Communication method, apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium. The method includes: a terminal device transmitting energy information related to its energy, which can be used to instruct a second entity to determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information. This enables the management of the terminal device's communication status based on the energy information, better supporting IoT communication for environmental power supply and effectively addressing continuous or on-demand communication needs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Ambient power enabled IoT is a type of IoT that supports ambient energy. In specific use cases, IoT devices can be powered by energy from the environment. However, due to the instability of ambient energy, it is not possible to continuously provide sufficient power to IoT devices to support continuous wireless communication between the devices and mobile networks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the aforementioned problems in related technologies, this disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, applied to a terminal device, the method comprising:

[0005] Send energy information related to the energy of the terminal device; the energy information is used to instruct a second entity to determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0006] In some embodiments, the energy information includes energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters of the terminal device.

[0007] In some embodiments, sending energy information related to the energy of the terminal device includes:

[0008] The energy information is sent via a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

[0009] In some embodiments, sending energy information related to the energy of the terminal device includes:

[0010] The energy information is sent from the first entity to the second entity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first entity is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0012] In some embodiments, the second entity is the Environmental Internet of Things Energy Management Function (AIPMF).

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, applied to a second entity, the method comprising:

[0014] Receive energy information related to the energy of the terminal device;

[0015] The communication status information of the terminal device is determined based on the energy information;

[0016] Send the communication status information.

[0017] In some embodiments, the energy information includes energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters of the terminal device.

[0018] In some embodiments, determining the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information includes:

[0019] Obtain environmental information;

[0020] Based on the energy information and the environmental information, the communication status information of the terminal device is determined.

[0021] In some embodiments, obtaining environmental information includes:

[0022] Send an environmental information request message to a third entity; the third entity is a function or entity used to provide the environmental information.

[0023] Receive the environmental information sent by the third entity.

[0024] In some embodiments, determining the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information includes:

[0025] Data analysis is performed based on the energy information and the environmental information to determine the communication status information.

[0026] In some embodiments, determining the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information includes:

[0027] An analysis request message is sent to a fourth entity; the analysis request message includes the energy information and the environmental information, and the fourth entity is a function or entity that performs network data analysis.

[0028] The system receives an analysis response message sent by the fourth entity; the analysis response message includes the communication status information of the terminal device.

[0029] In some embodiments, the communication status information includes a target communication status parameter, which is used to indicate the communication status of the terminal device.

[0030] In some embodiments, the communication status information further includes a valid time parameter, which is used to indicate the valid time range of the target communication status parameter.

[0031] In some embodiments, sending the communication status information includes:

[0032] Send the communication status information to the first entity and / or access network device.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first entity is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and the second entity is the Environmental Internet of Things Energy Management Function (AIPMF).

[0034] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, applied to a communication device, the communication device including a first entity and a second entity, the method comprising:

[0035] The first entity receives energy information related to the energy of the terminal device and sends the energy information to the second entity;

[0036] The second entity receives the energy information sent by the first entity and determines the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0037] In some embodiments, the communication device further includes a third entity, which is an entity for storing environmental information; the method further includes:

[0038] The second entity sends an environmental information request message to the third entity, receives the environmental information sent by the third entity, and determines the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information.

[0039] The third entity sends the environmental information to the second entity based on the received environmental information request message.

[0040] In some embodiments, the communication device further includes a fourth entity, which is a functional entity that performs network data analysis; the method further includes:

[0041] The second entity sends an analysis request message to the fourth entity and receives an analysis response message from the fourth entity; the analysis request message includes the energy information and the environmental information, and the analysis response message includes the communication status information of the terminal device;

[0042] The fourth entity receives the analysis request message and determines the communication status information based on the energy information and the environmental information in the analysis request message.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first entity is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and the second entity is the Environmental Internet of Things Energy Management Function (AIPMF).

[0044] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided for use in a terminal device, the device comprising:

[0045] The terminal transmitting module is configured to transmit energy information related to the energy of the terminal device; the energy information is used to instruct a second entity to determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0046] In some embodiments, the energy information includes energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters of the terminal device.

[0047] In some embodiments, the terminal sending module is configured to send the energy information via a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

[0048] In some embodiments, the terminal transmitting module is configured to transmit the energy information to the second entity through the first entity.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first entity is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0050] In some embodiments, the second entity is the Environmental Internet of Things Energy Management Function (AIPMF).

[0051] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided for use with a second entity, the device comprising:

[0052] The second receiving module is configured to receive energy information related to the energy of the terminal device;

[0053] The second processing module is configured to determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0054] The second sending module is configured to send the communication status information.

[0055] In some embodiments, the energy information includes energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters of the terminal device.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second processing module is configured to acquire environmental information and determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second processing module is configured to send an environmental information request message to a third entity; the third entity is a function or entity for providing the environmental information; and to receive the environmental information sent by the third entity.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second processing module is configured to perform data analysis based on the energy information and the environmental information to determine the communication status information.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second processing module is configured to send an analysis request message to a fourth entity; the analysis request message includes the energy information and the environmental information, and the fourth entity is a function or entity that performs network data analysis; and to receive an analysis response message sent by the fourth entity; the analysis response message includes the communication status information of the terminal device.

[0060] In some embodiments, the communication status information includes a target communication status parameter, which is used to indicate the communication status of the terminal device.

[0061] In some embodiments, the communication status information further includes a valid time parameter, which is used to indicate the valid time range of the target communication status parameter.

[0062] In some embodiments, the second sending module is configured to send the communication status information to the first entity and / or access network device.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first entity is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and the second entity is the Environmental Internet of Things Energy Management Function (AIPMF).

[0064] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising a first entity and a second entity, wherein:

[0065] The first entity is configured to receive energy information related to the energy of the terminal device and send the energy information to the second entity;

[0066] The second entity is configured to receive the energy information and determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0067] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0068] processor;

[0069] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0070] The processor is configured to perform the steps of the communication method provided in the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0071] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0072] processor;

[0073] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0074] The processor is configured to perform the steps of the communication method provided in the second aspect of this disclosure.

[0075] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores computer program instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the communication method provided in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0076] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores computer program instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the communication method provided in the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0077] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: the terminal device can send energy information related to the energy of the terminal device, and the energy information can be used to instruct a second entity to determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information, thereby enabling the function of managing the communication status of the terminal device based on the energy information, better supporting the communication of the Internet of Things for environmental power supply, and realizing effective response to continuous communication or on-demand communication.

[0078] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0079] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0080] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0081] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0082] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0083] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0084] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0085] Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0086] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0087] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0088] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0089] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0090] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0091] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0092] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0093] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0094] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0095] Figure 16 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0096] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0097] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0098] Figure 19 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0099] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0100] It should be noted that all actions involving the acquisition of signals, information, or data in this disclosure are carried out in compliance with the relevant data protection laws and policies of the country where the location is situated, and with authorization from the owner of the relevant device.

[0101] In the description of this disclosure, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish similar objects and should not be construed as indicating a specific order or sequence. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same elements.

[0102] In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more, and other quantifiers are similar. "At least one," "one or more," or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of singular or plural items. For example, "at least one" can represent any number; as another example, "one or more of a, b, and c" can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. "And / or" describes a relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. The singular forms "a," "a kind," "an item," "the," and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0103] Although operations or steps are described in a specific order in the embodiments or drawings of this disclosure, it should not be construed as requiring these operations or steps to be performed in the specific order or serial order shown, or requiring all of the shown operations or steps to be performed to obtain the desired result. In the embodiments of this disclosure, these operations or steps may be performed in any order unless contradictory; these operations or steps may be performed in parallel; a portion of these operations or steps may be performed; and operations or steps in multiple embodiments or drawings may be arbitrarily combined, which is not limited by this disclosure.

[0104] The implementation environment of the embodiments of this disclosure is described below.

[0105] The technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. These communication systems may include one or more of 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), and other future wireless communication systems (such as 6G). The communication system may also include one or more of the following: Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), Device-to-Device (D2D) communication systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication systems, or other communication systems.

[0106] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 may include a terminal device 150, an access network device 160, and a core network device 170. This communication system can support 4G network access technologies, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) access technology, or 5G network access technologies, such as New Radio Access Technology (New RAT), or other future wireless communication technologies. The terminal device can connect wirelessly to the access network device, and the access network device can connect wirelessly or via a wired connection to the core network device. The core network device and the access network device can be independent physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the access network device can be integrated on the same physical device, or a single physical device can integrate some of the functions of the core network device and some of the functions of the access network device. It should be noted that in this communication system, the number of terminal devices, access network devices, and core network devices can be one or more. Figure 1 The number of terminal devices, access network devices, and core network devices in the illustrated communication system is merely an example for illustrative purposes, and this disclosure does not limit their number. Terminal devices can be interconnected with each other, access network devices with each other, and core network devices with each other via wired or wireless means.

[0107] Figure 1The terminal device in this disclosure can be an electronic device that provides voice or data connectivity. For example, it can also be called User Equipment (UE), Subscriber Unit, Mobile Station, Station, Terminal, etc. For instance, the terminal device may include smartphones, smart wearable devices, smart speakers, smart tablets, wireless modems, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), Customer Premise Equipment (CPEs), etc. With the development of wireless communication technology, any device that can access a communication system, communicate with the access network equipment of a communication system, communicate with other objects through a communication system, or allow direct communication between two or more devices can be a terminal device in this disclosure embodiment; for example, terminals and vehicles in intelligent transportation, home appliances in smart homes, electricity meter reading instruments, voltage monitoring instruments, environmental monitoring instruments in smart grids, video monitoring instruments in smart security networks, cash registers, etc. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the terminal device can communicate with the access network device, or the terminal device can communicate with the core network device through the access network device. Multiple terminal devices can also communicate with each other. The terminal device can be statically fixed or mobile; this disclosure does not limit this.

[0108] In some embodiments, the terminal device 150 may include an ambient energy IoT device. This terminal device may be a mobile station, tablet computer, or other device capable of utilizing ambient energy, or a mobile terminal or fixed terminal in various fields capable of utilizing ambient energy. The specific form of the terminal device is not limited in this disclosure.

[0109] In some embodiments, for environmentally powered IoT devices utilizing solar energy, normal communication can be achieved using solar power during sunny days, while on rainy days or at night, stored power can be used to either receive signaling / data or enter a sleep state without sending or receiving signaling / data. Similar situations exist for environmentally powered IoT devices utilizing other ambient energy sources. Therefore, environmentally powered IoT devices may not have a continuous power source to support either always-on or on-demand communication.

[0110] Figure 1The access network equipment can be used to support terminal equipment access. For example, the access network equipment can be an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE; the access network equipment can also be a next-generation Node B (gNB or gNodeB) in 5G networks; the access network equipment can also be a radio access network (NG-RAN) device in 5G networks; the access network equipment can also be a base station, broadband network gateway (BNG), aggregation switch, or non-3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) access equipment in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). Optionally, the access network equipment in this disclosure may include various forms of base stations, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, 5G base stations or future base stations, satellites, Transmitting and Receiving Points (TRPs), Transmitting Points (TPs), mobile switching centers, and equipment that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D), machine-to-machine (M2M), Internet of Things (IoT), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), or other communications. This disclosure does not specifically limit these types of equipment. For ease of description, in all embodiments of this disclosure, the apparatus that provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices is collectively referred to as access network equipment or base station.

[0111] Figure 1 The core network equipment can be used to perform one or more functions on terminal devices, such as mobility management, call control, session management, registration and authentication, and billing. This core network equipment may include one or more entities, which can be hardware, software functionally defined, or a combination of both. It should be noted that this entity can also be referred to as a function.

[0112] It should be noted that the aforementioned access network equipment and core network equipment can also be referred to as network equipment. The network equipment in this disclosure can include any function or entity from the access network equipment and core network equipment.

[0113] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 2 As shown, the core network device 170 in the communication system 100 may include a first entity 171 and a second entity 172. The first entity 171 may be a function or entity that performs access and mobility management for terminal devices; for example, it may be an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function). The second entity 172 may be a function or entity that performs energy management for terminal devices; for example, it may be an AIPMF (Ambient IoT Power Management Function).

[0114] In some embodiments, the core network device 170 may further include a third entity 173, which may be a function or entity for providing environmental information. For example, the third entity may be an Application Function (AF). In some embodiments, the environmental information may include weather information, and the AF may be an application function or application server of a meteorological department that can provide weather information.

[0115] It should be noted that the third entity 173 may be a function or entity in the core network equipment, or a function or entity prior to the core network equipment, and this disclosure does not limit it in this way.

[0116] The second entity can be directly connected to the third entity, or it can be connected to the third entity through NEF (Network Exposure Function). For example, the second entity can exchange messages with the third entity through NEF.

[0117] In other embodiments, the core network device 170 may also include a fourth entity 174, which may be a function or entity that performs network data analysis. For example, the fourth entity may be NWDAF (Network Data Analysis Function).

[0118] It should also be noted that the fourth entity 174 may be a function or entity in the core network equipment, or a function or entity prior to the core network equipment, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0119] The second entity can be directly connected to the fourth entity, or it can be connected to the fourth entity through NEF (Network Exposure Function). For example, the second entity can exchange messages with the fourth entity through NEF.

[0120] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the core network device may further include one or more of SMF (Session Management Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), UPF (User Plane Function), and PCF (Policy Control Function). For details regarding the specific functions, connections, and implementation methods of the aforementioned AMF, SMF, UDM, UPF, NEF, and PCF, please refer to the relevant descriptions in related technologies (e.g., 3GPP protocols), which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0121] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. This method can be applied to terminal devices in the aforementioned communication system. Figure 3 As shown, the method may include:

[0122] S301. The terminal device sends energy information related to the energy of the terminal device.

[0123] The energy information is used to instruct the second entity to determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0124] The second entity can be a function or entity that performs energy management for the terminal device; for example, the second entity can be AIPMF.

[0125] In some embodiments, the terminal device may send the energy information to a second entity.

[0126] In other embodiments, the terminal device may send the energy information to a first entity, which may be used to instruct the first entity to send the energy information to a second entity.

[0127] For example, the terminal device can send the energy information to the first entity, or the terminal device can send the energy information to the first entity through the access network device.

[0128] The first entity may be a function or entity that performs access and mobility management for terminal devices; for example, the first entity may be an AMF.

[0129] In some embodiments, the energy information includes energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters of the terminal device, and may also include other energy-related information of the terminal device.

[0130] This energy source indication parameter can be used to indicate the power source of the terminal device. The power source of the terminal device can be at least one of solar energy, light energy, wind energy, motion / vibration energy, heat energy, and pressure energy, or any other energy source.

[0131] This energy state parameter can be used to indicate the current energy state of a terminal device.

[0132] In one implementation, the energy status parameter can be an enumerated type parameter. For example, the energy status of the terminal device can include normal energy, low energy, or almost no energy. The value of the energy status parameter can include a numerical value indicating the above three energy states. For example, a value of 1 can indicate that the terminal device is in normal energy state, a value of 2 can indicate that the terminal device is in low energy state, and a value of 3 can indicate that the terminal device is in almost no energy state.

[0133] In another implementation, the energy state parameter can be any value between MIN and MAX, where MIN represents the minimum remaining energy of the terminal device (e.g., 0) and MAX can represent the maximum remaining energy of the terminal device (e.g., 1, 10, or 100).

[0134] In some embodiments, the energy information may be an energy management container, which may include energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters.

[0135] In some embodiments, the energy information may be used to instruct a second entity to determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0136] Using the above method, the terminal device can send energy information related to its energy. This energy information can be used to instruct a second entity to determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information. This enables the terminal device to manage its communication status based on the energy information, better supporting IoT communication for environmental energy supply and effectively responding to continuous or on-demand communication.

[0137] In some embodiments, the terminal device may send the energy information to a second entity via a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message, or to a first entity via a NAS message.

[0138] It should be noted that the terminal device can send the NAS message to the access network device, which then forwards the NAS message to the first entity or the second entity. The access network device can directly forward or transparently transmit the NAS message, or it can send the location information of the terminal device to the first entity or the second entity when forwarding the NAS message. The location information may include at least one of the following: cell identifier, base station identifier, location area identifier, operator identifier, and latitude and longitude information.

[0139] In one implementation, when forwarding the NAS message, the access network device may also send the location information of the terminal device to the first entity. The location information may include at least one of the following: cell identifier, base station identifier, location area identifier, operator identifier, and latitude and longitude information.

[0140] In other embodiments, the terminal device may transmit the energy information via an AS (Access Stratum) message or an RRC (Radio Resource Control) message. For example, the terminal device may send the energy information to an access network device via an AS or RRC message, and the access network device may forward the energy information to a first entity via a first message. Similarly, the access network device may also send the terminal device's location information to the first entity.

[0141] In some embodiments, the terminal device may further include a terminal identification parameter in the aforementioned NAS message, AS message, or RRC message. This terminal identification parameter can be used to uniquely identify the terminal device. For example, the terminal identification parameter may include at least one of SUCI (Subscription Concealed Identifier), SUPI (Subscriber Permanent Identifier), GUTI (Globally Unique Temporary Identifier), PEI (Permanent Equipment Identifier), IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), TMSI (Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity), or RNTI (Radio Network Temporary Identifier). The aforementioned GUTI may be a 5G-GUTI, a 4G-GUTI, or a GUTI under other network standards. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0142] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. This method can be applied to terminal devices. Figure 4 As shown, the method may include:

[0143] S401. The terminal device sends energy information related to its energy through a registration request message.

[0144] For example, a terminal device may send a registration request message, which may include energy information related to the terminal device's energy. This energy information may include the terminal device's energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters.

[0145] It should be noted that, without contradiction, this embodiment can be combined with the foregoing embodiments or implementation methods of this disclosure and their various optional solutions. The specific implementation of the above steps in this embodiment can also refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0146] In this way, the terminal device can send energy information related to its energy through a registration request message.

[0147] In some embodiments, after sending a registration request message, the terminal device may also receive a registration acceptance message.

[0148] For example, the terminal device may send the registration request message to the first entity and then receive a registration acceptance message sent by the first entity in response to the registration request message.

[0149] In one implementation, if the terminal device does not receive a registration acceptance message within a preset time after sending the registration request message, it can resend the registration request message. The preset time can be any duration pre-set by the terminal device, such as 1 second or 3 seconds. This increases the reliability of message transmission.

[0150] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. The method can be applied to a first entity in the aforementioned communication system. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the method may include:

[0151] S501, The first entity receives energy information related to the energy of the terminal device.

[0152] The energy information may be information sent by the terminal device to the first entity through the access network device.

[0153] In some embodiments, the energy information includes energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters of the terminal device. The energy information may also include other energy-related information of the terminal device. Specific implementations of the energy source indication parameters and energy status parameters can be found in the description of the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0154] S502, the first entity sends the energy information to the second entity.

[0155] In some embodiments, the energy information may be used to instruct a second entity to determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0156] In some embodiments, the first entity may be a function or entity that performs access and mobility management for the terminal device; for example, the first entity may be an AMF (Active Access Management Function). The second entity may be a function or entity that performs energy management for the terminal device; for example, the second entity may be an AIPMF (Active Access Management Function).

[0157] Using the above method, the first entity receives energy information related to the energy of the terminal device and sends the energy information to the second entity, thereby enabling the function of managing the communication status of the terminal device based on the energy information, better supporting the communication of the Internet of Things for environmental energy supply, and effectively responding to continuous or on-demand communication.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first entity can receive the energy information sent by the terminal device via a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

[0159] It should be noted that the terminal device can send the NAS message to the access network device, which then forwards the NAS message to the first entity. The access network device can directly forward or transparently transmit the NAS message, or it can send the location information of the terminal device to the first entity while forwarding the NAS message. This location information may include at least one of the following: cell identifier, base station identifier, location area identifier, operator identifier, and latitude and longitude information. In this way, the first entity can obtain the location information of the terminal device.

[0160] In other embodiments, the first entity can obtain the energy information via a first message forwarded by the access network device. For example, the terminal device can send the energy information to the access network device via an AS message or an RRC message, and the access network device can forward the energy information to the first entity via the first message. Similarly, the access network device can also send the location information of the terminal device to the first entity. In this way, the first entity can obtain the location information of the terminal device.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first entity may also obtain the terminal identification parameter of the terminal device through the aforementioned NAS message or the first message. For details on the specific implementation of this terminal identification parameter, please refer to the description of the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure; further details will not be repeated here.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first entity may also send the terminal identification parameters and / or location information of the terminal device to the second entity.

[0163] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the method may include:

[0164] S601, The first entity receives energy information related to the energy of the terminal device.

[0165] S602, the first entity sends the energy information to the second entity.

[0166] For example, a first entity may send an energy management request message to a second entity, which may include the energy information.

[0167] In some embodiments, the energy management request message may also include the terminal identification parameter and / or location information of the terminal device.

[0168] S603, The first entity receives the communication status information of the terminal device.

[0169] The communication status information can be the status information determined by the second entity based on the energy information.

[0170] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the communication status information may include a target communication status parameter, which indicates the communication status of the terminal device. Different values ​​of the target communication status parameter may correspond to different communication states.

[0171] For example, the communication state of the terminal device may include any one of the following: normal, receiver only, and dormant. The value of the target communication state parameter may include a numerical value indicating one of the three communication states. For instance, a target communication state parameter value of 1 indicates that the terminal device is in the normal communication state, a target communication state parameter value of 2 indicates that the terminal device is in the receiver only communication state, and a target communication state parameter value of 3 indicates that the terminal device is in the dormant communication state.

[0172] When the terminal device is in normal condition, it can receive signaling and / or data sent by network devices (such as access network devices or core network devices) and send signaling and / or data to network devices normally.

[0173] When the terminal device is in receiver-only mode, it can only receive signaling and / or data sent by the network device and does not actively send signaling and data to the network device. In this state, the network device does not expect to receive signaling and data from the terminal device.

[0174] When a terminal device is in sleep mode, it cannot receive signaling and data from the network device, nor can it send signaling and / or data to the network device. In this state, the network device cannot send signaling and data to the terminal device, nor can it receive signaling and data from the terminal device.

[0175] In some other embodiments of this disclosure, the communication status information may include the aforementioned target communication status parameters and valid time parameters. The valid time parameter may be used to indicate the valid time range of the target communication status parameters.

[0176] In one implementation, the validity period parameter may include a validity duration. This validity duration indicates that the target communication status parameter becomes effective from the moment it is sent or received, and expires after the validity period.

[0177] In another implementation, the validity period parameter can include a start time and a validity duration. The target communication state can take effect from the start time and expire after the validity period.

[0178] In another implementation, the effective time parameter can include a start time and an end time. The target communication state can take effect from the start time and become invalid at the end time.

[0179] In this way, the first entity can communicate with the terminal device based on the communication status information. For example, if the terminal device is in a sleep state, the first entity may not send signaling or data to the terminal device to improve communication reliability.

[0180] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first entity may also send the communication status information to the access network device. This allows the access network device to communicate with the terminal device based on the communication status information. For example, if the terminal device is in a sleep state, the access network device may not send signaling or data to the terminal device, thereby improving communication reliability.

[0181] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the method may include:

[0182] S701, The first entity receives the registration request message sent by the terminal device.

[0183] In some embodiments, the registration request message may include energy information related to the energy of the terminal device. This energy information may include energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters of the terminal device.

[0184] S702, The first entity sends energy information to the second entity.

[0185] S703. Upon receiving the response message from the second entity, the first entity sends a registration acceptance message to the terminal device.

[0186] The response message can be used to indicate that the second entity has received the energy information.

[0187] It should be noted that, without contradiction, this embodiment can be combined with the foregoing embodiments or implementation methods of this disclosure and their various optional solutions. The specific implementation of the above steps in this embodiment can also refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0188] In this way, during the terminal registration process, the first entity can obtain the energy information of the terminal device and forward the energy information to the second entity.

[0189] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. This method can be applied to a second entity in the aforementioned communication system. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the method may include:

[0190] S801, The second entity receives energy information related to the energy of the terminal device.

[0191] The second entity can be a function or entity that performs energy management on the terminal device; for example, the second entity can be AIPMF.

[0192] In some embodiments, the energy information includes energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters of the terminal device. The energy information may also include other energy-related information of the terminal device. Specific implementations of the energy source indication parameters and energy status parameters can be found in the description of the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0193] In some embodiments, the second entity may receive the energy information sent by the terminal device.

[0194] In other embodiments, the second entity may receive the energy information sent by the first entity.

[0195] For example, the energy information may be sent by a terminal device to a first entity, and then forwarded by the first entity to a second entity.

[0196] The first entity may be a function or entity that performs access and mobility management for terminal devices; for example, the first entity may be an AMF.

[0197] S802, the second entity determines the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0198] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the communication status information may include a target communication status parameter, which indicates the communication status of the terminal device. Different values ​​of the target communication status parameter may correspond to different communication states.

[0199] For example, the communication state of the terminal device may include any one of the following: normal, receiver only, and dormant.

[0200] In some other embodiments of this disclosure, the communication status information may include the aforementioned target communication status parameters and valid time parameters. The valid time parameter may be used to indicate the valid time range of the target communication status parameters.

[0201] It should be noted that the specific implementation methods of the target communication status parameters and validity time parameters can be referred to the description in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0202] S803, the second entity sends communication status information.

[0203] For example, the second entity can send the communication status information to the target network device, wherein the target network device may include at least one entity among access network devices or core network devices, such as AMF, SMF, UPF, and PCF. Upon receiving the communication status information, the target network device can store the communication status information of the terminal device and process the communication of the terminal device according to the communication status information, thereby enabling always-on or on-demand communication.

[0204] In some embodiments, the second entity may send the communication status information to the first entity. The first entity may also send the communication status information to the access network device.

[0205] Using the above method, the second entity receives energy information related to the energy of the terminal device, determines the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information, and sends the communication status information. This enables the function of managing the communication status of the terminal device based on the energy information, better supports the communication of the environmental energy supply Internet of Things, and effectively responds to continuous or on-demand communication.

[0206] In some embodiments of this disclosure, there can be multiple ways to determine the communication status information of a terminal device based on energy information, for example:

[0207] In one implementation, the energy state of the terminal device can be determined based on the received energy information, and the communication status information can be determined based on the energy state.

[0208] For example, if the terminal device is in a normal energy state, its communication state can be determined to be normal, and the communication state information of the terminal device can be determined based on this communication state.

[0209] For example, when the terminal device is in a low energy state, it can be determined that the communication state of the terminal device is receiver-only, and the communication state information can be determined based on this communication state.

[0210] For example, when the terminal device is in a state of extremely low energy, it can be determined that the terminal device is in a sleep state, and the communication state information can be determined based on this communication state.

[0211] In another implementation, the energy source type and energy status of the terminal device can be determined based on the received energy information, and the communication status information of the terminal device can be determined based on the energy source type and energy status.

[0212] For example, if the energy source type of the terminal device is environmental energy (such as solar or wind energy) and the energy state parameter is low energy state, the communication state of the terminal device can be determined to be receiver-only working state, and the communication state information can be determined based on this communication state.

[0213] For example, if the energy source of the terminal device is environmental energy (such as solar or wind energy) and the energy state parameter is extremely low, the communication state of the terminal device can be determined to be a sleep state, and the communication state information can be determined based on this communication state.

[0214] In this way, the second entity determines the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0215] In other embodiments of this disclosure, the second entity may also acquire environmental information and determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information.

[0216] In some embodiments, the second entity can determine the location area based on the location information of the terminal device and use the weather information corresponding to that location area as the environmental information. For example, the location information can be a cell identifier or latitude and longitude, and the location area can include a municipal administrative region, a county-level administrative region, a township-level administrative region, or other areas where weather information can be obtained. The weather information corresponding to the location area can be obtained by obtaining weather forecast information from the meteorological department.

[0217] The weather information may include at least one of the following: weather conditions, wind speed, wind direction, air pressure, humidity, precipitation, and air quality. Specifically, the weather conditions can be any one of sunny, cloudy, overcast, rainy, or snowy.

[0218] In other embodiments, the second entity may send an environmental information request message to the third entity and receive environmental information sent by the third entity, wherein the third entity is a function or entity used to provide the environmental information.

[0219] For example, the third entity may be an AF that provides environmental information, such as a meteorological department's application or application server. The second entity may send the environmental information request message to the third entity through NEF. The environmental information request message may also be called an External Information Request message. The environmental information may be provided through an external information response, and the environmental information may include the aforementioned weather information.

[0220] In one implementation, the environmental information request message may include at least one of a location parameter, a time parameter, and an information type.

[0221] The location parameter can be a parameter determined based on the location information of the terminal device. For example, it can be a location area (such as a municipal administrative region, county-level administrative region, township-level administrative region, or other areas where weather information can be obtained) determined based on the location information (cell ID or location area) of the terminal device, and the location area can be used as the location parameter.

[0222] The time parameter can be in hours, days, or weeks, such as one day, three days, five days, one week, or two weeks.

[0223] This information type can be used to indicate the environmental information requested, such as predicted weather information.

[0224] In this way, weather information for a specific location and area at a specific time can be obtained through this environmental information request message.

[0225] In some embodiments, the second entity can perform data analysis based on energy information and environmental information to determine communication status information. There are various ways to perform data analysis based on energy information and environmental information; for example:

[0226] In some embodiments, the energy source type of the terminal device can be determined based on the energy information, and the communication status information of the terminal device can be determined based on the energy source type and the weather information in the environmental information.

[0227] For example, if the energy source type is solar energy and the weather information indicates that the weather is sunny within a specified time, the communication status of the terminal device can be determined to be normal.

[0228] For example, if the energy source type is solar energy and the weather information indicates that the weather is not sunny (e.g., cloudy, rainy, or snowy) within a specified time, the communication status of the terminal device can be determined to be receiver-only.

[0229] In other embodiments, the energy status of the terminal device can be determined based on the energy information, and the communication status information of the terminal device can be determined based on the energy status and weather information in the environmental information.

[0230] For example, if the energy status is normal and the weather information indicates that the weather is not sunny (e.g., cloudy, rainy, or snowy) within a specified time, the communication status of the terminal device can be determined to be receiver-only.

[0231] For example, if the energy status is receiver-only and the weather information indicates sunny weather for a specified period, the communication status of the terminal device can be determined to be normal.

[0232] In other embodiments, the energy source type and energy status of the terminal device can be determined based on the energy information, and the communication status information of the terminal device can be determined based on the energy source type, energy status, and weather information.

[0233] For example, if the energy source type is solar energy, the communication status information of the terminal device can be determined based on the weather conditions in the weather information.

[0234] In one implementation, if the terminal device's energy state is normal and the weather is sunny for a specified period, the terminal device's communication state can be determined to be normal. In the normal state, the terminal device can normally receive signaling and / or data sent by the target network device, and can also normally send signaling and / or data to the target network device. The target network device may include at least one entity from the access network device or the core network device.

[0235] In another implementation, if the terminal device is in a low-energy state and the weather is not sunny (e.g., cloudy, rainy, or snowy) for a specified period, the terminal device's communication state can be determined to be receiver-only. In receiver-only mode, the terminal device can receive signaling and / or data sent by the target network device, but will not send signaling and data to the target network device.

[0236] In another implementation, when the terminal device's energy state is extremely low and the weather is not sunny (e.g., cloudy, rainy, or snowy) for a specified period, the terminal device's communication state can be determined to be sleep mode. In sleep mode, the terminal device will neither receive nor send signaling or data to the target network device.

[0237] In another implementation, the specified time can be any pre-set time information, and this specified time can be used as valid time information in the communication status information.

[0238] When the energy source is wind power, the communication status information of the terminal device can be determined based on the wind force level in the weather information.

[0239] In one implementation, if the terminal device is in a normal energy state and the wind force level is greater than or equal to a first preset level within a specified time, the communication state of the terminal device can be determined to be normal.

[0240] In another implementation, if the terminal device is in a low-energy state and the wind force level is less than or equal to a second preset level within a specified time, the communication state of the terminal device can be determined to be receiver-only operation. This second preset level can be less than the first preset level.

[0241] In another implementation, when the terminal device is in an extremely low energy state and the wind force level is less than or equal to the second preset level within a specified time, the communication state of the terminal device can be determined to be in a sleep state.

[0242] In another implementation, the specified time can be any pre-set time information, and this specified time can be used as valid time information in the communication status information.

[0243] In this way, the second entity can determine the communication status information of the terminal device through any of the above methods.

[0244] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the method may include:

[0245] S901, the second entity receives energy information related to the energy of the terminal device.

[0246] S902, The second entity sends an environmental information request message to the third entity.

[0247] The third entity can be a function or entity used to provide environmental information.

[0248] S903, the second entity receives environmental information sent by the third entity.

[0249] S904. The second entity determines the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and environmental information.

[0250] It should be noted that, without contradiction, this embodiment can be combined with the foregoing embodiments or implementation methods of this disclosure and their various optional solutions. The specific implementation of the above steps in this embodiment can also refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0251] Using the above method, the second entity can determine the communication status information of the terminal device.

[0252] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the method may include:

[0253] S1001, The second entity receives energy information related to the energy of the terminal device.

[0254] S1002, The second entity obtains environmental information.

[0255] S1003, The second entity sends an analysis request message to the fourth entity.

[0256] The analysis request message may include energy information and environmental information, and the fourth entity is a function or entity that performs network data analysis.

[0257] In some embodiments, the fourth entity can perform data analysis based on energy information and environmental information to determine communication status information. The method of performing data analysis based on energy information and environmental information can be referred to the description in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0258] S1004, The second entity receives the analysis response message sent by the fourth entity.

[0259] The analysis response message may include communication status information of the terminal device.

[0260] It should be noted that, without contradiction, this embodiment can be combined with the foregoing embodiments or implementation methods of this disclosure and their various optional solutions. The specific implementation of the above steps in this embodiment can also refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0261] Using the above method, the second entity can determine the communication status information of the terminal device.

[0262] Figure 11This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. This method can be applied to a third entity in the aforementioned communication system. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the method may include:

[0263] S1101, The third entity receives the environmental information request message sent by the second entity.

[0264] The third entity can be a function or entity used to provide environmental information.

[0265] S1102, The third entity sends environmental information to the second entity based on the environmental information request message.

[0266] The environmental information can be used to instruct the second entity to determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information.

[0267] It should be noted that, without contradiction, this embodiment can be combined with the foregoing embodiments or implementation methods of this disclosure and their various optional solutions. The specific implementation of the above steps in this embodiment can also refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0268] Using the above method, the third entity can provide environmental information to the second entity.

[0269] In some embodiments, the second entity may be a function or entity that performs energy management on the terminal device; for example, the second entity may be AIPMF.

[0270] In some embodiments, the third entity may be a function or entity for providing environmental information. For example, the third entity may be an application function (AF). In some embodiments, the environmental information may include weather information, and the AF may be an application function or application server of a meteorological department that can provide weather information.

[0271] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. This method can be applied to a fourth entity in the aforementioned communication system. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the method may include:

[0272] S1201, The fourth entity receives the analysis request message sent by the second entity.

[0273] The analysis request message may include energy information and environmental information, and the fourth entity is a function or entity that performs network data analysis.

[0274] S1202, The fourth entity determines the communication status information of the terminal device based on the analysis request message.

[0275] In some embodiments, the fourth entity can perform data analysis based on energy information and environmental information to determine communication status information. The method of performing data analysis based on energy information and environmental information can be referred to the description in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0276] S1203, The fourth entity sends an analysis response message to the second entity.

[0277] The analysis response message may include communication status information of the terminal device.

[0278] It should be noted that, without contradiction, this embodiment can be combined with the foregoing embodiments or implementation methods of this disclosure and their various optional solutions. The specific implementation of the above steps in this embodiment can also refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0279] Using the above method, the fourth entity can determine the communication status information of the terminal device and send the communication status information to the second entity.

[0280] In some embodiments, the second entity may be a function or entity that performs energy management on the terminal device; for example, the second entity may be AIPMF.

[0281] In some embodiments, the fourth entity may be a function or entity that performs network data analysis; for example, the fourth entity may be NWDAF.

[0282] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. The method can be applied to a communication device, which may include a first entity and a second entity in the aforementioned communication system. Figure 13 As shown, the method may include:

[0283] S1301, The first entity receives energy information related to the energy of the terminal device and sends the energy information to the second entity.

[0284] S1302, The second entity receives the energy information and determines the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0285] It should be noted that, without contradiction, this embodiment can be combined with the foregoing embodiments or implementation methods of this disclosure and their various optional solutions. The specific implementation of the above steps in this embodiment can also refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0286] Using the above method, communication equipment can determine the communication status information of terminal equipment based on energy information.

[0287] In some embodiments, the communication device may further include a third entity, which is an entity for storing environmental information; the method may further include:

[0288] The second entity sends an environmental information request message to the third entity, receives the environmental information sent by the third entity, and determines the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information.

[0289] The third entity sends environmental information to the second entity based on the received environmental information request message.

[0290] In some embodiments, the communication device further includes a fourth entity, which is a functional entity that performs network data analysis; the method may further include:

[0291] The second entity sends an analysis request message to the fourth entity and receives an analysis response message from the fourth entity; the analysis request message includes energy information and environmental information, and the analysis response message includes communication status information of the terminal device;

[0292] The fourth entity receives the analysis request message and determines the communication status information based on the energy and environmental information in the analysis request message.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first entity may be a function or entity that performs access and mobility management for terminal devices; for example, the first entity may be an AMF (Active Mobile Function).

[0294] In some embodiments, the second entity may be a function or entity that performs energy management on the terminal device; for example, the second entity may be AIPMF.

[0295] In some embodiments, the third entity may be a function or entity for providing environmental information. For example, the third entity may be an application function (AF). In some embodiments, the environmental information may include weather information, and the AF may be an application function or application server of a meteorological department that can provide weather information.

[0296] In some embodiments, the fourth entity may be a function or entity that performs network data analysis; for example, the fourth entity may be NWDAF.

[0297] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the method may include:

[0298] S1401, The terminal device sends energy information related to the energy of the terminal device.

[0299] In some embodiments, the terminal device may directly send the energy information to the second entity.

[0300] In other embodiments, the terminal device can send the energy information to the second entity through the first entity.

[0301] S1402, The second entity receives the energy information and determines the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0302] S1403, The second entity sends communication status information.

[0303] It should be noted that, without contradiction, this embodiment can be combined with the foregoing embodiments or implementation methods of this disclosure and their various optional solutions. The specific implementation of the above steps in this embodiment can also refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0304] By adopting the above method, it is possible to manage the communication status of terminal devices based on the energy information, better support the communication of the environmental energy supply Internet of Things, and effectively respond to continuous or on-demand communication.

[0305] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the method may include:

[0306] S1501, The terminal device sends a registration request message.

[0307] In some embodiments, the registration request message may include energy information of the terminal device, which may also be referred to as an energy management container. The energy management container may include energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters, and may also include other energy-related information of the terminal device.

[0308] In some embodiments, the terminal device may send a registration request message to a first entity via an access network device. The access network device may send the cell identifier of the terminal device along with the registration request message to the first entity. The registration request message may be a NAS message.

[0309] S1502, The first entity sends energy information to the second entity.

[0310] In some embodiments, the first entity may also send the terminal identifier and the location information of the terminal device to the second entity, wherein the location information may be the cell identifier where the terminal device is located.

[0311] S1503, The second entity sends an acknowledgment message to the first entity.

[0312] S1504, The first entity sends a registration acceptance message to the terminal device.

[0313] For example, the first entity can send a registration acceptance message to the terminal device through the access network device.

[0314] S1505, The second entity sends an environmental information request message to the third entity.

[0315] This environmental information request message can also be called an external information request message.

[0316] For example, based on the energy information mentioned above, the second entity can send an external information request to the third entity via NEF, including the location (geographical location) of the terminal device, time (day or week), and information type (weather forecast).

[0317] In some embodiments, the second entity can obtain the aforementioned location based on the cell ID mapping. The aforementioned time and information type can be a weather forecast for a future time. The third entity can be an AF (Aero-Action Center) or a meteorological department / application.

[0318] S1506, The third entity sends environmental information to the second entity.

[0319] For example, a third entity can send environmental information to a second entity via NEF. This environmental information, also known as external information, may include weather forecasts (sunny, rainy, cloudy, or snowy, etc.) and the effective time (day or week).

[0320] S1507. The second entity obtains the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and environmental information.

[0321] In some embodiments, the second entity may perform data analysis, which may be data analysis and prediction of the communication status of environmental IoT devices to obtain communication status information of the terminal device. The communication status information may include a communication status (normal status, receive-only status, sleep status) with a valid time.

[0322] S1508, The second entity sends an analysis request message to the fourth entity.

[0323] The analysis request message may include energy information and environmental information, and the fourth entity is a function or entity that performs network data analysis.

[0324] In some embodiments, the fourth entity can perform data analysis based on energy information and environmental information to determine communication status information. The method of performing data analysis based on energy information and environmental information can be referred to the description in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0325] S1509, The fourth entity sends an analysis response message to the second entity.

[0326] The analysis response message may include communication status information of the terminal device.

[0327] It should be noted that if step S1507 is performed, steps S1508 and S1509 may not be performed; or, if steps S1508 and S1509 are performed, step S1507 may not be performed.

[0328] S1510, The second entity sends communication status information.

[0329] In some embodiments, the second entity may send communication status information to the first entity, and the first entity may send the communication status information to the access network device.

[0330] In some embodiments, the second entity may send a communication notification to the first entity and the access network device. This communication notification may include the terminal identifier and communication status information of the terminal device. The communication status information may be a communication status with a valid duration (normal, receiver only, sleep).

[0331] In some embodiments, the first entity and the access network device may store the communication status information in the UE context corresponding to the terminal identifier, and process the communication of the terminal device accordingly based on the communication status information.

[0332] It should be noted that, without contradiction, this embodiment can be combined with the foregoing embodiments or implementation methods of this disclosure and their various optional solutions. The specific implementation of the above steps in this embodiment can also refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0333] By adopting the above method, it is possible to manage the communication status of terminal devices based on the energy information, better support the communication of the environmental energy supply Internet of Things, and effectively respond to continuous or on-demand communication.

[0334] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a communication device is provided, which may include a first entity and a second entity, wherein:

[0335] The first entity is configured to receive energy information related to the energy of the terminal device and send the energy information to the second entity;

[0336] The second entity is configured to receive the energy information and determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0337] In some embodiments, the first entity may be configured to perform the steps of the communication method related to the first entity in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure; the second entity may be configured to perform the steps of the communication method related to the second entity in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0338] In some embodiments, the first entity may be a function or entity that performs access and mobility management for terminal devices; for example, the first entity may be an AMF (Active Mobile Function).

[0339] In some embodiments, the second entity may be a function or entity that performs energy management on the terminal device; for example, the second entity may be AIPMF.

[0340] In some embodiments, the communication device may further include a third entity, which is an entity for storing environmental information. For example, the third entity may be an application server (AF). In some embodiments, the environmental information may include weather information, and the AF may be an application function or application server of a meteorological department that can provide weather information.

[0341] In some embodiments, the communication device may further include a fourth entity, which may be a function or entity that performs network data analysis; for example, the fourth entity may be NWDAF.

[0342] Figure 16 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device 2100 according to an exemplary embodiment. This communication device can be applied to terminal devices, such as… Figure 16 As shown, the device 2100 may include:

[0343] The terminal sending module 2101 is configured to send energy information related to the energy of the terminal device; the energy information is used to instruct a second entity to determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information.

[0344] In some embodiments, the energy information includes energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters of the terminal device.

[0345] In some embodiments, the terminal sending module 2101 is configured to send the energy information via a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

[0346] In some embodiments, the terminal sending module 2101 is configured to send the energy information to the second entity through the first entity.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first entity is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0348] In some embodiments, the second entity is the Environmental Internet of Things Energy Management Function (AIPMF).

[0349] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device 2200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication device can be applied to a first entity, such as... Figure 17 As shown, the device 2200 may include:

[0350] The first receiving module 2201 is configured to receive energy information related to the energy of the terminal device;

[0351] The first transmitting module 2202 transmits the energy information to the second entity.

[0352] In some embodiments, the energy information includes energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters of the terminal device.

[0353] In some embodiments, the first receiving module 2201 is further configured to receive communication status information of the terminal device; the communication status information is status information determined by the second entity based on the energy information.

[0354] In some embodiments, the first entity is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and the second entity is the Environmental Internet of Things Energy Management Function (AIPMF).

[0355] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device 2300 according to an exemplary embodiment. This communication device can be applied to a second entity, such as... Figure 18 As shown, the device 2300 may include:

[0356] The second receiving module 2301 is configured to receive energy information related to the energy of the terminal device;

[0357] The second processing module 2302 is configured to determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information;

[0358] The second sending module 2303 is configured to send the communication status information.

[0359] In some embodiments, the energy information includes energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters of the terminal device.

[0360] In some embodiments, the second processing module 2302 is configured to acquire environmental information and determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information.

[0361] In some embodiments, the second processing module 2302 is configured to send an environmental information request message to a third entity; the third entity is a function or entity for providing the environmental information; and to receive the environmental information sent by the third entity.

[0362] In some embodiments, the second processing module 2302 is configured to perform data analysis based on the energy information and the environmental information to determine the communication status information.

[0363] In some embodiments, the second processing module 2302 is configured to send an analysis request message to a fourth entity; the analysis request message includes the energy information and the environmental information, and the fourth entity is a function or entity that performs network data analysis; and receive an analysis response message sent by the fourth entity; the analysis response message includes the communication status information of the terminal device.

[0364] In some embodiments, the communication status information includes a target communication status parameter, which is used to indicate the communication status of the terminal device.

[0365] In some embodiments, the communication status information further includes a valid time parameter, which is used to indicate the valid time range of the target communication status parameter.

[0366] In some embodiments, the second sending module 2303 is configured to send the communication status information to the first entity and / or access network device.

[0367] In some embodiments, the first entity is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0368] In some embodiments, the second entity is the Environmental Internet of Things Energy Management Function (AIPMF).

[0369] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs its operation has been described in detail in the embodiments related to the method, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0370] Figure 19 This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication device 3000 may be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The terminal equipment in the communication system shown can also be Figure 2 The first entity, second entity, third entity, or fourth entity in the communication system shown.

[0371] Reference Figure 19The device 3000 may include one or more of the following components: a processing component 3002, a memory 3004, and a communication component 3006.

[0372] The processing component 3002 can be used to control the overall operation of the device 3000, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, data communication, camera operation, and recording operations. The processing component 3002 may include one or more processors 3020 to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the aforementioned communication method. Furthermore, the processing component 3002 may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between the processing component 3002 and other components. For example, the processing component 3002 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between multimedia components and the processing component 3002.

[0373] Memory 3004 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of device 3000. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method operating on device 3000, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Memory 3004 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0374] Communication component 3006 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between device 3000 and other devices. Device 3000 can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, NB-IoT, eMTC, etc., or combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 3006 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 3006 also includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0375] In an exemplary embodiment, the device 3000 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the communication method described above.

[0376] The aforementioned device 3000 can be a standalone electronic device or part of a standalone electronic device. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic device can be an integrated circuit (IC) or a chip, wherein the integrated circuit can be a single IC or a collection of multiple ICs. The chip can include, but is not limited to, the following types: GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), CPU (Central Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and SoC (System on Chip). The aforementioned integrated circuit or chip can be used to execute executable instructions (or code) to implement the aforementioned communication method. The executable instructions can be stored in the integrated circuit or chip or obtained from other devices or equipment. For example, the integrated circuit or chip includes a processor, memory, and an interface for communicating with other devices. The executable instruction can be stored in the processor, and when the executable instruction is executed by the processor, the above-mentioned communication method is implemented; or, the integrated circuit or chip can receive the executable instruction through the interface and transmit it to the processor for execution to implement the above-mentioned communication method.

[0377] In an exemplary embodiment, this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer program instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the communication method provided in this disclosure. For example, the computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as the aforementioned memory 3004 including instructions, which can be executed by the processor 3020 of the device 3000 to complete the aforementioned communication method. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0378] In another exemplary embodiment, a computer program product is also provided, the computer program product comprising a computer program executable by a programmable device, the computer program having a code portion for performing the above-described communication method when executed by the programmable device.

[0379] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of this disclosure. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0380] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Send energy information related to the energy of the terminal device; the energy information is used to instruct a second entity to determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on environmental information and the energy information, the environmental information including weather information corresponding to the location area of ​​the terminal device; the second entity is the Environmental Internet of Things Energy Management Function (AIPMF); the communication status indicated by the communication status information includes any one of normal status, receiver-only working status, and sleep status.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The energy information includes the energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters of the terminal device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The transmission of energy information related to the energy of the terminal device includes: The energy information is sent via a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The transmission of energy information related to the energy of the terminal device includes: The energy information is sent from the first entity to the second entity.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The first entity is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

6. A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to a second entity, which is the Environmental Internet of Things Energy Management Function (AIPMF), the method includes: Receive energy information related to the energy of the terminal device; Acquire environmental information; the environmental information includes weather information corresponding to the location area of ​​the terminal device. Based on the energy information and the environmental information, the communication status information of the terminal device is determined; Send the communication status information; the communication status information indicates any one of the following: normal status, receiver-only working status, and sleep status.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The energy information includes the energy source indication parameters and / or energy status parameters of the terminal device.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein, The acquisition of environmental information includes: Send an environmental information request message to a third entity; the third entity is a function or entity used to provide the environmental information. Receive the environmental information sent by the third entity.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein, Determining the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information includes: Data analysis is performed based on the energy information and the environmental information to determine the communication status information.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein, Determining the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information includes: An analysis request message is sent to a fourth entity; the analysis request message includes the energy information and the environmental information, and the fourth entity is a function or entity that performs network data analysis. The system receives an analysis response message sent by the fourth entity; the analysis response message includes the communication status information of the terminal device.

11. The method of claim 6, wherein, The communication status information includes target communication status parameters, which are used to indicate the communication status of the terminal device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The communication status information also includes a valid time parameter, which indicates the valid time range of the target communication status parameter.

13. The method of claim 6, wherein, Sending the communication status information includes: Send the communication status information to the first entity and / or access network device.

14. A communication method, comprising: The method is applied to a communication device, which includes a first entity and a second entity, wherein the second entity is an Environmental Internet of Things (AIPMF) energy management function; the method includes: The first entity receives energy information related to the energy of the terminal device and sends the energy information to the second entity; The second entity receives the energy information, acquires environmental information, and determines the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information. The environmental information includes weather information corresponding to the location area of ​​the terminal device. The communication status indicated by the communication status information includes any one of the following: normal status, receiver-only working status, and sleep status.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The communication device further includes a third entity, which is an entity used for storing environmental information; the method further includes: The second entity sends an environmental information request message to the third entity, receives the environmental information sent by the third entity, and determines the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information. The third entity sends the environmental information to the second entity based on the received environmental information request message.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The communication device further includes a fourth entity, which is a function or entity that performs network data analysis; the method further includes: The second entity sends an analysis request message to the fourth entity and receives an analysis response message from the fourth entity; the analysis request message includes the energy information and the environmental information, and the analysis response message includes the communication status information of the terminal device; The fourth entity receives the analysis request message and determines the communication status information based on the energy information and the environmental information in the analysis request message.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The first entity is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

18. A communications device, characterized by Applied to a terminal device, the device includes: A terminal transmitting module is configured to transmit energy information related to the energy of the terminal device; the energy information is used to instruct a first entity to transmit the energy information to a second entity; the second entity determines the communication status information of the terminal device based on environmental information and the energy information, the environmental information including weather information corresponding to the location area of ​​the terminal device; the second entity is an Environmental Internet of Things Energy Management Function (AIPMF); the communication status indicated by the communication status information includes any one of normal status, receiver-only working status, and sleep status.

19. A communications device, characterized by Applied to a second entity, the second entity being an Environmental Internet of Things Energy Management Function (AIPMF), the device includes: The second receiving module is configured to receive energy information sent by the first entity; the energy information includes information related to the energy of the terminal device. The second processing module is configured to acquire environmental information and determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information, wherein the environmental information includes weather information corresponding to the location area of ​​the terminal device; The second transmitting module is configured to transmit the communication status information; the communication status information indicates any one of the following: normal status, receiver-only working status, and sleep status.

20. A communications device, characterized by The communication device includes a first entity and a second entity, wherein the second entity is an Environmental Internet of Things (AIPMF) energy management function; wherein: The first entity is configured to receive energy information related to the energy of the terminal device and send the energy information to the second entity; The second entity is configured to receive the energy information, acquire environmental information, and determine the communication status information of the terminal device based on the energy information and the environmental information. The environmental information includes weather information corresponding to the location area of ​​the terminal device. The communication status information indicates any one of the following: normal status, receiver-only working status, and sleep status.

21. A communications device, characterized by The device includes: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or the processor is configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 6 to 17.

22. A computer-readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or when the computer program instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 6 to 17.

Images