A method for releasing a reselection restriction of a cell and an apparatus thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a method and device for removing a reselection restriction of a cell, and determines whether to remove the reselection restriction of the reselection restriction cell according to a reselection restriction reason of the reselection restriction cell. In the application, the terminal device can adopt different restriction removal schemes for different barred cell reasons, can make the restriction removal more accurate, can solve the problem that a cell and other cells of the same frequency are continuously switched between being removed from the restriction and being newly restricted, and can avoid resource waste caused by repeated restriction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for removing cell reselection restrictions. Background Technology

[0002] A certain cell and other cells on the same frequency are excluded from the reselection candidate cells because they are considered barred cells. In related technologies, if the highest-ranked cell on a certain frequency changes, the reselection restrictions on all previously suspended cells are lifted, and they can re-participate in the reselection. However, in some frequency bands, the signal quality of cells fluctuates severely and frequently, and the highest-ranked cell changes frequently. As a result, the cell and other cells on the same frequency may constantly switch between being unrestricted and re-restricted. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method and apparatus for removing cell reselection restrictions, which can be applied to a communication system to solve the problem that a certain cell and other co-frequency cells may be constantly switching between being unrestricted and re-restricted.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for lifting cell reselection restrictions, executed by a terminal device. The method includes: determining the reason for the reselection restriction of a candidate cell; and determining whether to lift the reselection restriction on the restricted cell. The method for lifting reselection candidate cell restrictions proposed in the first aspect of this application may also possess the following technical features:

[0005] In one implementation, determining whether to lift the reselection restriction on the reselection-restricted cell includes: in response to meeting the reselection restriction lifting condition, determining whether to lift the reselection restriction on the reselection-restricted cell.

[0006] In one implementation, the reselection restriction removal condition includes at least one of the following: the highest-ranked cell changes and / or its signal quality meets a first preset condition; the location of the terminal device meets a second preset condition; the moving speed of the terminal device meets a third preset condition; and the terminal device determines a system message update for the reselection restricted cell.

[0007] In one implementation, the method for determining the first setting condition, the second setting condition, and the third setting condition includes at least one of the following: protocol specification; broadcast system message configuration; dedicated signaling configuration.

[0008] In one implementation, the signal quality of the highest-ranked cell satisfying a first preset condition includes at least one of the following: the duration of the signal quality change of the highest-ranked cell is greater than a second preset duration; the amount of the signal quality change of the highest-ranked cell is less than a first preset threshold; the rate of change of the signal quality of the highest-ranked cell is greater than a second preset threshold; and the signal quality of the highest-ranked cell is greater than a third preset threshold.

[0009] In one implementation, the second setting condition includes: the location of the terminal device is outside the specified location range of the terminal device.

[0010] In one implementation, the third setting condition includes: the moving speed of the terminal device is greater than a moving speed threshold.

[0011] In one implementation, the reason for the reselection restriction is that the cell is a cell that is prohibited from access.

[0012] In one implementation, the step of determining the cell to be prohibited from access includes: receiving a first indication message from a network device, and determining the cell to be prohibited from access based on the first indication message.

[0013] In one implementation, the step of determining the cell to be denied access includes: determining the cell to be denied access based on cells that cannot obtain a second indication message from the network device.

[0014] In one implementation, the method further includes: in response to determining that a cell is the prohibited cell based on a first indication message from the network device, the reselection restriction is not lifted.

[0015] In this embodiment, the terminal device can adopt different restriction removal schemes for different barred cell reasons, which can make restriction removal more accurate, solve the problem of a certain cell and other co-frequency cells constantly switching between being restricted and being restricted again, and avoid resource waste caused by repeated restrictions.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that implements some or all of the functions of the terminal device described in the first aspect above. For example, the device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments in this application, or it may have the functions of any one embodiment in this application implemented individually. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0017] In one implementation, the structures of the aforementioned devices may include a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein the processing module is configured to support the device in performing the corresponding functions in the aforementioned methods. The transceiver module is used to support communication between the device and other devices. The device may also include a storage module, which is coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module, and stores the computer programs and data necessary for the communication device.

[0018] As an example, the processing module can be a processor, the transceiver module can be a transceiver or a communication interface, and the storage module can be a memory.

[0019] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor, which executes the method described in the first aspect when it calls a computer program in memory.

[0020] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0021] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions for use by the aforementioned terminal device, which, when executed, cause the terminal device to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0022] Sixthly, this application also provides a computer program product including a computer program, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0023] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting a terminal device in implementing the functions involved in the first aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the terminal device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0024] Eighthly, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting network devices in implementing the functions involved in the second aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the network device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0025] Ninthly, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting network devices in implementing the functions involved in the third aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the network device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0026] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0027] In this embodiment, the terminal device can adopt different restriction removal schemes for different barred cell reasons, which can make restriction removal more accurate, solve the problem of a certain cell and other co-frequency cells constantly switching between being restricted and being restricted again, and avoid resource waste caused by repeated restrictions. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for lifting cell reselection restrictions provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for lifting cell reselection restrictions provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To facilitate understanding, the terminology used in this application will be introduced first.

[0036] 1. Master Information Block (MIB)

[0037] MIB messages are transmitted on the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) without using Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) scrambling. MIBs are received on the PBCH when a device joins the network. MIBs are transmitted every 40 milliseconds and repeated every 10 milliseconds, carrying downlink bandwidth, number of transmit antennas, System Frame Number (SFN), and Physical Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request indicator channel (PHICH) configuration.

[0038] 2. System Information Block 1 (SIB1)

[0039] It mainly carries information related to cell access and cell selection, as well as scheduling and window information for other System Information Block Types (SIBs). SIBs are broadcast in two different ways: first, through the SIB1 message cycle; second, through multiple System Information (SI) message cycles for other SIBs besides SIB1. The SIB1 message cycle is fixed at 80ms.

[0040] To better understand the cell reselection restriction removal method disclosed in the embodiments of this application, the communication system to which the embodiments of this application are applicable is described below.

[0041] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system may include, but is not limited to, a network device and a terminal device. Figure 1 The number and form of devices shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In actual applications, it may include two or more network devices and two or more terminal devices. Figure 1 The communication system shown is exemplified by a network device 101 and a terminal device 102.

[0042] It should be noted that the technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems. For example, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, 5G New Radio (NR) systems, or other future new mobile communication systems. It should also be noted that the side link in this application embodiment can also be called a side link or a direct link.

[0043] The network device 101 in this embodiment is a network-side entity used for transmitting or receiving signals. For example, network device 101 can be an access network device, such as an evolved NodeB (eNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in an NR system, a base station in other future mobile communication systems, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. Network device 101 can also be a core network device. In this embodiment, the core network device can be a device that communicates with the access network device. This core network device can be a 5G core network device, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), or an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) device, such as a Mobility Management Entity (MME). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network device. The network device provided in this application embodiment can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU can also be called a control unit. By adopting the CU-DU structure, the protocol layer of the network device, such as a base station, can be separated. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0044] In this application embodiment, the terminal device 102 is a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a mobile phone. The terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device can be a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0045] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0046] The method and apparatus for lifting cell reselection restrictions provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for lifting cell reselection restrictions provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, this method is executed by the terminal device and may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0048] S21, Determine the reason for the reselection restriction of the cell.

[0049] In this embodiment, the reason for restricting cell reselection is that the cell is a barred cell. In some implementations, a cell is considered a barred cell because system messages directly indicate it as a barred or reserved cell. In some implementations, a cell can be considered a barred cell because the terminal device cannot obtain the relevant parameters of the target cell for reselection, such as the inability to obtain MIB messages, the inability to obtain SIB1 messages, or the missing TAC in the obtained SIB1 messages, etc.

[0050] As one possible implementation, determining a barred cell includes: the terminal device receiving a first indication message from the network device and determining the cell as a barred cell based on the first indication message. The first indication message may be a cell status indication, used to indicate to the terminal device that a certain cell is designated as a barred cell or a reserved cell for other terminal devices. The terminal device may exclude the indicated cell from the reselection candidate cells for a set time, such as 300 seconds, based on the cell status indication. In this embodiment, the terminal device may also consider other cells on the same frequency as the target cell for reselection as barred cells. That is, the terminal device may exclude a certain cell and other cells on the same frequency from the reselection candidate cells for a period of time (300 seconds) due to the barred cell designation.

[0051] As another possible implementation, determining the barred cell includes: during the cell reselection process, the terminal device can determine the target cell for reselection based on reselection conditions and R criteria. Further, the terminal device can read the SIB1 of the target cell and determine whether it is a suitable cell based on the parameters in the SIB1. In this embodiment, if the terminal device cannot obtain the second indication message sent by the network device for the target cell, the target cell and / or other cells on the same frequency will be considered barred cells. The second indication message may include a MIB message, an SIB1 message, or a TAC in the SIB1 message, etc.

[0052] S22, determine whether to lift the reselection restriction on the reselection restricted cell.

[0053] In this embodiment of the application, after determining the reason for the reselection restriction of the reselection restricted cell, the terminal device can determine whether to lift the reselection restriction of the reselection restricted cell based on the reason for the reselection restriction of the reselection restricted cell.

[0054] In some implementations, in response to a cell being deemed a barred cell due to the terminal device's inability to obtain the MIB, SIB1 message, or TAC of the target cell for reselection, the terminal device can lift the restriction on the reselection-restricted cell. For example, the restriction on the reselection-restricted cell can be lifted before the reselection restriction period (300s) is met.

[0055] In other implementations, in response to determining the reason for the reselection restriction as follows: Based on the first indication message from the network device, if the cell is determined to be a barred cell, the terminal device does not remove the restriction on the reselection-restricted cell. For example, the restriction on the reselection-restricted cell may not be removed prematurely if the reselection restriction period (300s) has not been met. Alternatively, the restriction on the reselection-restricted cell may be removed if the reselection restriction period (300s) has been met.

[0056] The system message indicates that a cell is a barred cell for a period of time. In this case, if the highest ranked cell changes due to changes in signal quality, the restriction is lifted. That is, the previously restricted cell or frequency will be added back to the candidate list for evaluation and ranking, and SIB1 will be read for final check. If it is still a barred cell after the check, it can still be restricted again if needed, which will introduce unnecessary SIB1 reading power consumption and access delay.

[0057] In this embodiment, the terminal device can adopt different restriction removal schemes for different barred cell reasons, which can make restriction removal more accurate, solve the problem of a certain cell and other co-frequency cells constantly switching between being restricted and being restricted again, and avoid resource waste caused by repeated restrictions.

[0058] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for lifting cell reselection restrictions provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, this method is executed by the terminal device and may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0059] S31, determine the reason for the reselection restriction of the cell.

[0060] For a description of step S31, please refer to the relevant content in the embodiments of this application, which will not be repeated here.

[0061] S32, in response to the condition for lifting the reselection restriction, determines whether to lift the reselection restriction for the reselection-restricted cell.

[0062] In this embodiment of the application, the condition for lifting the reselection restriction includes at least one of the following:

[0063] The highest-ranked cell changes and / or the signal quality of the highest-ranked cell meets the first preset condition;

[0064] The location of the terminal device meets the second preset condition;

[0065] The moving speed of the terminal device meets the third preset condition;

[0066] The terminal device determines the system message update for reselecting restricted cells.

[0067] Optionally, the methods for determining the first setting condition, the second setting condition, and the third setting condition include at least one of the following:

[0068] The agreement stipulates;

[0069] Broadcast system message configuration;

[0070] Dedicated signaling configuration.

[0071] Optionally, when the highest-ranked cell changes, and the signal quality of the highest-ranked cell meets a first preset condition, wherein the first preset condition includes at least one of the following:

[0072] In some implementations, when the highest-ranked cell changes, and the quality of the highest-ranked cell after the change meets a first predetermined condition, then the signal quality of the highest-ranked cell after the change is stable. The first predetermined condition includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0073] (1) The signal quality change of the highest-ranked cell continues for more than a set time, where the set time can be configured by the network device through broadcast system messages or proprietary signaling, or it can be specified by the protocol.

[0074] For example, a change in the highest-ranked cell triggers a timer. Once the timer expires, the restriction is lifted. The timer value can be specified by the protocol or configured by the network device via signaling.

[0075] (2) The signal quality change of the highest-ranked cell did not exceed the threshold value. For example, the threshold value can be configured by network devices through broadcast system messages or proprietary signaling, or it can be specified by the protocol.

[0076] (3) The signal quality change rate of the highest-ranked cell does not exceed the speed threshold. The speed threshold can be configured by the network device through broadcast system messages or proprietary signaling, or it can be specified by the protocol.

[0077] (4) The signal quality of the highest-ranked cell exceeds a certain quality threshold. The threshold can be configured by the network device through broadcast system messages or proprietary signaling, or it can be specified by the protocol.

[0078] Accordingly, when the highest-ranked cell only meets the first preset condition, the signal quality of the highest-ranked cell needs to meet a set fluctuation limit, wherein the first preset condition includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0079] (1) The signal quality of the highest-ranked cell changes beyond the set time range. The set time can be configured by the network device through broadcast system messages or proprietary signaling, or it can be specified by the protocol.

[0080] (2) The signal quality change of the highest-ranked cell exceeds the threshold value. The threshold value can be configured by the network device through broadcast system messages or proprietary signaling, or it can be specified by the protocol.

[0081] (3) The signal quality of the highest-ranked cell changes faster than the speed threshold. The speed threshold can be configured by the network device through broadcast system messages or proprietary signaling, or it can be specified by the protocol.

[0082] Optionally, the location of the terminal device satisfies the second preset condition, including but not limited to at least one of the following: the terminal device can obtain its current location, compare the current location with the location range of the terminal device, and if it exceeds the location range, then the terminal device is considered to meet the third preset condition. The location range of the terminal device can be configured by the network device through broadcast system messages or proprietary signaling, or it can be specified by a protocol.

[0083] Optionally, the terminal device's moving speed meets the third preset condition, including but not limited to at least one of the following: the terminal device can obtain its own moving speed, compare the moving speed with the terminal device's moving speed threshold, and if the terminal device's moving speed exceeds the moving speed threshold, then the terminal device is considered to meet the fourth preset condition. The terminal device's moving speed threshold can be configured by the network device through broadcast system messages or proprietary signaling, or it can be specified by a protocol.

[0084] Optionally, the terminal device determines the system message update for the cell subject to reselection restrictions. The network device can update the system message via a system message. This update is initiated by neighboring cells informing the serving cell of the system message update via an Xn message, and the serving cell then sends an indication to the terminal device via broadcast system messages or dedicated signaling. For example, when the system message (MIB SIB1) of a cell changes, it informs neighboring cells via an Xn message. The serving cell maintains a list of cells with changed system messages and sends an indication to the terminal via system messages or dedicated signaling. Upon receiving the system message update, the terminal device can determine that the system message of a cell subject to reselection restrictions due to a first indication message has changed. Specifically, if the system message change is confirmed, the cell reselection restriction is lifted; or, if both the system message and the first indication message are changed, the cell reselection restriction is lifted.

[0085] In this embodiment of the application, the conditions for lifting the reselection restriction include at least one of the following: the highest-ranked cell changes, the signal quality of the highest-ranked cell meets a first preset condition, the location of the terminal device meets a second preset condition, the moving speed of the terminal device meets a third preset condition, and the terminal device determines the system message update for the reselection restriction cell.

[0086] In some implementations, in response to determining the reason for the reselection restriction as follows: a cell considered a barred cell is identified because the terminal device cannot obtain the MIB message of the target cell for reselection, or cannot obtain the SIB1 message, or the TAC in the obtained SIB1 message is missing at least one of these reasons. If the reselection restriction conditions are met, the terminal device can lift the restriction on the reselection-restricted cell. For example, the restriction on the reselection-restricted cell can be lifted earlier, after the reselection restriction period (300 seconds) has not been met, if the reselection restriction conditions are met.

[0087] Example 1: In cell reselection, if a cell and other cells are subject to reselection restrictions due to at least one of the following reasons: the terminal cannot obtain the cell MIB message, or cannot obtain the SIB1 message, or the TAC in the obtained SIB1 message is missing, the reselection restriction is deleted when the reselection restriction release condition is met.

[0088] The removal of reselection restrictions may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0089] The signal quality of the highest-ranked cell meets the first set condition.

[0090] The location of the terminal device meets the second preset condition;

[0091] The moving speed of the terminal device meets the third preset condition;

[0092] The terminal device determines the system message update for reselecting restricted cells.

[0093] It should be noted that the first precondition in Example 1 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0094] The signal quality change of the highest-ranked cell is within the set time range.

[0095] The signal quality of the highest-ranked cell changed beyond the threshold.

[0096] The signal quality of the highest-ranked cell changed faster than the speed threshold.

[0097] The aforementioned time setting, threshold value, and speed threshold can be configured by the network device through broadcast system messages or proprietary signaling, or they can be specified by the protocol.

[0098] Example 2: In cell reselection, if a cell and other cells are subject to reselection restrictions due to at least one of the following reasons: the terminal cannot obtain the cell MIB message, or cannot obtain the SIB1 message, or the TAC in the obtained SIB1 message is missing, the reselection restriction is deleted when the highest-ranked cell changes and the conditions for lifting the reselection restriction are met.

[0099] The conditions for lifting the reselection restriction may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0100] The signal quality of the highest-ranked cell meets the first set condition.

[0101] The location of the terminal device meets the second preset condition;

[0102] The moving speed of the terminal device meets the third preset condition;

[0103] The terminal device determines the system message update for reselecting restricted cells.

[0104] It should be noted that the first condition set in Example 2 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0105] The signal quality of the highest-ranked cell remained unchanged for more than the set time.

[0106] The signal quality change of the highest-ranked cell did not exceed the threshold value.

[0107] The signal quality change rate of the highest-ranked cell did not exceed the speed threshold.

[0108] The highest-ranked cell has signal quality exceeding a certain quality threshold.

[0109] The aforementioned setting time, threshold value, speed threshold, and quality threshold can be configured by the network device through broadcast system messages or proprietary signaling, or can be specified by the protocol.

[0110] The above are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application.

[0111] In other implementations, in response to determining the reason for the reselection restriction, if the cell is determined to be a barred cell based on the first instruction message from the network device, the terminal device does not remove the restriction on the reselection restricted cell if the reselection restriction conditions are met.

[0112] For example, the restriction on a cell that has not met the reselection restriction duration (300s) may not be lifted prematurely. Alternatively, the restriction on a cell that has met the reselection restriction duration (300s) may be lifted.

[0113] Example 1: A cell and other cells determine the cell to be considered a barred cell based on the first instruction message from the network device. When the cell with the highest ranking changes, the reselection restriction is not lifted.

[0114] Example 2: A cell and other cells determine that the cell is considered a barred cell based on the first instruction message from the network device. When certain conditions are met, the reselection restriction is not lifted.

[0115] Example 3: A cell and other cells determine the cell to be considered a barred cell based on the first instruction message from the network device. When the cell with the highest ranking changes and certain conditions are met, the reselection restriction is not lifted.

[0116] In other words, a certain cell and other cells are considered barred cells due to the indication of the first indication message (system message), and will not be considered as reselection candidate cells for a period of time. The reselection restriction will not be lifted. That is, regardless of whether the conditions for lifting the reselection restriction are met, the terminal device cannot lift the reselection restriction for this type of cell and other cells.

[0117] In other implementations, in response to determining the reason for the reselection restriction, the terminal device determines that the cell is considered a barred cell based on the first instruction message from the network device. If the conditions for lifting the reselection restriction are met, the terminal device needs to wait for the restriction duration of the reselection restricted cell to reach a set duration (300s) before the reselection restriction of the reselection restricted cell can be lifted.

[0118] In other implementations, in response to determining the reason for reselection restriction, the cell is determined to be a barred cell based on the first instruction message from the network device. If the terminal device receives a system message update when the reselection restriction conditions are met, the terminal device can remove the reselection restriction conditions of the cell.

[0119] The system message indicates that a cell is a barred cell for a period of time. In this case, if the highest ranked cell changes due to changes in signal quality, the restriction is lifted. That is, the previously restricted cell or frequency will be added back to the candidate list for evaluation and ranking, and SIB1 will be read for final check. If it is still a barred cell after the check, it can still be restricted again if needed, which will introduce unnecessary SIB1 reading power consumption and access delay.

[0120] In this embodiment, the terminal device can adopt different restriction removal schemes for different barred cell reasons, which can make restriction removal more accurate, solve the problem of a certain cell and other co-frequency cells constantly switching between being restricted and being restricted again, and avoid resource waste caused by repeated restrictions.

[0121] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described from the perspectives of terminal devices, core network devices, and access network devices, respectively. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the terminal devices, core network devices, and access network devices may include hardware structures and software modules, and may implement the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. One of the above functions may be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules.

[0122] Please see Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The communication device 400 shown may include a processing module 41.

[0123] The communication device 400 may be a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments), a device in the terminal device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device.

[0124] The communication device 400 is a terminal device (as in the aforementioned method embodiments), including:

[0125] Processing module 41 is used to: determine the reason for reselection restriction of the reselection restricted cell; and determine whether to lift the reselection restriction on the reselection restricted cell.

[0126] Processing module 41 is further configured to: determine whether to release the reselection restriction for the reselection restricted cell in response to the condition for release of the reselection restriction being met.

[0127] The conditions for lifting the reselection restriction include at least one of the following: the highest-ranked cell changes and / or the signal quality meets the first preset condition; the location of the terminal device meets the second preset condition; the moving speed of the terminal device meets the third preset condition; and the terminal device determines the system message update for the reselection restriction cell.

[0128] The first, second, and / or third conditions may be set in a manner that includes at least one of the following: protocol specification; broadcast system message configuration; or proprietary signaling configuration.

[0129] The signal quality of the highest-ranked cell meets the first preset condition, including at least one of the following: the duration of the signal quality change of the highest-ranked cell is greater than the second preset duration; the amount of signal quality change of the highest-ranked cell is less than the first preset threshold; the rate of change of the signal quality of the highest-ranked cell is greater than the second preset threshold; or the signal quality of the highest-ranked cell is greater than the third preset threshold.

[0130] The second set condition includes: the location of the terminal device is outside the specified location range of the terminal device.

[0131] The third condition includes: the moving speed of the terminal device is greater than the moving speed threshold.

[0132] The reason for the reselection restriction is that the cell is a cell that is prohibited from access.

[0133] The processing module 41 includes: receiving a first indication message from the network device, and determining the cell to be prohibited from access based on the first indication message.

[0134] The processing module 41 includes: determining the cells that are prohibited from access based on the cells that cannot obtain the second indication message from the network device.

[0135] Processing module 41 is further configured to: in response to determining that the reason for the reselection restriction is that the cell is determined to be a cell prohibited from access according to the first indication message of the network device, the reselection restriction is not lifted.

[0136] In this embodiment, the terminal device can adopt different restriction removal schemes for different barred cell reasons, which can make restriction removal more accurate, solve the problem of a certain cell and other co-frequency cells constantly switching between being restricted and being restricted again, and avoid resource waste caused by repeated restrictions.

[0137] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 500 can be a network device, a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0138] The communication device 500 may include one or more processors 51. The processor 51 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., base station, baseband chip, terminal equipment, terminal equipment chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data from the computer programs.

[0139] Optionally, the communication device 500 may further include one or more memories 52, on which a computer program 54 may be stored. The processor 51 executes the computer program 54 to cause the communication device 500 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 52 may also store data. The communication device 500 and the memory 52 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0140] Optionally, the communication device 500 may also include a transceiver 55 and an antenna 56. The transceiver 55 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 55 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0141] Optionally, the communication device 500 may further include one or more interface circuits 57. The interface circuits 57 are used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 51. The processor 51 executes the code instructions to cause the communication device 500 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0142] The communication device 500 is a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments): the processor 51 is used to execute Figure 2 Step S21 in Figure 3 Steps S31 and S32.

[0143] In one implementation, the processor 51 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0144] In one implementation, processor 51 may store computer program 53, which runs on processor 51 and causes communication device 500 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Computer program 53 may be embedded in processor 51; in this case, processor 51 may be implemented in hardware.

[0145] In one implementation, the communication device 500 may include circuitry capable of performing the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this application can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive-channel metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0146] The communication device described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments), but the scope of the communication device described in this application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may vary. Figure 5 The communication device may be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be:

[0147] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0148] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and computer programs;

[0149] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0150] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0151] (5) Receivers, terminal equipment, smart terminal equipment, cellular phones, wireless equipment, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted equipment, network equipment, cloud equipment, artificial intelligence equipment, etc.

[0152] (6) Others, etc.

[0153] For cases where the communication device can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 The diagram shows the structure of the chip. Figure 6 The chip shown includes a processor 61 and an interface 62. There can be one or more processors 61, and multiple interfaces 62.

[0154] For cases where the chip is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the embodiments of this application (such as the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments):

[0155] Processor 61, for Figure 2 Steps S21 and S22 in the process, Figure 3 Steps S31 and S32 in the process.

[0156] For cases where the chip is used to implement the functions of the network device in the embodiments of this application:

[0157] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 63 for storing necessary computer programs and data.

[0158] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented through hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0159] This application also provides a readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0160] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0161] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0162] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., involved in this application are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application, nor do they indicate the order of sequence.

[0163] At least one in this application can also be described as one or more, and multiple can be two, three, four or more, and this application does not impose any limitation. In the embodiments of this application, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", and there is no order or size among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0164] The correspondences shown in the tables of this application can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this application is not limited to these values. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this application may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headings of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0165] The term "predefined" in this application can be understood as definition, pre-defined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0166] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0167] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0168] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for removing cell reselection restrictions, characterized in that, Applicable to terminal devices, the method includes: Determine the reason for the cell reselection restriction; Determining whether to lift the reselection restriction on the reselection-restricted cell includes: In response to the reason for the reselection restriction being that the MIB, SIB1, or TAC of the reselection target cell cannot be obtained, the cell is considered to be a prohibited access cell. If the reselection restriction duration is not met in the reselection target cell, the reselection restriction of the reselection target cell is lifted in advance if the reselection restriction lifting conditions are met. In response to the reason for the reselection restriction being that the cell is determined to be a cell that is prohibited from access according to the first indication message of the network device, the reselection restriction of the reselection restriction cell is not lifted in advance if the reselection restriction duration is not met.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conditions for lifting the reselection restriction include at least one of the following: The highest-ranked cell changes and / or its signal quality meets the first set condition; The location of the terminal device satisfies the second preset condition; The moving speed of the terminal device meets the third preset condition; The terminal device determines the system message update for the reselection-restricted cell.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The methods for determining the first setting condition, the second setting condition, and the third setting condition include at least one of the following: The agreement stipulates; Broadcast system message configuration; Dedicated signaling configuration.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The signal quality of the highest-ranked cell meets at least one of the following predefined conditions: The duration of the signal quality change in the highest-ranked cell is greater than the second preset duration. The change in signal quality of the highest-ranked cell is less than a first preset threshold value; The rate of change in the signal quality of the highest-ranked cell is greater than the second preset threshold. The signal quality of the highest-ranked cell is greater than the third preset threshold.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second set of conditions includes: The location of the terminal device is outside the designated location range of the terminal device.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third set condition includes: The terminal device's moving speed is greater than a moving speed threshold.

7. A communication device, suitable for terminal equipment, the device comprising: The processing module is used to determine the reason for the reselection restriction of the cell; and, Determine whether to lift the reselection restriction on the reselection restricted cell; The processing module is specifically used for: In response to the reason for the reselection restriction being that the MIB, SIB1, or TAC of the reselection target cell cannot be obtained, the cell is considered to be a prohibited access cell. If the conditions for lifting the reselection restriction are met, the reselection restriction of the reselection target cell is lifted in advance if the reselection restriction duration is not met. In response to the reason for the reselection restriction being that the cell is determined to be a cell that is prohibited from access according to the first indication message of the network device, the reselection restriction of the reselection restriction cell is not lifted in advance if the reselection restriction duration is not met.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The conditions for lifting the reselection restriction include at least one of the following: The highest-ranked cell changes and / or its signal quality meets the first set condition; The location of the terminal device satisfies the second preset condition; The moving speed of the terminal device meets the third preset condition; The terminal device determines the system message update for the reselection-restricted cell.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The methods for determining the first setting condition, the second setting condition, and the third setting condition include at least one of the following: The agreement stipulates; Broadcast system message configuration; Dedicated signaling configuration.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The signal quality of the highest-ranked cell meets at least one of the following predefined conditions: The duration of the signal quality change in the highest-ranked cell is greater than the second preset duration. The change in signal quality of the highest-ranked cell is less than a first preset threshold value; The rate of change in the signal quality of the highest-ranked cell is greater than the second preset threshold. The signal quality of the highest-ranked cell is greater than the third preset threshold.

11. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The location of the terminal device satisfies the second preset condition, including: The location of the terminal device is outside the designated location range of the terminal device.

12. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The third set condition includes: The terminal device's moving speed is greater than a moving speed threshold.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processor and interface circuitry; The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

15. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 to be implemented.

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