Communication method and device

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a device. The method is applied to a first tag or a chip in the first tag, and comprises: obtaining, according to an identifier of the first tag, a count of subcarriers, and a mapping rule, a subcarrier corresponding to the first tag; and sending, on the subcarrier, information to a reader. The method can improve multi-tag inventory efficiency.

Description

A communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510358779.2, filed on March 24, 2025, entitled "A Communication Method and Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] With the continuous development of society, the need for warehouse management and asset inventory is increasing across various industries. For example, in manufacturing and logistics, the demand for inventory counting is growing. Inventory counting can be conducted manually or using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Manual inventory counting is inefficient and costly. RFID technology can be applied to RFID systems, which can include at least one reader and multiple tags (which can be understood as items to be processed; for example, each item being counted corresponds to at least one tag). The system can also include a server (also called a backend server or backend system). The general workflow includes: the reader sends a signal to the tag; the tag receives the excitation signal and sends the data it needs to transmit back to the reader; the reader then transmits the data to the server for processing. For example, in an inventory counting scenario, the data can be transmitted to the server for inventory counting. During inventory checks, RFID systems typically employ time-division multiplexing (TSO) using Time Slot Aloha (TSA). However, this method is inefficient in complex industrial settings, such as dense environments.

[0004] Improving the efficiency of multi-label inventory management has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and device that can improve the efficiency of multi-tag inventory.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a communication method. Unless otherwise specified, the "first tag" in this application can refer to a first tag (e.g., an active tag, a passive tag, etc.), a component of the first tag (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system in the first tag), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of its functions. The method includes: obtaining a subcarrier corresponding to the first tag based on the identifier of the first tag, the number of subcarriers, and mapping rules; and transmitting information to a reader on that subcarrier.

[0007] The communication method provided in this application achieves communication by having multiple tags send information to a reader on their corresponding subcarriers. Unlike slotted ALOHA, which uses a predetermined time slot allocation strategy to allow the reader to communicate with multiple tags in different time intervals, in the method provided in this application, a tag among the multiple tags, such as the first tag, can obtain the subcarrier corresponding to the first tag based on its identifier, the number of subcarriers, and mapping rules, and then send information to the reader on that subcarrier. This method achieves communication through frequency division multiplexing (FDM). In a multi-tag scenario, each tag sends information based on FDM, enabling concurrency, reducing communication time, and improving efficiency. Furthermore, the first tag can determine the subcarrier it should occupy (or use) based on its identifier, the number of subcarriers, and mapping rules. In a multi-tag application scenario, each tag can refer to the first tag and determine its own subcarrier based on its identifier, the number of subcarriers used for transmission with the reader, and mapping rules. Each tag sends information to the reader on its assigned subcarrier, effectively reducing conflicts caused by different tags sending information and improving efficiency. In other words, the communication method provided in this application can improve the efficiency of multi-tag inventory when applied to multi-tag inventory scenarios, or in other words, when multi-tag inventory needs to be conducted.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first tag receiving one or more of the following information from the reader: an operating mode (including frequency division or orthogonal frequency division), or the number of subcarriers, or mapping information indicating the mapping rule. For example, the first tag may receive one or more of the following via a control signal: the operating mode, or the number of subcarriers, or the mapping information.

[0009] Optionally, the reader and the first tag pre-agree on at least one of the following: operating mode, number of subcarriers, or mapping rules. The reader can send unagreed items, which can reduce transmission overhead. Alternatively, the reader and the first tag do not agree on any one of these. The first tag obtains the operating mode, number of subcarriers, and mapping information by receiving information from the reader, which makes the application of this communication method more flexible.

[0010] The reader and tag pre-agree on at least one of the following: operating mode, number of subcarriers, or mapping information. The reader transmits un-pre-agreed information via control signals, including several scenarios: One example is that the reader and tag pre-agree on the operating mode, and the control signals transmitted by the reader include the number of subcarriers and mapping information; another example is that the reader and tag pre-agree on the number of subcarriers, and the control signals transmitted by the reader include the operating mode and mapping information; another example is that the reader and tag pre-agree on mapping information (i.e., the reader and tag agree on mapping rules), and the control signals transmitted by the reader include the operating mode and the number of subcarriers; or, another example is that the reader and tag pre-agree on the operating mode and the number of subcarriers, and the control signals transmitted by the reader include mapping information; another example is that the reader and tag pre-agree on the operating mode and mapping information, and the control signals transmitted by the reader include the number of subcarriers; another example is that the reader and tag pre-agree on the number of subcarriers and mapping information, and the control signals transmitted by the reader include the operating mode. In the above examples, if the operating mode is indicated by the control signal, the operating mode to be used can be indicated in a timely manner in different transmission requirements; if the number of subcarriers is indicated by the control signal, the total number of subcarriers used by the tag can be adjusted in a timely manner according to channel conflicts and other situations; if the mapping information is indicated by the control signal, the mapping rules used can be adjusted in a timely manner according to channel conflicts, thereby improving the accuracy of the mapping rules used.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the mapping rule indicates a correspondence between multiple tags and subcarrier numbers, all of which communicate with the reader. These tags include the first tag, and the subcarrier number includes the number of the subcarrier. The mapping rule, including the correspondence between each tag and subcarrier number, facilitates the tag, such as the first tag, in determining the subcarrier for transmitting information using the mapping relationship and the identifier of the first tag.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first tag acquiring a mapping table, which includes multiple mapping information entries and their corresponding mapping rules. If the first tag acquires the mapping table, it can obtain more mapping rules. The reader and the first tag can determine the subcarrier using different mapping rules based on the indications of different mapping information, thereby making the subcarriers used by the method more flexible and enabling timely and effective adjustment of the mapping rules in the event of channel conflicts.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first tag receiving a wake-up signal from the reader, the wake-up signal being used to wake up the first tag. One example is that the reader first sends a wake-up signal, then sends a control signal. In low-power scenarios, the tag may be in a non-wake-up state (including hibernation, sleep, etc.). Sending the wake-up signal first can wake up the first tag, allowing it to receive and process subsequent information promptly while awake.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the operating mode is used to indicate frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). If the operating mode is used to indicate OFDM, the method further includes receiving a synchronization signal for synchronizing the OFDM. The method provided in this application can be used in different frequency division scenarios, such as FDM or OFDM, making its application scenarios more extensive.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the mapping rule involves performing a modulo operation based on the tag identifier and the number of subcarriers to obtain the subcarrier number. Alternatively, the mapping rule can also obtain the subcarrier number through other operations or by superimposing other operations on the modulo operation. The rule provided in this application enables the tag identifier and the subcarrier number to present a mapping relationship after being operated on with the number of subcarriers. In other words, because the mapping rule takes into account the number of subcarriers, it can obtain different subcarrier numbers based on different numbers of subcarriers. Therefore, this method is more adaptable in scenarios with different requirements for the number of subcarriers.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first tag receiving verification information from the reader, the verification information being used to verify the correctness of information from the reader. The reader also sends verification information, which facilitates the first tag in verifying the correctness of the operating mode, the number of subcarriers, or the mapping rules sent by the reader, thereby improving the accuracy of communication.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first tag sends its identifier to the reader in the information. This allows the reader to identify that the information comes from the first tag when it receives the information, based on the identifier of the first tag. In the frequency division mode, this effectively distinguishes different tags, unlike the time division mode which requires different time periods to distinguish different tags.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides a communication method. Unless otherwise specified, the term "reader" in this application can refer to a reader (or excitation source, etc.), a component thereof (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system in the reader), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of its functions. The method includes: the reader receiving information from a first tag on a subcarrier, the subcarrier being obtained according to the identifier of the first tag, the number of subcarriers, and a mapping rule.

[0019] On a single subcarrier, a reader may receive responses from one or more tags. In multi-tag concurrent scenarios, the reader can typically receive and identify responses from multiple tags simultaneously. For example, the reader can identify that the received information on a subcarrier comes from the first tag and read data and perform subsequent operations based on that information.

[0020] The reader provided in this application can receive information sent by different tags via subcarriers, effectively reducing conflicts caused by information sent by different tags, improving communication efficiency, and improving the efficiency of multi-tag inventory.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the reader sending one or more of the following information: operating mode, or the number of subcarriers, or mapping information indicating the mapping rule.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the mapping rule indicates a correspondence between multiple tags and subcarrier numbers, all of which communicate with the reader. The multiple tags include the first tag, and the subcarrier number includes the number of the subcarrier.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the reader sending a wake-up signal to wake up multiple tags.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the operating mode is used to indicate FDM or OFDM. If the operating mode is used to indicate OFDM, the method further includes: the reader sending a synchronization signal for synchronizing the OFDM.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the reader obtaining a mapping table, which includes multiple mapping information and the corresponding mapping rules.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the mapping rule is to perform a modulo operation based on the tag identifier and the number of subcarriers to obtain the subcarrier number.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: verification information sent by the reader, which is used to verify the correctness of the information.

[0028] It should be understood that the second aspect of this application corresponds to the technical solution of the first aspect of this application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here.

[0029] Thirdly, this application provides a first tag, including: a processing module and a sending module.

[0030] The processing module is used to obtain the subcarrier corresponding to the first tag based on the identifier of the first tag, the number of subcarriers, and the mapping rules.

[0031] The transmitting module is used to send information to the reader on this subcarrier.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first tag further includes a receiving module for receiving one or more of the following information from the reader: operating mode, or the number of subcarriers, or mapping information indicating the mapping rule.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the mapping rule indicates a correspondence between multiple tags and subcarrier numbers, all of which communicate with the reader. The multiple tags include the first tag, and the subcarrier number includes the number of the subcarrier.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the receiving module is also configured to receive a wake-up signal from the reader, which is used to wake up the first tag.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the operating mode is used to indicate FDM or OFDM. If the operating mode is used to indicate OFDM, the receiving module is also used to receive a synchronization signal for synchronizing the OFDM.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the first tag further includes: an acquisition module for acquiring a mapping relationship table, which includes multiple mapping information and the corresponding mapping rules.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the mapping rule is to perform a modulo operation based on the tag identifier and the number of subcarriers to obtain the subcarrier number.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to receive verification information from the reader, which is used to verify the correctness of the information from the reader.

[0039] It should be understood that the third aspect of this application corresponds to the technical solution of the first aspect of this application, and the beneficial effects obtained by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] Fourthly, this application provides a reader, including a receiving module.

[0041] The receiving module is used to receive information from a first tag on a subcarrier, which is obtained according to the identifier of the first tag, the number of subcarriers and the mapping rules.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the reader further includes a transmitting module for transmitting one or more of the following information: operating mode, or the number of subcarriers, or mapping information indicating the mapping rule.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the mapping rule indicates a correspondence between multiple tags and subcarrier numbers, all of which communicate with the reader. The multiple tags include the first tag, and the subcarrier number includes the number of the subcarrier.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the sending module is also used to send a wake-up signal for waking up multiple tags.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the operating mode is used to indicate FDM or OFDM. If the operating mode is used to indicate OFDM, the transmitting module is also used to transmit a synchronization signal for synchronizing the OFDM.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the reader further includes an acquisition module for acquiring a mapping relationship table, which includes multiple mapping information and the corresponding mapping rules.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the mapping rule is to perform a modulo operation based on the tag identifier and the number of subcarriers to obtain the subcarrier number.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the sending module is also used to send verification information, which is used to verify the correctness of the information.

[0049] It should be understood that the fourth aspect of this application corresponds to the first aspect of this application and is the same as the second aspect of this application. The beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here.

[0050] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, which may be a device or a means within a device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system). The communication device includes a transceiver and a processor for performing the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects or any possible implementations thereof.

[0051] Optionally, the communication device includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor for performing the method as described in any of the above aspects or any possible implementations of any of the above aspects. For example, the memory may be disposed in the communication device or may be an external device of the communication device.

[0052] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device, including: an input / output interface and a logic circuit, wherein the input / output interface is used to acquire input information and / or output information; and the logic circuit is used to perform the method as described in any of the above aspects or any possible implementations thereof, processing the input information and / or generating output information.

[0053] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device including at least one processor and a storage medium. The at least one processor is coupled to the storage medium, which stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to perform the method described in any of the foregoing aspects or any possible implementation thereof. The storage medium may be included in the communication device or disposed outside the communication device.

[0054] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in any of the foregoing aspects or any possible implementations of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0055] Ninthly, this application provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed on a processor, implement the method as described in any of the foregoing aspects or any possible implementations of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0056] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a chip comprising: an interface circuit and a processor. The interface circuit is connected to the processor, and the processor is configured to cause the chip to perform some or all of the operations included in any of the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible implementations of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0057] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application also provide a chip, including: at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute code in the memory, and when the at least one processor executes the code, the chip implementing some or all of the operations included in the method of any of the foregoing aspects and any possible implementation of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0058] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory. The memory can be integrated with the processor or disposed separately from the processor; the memory can be integrated on the same chip as the processor or disposed on different chips.

[0059] Alternatively, the chip described above can also be an integrated circuit.

[0060] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a system comprising a first tag as described in the third aspect and a reader as described in the fourth aspect.

[0061] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a system that includes the communication devices provided in any of the third to eleventh aspects.

[0062] It should be understood that the fifth to thirteenth aspects of this application are consistent with or correspond to the technical solutions of the first and second aspects of this application, and the beneficial effects obtained by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0063] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0064] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0065] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 200 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0066] Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 300 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0067] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0068] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0069] Figure 5a is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0070] Figure 5b is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0071] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wake-up frame provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0072] Figure 7a is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0073] Figure 7b is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0074] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a synchronization frame provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0075] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a frequency-shift-based system structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0076] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first label provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0077] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another first label structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0078] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another first label provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0079] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a reader provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0080] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another reader provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0081] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 30 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0082] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 40 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0083] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions in this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0084] In this document, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Here, A and B can be single or multiple. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions are used to represent any combination of the listed items. For example, at least one of A, B, and / or C can represent: A existing alone, B existing alone, C existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, B and C existing simultaneously, A and C existing simultaneously, and A, B, and C existing simultaneously. Here, A, B, and C can be single or multiple.

[0085] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0086] In the description of the embodiments in this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple processing units means two or more processing units; multiple systems means two or more systems.

[0087] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 may include multiple devices, such as at least one first device 11, at least one second device 12, and a third device 13. In one possible implementation, this application embodiment also provides a communication system, as shown in Figure 2a, a communication system 200, which includes a reader 21 (or a reader-writer, etc.), a tag 22, and a server 23 (or a platform server, backend server, etc.); as shown in Figure 2b, a communication system 300, which includes a reader 31 and multiple tags 32, etc. The devices (including the first device 11, the second device 12, and the third device 13) provided in Figure 1 of this application embodiment refer to a device or a part of a device. Combining Figures 2a and 2b, the first device 11 may be a reader or a part of a reader, the second device 12 may be a tag, which may be an electronic device, a semi-passive device, or a passive device (such as a passive device without a battery), or a part of a device, and the third device 13 may be a server or a part of a server.

[0088] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to different systems and is suitable for different scenarios. For example, system 100, system 200 or system 300 can be applied to scenarios that support passive IoT or to the Sparklink Zero-power (SLZ) passive communication system.

[0089] In scenarios supporting passive IoT, one or more of the following can be included: multiple tags, multiple readers, and multiple helpers. The tags can include smart tags, SLZ tags, etc., and can be at least one of active, semi-passive, or passive tags. An active tag can be understood as a tag with an independent power supply system that can actively transmit signals. A passive tag can be understood as a tag without a power source that requires energy from the reader to transmit signals. Semi-passive tags can be used between active and passive tags. The reader is used to emit signals to activate the tag and read or write data within the tag. Optionally, depending on the application requirements, the reader can be fixed (as shown in Figure 2b) or handheld (as shown in Figure 2a), etc. This scenario can also include a server that can communicate with the reader for data management.

[0090] In scenarios supporting the StarSpark SLZ passive communication system, multiple transmitters and multiple receivers are included. Transmitters may include readers, and receivers may include tags. These tags can be passive tags, and passive tags can include one or more components such as chips, cores, hardened circuits, or modules used for transceiver, modulation, and other functions. In this scenario, the reader sends a signal, and the tag can reflect this signal and extract energy from it. The data to be transmitted is then fed back onto the reflected signal. It should be understood that in the StarSpark scenario, the system can include a grant node (G node) and a terminal node (T node). The reader can be a G node, and the tag can be a T node.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned passive tag can be understood as a battery-free and maintenance-free tag. Using this type of tag can reduce power consumption and is suitable for scenarios with high low power consumption requirements, such as warehousing and logistics, where a large number of items need to be managed.

[0092] In some possible implementations, this communication method can be applied to both short-range wireless communication systems and wireless communication systems supporting longer-range transmission. That is, the technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to, but are not limited to, short-range wireless communication systems and wireless communication systems supporting longer-range transmission (such as the next-generation Spark Link / NearLink wireless communication system). The short-range wireless communication system can include short-range wireless communication technology (also known as Spark Link 1.0 technology), which has advantages such as ultra-low latency, ultra-high reliability, and precise synchronization, and is suitable for applications in smart cars, smart homes, smart terminals, smart manufacturing, smart warehousing, or smart logistics. For example, applications in smart car scenarios include: immersive in-vehicle sound field & noise reduction, wireless interactive screen projection, and 360-degree panoramic surround view, which can achieve an immersive interactive experience and improve vehicle safety. Wireless communication systems supporting longer-range transmission mainly include next-generation Spark Link wireless communication systems, such as Spark Link 2.0 and Spark Link 3.0 wireless communication systems, which are not only suitable for communication scenarios with low latency requirements, such as the aforementioned in-vehicle communication and industrial control scenarios, but also for communication scenarios with relatively low latency requirements.

[0093] In some possible implementations, the aforementioned communication system may be used in conjunction with mobile communication systems, such as, but not limited to, fourth-generation (4G) communication systems (e.g., long-term evolution (LTE) systems), fifth-generation (5G) communication systems (e.g., new radio (NR) systems), and future mobile communication systems.

[0094] In some possible implementations, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), global system for mobile communications (GSM), enhanced data rate for GSM evolution (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000), time division-synchronization code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA), LTE system, satellite communication, 5G communication system, 6th-generation (6G) communication system, or new communication systems that will emerge in the future. This application embodiment does not limit the scope of the application.

[0095] The communication method provided in this application embodiment supports the StarFlash protocol, or supports IEEE protocols such as IEEE 802.11be, WiFi 7, or Extremely High Throughput (EHT), or supports IEEE 802.11bn, WiFi 8, or Ultra High Reliability (UHR), or supports protocols such as IEEE Integrated mmWave (IMMW), IEEE 802.15.4ab, Ultra Wideband (UWB), or IEEE 802.11bf and Sensing. In one possible implementation, the communication method provided in this application embodiment may support one or more of the protocols mentioned above.

[0096] With the continuous development of society, scenarios involving the processing of large quantities of goods are increasingly common across various industries. For example, in warehousing within manufacturing and logistics sectors, the demand for inventory counting is constantly increasing due to storage and transportation needs. In manufacturing and logistics, it may be necessary to count tens of thousands of items. One example is manual inventory counting for stored goods awaiting receipt and dispatch, but this method is inefficient and costly. Another example is using RFID systems for inventory counting. This technology typically uses time-division multiplexing with time slot ALOHA, which is more efficient than manual counting. However, for large-scale inventory counting scenarios, this method is still insufficient, especially in dense, high-reflection environments where signal collisions and retransmissions are frequent, affecting the efficiency and accuracy of this method.

[0097] RFID systems typically support Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology, such as slotted ALOHA, to identify multiple tags. However, this multi-tag identification requires a predetermined slot allocation strategy, assigning a slot to each tag. This allows the reader in the RFID system (also referred to as an RFID reader) to communicate with multiple tags at different time intervals to avoid signal collisions and improve identification efficiency. However, this technology also has limitations. For example, it relies on precise time synchronization to prevent tags from conflicting within the same slot, but such precise time synchronization is difficult to achieve in practice. For example, in complex industrial environments, time synchronization is affected by the complex environment, making it difficult to achieve the required accuracy. Furthermore, because time slots are predetermined—meaning each tag sends information to the reader in a fixed time slot—the response capacity is limited to handle sudden high-concurrency demands, increasing tag response time delays and impacting overall inventory efficiency. Additionally, in dense tag environments, even with time-slot ALOHA, tags still have a high probability of overlapping responses in different time slots, leading to reader recognition failures. This necessitates multiple retransmissions of data packets (the retransmitted content is not limited to data packets; its form can be diverse, such as data, frames, signals, etc.), which not only increases system complexity and energy consumption but also significantly reduces the actual bandwidth utilization and inventory efficiency of the RFID system.

[0098] Based on the above analysis, it can be found that time-division multiplexing RFID technology, when applied to scenarios requiring high-concurrency tag identification such as inventory checks, suffers from problems such as difficulty in time synchronization, low efficiency of retransmission mechanisms, and flexibility limitations imposed by fixed time slots. The difficulty in time synchronization can be understood as follows: precise time synchronization is difficult to achieve in complex industrial environments, such as in metallic or highly reflective environments, where the unpredictability of signal propagation increases, further exacerbating the difficulty of time synchronization. The low efficiency of retransmission mechanisms can be understood as follows: while the system is designed with a data packet retransmission mechanism to recover data when tags overlap, the efficiency of this mechanism decreases significantly in dense tag environments, and frequent retransmissions lead to a decrease in overall system bandwidth utilization and an increase in energy consumption. The flexibility limitations imposed by fixed time slots can be understood as follows: the fixed time slot allocation of the time-division multiplexing mechanism limits the system's ability to respond to sudden high-concurrency demands, reducing the accuracy and efficiency of real-time inventory checks.

[0099] Furthermore, the design of the physical layer control signal structure has become one of the key technologies for improving the concurrent access capability of passive communication systems. In RFID systems, optimization of the physical layer design, such as the structural design of the physical layer control signals, is also being explored to improve the performance of the RFID system in complex environments, enhance concurrent access capabilities, and strengthen the overall anti-interference capability of the system. It should be understood that the design of the physical layer control signals needs to consider a variety of factors, including the signal encoding method and the carrier allocation strategy. The comprehensive optimization of these factors is crucial for improving system performance. For example, the signal encoding method can affect the reliability and stability of signal transmission; the carrier allocation strategy can affect the efficiency of concurrent access. For instance, when an RFID system needs to handle a large number of concurrent requests, the efficiency of its concurrent access can be affected by the carrier allocation strategy. However, the physical layer control signals of RFID systems are usually designed in a fixed mode, such as using binary phase shift keying (BPSK) or quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulation, and using cyclic redundancy check (CRC) for data verification. But in many scenarios, such as high-density, high-reflection environments, where multiple tags need to respond at the same time, this design performs poorly, is prone to signal conflicts, and leads to a decrease in recognition rate.

[0100] To improve the efficiency of communication between the reader and multiple tags, embodiments of this application provide a communication method in which each tag can achieve concurrency based on frequency division to improve efficiency. For example, the communication method provided in embodiments of this application (including but not limited to the methods shown in Figures 3, 4, 5a, 5b, 7a, and 7b) can be applied to scenarios involving the processing of large quantities of items, such as inventory, to improve efficiency.

[0101] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method is executed by a first tag, or by a component within the first tag (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system within the first tag), or by a logic module or software within the first tag capable of implementing all or part of its functions. Figure 3 illustrates the method using the first tag as the executing entity, but this is not a limitation. This communication method can be applied to different communication systems, such as those shown in Figure 1, Figure 2a, or Figure 2b. Referring to the above examples, this method can be applied to different systems or scenarios, such as in scenarios supporting passive IoT, such as in the SLZ passive communication system. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes steps S101 and S102.

[0102] S101. The first tag obtains the subcarrier corresponding to the first tag based on the identifier of the first tag, the number of subcarriers and the mapping rules.

[0103] It should be understood that this method can be applied to scenarios involving communication between a reader and multiple tags, including the first tag, and each tag corresponds to an identifier, such as the tag's identity identifier, name, ID number, etc.

[0104] The number of subcarriers (also known as the total number of subcarriers) can be obtained based on one or more of the following:

[0105] How many tags need to transmit information concurrently; or, how many subcarriers can be supported for communication between the reader and multiple tags (which can also be simply referred to as the number of available subcarriers between the reader and multiple tags); or, the channel conditions (including channel resources, etc.).

[0106] For example, the number of subcarriers can be determined by the reader, and the first tag can obtain the number of subcarriers from the reader. For instance, the reader can determine the number of subcarriers based on how many tags need to send information concurrently and the number of available subcarriers, and indicate the number of subcarriers to multiple tags, thereby obtaining the number of subcarriers from the first tag.

[0107] Mapping rules can indicate the correspondence between multiple tags and subcarrier numbers. For example, a mapping rule can include the correspondence between the tag identifier, the number of subcarriers, and the subcarrier (such as the subcarrier number, or simply the subcarrier number). For instance, if the identifier of the first tag is 001, the number of subcarriers is 2, and the subcarrier number is 1, then the mapping rule includes the correspondence between the identifier 001 of the first tag, the number of subcarriers being 2, and the subcarrier number being 1. The first tag can determine, based on its identifier 001, the number of subcarriers being 2, and the mapping rule, that the information transmitted by the first tag corresponds to the subcarrier with subcarrier number 1.

[0108] S102, The first tag sends information to the reader on the subcarrier.

[0109] In this embodiment of the application, taking the first tag sending information to the reader on the subcarrier as an example, in different transmission scenarios, it can also send other forms of content such as data packets, frames, and signals, and is not limited to sending information.

[0110] This application embodiment uses a first tag to obtain a subcarrier and send information to the reader on that subcarrier as an example. Other tags can refer to the method of the first tag to achieve communication with the reader based on frequency division multiplexing (FDM). This communication method enables multiple tags to send information to the reader on their corresponding subcarriers. Unlike slotted ALOHA, which uses a predetermined time slot allocation strategy (i.e., allows the reader to communicate with multiple tags in different time intervals), this FDM technology is applied in multi-tag scenarios. Each tag can refer to the first tag and determine its assigned subcarrier based on its identifier, the number of subcarriers transmitted with the reader, and the mapping rules. Each tag sends information to the reader on its assigned subcarrier. This concurrency effectively reduces conflicts caused by different tags sending information, improving efficiency. At the same time, because it does not require time slot allocation, it avoids retransmissions due to time slot conflicts, effectively avoiding the problems of high time synchronization difficulty, low retransmission efficiency, and fixed time slot limitations in flexibility that exist in slotted ALOHA.

[0111] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method is executed by a reader, or by a component in the reader (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system in the reader), or by a logic module or software in the reader capable of implementing all or part of its functions. Figure 4 illustrates this using the reader as the executing entity, but is not limiting. This communication method can be applied in different communication systems, such as those shown in Figure 1, Figure 2a, or Figure 2b. Referring to the above examples, this method can be applied to different systems, such as in passive IoT scenarios or in the SLZ passive communication system, etc. As shown in Figure 4, the method includes step S201.

[0112] S201. The reader receives information from the first tag on the subcarrier, which is obtained according to the identifier of the first tag, the number of subcarriers and the mapping rules.

[0113] For example, a reader may receive responses from one or more tags on a single subcarrier. In multi-tag concurrent scenarios, the reader can typically receive and identify responses from multiple tags simultaneously. For instance, the reader can identify that the received information on a subcarrier originates from a first tag and read data and perform subsequent operations based on that information. One example is that the reader can determine which tag the information on a subcarrier originates from based on the correspondence between subcarrier numbers and tag IDs. This correspondence can be pre-stored in the reader, which stores the ID of the first tag. When information is received and the ID of the information source is determined to belong to the first tag, the reader can identify that the information comes from the first tag. Another example is that the information in the first tag's response carries the first tag's ID, allowing the reader to identify the information source (i.e., which tag the information comes from) based on the ID.

[0114] The subcarriers are obtained based on the identifier of the first tag, the number of subcarriers, and the mapping rules. This can be understood by referring to the example in S101 where the first tag is obtained based on the identifier, the number of subcarriers, and the mapping rules. It will not be elaborated further here.

[0115] In this embodiment, the reader can receive information sent by different tags via subcarriers, effectively reducing conflicts caused by information sent by different tags and improving transmission efficiency.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the communication method can be based on Figure 3 above and executed after S102, that is, the communication method includes S101, S102 and S201.

[0117] This application provides a control signal that includes one or more of the following information: operating mode, number of subcarriers, mapping information, or checksum. The operating mode includes frequency division multiplexing (FDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). FDM can indicate FDM, and OFDM can indicate OFDM. Alternatively, the operating mode can be understood as including either FDM or OFDM. The mapping information indicates the mapping rule. The number of subcarriers indicates the total number of subcarriers that the tag can respond to the reader. The checksum ensures the correctness of signal transmission. Table 1 is an example of the structure of a control signal provided in this application. In Table 1, the control signal includes a type bit indicating the operating mode, an M bit indicating the number of subcarriers, mapping information indicating the mapping rule (which can also be represented by the mapping information (Bin bit) or simply denoted as the Bin bit), and a checksum for verification. Referring to Table 2, this application also provides an example and corresponding explanation of the value range of the fields carried by the control signal.

[0118] Table 1

[0119] Table 2

[0120] For example, the operating mode includes FDM or OFDM, or in other words, the operating mode indicates whether the tag accesses the reader via FDM or OFDM, or the operating mode indicates whether the system operating mode is FDM or OFDM. In one possible implementation, referring to Tables 1 and 2, the type indicates FDM or OFDM, or the type indicates whether the reader supports FDM or OFDM access, or the type indicates whether the current system operating mode is FDM (or the system is operating in FDM mode) or OFDM (or the system is operating in OFDM mode), etc. Optionally, the control signal may carry FDM or OFDM, or the reader and tag may pre-agree on the corresponding indications for FDM and OFDM respectively. For example, taking a type consisting of 1 byte as an example, it can be agreed that when the type is 0, the system operates in FDM mode, and when the type is 1, the system operates in OFDM mode. This is merely an example and not a limitation.

[0121] For example, the number of subcarriers can be determined by the channel conditions (such as channel resources). For instance, in the current scenario, there are 100 tags and 10 channels (it should be understood that 1 channel corresponds to 1 subcarrier). The reader initially uses a mapping rule of 10 subcarriers to 100 tags, and the tags respond with information on the 10 subcarriers. However, some conflicts may occur. In the next communication, the reader can adjust the number of channels used based on the conflict situation. For example, in the next communication, the number of channels responding to multiple tags can be adjusted to 8. The number of subcarriers in the next communication can be determined to be 8, and the mapping rule can be re-determined based on the correspondence between these 8 subcarriers and 100 tags. Alternatively, the reader can adjust the mapping rule used based on the conflict situation, such as using another mapping rule of 10 subcarriers to 100 tags, and the tags obtain the corresponding subcarriers according to this mapping rule and respond with information. In one possible implementation, referring to Table 1, the M bit indicates the number of concurrent subcarriers (i.e., the total number of subcarriers). For example, referring to Table 2, taking a 4-byte type as an example, the value of the M bit can range from 0 to 14. When the M value is in the valid range {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14}, the number of subcarriers is 2. ^M When M is 0, it indicates that the subcarrier has been successfully allocated. It should be understood that the values ​​of M in Table 1 and the examples such as type are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0122] For example, a mapping rule (also called a mapping relationship) may include an indication of the correspondence between multiple tags and subcarrier numbers, all of which can communicate with the reader. The subcarrier number includes the subcarrier's identifier and indicates the corresponding subcarrier. It should be understood that if tag A is among the multiple tags, the mapping rule may include a correspondence between tag A and the subcarrier number of the subcarrier occupied by tag A. In one possible implementation, there may be multiple mapping rules, each indicated by mapping information. For example, referring to Table 2, the mapping information can be denoted as a Bin bit, used to indicate the corresponding mapping rule.

[0123] The following example illustrates the mapping rule. For instance, this mapping rule involves performing a modulo operation based on the tag identifier and the number of subcarriers to obtain the subcarrier number. It should be understood that obtaining the subcarrier number through a modulo operation based on the tag identifier and the number of subcarriers is merely one example. The mapping rule can also obtain the subcarrier number through other operations or by superimposing other operations, such as mapping the tag ID number to the subcarrier using a hash function and a modulo operation. This application does not limit the algorithm used in the mapping rule.

[0124] One example is that the tag is identified by its ID number, and the number of subcarriers is 2. ^M Each tag occupies a subcarrier that can correspond to a subcarrier number, and the mapping rules can include one or more of the following rules:

[0125] Tag ID number Modulo subcarrier number 2 ^M The corresponding subcarrier number mapped; or,

[0126] The tag ID number is M bits long, starting from the last bit. The number of mod subcarriers is 2. ^M The corresponding subcarrier number mapped; or,

[0127] The tag ID number starts 1 bit from the end and is a total of M bits. The modulus (Mod) represents the number of subcarriers. ^M The corresponding subcarrier number mapped; or,

[0128] The tag ID number starts 2 bits from the end and is a total of M bits. The modulus represents the number of subcarriers. ^M The corresponding subcarrier number mapped; or,

[0129] The tag ID number starts 3 bits from the end and is a total of M bits. The modulus represents the number of subcarriers. ^M The corresponding subcarrier number mapped; or,

[0130] The tag ID number is M bits long, starting from the first bit, and the number of mod subcarriers is 2. ^M The corresponding subcarrier number mapped; or,

[0131] The tag ID number starts with the first bit shifted forward by 1 bit, totaling M bits. The modulus represents the number of subcarriers. ^M The corresponding subcarrier number mapped; or,

[0132] The tag ID number starts 2 bits from the beginning and is a total of M bits. The modulus represents the number of subcarriers. ^M The corresponding subcarrier number mapped; or,

[0133] The tag ID number starts 3 bits from the beginning and is a total of M bits. The number of subcarriers is 2. ^M The corresponding subcarrier number mapped; or,

[0134] Tag ID number Modulo subcarrier number 2 ^M-1 The corresponding subcarrier number mapped; or,

[0135] Tag ID number Modulo subcarrier number 2 ^M-2 The corresponding subcarrier number mapped; or,

[0136] Tag ID number Modulo subcarrier number 2 ^M-3 The corresponding subcarrier number mapped; or,

[0137] Upon collision, the tag enters a random backoff state, starting from 2. ^M The subcarrier number is randomly selected from the mapping.

[0138] It should be understood that the numerical values, forward shifts, etc. in the above rules are just examples. In actual use, the numerical values ​​can be changed, forward shifts can be changed to backward shifts, or several digits can be truncated, etc. This application does not impose any restrictions.

[0139] In one possible implementation, different numbers can represent the content of different mapping rules, such as;

[0140] 1 represents the tag's ID number; 2 represents the number of subcarriers. ^M , corresponding to the mapped subcarrier number;

[0141] 2 represents the tag's ID number and the number of subcarriers. ^M , corresponding to the mapped subcarrier number;

[0142] 3 represents the tag ID number, starting from the last bit, totaling M bits. The modulus represents the number of subcarriers. ^M , corresponding to the mapped subcarrier number;

[0143] 4 represents the tag ID number, starting 1 bit from the end and totaling M bits. The modulus represents the number of subcarriers. ^M , corresponding to the mapped subcarrier number;

[0144] 5 represents the tag ID number, starting 2 bits from the end, for a total of M bits. The modulus represents the number of subcarriers. ^M , corresponding to the mapped subcarrier number;

[0145] 6 represents the tag ID number, starting 3 bits from the end, for a total of M bits. The modulus represents the number of subcarriers. ^M , corresponding to the mapped subcarrier number;

[0146] 7 represents the tag ID number, starting from the first bit, totaling M bits, and the number of mod subcarriers. ^M , corresponding to the mapped subcarrier number;

[0147] 8 represents the tag ID number, starting from the first bit and shifting forward by 1 bit, totaling M bits. The modulus represents the number of subcarriers. ^M , corresponding to the mapped subcarrier number;

[0148] 9 represents the tag ID number, starting 2 bits from the beginning and totaling M bits. The modulus represents the number of subcarriers. ^M , corresponding to the mapped subcarrier number;

[0149] 10 represents the tag ID number, starting 3 bits from the beginning and totaling M bits. The modulus represents the number of subcarriers. ^M , corresponding to the mapped subcarrier number;

[0150] 11 represents the tag's ID number, and the number of modulo subcarriers is 2. ^M-1 , corresponding to the mapped subcarrier number;

[0151] 12 represents the tag's ID number and the number of modulo subcarriers. ^M-2 , corresponding to the mapped subcarrier number;

[0152] 13 represents the tag's ID number and the number of modulo subcarriers. ^M-3 , corresponding to the mapped subcarrier number;

[0153] 14 indicates a conflict has occurred, and the tag enters a random backoff state, from 2 ^M The subcarrier number is randomly selected from the mapping.

[0154] It should be understood that the above numbering and its corresponding mapping rule are merely examples. The representational relationship between the numbering and the mapping rule can be achieved through various combinations. For instance, in one possible implementation, "13" represents the tag's ID number shifted forward 3 bits from the first bit, totaling M bits, representing the number of subcarriers in the modulus. ^M The corresponding subcarrier number; 10 represents the tag ID number, and the modulo (Mod) represents the number of subcarriers. ^M-3 "corresponding to the subcarrier number of the mapping", etc.; in addition, the values ​​in this example, such as forward shift, are just examples and are not limited.

[0155] Based on the control information provided in Table 1 or Table 2, a mapping rule can be indicated by a mapping information. For example, the indication information can range from 0 to 15. When the indication information is 0, it can correspond to the mapping rule represented by 1; when the indication information is 1, it can correspond to the mapping rule represented by 2, and so on. It should be understood that the correspondence between the indication information and the number representing the mapping rule can be implemented in various combinations. For example, indication information 0 can correspond to the mapping rule represented by number 16, or to the mapping rule represented by number 2, and is not limited to the examples described in the embodiments of this application. In one possible implementation, the correspondence between the indication information and the number representing the mapping rule can be pre-agreed.

[0156] For example, the tag's ID number can be represented by an electronic product code (EPC) ID, consisting of 96 bits. Following the example above, the mapping rule could also be: "1 represents the tag's 96-bit ID number, modulus represents the number of subcarriers, 2 represents..." ^M The product electronic code may include header files, manufacturer codes, product codes, and serial numbers, and can be represented by a 96-bit ID number modulo the number of subcarriers. ^M The corresponding subcarrier number can be obtained, or a portion of it can be selected, such as the sequence number, and a modulo operation can be performed to obtain the corresponding subcarrier number, etc., which is not limited to the examples in the embodiments of this application.

[0157] For example, referring to Table 2, the mapping information (Bin) occupies 4 bytes and can include 16 different mapping rules. Assume the tag can pre-store a mapping table containing the mapping rules represented by the 14 values ​​mentioned above. This table can also reserve 2 more rules for future additions. In other words, the mapping table can provide 16 mapping rules, each indicated by the mapping information in the control information. That is, through the indication information, the tag can determine which of the 16 mapping rules should be used, thus obtaining the subcarrier number to be used (or occupied). Suppose that in a scenario where multiple tags communicate with a reader, including a first tag, the control signal received by the first tag has M set to 1 and the mapping information (Bin) set to 0. The first tag can determine that the number of subcarriers is 2. If the mapping information of 0 corresponds to the mapping rule represented by 5, then the first tag can obtain the subcarrier number by shifting 2 bits forward from the last bit of the tag's 96-bit ID number, starting from the last bit, for a total of 1 bit, modulo 2, and then using the subcarrier number corresponding to the number among the two subcarriers to send information to the reader.

[0158] Optionally, in actual communication scenarios, the control signals sent by the reader may include at least one of the above-mentioned operating modes, number of subcarriers, or mapping information.

[0159] Optionally, the reader and tag pre-agree on at least one of the following: operating mode, number of subcarriers, or mapping rule. The reader sends information that is not pre-agreemented via a control signal. Alternatively, the control signal includes the operating mode, number of subcarriers, and mapping information. The tag obtains the operating mode, number of subcarriers, and mapping information via the control signal. It should be understood that if pre-agreement is made, the reader and tag can agree on one mapping rule. If indicated by the control signal, multiple mapping rules should be pre-stored in the reader and tag, such as the mapping rule table provided in the example above. The correspondence between the mapping information and the mapping rules in the mapping relationship table in the reader and tag is also pre-aligned so that the tag can determine which mapping rule to use based on the mapping information carried by the control signal.

[0160] The reader and tag pre-agree on at least one of the following: operating mode, number of subcarriers, or mapping information. The reader transmits un-pre-agreed information via control signals, including several scenarios: One example is that the reader and tag pre-agree on the operating mode, and the control signals sent by the reader include the number of subcarriers and mapping information; for example, if OFDM is agreed upon, the tag will transmit in OFDM mode after determining the subcarriers. Another example is that the reader and tag pre-agree on the number of subcarriers, and the control signals sent by the reader include the operating mode and mapping information. Yet another example is that the reader and tag pre-agree on mapping information. The control signals sent by the reader include the operating mode and the number of subcarriers, or in other words, a mapping rule is agreed upon. Using the agreed-upon mapping rule, control signals are no longer needed to indicate which mapping rule to use. Alternatively, one example is that the reader and the tag pre-agree on the operating mode and the number of subcarriers, and the control signals sent by the reader include the mapping information. Another example is that the reader and the tag pre-agree on the operating mode and mapping information, and the control signals sent by the reader include the number of subcarriers. Yet another example is that the reader and the tag pre-agree on the number of subcarriers and mapping information, and the control signals sent by the reader include the operating mode.

[0161] It should be understood that pre-determining the operating mode, the number of subcarriers, or mapping information can reduce transmission overhead. However, carrying at least one of these parameters in the control signal also has its advantages. For example, by carrying the type in the control signal, it is possible to promptly indicate whether the operating mode to be used is FDM or OFDM in different transmission requirements; by indicating the M bit in the control signal, the total number of subcarriers used by the tag can be adjusted in a timely manner according to channel conflicts, i.e., the number of subcarriers can be adjusted according to channel resources; by carrying mapping information (Bin) in the control signal, the mapping rules used can be adjusted in a timely manner according to channel conflicts, improving the accuracy of the mapping rules used. In other words, by including the type bit, the M bit, and the mapping information (Bin) bit in the control signal, the application of this communication method can be made more flexible.

[0162] In the following embodiments, the control signal carries a type bit, an M bit, and a mapping information (Bin) bit for indication. This embodiment is used as an example for illustration, but is not intended to be limiting. Below, examples of FDM or OFDM operating modes are provided to illustrate the communication between the reader and the tag. It should be understood that the reader should include support for both FDM and OFDM operating modes (or access methods).

[0163] One example is that the working mode is FDM.

[0164] Figure 5a is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method is applied in a scenario involving multiple tags (including a first tag (also denoted as tag 1), tag 2…tag N, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) and at least one reader. The example in Figure 5a illustrates this method using a reader and a tag (such as the first tag), but this is not limited to that example. The executing entity could also be other devices, chips, etc., capable of implementing the following method. As shown in Figure 5a, the method includes steps S301 to S306.

[0165] S301, The reader sends a control signal, which includes the operating mode, the number of subcarriers, and mapping information.

[0166] For example, the control signal can be referenced in Table 1 or Table 2, including a type bit, an M bit, and a mapping information (Bin) bit. The type bit indicates that the operating mode is FDM, the M bit indicates the number of subcarriers, and the Bin bit indicates the mapping rule. The mapping rule can be referred to the example above and will not be described further. One example is that the type bit is set to 0, indicating FDM; this value is only an example and not a limitation. When the reader sends a control signal for the first time, the value of the M bit can be determined based on the total number of channels. For example, if there are 8 channels between the reader and multiple tags, the M bit can be 3, and the total number of subcarriers is 8. During transmission, if there are collisions, the reader can adjust the value of M in subsequent transmissions, using channels with better resources, such as 4 of the 8 channels. Based on the number of these 4 subcarriers, the M bit can be set to 2, meaning the total number of subcarriers is adjusted to 4. This instructs the tags to determine their corresponding subcarriers from these 4 subcarriers and send information. The value of the mapping information (Bin) bit can be arbitrarily chosen within its range, as shown in Table 2, between 0 and 15. Referring to the example above, the mapping rules used can be adjusted in case of collisions.

[0167] In one possible implementation, such as in a low-power scenario (e.g., when multiple tags are idle, which is a low-power state), referring to Figure 5b, the method further includes S307. That is, a wake-up signal can be sent before sending the control signal. It should be understood that S301 to S306 in the communication method provided in Figure 5b can be referred to the example provided in the communication method in Figure 5a, and will not be elaborated further. One example is that the reader first sends the wake-up signal in the wake-up frame, and then sends the control signal. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wake-up frame provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the reader can send a wake-up frame, which includes a wake-up signal and a control signal. The control signal includes bits reserved for the upper layer (i.e., the upper layer of the physical layer), which can also be simply called "upper layer reserved". The control signal also includes a physical layer control signal, which includes type, M, mapping information (Bin) and checksum. The number of characters occupied in Figure 6 is only an example and is not limited.

[0168] Optionally, depending on the different scheduling situations of multiple tags in different scenarios, the reader can send a wake-up signal to wake up the tag before sending each control signal; or, while the tag remains awake, the reader can still send a control signal each time. In this way, the control signal sent by the reader can reach the tag when it is awakened, so that the tag can receive it in a timely manner and perform subsequent operations based on the control signal.

[0169] S302, The first tag receives a control signal from the reader.

[0170] One possible implementation is that if the first tag is in a low-power state, it is woken up after receiving a wake-up signal, and then receives a control signal. For example, the reader sends a control signal immediately after the wake-up signal, and the first tag can quickly receive the control signal after being woken up to obtain the operating mode, the number of subcarriers, mapping information, and checksum.

[0171] S303. The first tag determines its operating mode as FDM based on the control signal and determines the subcarrier number it uses.

[0172] For example, if M is 1, meaning the total number of subcarriers used for communication between the reader and multiple tags is 2, and the mapping information (Bin) is 0, then 0 corresponds to the mapping rule number "1" in the example above, such as "1" representing the tag's ID number modulo the number of subcarriers, which is 2. ^M The corresponding subcarrier number is mapped; "Take the ID number of the first tag modulo 2 (Mod). If the resulting subcarrier number is 1, then the first tag uses (or occupies) the subcarrier with number 1 for subsequent operations.

[0173] One possible approach is to pre-store a mapping table in the first tag. This table could include the correspondence between mapping information and mapping rules, or it could include the correspondence between mapping information and the number representing the mapping rule, and so on. After receiving the mapping information, the first tag can query this mapping table to obtain the corresponding mapping rule based on the mapping information. This method of pre-storing multiple mapping rules allows for flexible adjustment of the mapping rules according to the communication situation. For example, in a scenario with a reader and 100 tags, assuming communication through 10 channels, if a conflict occurs in the channel calculated by the mapping rule corresponding to the currently indicated mapping information, the reader can also carry mapping information indicating other mapping rules in the next control message to avoid the conflict. Furthermore, by indicating different mapping information and making multiple attempts, the mapping rule with the fewest conflicts can be selected, improving the accuracy of the used mapping rule.

[0174] S304. The first tag is on the subcarrier and responds in FDM mode.

[0175] Optionally, the first tag may carry its ID number in the response information so that the reader can identify which tag the response came from based on the ID number.

[0176] S305. The reader receives responses from multiple tags on the subcarrier, including the first tag.

[0177] It should be understood that because the number of subcarriers and the mapping information sent by the reader enable each tag to accurately calculate the subcarrier number it uses and respond on the corresponding subcarrier, and indicate that the response mode is FDM, multiple tags can respond concurrently on their own calculated subcarriers. That is, multiple tags can communicate concurrently with the reader in FDM mode without conflict, thus improving efficiency.

[0178] For example, in a logistics warehouse scenario, tens of thousands of items are labeled, such as passive tags, and stored on dense shelves. Using the communication method provided in this application embodiment, these item tags can respond to the reader concurrently. The reader can more efficiently identify and read these tags. For example, when items need to be inventoried, the reader sends a wake-up frame as shown in Figure 6, instructing each tag to respond in the FDM manner. Each tag responds to the reader concurrently. The reader, referring to the method provided in this application embodiment, can more efficiently identify and read the information from these tag responses, greatly improving the efficiency of inventory counting.

[0179] S306. Based on the response information, the reader completes the identification and data reading of the first tag and transmits it to the server for processing.

[0180] It should be understood that the reader receives information from multiple tag responses. Based on the information in each response, it completes the identification and data reading of each tag. The identification process can be referenced from the reader's identification of the first tag, and will not be elaborated further. The reader transmits the data of each tag to the server for processing, which also improves the efficiency of transmission to the server.

[0181] In one possible implementation, S306 could also be that the reader completes the identification of the first tag and data reading based on the response information, without being limited to the examples in Figure 5a or Figure 5b.

[0182] The communication method provided in this application can solve the problem of multiple tag concurrency by indicating the number of subcarriers and mapping information. The working mode can indicate the optional frequency division, making the method applicable to a wider range.

[0183] One example is that the operating mode is OFDM.

[0184] Figure 7a is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method is applied in a scenario involving multiple tags (including a first tag (also referred to as tag 1), tag 2…tag N) and at least one reader. The example in Figure 7a illustrates this method using a reader and a tag (such as the first tag), but is not limited to this. The executing entity could also be other devices, chips, etc., capable of implementing the following method. As shown in Figure 7a, the method includes steps S401 to S406.

[0185] S401, The reader sends a control signal, which includes the operating mode, the number of subcarriers, and mapping information.

[0186] For example, the control signal can be referenced from the example in S301, except that the type is used to indicate the OFDM. One example is that the type bit is set to 1 to indicate the OFDM. This value is only an example and is not limited.

[0187] In one possible implementation, such as in a low-power scenario, referring to Figure 7b, the method further includes S407. That is, before sending the control signal, a wake-up signal can also be sent, and the reader can also send a synchronization signal for OFDM synchronization. It should be understood that S401 to S406 in the communication method provided in Figure 7b can be referred to the example provided in the communication method in Figure 7a, and will not be elaborated further. One example is that the reader first sends a wake-up signal, and then sends a synchronization frame. The synchronization frame can refer to the example in Figure 8, including a synchronization signal and a control signal. The control signal includes bits reserved for the upper layer (i.e., the upper layer of the physical layer), which can also be simply called "upper layer reservation". The control signal also includes physical layer control signals, which include type, M, mapping information (Bin) and checksum. The number of characters occupied in Figure 8 is only an example and is not limited.

[0188] Optionally, depending on the different scheduling situations of multiple tags in different scenarios, the reader can send a wake-up signal before sending each synchronization frame to wake up the tags. One example is, referring to Table 3, where the reader can first send a wake-up signal to wake up the tags, then send a control signal (referred to as control signal 1 for easy distinction), and then send the synchronization frame (including the synchronization signal and the control signal (referred to as control signal 2 for easy distinction), where control signal 1 includes the type, and control signal 2 includes M, mapping information (Bin), and a checksum.

[0189] Table 3

[0190] S402, The first tag receives a control signal from the reader.

[0191] One possible implementation is that if the first tag is in a low-power state, it is woken up upon receiving a wake-up signal, and then receives a control signal. For example, the reader sends a control signal immediately after the wake-up signal, allowing the first tag to quickly receive the control signal after being woken up.

[0192] One example is shown in Table 3. When each tag is woken up, if the first tag receives a wake-up signal and, based on the type in control signal 1, determines that the operating mode is OFDM, it can skip the synchronization signal and begin reading from control signal 2, such as reading the M bit and the mapping information (Bin) bit indication in control signal 2. After being woken up, the first tag can skip the synchronization signal and continue reading from the M bit and the mapping information (Bin) bit based on the OFDM type indication in the control signal. This reduces unnecessary synchronization processes for the first tag, thereby saving energy and extending the tag's lifespan.

[0193] S403. The first tag determines its operating mode as OFDM based on the control signal and determines the subcarrier number it uses.

[0194] It should be understood that the control signal may include the control signal 1 and control signal 2 mentioned above. The first tag can obtain the number of subcarriers and the mapping rule to be used to calculate the subcarrier number according to the control signal. Using the identifier of the first tag, such as the ID number, the first tag calculates the subcarrier number to be used to send information through the mapping rule. The mapping rule can be referred to the example above, and the calculation method can also be referred to the example in S303, which will not be elaborated further.

[0195] One possible approach is to pre-store a mapping table in the first tag. This table could include the correspondence between mapping information and mapping rules, or it could include the correspondence between mapping information and the numbers representing the mapping rules, and so on. After receiving the mapping information, the first tag can query this mapping table to obtain the corresponding mapping rule based on the mapping information.

[0196] S404. The first tag is on the subcarrier and responds in OFDM mode.

[0197] Optionally, the first tag may carry its ID number in the response information so that the reader can identify which tag the response came from based on the ID number.

[0198] Since each tag can respond to the reader in an OFDM manner, based on the characteristics of OFDM, the reader and multiple tags can communicate concurrently over a wider spectrum, significantly improving the system's robustness and concurrent access capabilities.

[0199] For example, in a logistics warehouse scenario, tens of thousands of items are tagged. When the items need to be inventoried, the reader sends a wake-up signal and a control frame as shown in Figure 8. Immediately after the wake-up signal, the control signal 1 is sent to instruct each tag to respond in the OFDM manner. Each tag responds to the reader concurrently. Based on the characteristics of OFDM, the reader can further improve its concurrent access capability and greatly improve the efficiency of inventory counting.

[0200] S405. The reader receives responses from multiple tags on the subcarrier, including the first tag.

[0201] S406. Based on the response information, the reader completes the identification and data reading of the first tag and transmits it to the server for processing.

[0202] The implementation of S405 and S406 can be found in the examples in S305 and S306, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0203] The embodiment shown in Figure 7a differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 5a in that it uses a different operating mode. The operating mode in Figure 7a is OFDM, which further improves the robustness and concurrent access capability of the communication system (i.e., the system including the reader and multiple tags) compared to the example in Figure 5a. The same applies to Figure 7b and Figure 5b.

[0204] It should be understood that the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to different systems, such as SLZ systems. The architecture of such systems can refer to the device, tag, or reader provided in Figure 1, Figure 2a, or Figure 2b. Such system architecture can include multiple tags and one or more readers. Each reader communicates with several tags. The tags can be passive tags. Using passive tags to implement the method provided in this application embodiment can save energy. The reader can send wake-up signals and control signals, and receive information from multiple tags, and finally transmit the information to the server for processing.

[0205] The communication method provided in the application embodiment can be applied to the frequency-shift-based system diagram shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, the link includes multiple T nodes, such as T(A) and T(B), as well as a transmitting node GT and a receiving node GR. T(A) and T(B) can be regarded as tags. That is, T(A) and T(B) can obtain the subcarriers to be used by the method in the above example. For example, T(A) can send information to GR (which can be regarded as the transmitter) on the subcarrier with subcarrier number x (represented by subcarrier x in Figure 9), and T(B) can send information to GR (which can be regarded as the receiver) on the subcarrier with subcarrier number y (represented by subcarrier y in Figure 9).

[0206] It should be understood that in some examples, there are multiple tags and incentive sources. The incentive sources can refer to the reader in the above examples to perform operations, which will not be described in detail in the embodiments of this application.

[0207] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first tag provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the first tag 10 includes a processing module 101 and a sending module 102.

[0208] The processing module 101 is used to obtain the subcarrier corresponding to the first tag according to the identifier of the first tag, the number of subcarriers and the mapping rules.

[0209] The transmitting module 102 is used to transmit information to the reader on the subcarrier.

[0210] In one possible implementation, referring to FIG11, the first tag further includes: a receiving module 103, for receiving one or more of the following information from the reader: operating mode, or, the number of subcarriers, or, mapping information for indicating the mapping rule.

[0211] In one possible implementation, the mapping rule indicates a correspondence between multiple tags and subcarrier numbers, all of which communicate with the reader. The multiple tags include the first tag, and the subcarrier number includes the number of the subcarrier.

[0212] In one possible implementation, the receiving module 103 is further configured to receive a wake-up signal from the reader, the wake-up signal being used to wake up the first tag.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the operating mode is used to indicate FDM or OFDM. If the operating mode is used to indicate OFDM, the receiving module 103 is also used to receive a synchronization signal for synchronizing the OFDM.

[0214] In one possible implementation, referring to Figure 12, the first label further includes: an acquisition module 104, used to acquire a mapping relationship table, which includes multiple mapping information and the corresponding mapping rules.

[0215] In one possible implementation, the mapping rule is to perform a modulo operation based on the tag identifier and the number of subcarriers to obtain the subcarrier number.

[0216] In one possible implementation, the receiving module 103 is further configured to receive verification information from the reader, the verification information being used to verify the correctness of the information from the reader.

[0217] It should be understood that the modules shown in Figures 10 to 12 are merely examples, and each module can perform its operations or variations thereof with reference to the method section of the embodiments of this application. Other operations can also be performed in the examples provided in the embodiments of this application, and are not limited to the examples of the embodiments of this application.

[0218] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a reader provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the reader 20 includes a receiving module 201 and a sending module 202.

[0219] The receiving module 201 is used to receive information from a first tag on a subcarrier, the subcarrier being obtained according to the identifier of the first tag, the number of subcarriers, and the mapping rules.

[0220] The sending module 202 is used to send signals to multiple tags to trigger tag feedback.

[0221] In one possible implementation, the transmitting module 202 is also configured to transmit one or more of the following information: operating mode, or the number of subcarriers, or mapping information indicating the mapping rule.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the mapping rule indicates a correspondence between multiple tags and subcarrier numbers, all of which communicate with the reader. The multiple tags include the first tag, and the subcarrier number includes the number of the subcarrier.

[0223] In one possible implementation, the sending module 202 is also used to send a wake-up signal for waking up multiple tags.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the operating mode is used to indicate FDM or OFDM. If the operating mode is used to indicate OFDM, the transmitting module 202 is also used to transmit a synchronization signal for synchronizing the OFDM.

[0225] In one possible implementation, referring to Figure 14, the reader further includes: an acquisition module 203, used to acquire a mapping relationship table, which includes multiple mapping information and the corresponding mapping rules.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the mapping rule is to perform a modulo operation based on the tag identifier and the number of subcarriers to obtain the subcarrier number.

[0227] In one possible implementation, the sending module 202 is also used to send verification information, which is used to verify the correctness of the information.

[0228] It should be understood that the modules shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14 are merely examples, and each module can perform its operations or variations thereof with reference to the method section of the embodiments of this application. Other operations can also be performed in the examples provided in the embodiments of this application, and are not limited to the examples of the embodiments of this application.

[0229] Additionally, Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 30 according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 15, the communication device 30 includes a transceiver 301 and a processor 302. The communication device 30 corresponds to the first tag in the example of the method, and is used to execute methods S101 and S102 in the above embodiments, or execute S301 to S306, or execute S301 to S307, or execute S401 to S406, or execute S401 to S407.

[0230] Alternatively, the communication device 30 may be equivalent to the reader in the example of the method, used to execute method S201 in the above embodiments, or execute S301 to S306, or execute S301 to S307, or execute S401 to S406, or execute S401 to S407.

[0231] It should be understood that the division of parts in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The functions in the embodiments of this application are integrated into a single processor, or the transceiver and processor may exist separately. The integrated device described above can be implemented in hardware, such as a chip, or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0232] Furthermore, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 40, as shown in FIG16, which is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 40 provided in this application embodiment. As shown in FIG16, the device 40 may include a processor 401, a memory 402 coupled to the processor 401, and a transceiver 403. The transceiver 403 may include a communication interface, an optical module, etc., for receiving messages or data information, etc. The processor 401 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP, for executing the relevant steps of wake-up signal processing in the device exemplified in the above embodiments. The processor may also be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof. The processor 401 may refer to a single processor or may include multiple processors. Memory 402 may include volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM); memory may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD); memory 402 may also include combinations of the above types of memory. Memory 402 may refer to a single memory or may include multiple memories for storing program instructions. In one embodiment, memory 402 stores computer-readable instructions, which include multiple software modules, such as a sending module, a processing module, and a receiving module. After executing each software module, processor 401 can perform corresponding operations according to the instructions of each software module. In this embodiment, the operation performed by a software module actually refers to the operation performed by processor 401 according to the instructions of the software module. Optionally, processor 401 may also store program code or instructions for executing the scheme of the embodiments of this application, in which case processor 401 does not need to read program code or instructions from memory 402.

[0233] The device 40 can be used to perform the methods in the above embodiments. Specifically, the communication device 40 is equivalent to the first tag in the example of the method, used to perform methods S101 and S102 in the above embodiments, or to perform S301 to S306, or S301 to S307, or S401 to S406, or S401 to S407. Alternatively, the communication device 40 is equivalent to the reader in the example of the method, used to perform method S201 in the above embodiments, or to perform S301 to S306, or S301 to S307, or S401 to S406, or S401 to S407.

[0234] Furthermore, this application also provides a communication device. The communication device includes a storage medium and a processor connected to the storage medium. The storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to implement some or all of the operations in any of the methods described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0235] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a processor, implement some or all of the operations in any of the methods in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0236] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when run on a processor, implements some or all of the operations in any method of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0237] This application also provides a chip, including an interface circuit and a processor. The interface circuit and the processor are connected, and the processor is used to cause the chip to perform some or all of the operations in any of the methods in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0238] This application also provides a chip system, including: a processor coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store programs or instructions, and when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the chip system enables the chip system to perform some or all of the operations in any one of the methods in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0239] Optionally, the chip system may contain one or more processors. These processors can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, implemented by reading software code stored in memory.

[0240] Optionally, the chip system may contain one or more memories. The memory may be integrated with the processor or disposed separately from it; this application embodiment does not limit this. For example, the memory may be a non-transient processor, such as a read-only memory (ROM), which may be integrated with the processor on the same chip or disposed separately on different chips. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0241] For example, the chip system can be an FPGA, an ASIC, a system-on-chip (SoC), a CPU, an NP, a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro controller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips.

[0242] This application also provides a system comprising one or more of the above-described communication devices (including multiple tags, readers, etc., where a tag among the multiple tags may refer to a first tag), a computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a chip, or a chip system. It can be applied to the scenarios shown in Figures 1, 2a, 2b, or 9, but is not limited thereto.

[0243] Furthermore, it should be understood that the names of the communication methods, tags, and readers provided in the embodiments of this application, as well as the names of the hardware or virtual modules included therein, may be replaced by the names of the corresponding functions in other communication systems when applied to other communication systems, and are not limited to the names of the embodiments of this application.

[0244] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0245] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0246] In the 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 business 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, indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0247] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0248] Furthermore, the various business units in the embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software business unit.

[0249] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software business unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, all or part of the technical solution of this application can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, Random Access Memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0250] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in one or more of the examples above, the services described in this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these services can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of computer programs from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to general-purpose or special-purpose computers.

[0251] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of this application.

[0252] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, A chip used in or within a first tag, including: Based on the identifier of the first tag, the number of subcarriers, and the mapping rules, the subcarriers corresponding to the first tag are obtained; Information is sent to the reader on the subcarrier.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive one or more of the following information from the reader: Work mode, or, The number of subcarriers, or, Mapping information, used to indicate the mapping rules.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mapping rule indicates the correspondence between multiple tags and subcarrier numbers. All multiple tags communicate with the reader. The multiple tags include the first tag, and the subcarrier number includes the number of the subcarrier.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The reader receives a wake-up signal, which is used to wake up the first tag.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The operating mode is used to indicate frequency division multiplexing (FDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). If the operating mode is used to indicate the OFDM, the method further includes: A synchronization signal is received, which is used for the synchronization of the OFDM.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the mapping relationship table, which includes multiple mapping information and the corresponding mapping rules.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The mapping rule is to perform a modulo operation based on the tag identifier and the number of subcarriers to obtain the subcarrier number.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives verification information from the reader, which is used to verify the correctness of the information from the reader.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Chips used in or in readers include: On a subcarrier, information is received from a first tag, which is obtained according to the identifier of the first tag, the number of subcarriers, and the mapping rules.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send one or more of the following messages: Work mode, or, The number of subcarriers, or, Mapping information, used to indicate the mapping rules.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The mapping rule indicates the correspondence between multiple tags and subcarrier numbers. All multiple tags communicate with the reader. The multiple tags include the first tag, and the subcarrier number includes the number of the subcarrier.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a wake-up signal, which is used to wake up multiple tags.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The operating mode is used to indicate frequency division multiplexing (FDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). If the operating mode is used to indicate the OFDM, the method further includes: A synchronization signal is sent, which is used for the synchronization of the OFDM.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the mapping relationship table, which includes multiple mapping information and the corresponding mapping rules.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The mapping rule is to perform a modulo operation based on the tag identifier and the number of subcarriers to obtain the subcarrier number.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The verification information sent is used to verify the correctness of the information.

17. A first label, characterized in that, include: The processing module is used to obtain the subcarrier corresponding to the first tag based on the identifier of the first tag, the number of subcarriers, and the mapping rules; The transmitting module is used to transmit information to the reader on the subcarrier.

18. A reader, characterized in that, include: A receiving module is used to receive information from a first tag on a subcarrier, the subcarrier being obtained according to the identifier of the first tag, the number of subcarriers, and a mapping rule.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes at least one processor, which is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 8, or to perform the method of any one of claims 9 to 16.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 to be implemented, or cause the method of any one of claims 9 to 16 to be implemented.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 to be implemented, or cause the method of any one of claims 9 to 16 to be implemented.

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