranteed. This method can meet the SNR requirements of the positioning signal in this scenario, balancing positioning service needs and measurement accuracy requirements.

[0294] Optionally, the positioning signal configured in the first information occupies R symbols. Under the signal-to-noise ratio requirement, the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal on S symbols, where S is a positive number less than R and R is a positive number; the first device transmits the positioning signal on S symbols out of the R symbols.

[0295] Among them, the S symbols can be consecutive, which helps to ensure that the positioning signal is transmitted within the coherence time of the channel and is beneficial to improving the combining gain of channel measurement based on positioning signals on multiple symbols.

[0296] Alternatively, the positions of the S symbols within the R symbols can be evenly distributed, or in other words, the S symbols can be evenly distributed across the R symbols. This method can guarantee the span of channel measurements based on positioning signals on multiple symbols, and can improve positioning accuracy to a certain extent. For example, referring to Figure 12, the positioning signal configured in the first information configuration occupies 6 symbols, as shown by consecutive symbols #1 to #6 in Figure 12. Under the signal-to-noise ratio requirement, the energy of the first device supports transmitting positioning signals on 3 symbols. As shown in part (A) of Figure 12, the 3 symbols used by the first device to transmit the positioning signal are symbols #1, #3, and #5 out of the 6 symbols. Or, as shown in part (B) of Figure 12, the 3 symbols used by the first device to transmit the positioning signal are symbols #2, #4, and #6 out of the 6 symbols.

[0297] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: a first device acquiring fifth information, the fifth information being used to instruct a first behavior rule, the first behavior rule being used to instruct the behavior of the first device when its energy does not support transmitting the positioning signal configured by the first information. When the energy of the first device does not support transmitting the positioning signal configured by the first information, the first device performs the behavior indicated by the first behavior rule.

[0298] For example, the first action rule instructs the first device to cancel transmitting the positioning signal if its energy does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. Alternatively, the first action rule instructs the first device to reduce the transmission power of the positioning signal if its energy does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. Alternatively, the first action rule instructs the first device to transmit the positioning signal on a portion of the symbols occupied by the positioning signal configured in the first information if its energy does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0299] Furthermore, the embodiments of this application do not limit the implementation method of the first device acquiring the fifth information.

[0300] For example, the fifth piece of information can be predefined or preconfigured.

[0301] For example, the fifth information may be pre-stored in the first device, and the first device obtains the fifth information by reading it internally.

[0302] For example, the fifth information could be received by the first device from another device. For instance, the second device sends the fifth information, and the first device obtains the fifth information by receiving it from the second device. Or, for example, the fifth information could be sent by a device other than the first and second devices, and the first device receives the fifth information.

[0303] Furthermore, regarding the scenario where the first and fifth information are sent by other devices, taking the second device sending the first and fifth information as an example, this embodiment does not restrict the order in which the second device sends the first and fifth information. For example, the second device may send the first information first, followed by the fifth information. Another example is that the second device may send the fifth information first, followed by the first information. Yet another example is that the second device may send the first and fifth information simultaneously; for instance, the first and fifth information may be transmitted within the same message, whereby the message is used both to configure the positioning signal and to indicate the first behavioral rule.

[0304] In an optional implementation, based on the communication method described above, this application embodiment also provides an exemplary communication method, as shown in FIG13. The communication method shown in FIG13 includes the following steps.

[0305] S401, the second device sends first information and fifth information. The first information is used to configure a positioning signal, and the fifth information is used to indicate a first behavior rule. The first behavior rule is used to indicate the behavior of the first device when its energy does not support sending the positioning signal configured by the first information. Accordingly, the first device receives the first information and the fifth information.

[0306] S402, The second device sends an excitation signal.

[0307] The second device can continuously send excitation signals, and this operation can occur simultaneously with step S401.

[0308] Alternatively, the excitation signal can be transmitted by the second device via frequency hopping, so that the first device can subsequently transmit the positioning signal via frequency hopping.

[0309] S403. If the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, the first device determines the behavior indicated by the first behavior rule.

[0310] For example, if the first behavior rule indicates that the first device should cancel sending the positioning signal if the energy of the first device does not support sending the positioning signal configured in the first information, the first device determines to cancel sending the positioning signal if the energy of the first device does not support sending the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0311] If the first behavior rule indicates that the first device reduces the transmission power of the positioning signal when the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, the first device determines to reduce the transmission power of the positioning signal and executes step S404 when the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information.

[0312] If the first behavior rule instructs the first device to transmit a positioning signal on a portion of the symbols occupied by the positioning signal configured in the first information when the first device's energy does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, the first device determines to transmit the positioning signal on a portion of the symbols occupied by the positioning signal configured in the first information when the first device's energy does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, and executes step S404.

[0313] S404. The first device modulates the positioning signal onto the excitation signal according to the first action rule, and reflects the modulated excitation signal to transmit the positioning signal. Correspondingly, the second device receives the modulated excitation signal reflected by the first device, or in other words, the second device receives the positioning signal. After receiving the positioning signal, the second device can perform positioning based on the positioning signal.

[0314] For details regarding the communication method shown in Figure 13, please refer to the relevant explanations in the communication method described in Figure 11 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0315] In summary, in this communication method, the first device acquires first information, which is used to configure a positioning signal. If the first device's energy does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information, the first device may cancel the transmission of the positioning signal, reduce the transmission power of the positioning signal, or transmit the positioning signal on a portion of the symbols occupied by the configured positioning signal.

[0316] As can be seen, this method provides a solution for the first device when its energy does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. Specifically, by reducing the transmission power of the positioning signal or transmitting the positioning signal only on a portion of the symbols occupied by the configured positioning signal when its energy does not support transmission, this method provides a solution for how the first device can transmit the positioning signal and enable positioning measurement when its energy does not support transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. This ensures that even when the first device's energy does not support transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, it can still transmit a partial positioning signal and still achieve a certain level of positioning accuracy.

[0317] To achieve the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the network element / device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0318] This application also provides a communication device, which may be a first device or a component of the first device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module, etc.), or it may be a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device, wherein the first device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a second device or a component of the second device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module, etc.), or it may be a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second device. The communication device can be used to execute the steps performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments. The following is an exemplary description of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0319] As shown in Figure 14, this application embodiment provides a communication device 1400. The communication device 1400 can be used for the steps executed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments, and can be referred to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0320] The communication device 1400 can also be other communication units used to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application. The communication device 1400 may include a processing unit 1401. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a communication unit 1402, where the processing unit 1401 controls the communication unit 1402 to transmit and receive data / signaling. The communication unit 1402 may also be referred to as a transceiver unit. Optionally, the communication unit 1402 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit can be used to send data / signaling, and the receiving unit can be used to receive data / signaling. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a storage unit 1403, which can be used to store information and / or data and / or instructions, etc. The storage unit 1403 can interact with the processing unit 1401 and also with the communication unit 1402.

[0321] In one possible design, processing unit 1401 is used to acquire first information, which is used to configure a positioning signal. Communication unit 1402 is used to send second information, which is used to indicate whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information.

[0322] In another possible design, communication unit 1402 is used to receive second information. Processing unit 1401 is used to determine, based on the second information, whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information, wherein the first device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device.

[0323] In another possible design, processing unit 1401 is used to acquire first information, which is used to configure a positioning signal. Processing unit 1401 is also used to perform one of the following if the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information: canceling the transmission of the positioning signal, reducing the transmission power of the positioning signal, or transmitting the positioning signal on a portion of the symbols occupied by the positioning signal configured by the first information.

[0324] The embodiments of this application and the method embodiments shown above are based on the same concept and have the same technical effects. For the specific principles, please refer to the description of the embodiments shown above, which will not be repeated here.

[0325] As shown in Figure 15, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 1500. The communication device 1500 can be used for the steps performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments, as described in the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0326] The communication device 1500 may include one or more processors 1501. The processor 1501 can be used to implement some or all of the functions of the terminal-side device or network-side device through logic circuits or by running computer programs. The processor 1501 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, etc. For example, it may be one or a combination of one or more of the following: baseband processor, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, central processing unit (CPU), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), microprocessor unit (MPU), microcontroller unit (MCU), graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), artificial intelligence processor (AI processor), or neural processing unit (NPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control communication devices, execute software programs, and process data from software programs. Communication devices include, for example, base stations, baseband chips, terminals, terminal chips, DUs, or CUs.

[0327] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may include one or more memories 1502, which may store instructions 1504 that can be executed on the processor 1501, causing the communication device 1500 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1502 may also store data. The processor 1501 and the memory 1502 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0328] The memory 1502 may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memories such as cache, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD). The memory 1502 may also include random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), ROM, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code having an instruction or data structure form and accessible by a computer, but is not limited to this. The memory in the embodiments of this application may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing a storage function for storing computer programs or instructions, and / or data.

[0329] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may further include a transceiver 1505 and an antenna 1506. The transceiver 1505 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 1505 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0330] In one possible design, processor 1501 is used to acquire first information, which is used to configure a positioning signal. Transceiver 1505 is used to transmit second information, which is used to indicate whether the energy of communication device 1500 supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information.

[0331] In another possible design, transceiver 1505 is used to receive the second information. Processor 1501 is used to determine, based on the second information, whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information, wherein the first device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device.

[0332] In another possible design, processor 1501 is configured to acquire first information for configuring a positioning signal. Processor 1501 is also configured to, if the energy of communication device 1500 does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information, perform one of the following: cancel transmission of the positioning signal, reduce the transmission power of the positioning signal, or transmit the positioning signal on a portion of the symbols occupied by the positioning signal configured by the first information.

[0333] The embodiments of this application and the method embodiments shown above are based on the same concept and have the same technical effects. For the specific principles, please refer to the description of the embodiments shown above, which will not be repeated here.

[0334] In another possible design, the processor 1501 may include a transceiver for implementing receive and transmit functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receive and transmit functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used for reading and writing code / data, or it may be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0335] In another possible design, the processor 1501 may optionally store instructions 1503, which, when executed on the processor 1501, cause the communication device 1500 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Instructions 1503 may be embedded in the processor 1501; in this case, the processor 1501 may be implemented in hardware.

[0336] In another possible design, the communication device 1500 may include circuitry that can perform the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this application embodiment can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), p-type metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0337] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented through hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can use various methods to implement the described functionality for a specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0338] The embodiments of this application and the above-described method embodiments are based on the same concept and have the same technical effects. For the specific principles, please refer to the description in the above-described method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0339] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer software instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0340] This application also provides a computer program product for storing computer software instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0341] This application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0342] This application also provides a chip including a processor. The processor is used to execute code or instructions to implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments. Optionally, the chip further includes an interface, and the processor is coupled to the interface, which is used to receive or output signals.

[0343] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., SSDs), etc.

[0344] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0345] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0346] It is understood that some optional features in the various embodiments of this application may not depend on other features in certain scenarios, or may be combined with other features in certain scenarios, without limitation.

[0347] It is understood that the solutions in the embodiments of this application can be used in combination, and the explanations or descriptions of various terms, similar operations or steps appearing in the embodiments can be referenced or explained to each other in the various embodiments, and this application does not limit them.

[0348] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Here, a, b, and c can each be single or multiple.

[0349] In this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are used for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they may be used to distinguish different messages, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those described in this application.

[0350] In this application, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0351] In this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message as indicating A, it can include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0352] In this application, "sending information to XX (device / network element)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device / network element. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to that device / network element. "Receiving information from XX (device / network element), or receiving information from XX (device / network element)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device / network element. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from that device / network element. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source.

[0353] In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes applying a chip to a first device or a chip in the first device, wherein the first device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device: Obtain first information, which is used to configure the positioning signal; Send a second message, which indicates whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy of the first device includes at least one of the following: The remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device; The energy allocated to the positioning signal from the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device; The energy absorbed and converted by the current battery or energy storage module in the first device; The energy absorbed by the first device per unit time; The energy absorbed by the first device per unit time is the energy used to send positioning signals.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before sending the second information, the method further includes: Receive third information, which is used to inquire whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first information includes one or more of the following: the duration of the positioning signal, the start time of the positioning signal, the end time of the positioning signal, the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, or the number of times the positioning signal is sent.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second information is used to indicate whether the energy of the first device supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information, including: The second information includes information on the number of times the first device's energy supports the transmission of positioning signals. This information indicates whether the first device's energy supports transmitting the positioning signals configured in the first information; or... The second information includes duration information of the positioning signal supported by the power of the first device, which indicates whether the power of the first device supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information; or, The second information includes information on the number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device's power is transmitted and information on the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device's power. The number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device's power is transmitted and the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device's power are used to indicate whether the first device's power supports transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information; or, The second information includes time information on whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information. This time information indicates whether the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured in the first information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The time information regarding the energy support of the first device for transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information includes: the start time at which the energy support of the first device for transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information; or, The time information for the first device to support the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information includes: the time interval between the current time and the start time of the first device supporting the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a second device or a chip in a second device, includes: Receive the second message; Based on the second information, it is determined whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information, wherein the first device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The energy of the first device includes at least one of the following: The remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device; The energy allocated to the positioning signal from the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device; The energy absorbed and converted by the current battery or energy storage module in the first device; The energy absorbed by the first device per unit time; The energy absorbed by the first device per unit time is the energy used to send positioning signals.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the energy of the first device supports the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information, a fourth information is transmitted, the fourth information being used to schedule the first device to transmit the positioning signal configured by the first information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that, Before receiving the second information, the method further includes: Send a third message, which is used to inquire whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first message.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the first message.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The first information includes one or more of the following: the duration of the positioning signal, the start time of the positioning signal, the end time of the positioning signal, the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, or the number of times the positioning signal is sent.

13. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that, The second information includes information on the number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device has been transmitted; The step of determining whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the second information includes: determining whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured in the first information based on the number of times the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal.

14. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that, The second information includes information about the duration of the positioning signal supported by the power of the first device; The step of determining whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured by the first information based on the second information includes: determining whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured by the first information based on the duration information of the positioning signal supported by the energy of the first device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that, The second information includes information on the number of times the positioning signal supported by the first device is transmitted and information on the duration of the positioning signal supported by the first device. The step of determining whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured by the first information based on the second information includes: determining whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured by the first information based on the number of times the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal and the duration information of the positioning signal supported by the energy of the first device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that, The second information includes the time information of the first device's energy support for transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information; The step of determining whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured by the first information based on the second information includes: determining whether the energy of the first device supports sending the positioning signal configured by the first information based on the time information of the energy of the first device supporting the sending of the positioning signal configured by the first information.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The time information regarding the energy support of the first device for transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information includes: the start time at which the energy support of the first device for transmitting the positioning signal configured in the first information; or, The time information for the first device to support the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information includes: the time interval between the current time and the start time of the first device supporting the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes applying a chip to a first device or a chip in the first device, wherein the first device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device: Obtain first information, which is used to configure the positioning signal; If the energy of the first device does not support the transmission of the positioning signal configured by the first information, one of the following shall be performed: cancel the transmission of the positioning signal, reduce the transmission power of the positioning signal, or transmit the positioning signal on a portion of the symbols occupied by the positioning signal configured by the first information.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The energy of the first device includes at least one of the following: The remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device; or, The energy allocated to the positioning signal from the remaining energy of the current battery or energy storage module in the first device; or, The energy absorbed and converted by the current battery or energy storage module in the first device; or, The energy absorbed by the first device per unit time; or, The energy absorbed by the first device per unit time is the energy used to send positioning signals.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The first information includes one or more of the following: the duration of the positioning signal, the start time of the positioning signal, the end time of the positioning signal, the number of symbols occupied by the positioning signal, or the number of times the positioning signal is sent.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 1 to 6, or modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 7 to 17, or modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 18 to 20.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes at least one processor; The processor is configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 6, or to perform the method of any one of claims 7 to 17, or to perform the method of any one of claims 18 to 20, by executing a computer program or instructions stored in a memory, and / or by using logic circuitry.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 17 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 18 to 20 to be performed.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: computer program code that, when executed, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 17 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 18 to 20 to be performed.

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