Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can be applied to the field of ambient-Internet of Things (A-IoT). The method comprises: a reader / writer sending a first information set, comprising a first-type information subset and at least one second-type information subset, wherein the first-type information subset comprises scheduling information shared by at least one A-IoT device, and the at least one second-type information subset respectively comprises scheduling information dedicated to the at least one A-IoT device; and a first A-IoT device sending a first message on the basis of the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device. Because some scheduling information of at least one A-IoT device may be shared, the scheduling information of the A-IoT device is divided into shared scheduling information and dedicated scheduling information, and the shared scheduling information and one piece of scheduling information dedicated to the A-IoT device may be carried on a same physical channel or different physical channels, so that receiving power consumption and an access delay of the A-IoT device can be reduced.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510399876.6, filed on March 28, 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 ambient-internet of things (A-IoT) technology, and more particularly to a communication method and device. Background Technology

[0003] A-IoT devices have extremely low power consumption (approximately 1μW to several hundredμW) and do not use batteries for power. Instead, they support normal operation of A-IoT communication by collecting and storing ambient energy (such as radio waves, light energy, kinetic energy, and thermal energy).

[0004] The access mechanism of A-IoT systems is similar to that of new radio (NR). For A-IoT, the physical reader-device channel (PRDCH) can carry one or more random access messages 2 (Msg2) for A-IoT devices, and each Msg2 indicates the scheduling information for a corresponding random access message 3 (Msg3). If the number of Msg2 messages is large, the number of bits in the PRDCH is also large, leading to increased power consumption and access latency for A-IoT devices. Therefore, reducing the number of bits in the PRDCH to lower the power consumption and access latency of A-IoT devices is a pressing issue. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to reduce the receiving power consumption and access latency of A-IoT devices.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a first A-IoT device. This first A-IoT device can be the device itself, a communication module within the A-IoT device, or a circuit or chip applied to the A-IoT device (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip). Taking the application of this method to an A-IoT device as an example...

[0007] In this method, a first A-IoT device receives a first information set, which includes scheduling information of at least one A-IoT device. The scheduling information of the at least one A-IoT device is used to indicate the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of a first message. The first information set includes a first type of information subset and at least one second type of information subset. The first type of information subset includes scheduling information shared by the at least one A-IoT device, and the at least one second type of information subset includes scheduling information specific to the at least one A-IoT device. The first A-IoT device is one of the at least one A-IoT device. A first message is sent based on the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device, wherein the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device is obtained based on the first information set.

[0008] By adopting this method, since some of the scheduling information of at least one A-IoT device can be shared, by dividing the scheduling information of A-IoT devices into shared and dedicated information, the shared scheduling information and the dedicated scheduling information of A-IoT devices can be carried on the same or different physical channels, thereby reducing the receiving power consumption and access latency of A-IoT devices.

[0009] Secondly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to a reader / writer, which may be a reader / writer itself or a communication module within a reader / writer, or a circuit or chip applied to the reader / writer (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core). Taking the application of this method to a reader / writer as an example...

[0010] In this method, the reader sends a first information set, which includes scheduling information for at least one A-IoT device. The scheduling information for the at least one A-IoT device is used to indicate the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of the first message. The first information set includes a first type of information subset and at least one second type of information subset. The first type of information subset includes scheduling information shared by the at least one A-IoT device, and the at least one second type of information subset carries scheduling information specific to the at least one A-IoT device. The first A-IoT device is one of the at least one A-IoT device. The reader also receives a first message based on the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device, wherein the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device is obtained based on the first information set.

[0011] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive a first information set, the first information set including scheduling information of at least one A-IoT device, the scheduling information of the at least one A-IoT device being used to indicate time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of a first message, the first information set including a first type of information subset and at least one second type of information subset, the first type of information subset including scheduling information shared by the at least one A-IoT device, and the at least one second type of information subset each including scheduling information specific to the at least one A-IoT device, wherein the first A-IoT device is one of the at least one A-IoT device; and a transceiver unit, further configured to send a first message based on the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device, wherein the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device is obtained based on the first information set.

[0012] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: transmit a first information set, the first information set including scheduling information of at least one A-IoT device, the scheduling information of the at least one A-IoT device being used to indicate time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of a first message; the first information set including a first type of information subset and at least one second type of information subset, the first type of information subset including scheduling information shared by the at least one A-IoT device, and the at least one second type of information subset each including scheduling information specific to the at least one A-IoT device, wherein the first A-IoT device is one of the at least one A-IoT device; and a transceiver unit, further configured to receive a first message based on scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device, wherein the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device is obtained based on the first information set.

[0013] The third and fourth aspects are the implementation on the device side, which correspond to the first and second aspects. The explanations, supplements, and descriptions of the beneficial effects of the first and second aspects also apply to the third and fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0014] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions or data in the memory to implement the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect described above. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0015] In one implementation, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0016] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in an A-IoT device. When the communication device is a chip configured in an A-IoT device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions or data in the memory to implement the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect described above. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0018] In one implementation, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0019] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in the reader / writer. When the communication device is a chip configured in the reader / writer, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute a method in any possible implementation of any aspect.

[0021] In specific implementation, the processor can be one or more chips, the input circuit can be input pins, the output circuit can be output pins, and the processing circuit can be transistors, gate circuits, flip-flops, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as both the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0022] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The processor is used to read instructions stored in the memory, receive signals via a receiver, and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute the method in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects.

[0023] Optionally, the processor may be one or more, and the memory may be one or more.

[0024] Ninthly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when the computer program is run, causes a computer to perform a method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0025] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0026] Eleventhly, a chip system is provided, comprising one or more processors for calling and executing instructions stored in memory, such that the methods in any of the foregoing aspects or any possible implementations of the foregoing aspects are executed. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0027] The chip system may include input circuits or interfaces for transmitting information or data, and output circuits or interfaces for receiving information or data.

[0028] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising at least one A-IoT device and a reader / writer, wherein the at least one A-IoT device is configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect, and the reader / writer is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect or any embodiment of the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of A-IoT device type 1;

[0031] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the signal generation process for the physical device-reader channel;

[0032] Figures 4a-4e are schematic diagrams of the network topology provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a contention-based random access process for an A-IoT device;

[0034] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the format of the first information set in an example of an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figures 8a and 8b are schematic diagrams of the format of the first type of information subset in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the timing relationship between random access message 2 and random access message 3 in an example of an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figures 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) systems, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, sidelink communication systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, or new radio access technology (NR). Among these, 5G mobile communication systems can include non-standalone (NSA) and / or standalone (SA) networking. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit the scope of these applications.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of this application. The communication system 100 may include network devices, such as network device 110 shown in Figure 1. The communication system 100 may also include terminal devices, such as terminal device 120 shown in Figure 1. Network device 110 and terminal device 120 can communicate via a wireless link.

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary network device 110 and a terminal device 120. Optionally, the communication system 100 may also include multiple network devices and / or multiple terminal devices.

[0043] The network equipment in this application can be network-side equipment such as access network equipment and core network equipment. Access network equipment is sometimes also called access node. Access network equipment has wireless transceiver capabilities and is used to communicate with terminals. Access network equipment includes, but is not limited to, base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmission reception points (TRPs) in the above-mentioned communication systems, next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in 5G mobile communication systems, access network equipment or modules of access network equipment in open RAN (ORAN) systems, satellites in NTN communication systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems. Access network equipment can also be modules or units capable of implementing some of the functions of a base station. Access network equipment can be macro base stations, micro base stations, or indoor stations, relay nodes or donor nodes, or wireless controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios. Optionally, access network equipment can also be servers, wearable devices, or vehicle-mounted equipment, etc. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). Multiple access network devices in a communication system can be base stations of the same type or different types. Base stations can communicate with terminals directly or via relay stations. Terminals can communicate with multiple base stations using different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the access network equipment. In this application, the access network equipment is referred to as a network device.

[0044] In this application, the means for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself, or a means capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system. This means can be installed in or connected to the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application, the example of a network device being used to implement the functions of a network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application.

[0045] The terminal device in this application can be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving network device scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal device can be a device providing voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. For example, the terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN). The terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, or satellite communication, etc. The terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable device, vehicle, aircraft (such as drone, helicopter, airplane), hot air balloon, ship, robot, robotic arm, or smart home device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the form of the terminal device.

[0046] In this application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or any apparatus capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing those functions, such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system. This apparatus can be installed in or connected to the terminal device. In the technical solutions provided in this application, the example of a terminal device being used to implement the functions of a terminal device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application.

[0047] Access network devices and / or terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; or in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the application scenarios of the access network devices and terminals. Access network devices and terminal devices can be deployed in the same or different scenarios; for example, both can be deployed on land; or the access network device can be deployed on land, and the terminal device on water, etc., and so on.

[0048] In practical applications, multiple network devices can collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with different network devices each implementing some of the functions of a base station. For example, network devices can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0049] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. 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 and hardware modules. CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, and RU can implement different protocol layer functions. Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted through licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously; communication can be conducted through spectrum below 6 GHz, or above 6 GHz, or simultaneously using both spectrum below 6 GHz and above 6 GHz. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0050] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0051] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. To communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also susceptible to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0052] With the increasing prevalence of 5G NR machine-type communication (MTC) and Internet of Things (IoT) communication, the number of connected IoT devices is growing daily. Therefore, the industry's demand for reduced cost and power consumption in IoT devices is becoming increasingly strong. During the 4G era, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) introduced narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) systems. However, NB-IoT terminals still require external power (batteries) and have the ability to generate local high-frequency carrier waves, thus limiting their power consumption to milliwatts. However, with the evolution and development of 5G IoT, the need for lower-power terminals in 5G networks is growing, and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology provides a good technical reference for low power consumption, supporting microwatt-level power consumption. RFID terminals (tags) use low-precision, low-power mid-to-low frequency ring oscillators or receive downlink signals without a local oscillator. When the tag is working, the energy and carrier wave for communication are supplied by the reader, and communication is based on reflected carrier waves.

[0053] Given the low power consumption advantage of RFID communication technology, 5G A-IoT technology has emerged. To meet ultra-low power consumption requirements, terminals in A-IoT also use low-precision, low-power mid-to-low frequency ring oscillators or receivers without a local oscillator to receive downlink signals. This receiving method further reduces the power consumption of downlink reception. However, for such low-power receiving methods, only amplitude detection, such as envelope detection, can be performed because a low-precision ring oscillator alone cannot guarantee accurate demodulation of signal phase information.

[0054] Existing RFID terminals are low in cost and design complexity, but suffer from poor coverage and limited applicability. During the research of 5G A-IoT, coverage enhancement designs also encounter some challenges.

[0055] A-IoT technology can be applied to logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, environmental monitoring, and more.

[0056] I. A-IoT:

[0057] Passive IoT technology refers to IoT without a "source," where "source" refers to a power source. Currently, the most common and mature passive IoT technology is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), which uses radio frequency to read and write data to recording media (electronic tags or RFID cards). The basic principle of RFID is to use backscattering to complete energy conversion and communication. An RFID system generally includes a reader and an RFID tag. The reader transmits electromagnetic waves of a certain frequency through an antenna; when the RFID tag enters the working range of the transmitting antenna, it is activated by an induced current, and then transmits its stored information through its internal antenna; the transmission process involves load modulation of the received electromagnetic waves. The reader's antenna receives the carrier signal from the RFID tag and transmits it back to the reader.

[0058] Traditional RFID has several drawbacks, such as short transmission distance and a limited reading range of only a few meters. It typically requires handheld scanning, leading to labor-intensive and time-consuming operations. Furthermore, the lack of interference management solutions results in severe interference and capacity issues between RFID readers, especially in densely deployed scenarios, making it difficult for RFID to support seamless, large-scale networks.

[0059] Therefore, A-IoT was proposed to support backscatter communication technology in cellular systems.

[0060] A-IoT, also known as passive IoT, offers lower power consumption and lower cost compared to NB-IoT within the 3GPP standard framework. In non-3GPP frameworks, A-IoT targets the market demand for RFID, providing comparable and even more advantageous technical solutions.

[0061] A-IoT can provide Internet of Things (IoT) services and features characteristics such as battery-free operation, low power consumption, low complexity, low cost, small size, and long lifespan. Compared to traditional IoT technologies, an A-IoT system includes A-IoT devices and readers. For example, a reader can also be called an interrogator. For example, an A-IoT device can also be called an A-IoT terminal, A-IoT, or a device with A-IoT functionality identified by a tag.

[0062] II. Device types of A-IoT devices:

[0063] In one possible example, an A-IoT device can have the following two characteristics:

[0064] A-IoT device type 1 has a peak power consumption of around 1 microwatt (μW) to several hundred μW. It does not use battery power but instead supports normal A-IoT communication by collecting and storing ambient energy (such as radio waves, light, kinetic energy, and heat). The sampling clock frequency offset (SFO) is as high as 10⁻⁶. X ppm, without signal amplification capability, where ppm represents parts per million. Device-to-reader (D2R) transmission for A-IoT device type 1 is based on backscatter transmission using an externally provided carrier frequency. D2R refers to the transmission process from the A-IoT device to the reader (such as a network device or terminal device), which is described in detail below.

[0065] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of A-IoT device type 1, which includes the following modules:

[0066] (1) Antenna: Radio frequency (RF) energy reception and receiver / transmitter can be shared or separated.

[0067] (2) Matching network: Matches the impedance between the antenna and other parts (including the RF energy harvester and receiver-related modules).

[0068] (3) RF energy harvester: including rectifier, which converts radio frequency signals (AC) into DC.

[0069] (4) Energy storage (e.g., capacitor): Storing collected energy from an RF energy receiver.

[0070] (5) Power Management Unit (PMU): Manages the energy stored from the energy harvester and provides energy to the active modules that need energy supply.

[0071] (6) Digital baseband logic (BB logics): including functional modules such as encoder, decoder, controller, etc.

[0072] (7) Memory: Includes two types of memory: 1) Non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, which can permanently store device IDs, etc. 2) Registers that temporarily store information, which can only store information when there is sufficient energy in the energy storage.

[0073] (8) Clock generator: provides clock signals.

[0074] (9) Receiving related modules:

[0075] RF band-pass filter (BPF): Improves frequency selectivity.

[0076] RF envelope detector: Converts RF signals to baseband.

[0077] Baseband low-pass filter (BB LPF): Filters out harmonics and high-frequency components, improving the signal quality input to the comparator.

[0078] Comparator: determines whether the input signal is high or low (level).

[0079] (10) Sending related modules:

[0080] Backscatter modulator: Switches the impedance to modulate the backscatter signal using the transmit signal from the baseband logic.

[0081] A-IoT device type 2 has a peak power consumption of several hundred microwatts, energy storage capabilities, and a SFO of up to 10. X ppm indicates signal amplification capability. Furthermore, based on the source of the carrier frequency used for transmission, A-IoT device type 2 can be divided into A-IoT device type 2a and A-IoT device type 2b. Specifically, A-IoT device type 2a's D2R transmission is based on backscatter transmission using an externally provided carrier frequency, while A-IoT device type 2b's D2R transmission is based on a carrier frequency generated internally within the device.

[0082] This application mainly relates to A-IoT device type 1.

[0083] To meet the ultra-low power consumption requirements of A-IoT devices:

[0084] 1) On the R2D link, the reader uses on-off keying (OOK) modulation to send data, and correspondingly, the A-IoT device uses an envelope detector receiver with extremely low power consumption to receive data.

[0085] 2) On the D2R link, A-IoT devices use reflection communication technology, that is: A-IoT devices use the carrier signal provided by an external carrier source and directly modulate the data to be sent onto the external carrier signal and send it to the reader.

[0086] The physical device-reader channel (PDRCH) is a physical channel defined on the D2R link. The signal generation flowchart of the PDRCH is shown in Figure 3, where:

[0087] 1) Cyclic redundancy check (CRC) supports no CRC, 6-bit CRC, and 16-bit CRC, and the CRC generator polynomial follows the definition of NR.

[0088] 2) Channel coding adopts LTE convolutional coding.

[0089] 3) Manchester coding maps each bit to two high and low levels, such as mapping bit '0' to {high level, low level} and bit '1' to {low level, high level}. Here, to be compatible with both OOK and binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation methods, bit '0' is mapped to chip {1,0}, and bit '1' is mapped to chip {0,1}. A chip represents a time-domain signal of a specific duration. chip {1,0} or {0,1} can also be called a Manchester codeword.

[0090] 4) In addition to supporting Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), PDRCH also supports Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA). PDRCH uses a small frequency shift to implement FDMA. Specifically, for a given bit duration T... b During the duration T of this bit b Frequency shifting is achieved by repeatedly transmitting the Manchester codeword. For example, assuming a bit duration T... b=266.66us, transmit the Manchester codeword R=4 times within a bit duration, where the chip duration of the Manchester codeword is T. c =T b / (2*R), then PDRCH can achieve frequency shift f c =R / T b =15kHz.

[0091] 5) PDRCH supports both OOK and BPSK modulation modes.

[0092] 6) To improve coverage performance, PDRCH supports block-level repetition, which means repeating the entire D2R info bits signal. This block-level repetition can also be achieved by repeating the output bit sequence of the channel coding.

[0093] III. Network Topology of A-IoT:

[0094] 3GPP defines several A-IoT topologies, as shown in Figures 4a-4e.

[0095] Network Topology 1: Interaction between Network Devices and A-IoT Devices

[0096] Please refer to Figure 4a, which is a schematic diagram of a topology provided in an embodiment of this application. In Figure 4a, the A-IoT device and the network device communicate bidirectionally. The network device can send reader-to-device (R2D) signals to the A-IoT device; the A-IoT device receives the R2D signals sent from the network device; optionally, the A-IoT device sends a corresponding response signal to the network device (this response signal can be a backscattered signal). Correspondingly, the A-IoT device can send D2R signals to the network device; the network device receives the D2R signals from the A-IoT device; optionally, the network device sends a corresponding response signal to the A-IoT device.

[0097] It should be noted that in Figure 4a, the transmission from the network device to the A-IoT device can be referred to as "R2D" transmission, and the transmission from the A-IoT device to the network device can be referred to as "D2R" transmission. In Figure 4a, optionally, the reader / writer can be a network device. For a detailed description of the network device, please refer to Figure 1; it will not be repeated here.

[0098] Network Topology 2: Network devices interact with A-IoT devices through intermediate nodes:

[0099] Please refer to Figure 4b, which is a schematic diagram of another topology provided in an embodiment of this application. In Figure 4b, since the network device and the A-IoT device cannot communicate directly, the intermediate node can relay the communication between the network device and the A-IoT device. In Figure 4b, the transmission from the intermediate node to the A-IoT device can be called "R2D" transmission, and the transmission from the A-IoT device to the intermediate node can be called "D2R" transmission. In Figure 4b, optionally, the reader / writer can refer to the intermediate node.

[0100] Specifically, the network device sends R2D data to the intermediate node. The intermediate node then assembles the R2D data into an R2D signal and sends it directly to the A-IoT device, or processes the R2D data to assemble an R2D signal before sending it to the A-IoT device. The R2D data can be the data portion of the R2D signal. Correspondingly, the A-IoT device receives the R2D signal. Optionally, the A-IoT device sends a corresponding response signal to the intermediate node (this response signal can be a backscattered signal). Optionally, the intermediate node forwards the response signal to the network device, or processes the response signal before sending it to the network device. The network device and the intermediate node can communicate via the Uu interface. The A-IoT device sends a D2R signal to the intermediate node. The intermediate node then forwards the D2R data from the signal to the network device, or processes the D2R data before sending it to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the D2R data, which can be the data portion of the D2R signal. Optionally, the network device sends a corresponding response signal to the intermediate node. Alternatively, the intermediate node forwards the response signal to the A-IoT device, or processes the response signal before sending it to the A-IoT device. The network device and the intermediate node can communicate via a Uu interface.

[0101] In some possible implementations, an intermediate node is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. For example, an intermediate node could be a terminal device. For example, intermediate nodes can be eNBs, eNodeBs, gNodeBs, gNBs, multi-transmission receiving points (M-TRPs), base stations in subsequent evolution systems, access nodes in WLAN systems, mobile phones, terminals, remote UEs, relay UEs, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless devices in industrial control, wireless devices in autonomous driving, wireless devices in remote medical care, wireless devices in smart grids, wireless devices in transportation safety, wireless devices in smart cities, and wireless devices in smart homes. Wireless devices in the home, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, or terminal devices in future public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc.

[0102] For a detailed description of the network equipment, please refer to Figure 1; it will not be repeated here.

[0103] Network Topology 3: Interaction between network devices and auxiliary nodes, A-IoT devices:

[0104] “Network Topology 3” is divided into R2D-assisted network topology and D2R-assisted network topology.

[0105] Please refer to Figure 4c. The topology in Figure 4c can be called an R2D-assisted network topology, which is another topology diagram provided in the embodiments of this application. In the R2D-assisted network topology, network devices cannot directly send R2D signals to A-IoT devices, while A-IoT devices can directly send D2R signals to network devices and receive R2D signals from the auxiliary node. Optionally, for R2D, the reader / writer can be an auxiliary node; for D2R, the reader / writer can be a network device.

[0106] Specifically, the network device sends R2D data to the auxiliary node; then, the auxiliary node can either assemble the R2D data into an R2D signal and directly forward it to the A-IoT device, or process the R2D data to assemble an R2D signal before sending it to the A-IoT device. The R2D data can be the data portion of the R2D signal. Correspondingly, the A-IoT device receives the R2D signal from the auxiliary node. The A-IoT device can also directly send D2R signals to the network device. The network device and the auxiliary node can communicate via the Uu interface.

[0107] In Figure 4c, the transmission from the auxiliary node to the A-IoT device can be called "R2D" transmission, and the transmission from the A-IoT device to the network device can be called "D2R" transmission.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 4d. The topology in Figure 4d can be called a D2R-assisted network topology, which is another topology diagram provided in the embodiments of this application. In the D2R-assisted network topology, A-IoT devices cannot directly send D2R signals to network devices, but A-IoT devices can receive R2D signals from network devices and then send D2R signals to the auxiliary node. Optionally, for R2D, the reader / writer can be a network device; for D2R, the reader / writer can be an auxiliary node.

[0109] Specifically, network devices can send R2D signals to A-IoT devices. Correspondingly, after receiving the R2D signal from the network device, the A-IoT device can optionally send a D2R signal to the auxiliary node. The auxiliary node then forwards the D2R data from the D2R signal to the network device, or processes the D2R data in the D2R signal before sending it to the network device. The D2R data can be the data portion of the D2R signal. The network device and the auxiliary node can communicate via the Uu interface.

[0110] In Figure 4d, the transmission from the network device to the A-IoT device can be called "R2D" transmission, and the transmission from the A-IoT device to the auxiliary node can be called "D2R" transmission.

[0111] In some possible implementations, an auxiliary node is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. For example, an auxiliary node can be an eNB, eNodeB, gNodeB, gNB, M-TRP, a base station in a subsequent evolution system, an access node in a WLAN system, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a VR terminal, an AR terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a vehicle terminal, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a wearable terminal, etc.

[0112] Network Topology 4: Interaction between Terminal Devices and A-IoT Devices

[0113] Please refer to Figure 4e, which is a schematic diagram of another topology provided in an embodiment of this application. In Figure 4e, the A-IoT device and the terminal device communicate directly in both directions. The reader / writer can refer to the terminal device.

[0114] Specifically, the terminal device sends an R2D signal to the A-IoT device, and the A-IoT device receives the R2D signal sent by the terminal device. Optionally, the A-IoT device sends a corresponding response signal to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the A-IoT device sends a D2R signal to the terminal device; the terminal device receives the D2R signal sent by the A-IoT device, and optionally, the terminal device sends a corresponding response signal to the A-IoT device (this response signal can be a backscattered signal).

[0115] In the above description, "direct" means that the signal transmission does not pass through auxiliary nodes or intermediate nodes. However, in actual transmission, it may need to pass through other devices, such as routers in the communication link.

[0116] In summary, in this embodiment, the A-IoT system may include network nodes and A-IoT devices. The network node may be one of the network devices, intermediate nodes, or auxiliary nodes shown in Figures 4a to 4e. The intermediate or auxiliary node serves as a relay for transmission between the network device and the A-IoT device.

[0117] IV. D2R / R2D Transmission:

[0118] In this embodiment, the communication between the reader / writer and the A-IoT device is referred to as R2D, which can also be called R2D transmission, R2D communication, R2D signal transmission, or R2D information transmission. Optionally, the R2D signal can also be called the A-IoT R2D signal, and the data portion therein can be called R2D data or A-IoT R2D data. This embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0119] Communication between A-IoT devices and readers is referred to as D2R, or D2R transmission, D2R communication, D2R signal transmission, or D2R information transmission. Optionally, the D2R signal can be called an A-IoT D2R signal, and the data portion can be called D2R data or A-IoT D2R data; this application does not limit the specific terminology used in the embodiments.

[0120] Optionally, the signal transmission between the reader and the A-IoT device can be D2R and / or R2D for any of the above network topologies, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0121] For the network topology shown in Figure 4a, R2D signal transmission refers to the network device directly sending R2D signals to the A-IoT device, and the A-IoT device directly receiving R2D signals from the network device. D2R signal transmission refers to the A-IoT device directly sending D2R signals to the network device, and the network device directly receiving D2R signals from the A-IoT device.

[0122] For the network topology shown in Figure 4b, R2D signal transmission refers to the network device sending R2D data to the intermediate node, the intermediate node assembling the R2D data into an R2D signal and sending it to the A-IoT device, and the A-IoT device receiving the R2D signal from the intermediate node. D2R signal transmission refers to the A-IoT device sending a D2R signal to the intermediate node, the intermediate node forwarding the D2R data in the D2R signal to the network device, and the network device receiving the D2R data from the intermediate node.

[0123] For the network topology shown in Figure 4c, R2D signal transmission refers to the network device sending R2D data to the auxiliary node, the auxiliary node assembling the R2D data into an R2D signal and sending it to the A-IoT device, and the A-IoT device receiving the R2D signal from the auxiliary node. D2R signal transmission refers to the A-IoT device sending a D2R signal to the network device, and the network device receiving the D2R signal from the A-IoT device.

[0124] For the network topology shown in Figure 4d, R2D signal transmission refers to the network device directly sending R2D signals to the A-IoT device, and the A-IoT device directly receiving R2D signals from the network device. D2R signal transmission refers to the A-IoT device sending D2R signals to the auxiliary node, the auxiliary node forwarding the D2R data in the D2R signal to the network device, and the network device receiving the D2R data from the auxiliary node.

[0125] For the network topology shown in Figure 4e, R2D signal transmission refers to the terminal device directly sending R2D signals to the A-IoT device, and the A-IoT device directly receiving R2D signals from the terminal device. D2R signal transmission refers to the A-IoT device directly sending D2R signals to the terminal device, and the terminal device directly receiving D2R signals from the A-IoT device.

[0126] In the above description, "direct" means that the signal transmission does not pass through auxiliary nodes or intermediate nodes. However, in actual transmission, it may need to pass through other devices, such as routers in the communication link.

[0127] For example, both A-IoT devices and readers can be implemented based on cellular network infrastructure. In other words, both A-IoT devices and readers can be devices within a cellular network. For instance, an A-IoT device can be implemented by a terminal within a cellular network, such as an ultra-low power, ultra-low complexity IoT terminal. The functionality of a reader can be implemented by network devices, such as base stations. Non-contact data communication can be performed between the network device and the terminal, thereby reading information from the terminal and / or writing information that needs to be stored into the terminal.

[0128] A-IoT technology can be used to implement one or more of the following functions: inventory management, location tracking, sensing, and commands. Command functions can be understood as implementing write or lock processes. In terms of application scope, A-IoT technology can be applied to scenarios such as logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, or environmental monitoring.

[0129] Random access in A-IoT technology is a necessary process for establishing a wireless link between A-IoT devices and readers. Through this random access process, A-IoT devices establish uplink synchronization with readers and obtain uplink resources. There are two random access methods: contention-based and non-contention-based. This application mainly relates to the contention-based random access method.

[0130] Contention-based random access:

[0131] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of random access in an A-IoT system, including the following steps:

[0132] S500. The reader sends message 0 (Msg0) (i.e., paging) to trigger the target A-IoT device to initiate random access.

[0133] S501. The A-IoT device sends Msg1 to the reader, where Msg1 carries a random access identifier (random ID) generated by the A-IoT device.

[0134] S502. The reader sends a PRDCH, which carries Msg2 as a response to the received Msg1 from the A-IoT device, wherein Msg2 may contain the random ID from Msg1.

[0135] Msg2 is used for contention resolution, meaning that when an A-IoT device receives Msg2 containing its own random ID, the A-IoT device considers the contention resolution successful.

[0136] PRDCH can carry one or more A-IoT devices, Msg2.

[0137] The S503.A-IoT device sends Msg3 to the reader, carrying upper-layer data (including device identifier and / or other upper-layer data).

[0138] The scheduling information for Msg3 is indicated by Msg2.

[0139] The contention-based access mechanism of the NR system includes the following steps:

[0140] (1) The UE sends Msg1, i.e., the preamble, to the gNB.

[0141] (2) The gNB transmits a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), which carries Msg2 for one or more UEs. Each Msg2 carries a random access response (RAR) to the received preamble, specifically including: the preamble index and the uplink grant (UL grant) (indicating the scheduling information of the corresponding Msg3). In the NR system, the scheduling information of Msg3 for each UE is independent.

[0142] (3) If a certain RAR contains its own preamble index, the UE sends Msg3 to the gNB according to the scheduling information indicated by the UL grant in the RAR. Msg3 may contain upper layer messages, such as Radio Resource Control Setup Request (RRCSetupRequest).

[0143] (4) gNB sends Msg4 to UE, where Msg4 may contain part of Msg3 for contention resolution.

[0144] The access competition process for A-IoT is similar to that for NR. For A-IoT, if the access competition process follows that of NR, the PRDCH in S502 can carry Msg2 of one or more A-IoT devices, and each Msg2 indicates the scheduling information of the corresponding Msg3. If the number of Msg2 is large, the number of bits in the PRDCH will be large, which will increase the receiving power consumption and access latency of the A-IoT devices.

[0145] Therefore, this application provides a resource scheduling scheme for environmental Internet of Things. Since the scheduling information of at least one A-IoT device can be partially shared, by dividing the scheduling information of A-IoT devices into shared and dedicated information, the shared scheduling information and the dedicated scheduling information of A-IoT devices can be carried on the same or different physical channels, thereby reducing the receiving power consumption and access latency of A-IoT devices.

[0146] Based on the above communication system and in conjunction with the corresponding flowchart, the communication method provided by the embodiments of this application is described below.

[0147] It is understood that the illustrative flowcharts provided in this application mainly use different devices (such as A-IoT devices and readers) as examples of the execution subjects of the interaction to illustrate the method, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction. For example, the device in the illustrative flowchart can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the device in implementing the method, or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the device.

[0148] As a general statement, the message or signaling interactions involved in the interaction process of this application embodiment can be standard messages or signaling or newly introduced messages or signaling. This application embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0149] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0150] S601. The reader sends a first set of information to at least one A-IoT device. Accordingly, at least one A-IoT device receives the first set of information.

[0151] As mentioned earlier, the PRDCH can carry one or more A-IoT devices, Msg2.

[0152] In this embodiment, according to the NR contention access process, each A-IoT device's Msg2 indicates the scheduling information corresponding to Msg3.

[0153] The reader sends a first information set to at least one A-IoT device. The first information set includes scheduling information for at least one A-IoT device. This scheduling information is used to indicate the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of the first message. The first information set includes a first type of information subset and at least one second type of information subset. The first type of information subset includes scheduling information shared by at least one A-IoT device; this first type of information subset can also be referred to as the shared information subset. Each of the at least one second type of information subset includes scheduling information specific to at least one A-IoT device; that is, the second type of information subset corresponding to each A-IoT device includes scheduling information specific to that A-IoT device; this second type of information subset can also be referred to as the dedicated information subset. The scheduling information specific to each A-IoT device may include one or more pieces of information.

[0154] Figure 7 illustrates the format of the first information set in an embodiment of this application. The first information set includes a first type of information subset and a second type of information subset from device 0 to device N, where N is a positive integer. Furthermore, the first information set may also include random access identifiers for devices 0 to N. After receiving the first information set, the A-IoT device reads the random access identifiers in the first information set and retrieves its own random access identifier sent on Msg1. If its own random access identifier is not detected in the first information set, it does not receive subsequent first type and second type information subsets. If its own random access identifier is detected in the first information set, it receives the first type of information set and determines and reads its own second type of information subset according to the order of its random access identifier in the random access identifier set. For example, if its own random access identifier is the nth one in the random access identifier set, it reads the nth second type of information subset.

[0155] In one example, this first set of information can be carried on the same physical channel. For example, this physical channel is PRDCH.

[0156] In another example, the first type of information subset and at least one second type of information subset are carried in different physical channels. For example, the first type of information subset is located in Msg0, or in a separate PRDCH that is different from both Msg0 and Msg2.

[0157] The first type of information subset may include multiple information blocks, and each information block includes a portion of the shared scheduling information.

[0158] Figures 8a and 8b are schematic diagrams illustrating the format of a first type of information subset as exemplified in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8a, the first type of information subset includes one information block; as shown in Figure 8b, the first type of information subset includes multiple information blocks (Figure 8b illustrates that the first type of information subset includes two information blocks: information block 1 and information block 2).

[0159] When the first type of information subset includes multiple information blocks, some of the information blocks can be carried on a physical channel, such as a first physical channel; the remaining information blocks and at least one second type of information subset can be carried together on another physical channel, such as a second physical channel. For example, the first physical channel can be a first PRDCH, and the second physical channel can be a second PRDCH.

[0160] For example, the information contained in the first type of information subset, the number of information blocks contained in the first type of information subset, and the information contained in each information block, as well as the information contained in the second type of information subset, can be agreed upon by the protocol or indicated by the network side.

[0161] When the above information is indicated by the network side, it can be indicated in multiple formats, each format corresponding to an information combination containing one or more scheduling information; it can also be indicated in a bit map, which contains several bits, each bit of which corresponds to a scheduling information, and the existence of the scheduling information is indicated by the value of each bit.

[0162] The above indication can be transmitted on the PRDCH channel of the message that triggers the A-IoT device to initiate random access (e.g., Msg0 / Paging), or on the PRDCH channel that carries the control information of Msg2 PRDCH, or on a separate PRDCH channel (i.e., not together with other information, this PRDCH channel only carries this signaling indication).

[0163] Additionally, the number of second-type sub-information sets of at least one A-IoT device carried in the Msg2 PRDCH can be agreed upon by the protocol or indicated by the network side. When the number is indicated by the network side, the indication can be transmitted on the PRDCH channel carrying the control information of the Msg2 PRDCH, or it can be transmitted on a separate PRDCH channel (i.e., not together with other information, this PRDCH channel only carries this signaling indication).

[0164] Regarding the use of the first type of information subset and the second type of information subset mentioned above, we will discuss the following cases separately:

[0165] 1) If the scheduling information corresponding to an A-IoT device exists only in the first type of information subset, then the A-IoT device uses the scheduling information in the first type of information subset.

[0166] 2) If the scheduling information corresponding to an A-IoT device exists only in the second type of information subset, then the A-IoT device uses the scheduling information in the second type of information subset.

[0167] 3) Assuming that the scheduling information corresponding to an A-IoT device exists in both a first type of information subset and a second type of information subset corresponding to the A-IoT device, the A-IoT device determines its own scheduling information based on the scheduling information in both subsets. For example, if both the first type of information subset and the second type of information subset contain a portion of the scheduling information corresponding to an A-IoT device, the A-IoT device obtains its own scheduling information from both subsets. Alternatively, if the first type of information subset contains a portion of the scheduling information corresponding to the A-IoT device, and that portion is also contained in the second type of information subset, which in turn contains the remaining portion of the scheduling information corresponding to the A-IoT device, the A-IoT device can obtain its own scheduling information from the second type of information subset.

[0168] 4) If neither the first type of information subset nor at least one second type of information subset contains the scheduling information corresponding to the A-IoT device, then the A-IoT device uses the default scheduling information. The specific default scheduling information will be explained in detail below.

[0169] For example, the first information set includes at least one of the following: the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the first message of at least one A-IoT device, the small frequency shift index set corresponding to the first message of at least one A-IoT device, the small frequency shift index corresponding to the first message of each of the at least one A-IoT devices, the time domain transmission timing set corresponding to the first message of at least one A-IoT device, the time domain transmission timing corresponding to the first message of each of the at least one A-IoT devices, the transport block size (TB size), the code rate, the number of encoded bits, and the number of repetitions.

[0170] The information included in the first information set is described below:

[0171] 1) Transmission bandwidth:

[0172] For example, the first message is Msg3.

[0173] The aforementioned first information set includes the transmission bandwidth corresponding to Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device. Furthermore, bit duration refers to the duration of an information bit (when Msg3 does not use channel coding) or the duration of a coded bit (when Msg3 uses channel coding), which determines the transmission bandwidth of the Msg3 PDRCH. Alternatively, the aforementioned first information set includes the bit duration corresponding to Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device.

[0174] In one example, the transmission bandwidth corresponding to Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device can be included in the first type of information subset. This means that Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device uses the same bit duration or transmission bandwidth.

[0175] In another example, the transmission bandwidth corresponding to Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device is included in at least one subset of second-type information. This means that Msg3 of each A-IoT device can use its own bit duration or transmission bandwidth.

[0176] In another example, if the transmission bandwidth corresponding to Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device is not included in either the first type of information subset or at least one second type of information subset, then the transmission bandwidth corresponding to Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device can be the default transmission bandwidth. The default transmission bandwidth can be the transmission bandwidth corresponding to Msg1, or a transmission bandwidth from a predefined or preconfigured set of transmission bandwidths, such as the largest transmission bandwidth in the predefined or preconfigured set of transmission bandwidths.

[0177] 2) Small frequency shift index set:

[0178] The small frequency shift index set is used to determine the frequency domain resource area that Msg3 can use for at least one A-IoT device.

[0179] The first information set mentioned above includes a small-frequency-shift index set corresponding to Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device. For example, the first information set includes at least one of the following pieces of information about the small-frequency-shift index set: the starting small-frequency-shift index in the small-frequency-shift index set, the ending small-frequency-shift index in the small-frequency-shift index set, and the number of small-frequency-shift indexes included in the small-frequency-shift index set.

[0180] In one implementation, at least one piece of information from the aforementioned small frequency shift index set may be included in the first type of information subset, or may be default information.

[0181] ① The initial small-frequency-shift index in the small-frequency-shift index set:

[0182] In one example, the initial small-shift index in the small-shift index set can be carried in the first type of information subset.

[0183] In another example, if the initial small-frequency-shift index in the small-frequency-shift index set is not carried in the first type of information subset, then the initial small-frequency-shift index is the default initial small-frequency-shift index. The default initial small-frequency-shift index is either the initial small-frequency-shift index in the small-frequency-shift index set corresponding to Msg1, or a small-frequency-shift index in a predefined or preconfigured small-frequency-shift index set, such as the smallest small-frequency-shift index in the predefined or preconfigured small-frequency-shift index set.

[0184] ② The last small frequency shift index in the small frequency shift index set:

[0185] In one example, the last small-shift index in the small-shift index set is carried in the first type of information subset.

[0186] In another example, if the last small-frequency-shift index in the small-frequency-shift index set is not carried in the first type of information subset, then the last small-frequency-shift index is the default starting small-frequency-shift index. Here, the default last small-frequency-shift index is either the last small-frequency-shift index in the small-frequency-shift index set corresponding to Msg1, or a small-frequency-shift index in a predefined or preconfigured small-frequency-shift index set, such as the largest small-frequency-shift index in the predefined or preconfigured small-frequency-shift index set.

[0187] ③ The number of small-frequency-shift indices in the small-frequency-shift index set:

[0188] In one example, the number of small-shift indices is carried in the first type of information subset.

[0189] In another example, if the number of small-frequency-shift indices in the small-frequency-shift index set is not contained in the first type of information subset, then the number of small-frequency-shift indices is the default number. The default number of small-frequency-shift indices can be the number of small-frequency-shift indices in the small-frequency-shift index set corresponding to Msg1, or a predefined or preconfigured number of small-frequency-shift indices. The predefined or preconfigured number of small-frequency-shift indices can be the maximum value in the set of small-frequency-shift number values, or the number of small-frequency-shifts contained between the starting small-frequency-shift index and the ending small-frequency-shift index in the set of small-frequency-shift index values.

[0190] In another embodiment, the first information set may include a first bitmap, which indicates whether at least one small frequency shift index in the small frequency shift set is used for Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device. For example, the first bitmap includes several bits, each bit corresponding to a small frequency shift index in the small frequency shift set, which indicates whether the small frequency shift index is available for Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device.

[0191] 3) Small frequency shift index:

[0192] Small frequency shift indexes are used to determine the frequency domain resources available to an A-IoT device's Msg3.

[0193] In one example, the small frequency shift index corresponding to an A-IoT device is carried in the second type of information subset of the A-IoT device.

[0194] The second type of information subset of the A-IoT device indicates the small frequency shift index corresponding to the A-IoT device, and can include the following two indication methods:

[0195] One approach is to indicate an absolute small frequency shift index, which is a small frequency shift index among at least one predefined or preconfigured small frequency shift index.

[0196] Another approach is to indicate a relative small-shift index. This small-shift index is a small-shift index within a set of small-shift indexes carried in the first type of information subset. For example, the N small-shift indexes in the small-shift index set can be sorted and then... The bit index is used to indicate a small frequency shift index from the N small frequency shift indices. N is a positive integer. It should be understood that the logarithmic operation is used here as an example of calculating the number of index bits, and this application is not limited to this. Other methods for determining the number of index bits and / or for characterizing the index should also be within the scope of protection of this application.

[0197] In another example, if the second type of information subset of an A-IoT device does not contain the small frequency shift index corresponding to that A-IoT device, then the small frequency shift index is the default small frequency shift index.

[0198] For example, the default small frequency shift index can be the small frequency shift index corresponding to Msg1. The small frequency shift index corresponding to Msg1 is one of the small frequency shift indices in at least one predefined or preconfigured small frequency shift index, that is, the small frequency shift index corresponding to Msg1 is an absolute small frequency shift index.

[0199] For example, the default small-frequency shift index can be a small-frequency shift index from the set of small-frequency shift indexes carried in the first type of information subset. The small-frequency shift index is determined based on the relative index of the small-frequency shift index corresponding to Msg1 among at least one predefined or preconfigured small-frequency shift index. That is, first, the relative index of the absolute small-frequency shift index used by the previously sent Msg1 within the set of small-frequency shift indexes available for Msg1 is determined, and then the corresponding small-frequency shift index is determined from the set of small-frequency shift indexes available for Msg3 based on this relative index.

[0200] For example, the default small-frequency-shift index can be a small-frequency-shift index from the small-frequency-shift index set carried in the first type of information subset. The small-frequency-shift index is determined based on the scheduling order of Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device. That is, the scheduling information of Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device is numbered sequentially, and then the corresponding small-frequency-shift index is determined from the available small-frequency-shift index set of Msg3 according to the scheduling information number of Msg3.

[0201] 4) Time-domain transmission opportunity set:

[0202] This time-domain transmission opportunity set is used to determine the time-domain resources available to Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device.

[0203] The aforementioned first information set includes a time-domain transmission timing set corresponding to Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device.

[0204] The first information set includes at least one of the following pieces of information of the time-domain transmission timing set: the starting time-domain transmission timing in the time-domain transmission timing set, and the number of time-domain transmission timings included in the time-domain transmission timing set.

[0205] ① The initial time-domain transmission opportunity in the time-domain transmission opportunity set:

[0206] In one example, the initial time-domain transmission opportunity in the time-domain transmission opportunity set can be carried in the first type of information subset. As shown in Figure 9, which is a schematic diagram of the timing relationship between Msg2 and Msg3 in an example of an embodiment of this application, multiple time-domain transmission opportunities of Msg3 are configured (referred to as a time-domain transmission opportunity set): the first time-domain transmission opportunity of Msg3, the second time-domain transmission opportunity of Msg3, ..., wherein the initial time-domain transmission opportunity in the time-domain transmission opportunity set is the first time-domain transmission opportunity of Msg3 shown in Figure 9.

[0207] In another example, if the first type of information subset does not carry the starting time-domain transmission timing from the time-domain transmission timing set, then the starting time-domain transmission timing from the time-domain transmission timing set can be the default starting time-domain transmission timing.

[0208] The default starting time domain transmission timing can be a predefined or preconfigured start time. For example, as shown in Figure 9, which is a schematic diagram of the timing relationship between Msg2 and Msg3 in an example of an embodiment of this application, the default starting time domain transmission timing can be the first moment after the end time of the predefined or preconfigured Msg2 (as shown by the Tstart time in Figure 9).

[0209] The default starting time-domain transmission timing can also be a moment within a predefined or preconfigured first time range. For example, still referring to Figure 9, the default starting time-domain transmission timing can be within the first time range after the end time of Msg2 (as shown in Figure 9, the [Tstart,Tend] time range after the end time of Msg2 PRDCH).

[0210] ② The number of time-domain transmission opportunities included in the time-domain transmission opportunity set:

[0211] In one example, the number of time-domain transmission opportunities can be contained within the first type of information subset. The number of time-domain transmission opportunities is the number of time-domain transmission opportunities included in the configured set of time-domain transmission opportunities.

[0212] In another example, the number of time-domain transfer opportunities can be the default number of time-domain transfer opportunities.

[0213] The default number of time-domain transmission opportunities can be obtained based on the number of scheduling information for at least one A-IoT device and the number of small-frequency-shift indices included in the small-frequency-shift index set. For example, it can be based on the number M2 of Msg3 scheduling information for at least one A-IoT device and the number M of small-frequency-shift indices that Msg3 can use for at least one A-IoT device. f Determine the number M of time-domain transmission opportunities. t ,For example: For example, the number of Msg3 scheduling information for at least one A-IoT device, M2 = 6, and the number of small frequency shift indexes that Msg3 can use for at least one A-IoT device, M f =2, then according to

[0214] The default number of time-domain transmission opportunities can also be a predefined or preconfigured number of time-domain transmission opportunities, for example, the predefined or preconfigured number of time-domain transmission opportunities is 1.

[0215] 5) Time-domain transfer timing index:

[0216] A time-domain transmission opportunity set includes multiple time-domain transmission opportunities, each time-domain transmission opportunity corresponds to a time-domain transmission opportunity index, which is used to determine the time-domain transmission opportunities that an A-IoT device's Msg3 can use.

[0217] The aforementioned first information set includes the time-domain transmission timing corresponding to Msg3 for each of at least one A-IoT device.

[0218] In one example, the timing of a time-domain transmission for an A-IoT device can be carried in the second type of sub-information set of the A-IoT device.

[0219] In another example, the time-domain transmission timing for an A-IoT device can be the default time-domain transmission timing.

[0220] The default time-domain transmission timing can be the time-domain transmission timing corresponding to Msg1.

[0221] The default time-domain transmission timing can be obtained based on at least one of the following: the number of time-domain transmission timings included in the time-domain transmission timing set, the number of small-frequency-shift indices included in the small-frequency-shift index set, and the scheduling order of Msg3 for at least one A-IoT device:

[0222] For example, firstly, based on the number M of available time-domain transmission opportunities for Msg3... t The number of small frequency shift indexes available for Msg3, M f Determine the number M of available transmission opportunities for Msg3, where each transmission opportunity #m corresponds to a time-domain transmission opportunity index mt and a small frequency shift index m. f Then, the scheduling information of at least one A-IoT device's Msg3 is sequentially numbered. Then, based on the scheduling information number k of Msg3, a transmission opportunity #m is determined from the set of available transmission opportunities for Msg3, for example, m = k. This leads to the determination of the time-domain transmission opportunity index m corresponding to transmission opportunity #m. t and small frequency shift index m f .

[0223] For example, first, determine the number M of small frequency shift indices available for Msg3. f Then, the scheduling information of Msg3 of at least one A-IoT device is numbered sequentially, and the time-domain transmission timing index of the corresponding Msg3 is determined according to the scheduling information number k of Msg3. The Msg3 time-domain transmission timing index starts from 0.

[0224] 6) TB size (or message format), bitrate, number of encoded bits, and repetition count: These indicate the TB size, bitrate, number of encoded bits, and repetition count of the Msg3 PDRCH. Each type of information is contained in a first-type information subset and / or a second-type information subset. One message format corresponds to one TB size; indicating the message format indicates the TB size.

[0225] If the above information is only contained in the first type of information subset, it means that at least one A-IoT device's Msg3 uses the same information;

[0226] If neither the first type of information subset nor the second type of information subset contains the above information, then the default information is used, which is agreed upon by the protocol or configured by the network side.

[0227] If a second type of information subset of an A-IoT device contains the above information, then the A-IoT device uses that information.

[0228] S602. The first A-IoT device sends a first message to the reader based on the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device.

[0229] The first A-IoT device is one of at least one A-IoT device.

[0230] After receiving the first information set, the first A-IoT device reads the random access identifier in the first information set and retrieves its own random access identifier sent on Msg1. If its own random access identifier is not detected in the first information set, it does not receive subsequent first-type and second-type information subsets. If its own random access identifier is detected in the first information set, it receives the first-type information set and determines and reads its own second-type information subset according to the order of its random access identifier in the random access identifier set. For example, if its own random access identifier is the nth one in the random access identifier set, it reads the nth second-type information subset.

[0231] The scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device is obtained based on the aforementioned first information set.

[0232] After obtaining the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device, the first A-IoT device sends a first message to the reader based on the scheduling information. For example, the first message is Msg3.

[0233] According to a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, since some of the scheduling information of at least one A-IoT device can be shared, by dividing the scheduling information of the A-IoT device into shared and dedicated information, the shared scheduling information and the dedicated scheduling information of the A-IoT device can be carried on the same or different physical channels, thereby reducing the receiving power consumption and access latency of the A-IoT device.

[0234] In this application, the phrase "sending information to... (e.g., the first A-IoT device)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the destination of the information being the first A-IoT device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the first A-IoT device. Similarly, the phrase "receiving information from... (e.g., the first A-IoT device)" or "receiving information from... (e.g., the first A-IoT device)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the source of the information being the first A-IoT device. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the first A-IoT device. The 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. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0235] It is understood that this application uses a first A-IoT device and a reader / writer as examples to illustrate the interaction, but this application does not limit the entities that can be used to illustrate the interaction. For example, the first A-IoT device in the method provided by this application can also be a chip, chip system, or processor applied to the first A-IoT device, or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first A-IoT device; similarly, the reader / writer in the method provided by this application can also be a chip, chip system, or processor applied to the reader / writer, or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the reader / writer.

[0236] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the reader and the first A-IoT device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0237] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 may include a communication module 1020. The communication module 1020 can implement corresponding communication functions, which can be internal communication functions of the communication device 1000 or communication functions between the communication device 1000 and other devices. Optionally, the communication module 1020 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a transceiver module. Optionally, the communication device 1000 further includes a processing module 1010. The processing module 1010 can implement corresponding processing functions.

[0238] Optionally, the communication device 1000 further includes a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data; the processing module 1010 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 1000 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0239] In one possible design, the communication device 1000 may correspond to the first A-IoT device in the above method embodiments, or to a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the first A-IoT device. The communication device 1000 may be used to perform the steps or processes performed by the first A-IoT device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0240] For example, the communication module 1020 is configured to receive a first information set, the first information set including scheduling information of at least one A-IoT device, the scheduling information of the at least one A-IoT device being used to indicate time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources of a first message, the first information set including a first type of information subset and at least one second type of information subset, the first type of information subset including scheduling information shared by the at least one A-IoT device, the at least one second type of information subset each including scheduling information specific to the at least one A-IoT device, the first A-IoT device being one of the at least one A-IoT device; and the communication module 1020 is further configured to send a first message based on the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device, wherein the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device is obtained based on the first information set.

[0241] The above are merely examples; for detailed steps or procedures, please refer to the descriptions in the foregoing embodiments.

[0242] In one possible design, the communication device 1000 may correspond to the reader / writer in the above method embodiments, or a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the reader / writer. The communication device 1000 may be used to perform the steps or processes performed by the reader / writer in any of the above method embodiments.

[0243] For example, the processing module 1010 is used to generate a first information set, the first information set including scheduling information of at least one A-IoT device, the scheduling information of the at least one A-IoT device being used to indicate the time domain and / or frequency domain resources of the first message, the first information set including a first type of information subset and at least one second type of information subset, the first type of information subset including scheduling information shared by the at least one A-IoT device, the at least one second type of information subset respectively carrying scheduling information specific to the at least one A-IoT device, and the first A-IoT device being one of the at least one A-IoT device;

[0244] The communication module 1020 is used to send a first information set; and is also used to receive a first message based on the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device, wherein the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device is obtained based on the first information set.

[0245] In one possible implementation, the first type of information subset includes multiple information blocks, each of which includes a portion of the shared scheduling information.

[0246] In another possible implementation, the first information set is carried in the same physical channel; or the first type of information subset and the at least one second type of information subset are carried in different physical channels.

[0247] By employing this implementation method, the receiving power consumption and access latency of A-IoT devices can be reduced by carrying the first type of information subset and at least one second type of information subset on the same or different physical channels.

[0248] In another possible implementation, some information blocks in the plurality of information blocks of the first type of information subset are carried in the first physical channel, and the remaining information blocks in the plurality of information blocks of the first type of information subset are carried together with the at least one second type of information subset in the second physical channel.

[0249] In another possible implementation, the scheduling information corresponding to the first A-IoT device exists only in the first type of information subset, or only in the second type of information subset corresponding to the first A-IoT device, or exists simultaneously in both the first type of information subset and the second type of information subset corresponding to the first A-IoT device, or is the default scheduling information.

[0250] Using this implementation method, the scheduling information corresponding to an A-IoT device may exist only in the first type of information subset, or in the second type of information subset corresponding to itself, or exist simultaneously in the first type of information subset and the second type of information subset corresponding to the first A-IoT device, or not exist in either the first type of information subset or the second type of information subset corresponding to the first A-IoT device. The implementation method is flexible.

[0251] In another possible implementation, the first information set includes at least one of the following: the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the first message of the at least one A-IoT device, the small frequency shift index set corresponding to the first message of the at least one A-IoT device, the small frequency shift index corresponding to the first message of each of the at least one A-IoT devices, the time-domain transmission timing set corresponding to the first message of the at least one A-IoT device, the time-domain transmission timing corresponding to the first message of each of the at least one A-IoT devices, the transport block size, the code rate, the number of encoded bits, and the number of repetitions.

[0252] In another possible implementation, the first message is a random access message 3, and the first information set includes the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the random access message 3 of the at least one A-IoT device; wherein the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the random access message 3 of the at least one A-IoT device is included in the first type of information subset; or the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the random access message 3 of the at least one A-IoT device is included in the at least one second type of information subset; or the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the random access message 3 of the at least one A-IoT device is a default transmission bandwidth, wherein the default transmission bandwidth is the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the random access message 1, or the maximum or minimum transmission bandwidth in a predefined or preconfigured set of transmission bandwidths.

[0253] In another possible implementation, the first information set includes a small frequency shift index set corresponding to the random access message 3 of the at least one A-IoT device; the first information set includes at least one of the following information of the small frequency shift index set: the starting small frequency shift index in the small frequency shift index set, the ending small frequency shift index in the small frequency shift index set, and the number of small frequency shifts included in the small frequency shift index set.

[0254] In another possible implementation, the starting small-frequency-shift index in the small-frequency-shift index set is carried in the first type of information subset, or is a default starting small-frequency-shift index, wherein the default starting small-frequency-shift index is the starting small-frequency-shift index in the small-frequency-shift index set corresponding to random access message 1, or is the starting small-frequency-shift index in a predefined or pre-configured small-frequency-shift index set.

[0255] In another possible implementation, the last small frequency shift index in the small frequency shift index set is carried in the first type of information subset, or is a default last small frequency shift index, wherein the default last small frequency shift index is the last small frequency shift index in the small frequency shift index set corresponding to random access message 1, or is the last small frequency shift index in a predefined or preconfigured small frequency shift index set.

[0256] In another possible implementation, the number of small frequency shifts is carried in the first type of information subset, or is a default number of small frequency shifts, wherein the default number of small frequency shifts is the number of small frequency shifts in the small frequency shift index set corresponding to random access message 1, or is a predefined or preconfigured number of small frequency shifts.

[0257] In another possible implementation, the first information set includes a first bitmap, which indicates whether at least one small frequency shift index in the small frequency shift set is available for the random access message 3 of the at least one A-IoT device.

[0258] In another possible implementation, the first information set includes a small-frequency-shift index corresponding to the random access message 3 of each of the at least one A-IoT device; wherein the small-frequency-shift index corresponding to the first A-IoT device is carried in a second type of information subset of the first A-IoT device, and the small-frequency-shift index is a small-frequency-shift index among at least one predefined or pre-configured small-frequency-shift index; or the small-frequency-shift index is a small-frequency-shift index among a set of small-frequency-shift indexes carried in the first type of information subset; or the small-frequency-shift index is a default small-frequency-shift index, wherein the default small-frequency-shift index is the small-frequency-shift index corresponding to the random access message 1. The small frequency shift index corresponding to the random access message 1 is a small frequency shift index among at least one predefined or preconfigured small frequency shift index; or the default small frequency shift index is a small frequency shift index among the small frequency shift index sets carried in the first type of information subset, and the small frequency shift index is determined based on the relative index of the small frequency shift index corresponding to the random access message 1 among at least one predefined or preconfigured small frequency shift index; or the default small frequency shift index is a small frequency shift index among the small frequency shift index sets carried in the first type of information subset, and the small frequency shift index is determined based on the scheduling order of the random access messages 3 of the at least one A-IoT device.

[0259] In another possible implementation, the first information set includes a time-domain transmission timing set corresponding to the random access message 3 of the at least one A-IoT device; the first information set includes at least one of the following information of the time-domain transmission timing set: the starting time-domain transmission timing in the time-domain transmission timing set, and the number of time-domain transmission timings included in the time-domain transmission timing set.

[0260] In another possible implementation, the starting time-domain transmission timing in the time-domain transmission timing set is carried in the first type of information subset, or is a default starting time-domain transmission timing, wherein the default starting time-domain transmission timing is the first moment after the end time of the predefined or preconfigured random access message 2, or is a moment within a predefined or preconfigured first time range.

[0261] In another possible implementation, the number of time-domain transmission opportunities is carried in the first type of information subset, or is a default number of time-domain transmission opportunities, wherein the default number of time-domain transmission opportunities is obtained based on the number of scheduling information of the at least one A-IoT device and the number of small frequency shifts included in the small frequency shift index set, or is a predefined or pre-configured number of time-domain transmission opportunities.

[0262] In another possible implementation, the first information set includes the time-domain transmission timing corresponding to the random access message 3 of each of the at least one A-IoT device; wherein the time-domain transmission timing corresponding to the first A-IoT device is carried in the second type of sub-information set of the first A-IoT device; or the time-domain transmission timing is a default time-domain transmission timing, wherein the default time-domain transmission timing is the time-domain transmission timing corresponding to the random access message 1, or the default time-domain transmission timing is obtained based on at least one of the number of time-domain transmission timings included in the time-domain transmission timing set, the number of small frequency shifts included in the small frequency shift index set, and the scheduling order of the random access messages 3 of the at least one A-IoT device.

[0263] The above are merely examples; for detailed steps or procedures, please refer to the descriptions in the foregoing embodiments.

[0264] Figure 11 is another schematic block diagram of the communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1100 may be a chip, chip system, or processor, etc., used by the first A-IoT device or reader to implement the above-described methods. The communication device 1100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above-described method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above-described method embodiments.

[0265] As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 1100 may include one or more processors 1110, which may also be referred to as processing units or processing modules, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 1110 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device 1100 (e.g., a base station, baseband chip, user, user chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0266] In an alternative design, the processor 1110 may also store instructions and / or data that can be executed by the processor 1110 to cause the communication device 1100 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0267] In another alternative design, the communication device 1100 may include a communication interface 1120 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 1120 may be a transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or it may be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0268] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may include one or more memories 1130, which may store instructions that can be executed on the processor 1110, causing the communication device 1100 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 1130 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 1110 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 1110 and the memories 1130 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0269] It should be understood that, in one possible design, the steps in the method embodiments provided in this application can be implemented by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are not provided here.

[0270] In one implementation, the communication device 1100 may correspond to the first A-IoT device in the above method embodiments, and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes executed by the first A-IoT device in the above method embodiments. The processor 1110 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory 1130, and when the processor 1110 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 1110 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the first A-IoT device.

[0271] In another implementation, the communication device 1100 can correspond to the reader / writer in the above method embodiments, and can be used to execute the various steps and / or processes executed by the reader / writer in the above method embodiments. The processor 1110 can be used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 1130, and when the processor 1110 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 1110 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the reader / writer.

[0272] It should be understood that the aforementioned processing device can be one or more chips. For example, the processing device can be a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips.

[0273] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0274] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a chip system, which includes one or more processors for calling and executing instructions stored in memory, thereby causing the method described in the embodiments of this application to be executed. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0275] The chip system may include input circuits or interfaces for transmitting information or data, and output circuits or interfaces for receiving information or data.

[0276] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a communication system, which includes the aforementioned reader / writer and a first A-IoT device.

[0277] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the various steps or processes executed by the reader / writer or the first A-IoT device in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0278] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing program code. When the program code is run on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the various steps or processes performed by the reader or the first A-IoT device in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0279] The computer-readable storage medium may be the aforementioned volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or it may include both volatile memory and non-volatile memory.

[0280] In the embodiments of this application, the terms and English abbreviations are exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not be construed as limiting the application in any way. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0281] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in 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 these 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.

[0282] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0283] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0284] In summary, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the technical solution of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to IoT devices in a first environment, the method includes: A first information set is received, the first information set including scheduling information of at least one environmental IoT device, the scheduling information of the at least one environmental IoT device being used to indicate the time domain and / or frequency domain resources of the first message, the first information set including a first type of information subset and at least one second type of information subset, the first type of information subset including scheduling information shared by the at least one environmental IoT device, the at least one second type of information subset each including scheduling information specific to the at least one environmental IoT device, and the first environmental IoT device being one of the at least one environmental IoT device; Based on the scheduling information corresponding to the IoT device in the first environment, a first message is sent, wherein the scheduling information corresponding to the IoT device in the first environment is obtained based on the first information set.

2. A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to a reader / writer, the method includes: Send a first information set, the first information set including scheduling information of at least one environmental IoT device, the scheduling information of the at least one environmental IoT device being used to indicate the time domain and / or frequency domain resources of the first message, the first information set including a first type of information subset and at least one second type of information subset, the first type of information subset including scheduling information shared by the at least one environmental IoT device, the at least one second type of information subset respectively carrying scheduling information specific to the at least one environmental IoT device, the first environmental IoT device being one of the at least one environmental IoT device; Based on the scheduling information corresponding to the IoT device in the first environment, a first message is received, wherein the scheduling information corresponding to the IoT device in the first environment is obtained based on the first information set.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first type of information subset includes multiple information blocks, and each of the multiple information blocks includes a portion of the scheduling information in the shared scheduling information.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The first information set is carried in the same physical channel; or The first type of information subset and the at least one second type of information subset are respectively carried in different physical channels.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, Some information blocks in the first type of information subset are carried in the first physical channel, and the remaining information blocks in the first type of information subset are carried together with the at least one second type of information subset in the second physical channel.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The scheduling information corresponding to the first environment IoT device exists only in the first type of information subset, or only in the second type of information subset corresponding to the first environment IoT device, or exists in both the first type of information subset and the second type of information subset corresponding to the first environment IoT device, or is the default scheduling information.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The first information set includes at least one of the following: the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the first message of the at least one environmental IoT device, the small frequency shift index set corresponding to the first message of the at least one environmental IoT device, the small frequency shift index corresponding to the first message of each of the at least one environmental IoT devices, the time domain transmission opportunity set corresponding to the first message of the at least one environmental IoT device, the time domain transmission opportunity, transmission block size, code rate, number of encoded bits, and number of repetitions corresponding to the first message of each of the at least one environmental IoT devices.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The first message is random access message 3, and the first information set includes the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the random access message 3 of the at least one environmental IoT device; Wherein, the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the random access message 3 of the at least one environmental IoT device is included in the first type of information subset; or The transmission bandwidth corresponding to the random access message 3 of the at least one environmental IoT device is respectively included in the at least one second type of information subset; or The transmission bandwidth corresponding to the random access message 3 of the at least one environmental IoT device is the default transmission bandwidth, which is the transmission bandwidth corresponding to the random access message 1, or the maximum or minimum transmission bandwidth in a predefined or preconfigured set of transmission bandwidths.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein, The first information set includes a small frequency shift index set corresponding to the random access message 3 of the at least one environmental IoT device; The first information set includes at least one of the following pieces of information of the small frequency shift index set: the starting small frequency shift index in the small frequency shift index set, the ending small frequency shift index in the small frequency shift index set, and the number of small frequency shift indexes included in the small frequency shift index set.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The starting small-frequency-shift index in the small-frequency-shift index set is carried in the first type of information subset, or is the default starting small-frequency-shift index. The default starting small-frequency-shift index is the starting small-frequency-shift index in the small-frequency-shift index set corresponding to random access message 1, or is the starting small-frequency-shift index in a predefined or pre-configured small-frequency-shift index set.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein, The last small frequency shift index in the small frequency shift index set is carried in the first type of information subset, or is the default last small frequency shift index. The default last small frequency shift index is the last small frequency shift index in the small frequency shift index set corresponding to random access message 1, or is the last small frequency shift index in a predefined or preconfigured small frequency shift index set.

12. The method of any one of claims 9-11, wherein, The number of small frequency shift indexes is contained in the first type of information subset, or is the default number of small frequency shift indexes. The default number of small frequency shift indexes is the number of small frequency shift indexes in the small frequency shift index set corresponding to random access message 1, or is the number of predefined or preconfigured small frequency shift indexes.

13. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein, The first information set includes a first bitmap, which is used to indicate whether at least one small frequency shift index in the small frequency shift set can be used for the random access message 3 of the at least one environmental IoT device.

14. The method of any one of claims 7-13, wherein, The first information set includes the small frequency shift index corresponding to the random access message 3 of each of the at least one environmental IoT device; Wherein, the small-frequency-shift index corresponding to the first environmental IoT device is carried in the second type of information subset of the first environmental IoT device, and the small-frequency-shift index is a small-frequency-shift index among at least one predefined or pre-configured small-frequency-shift index; or the small-frequency-shift index is a small-frequency-shift index among a set of small-frequency-shift indexes carried in the first type of information subset; or The small frequency shift index is a default small frequency shift index, wherein the default small frequency shift index is the small frequency shift index corresponding to random access message 1, and the small frequency shift index corresponding to random access message 1 is a small frequency shift index among at least one predefined or preconfigured small frequency shift index; or the default small frequency shift index is a small frequency shift index among the small frequency shift index set carried in the first type of information subset, and the small frequency shift index is determined based on the relative index of the small frequency shift index corresponding to random access message 1 among at least one predefined or preconfigured small frequency shift index; or the default small frequency shift index is a small frequency shift index among the small frequency shift index set carried in the first type of information subset, and the small frequency shift index is determined based on the scheduling order of the random access message 3 of the at least one environmental IoT device.

15. The method of any one of claims 7-14, wherein, The first information set includes the time-domain transmission opportunity set corresponding to the random access message 3 of the at least one environmental IoT device; The first information set includes at least one of the following: the starting time-domain transmission opportunity in the time-domain transmission opportunity set, and the number of time-domain transmission opportunities included in the time-domain transmission opportunity set.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The starting time-domain transmission timing in the time-domain transmission timing set is carried in the first type of information subset, or is the default starting time-domain transmission timing. The default starting time-domain transmission timing is the first moment after the end time of the predefined or pre-configured random access message 2, or is a moment within a predefined or pre-configured first time range.

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein, The number of time-domain transmission opportunities is contained in the first type of information subset, or is the default number of time-domain transmission opportunities, wherein the default number of time-domain transmission opportunities is obtained based on the number of scheduling information of the at least one environmental IoT device and the number of small frequency shift indices included in the small frequency shift index set, or is the number of predefined or pre-configured time-domain transmission opportunities.

18. The method of any one of claims 15-17, wherein, The first information set includes the time-domain transmission timing corresponding to the random access message 3 of each of the at least one environmental IoT devices; Wherein, the time-domain transmission timing corresponding to the first environmental IoT device is carried in the second type of sub-information set of the first environmental IoT device; or The time-domain transmission timing is the default time-domain transmission timing, wherein the default time-domain transmission timing is the time-domain transmission timing corresponding to random access message 1, or the default time-domain transmission timing is obtained based on at least one of the following: the number of time-domain transmission timings included in the time-domain transmission timing set, the number of small frequency shift indices included in the small frequency shift index set, and the scheduling order of the random access message 3 of the at least one environmental IoT device.

19. An apparatus, comprising: The device includes at least one processor coupled to a memory storing a program or instructions, the processor executing the program or instructions to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-18.

20. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, they cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-18.

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