Method of signal transmission and communication device

Abstract

A signal transmission method and communication apparatus are disclosed. The method may include: a terminal device monitoring a wake-up signal within a first time window, the wake-up signal indicating information about at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up; the terminal device determining, based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, whether to monitor the wake-up signal for a first time period after the first time window. Thus, the duration of the first time window can be configured to be shorter to save energy. Furthermore, since the first time window is short, some terminal devices may not be paged within the first time window. Therefore, the terminal device can determine, based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal for a period of time after the first time window to reduce the power consumption of the terminal device. The method provided in this embodiment can be applied to communication systems, such as 5G or NR, LTE, V2X, D2D, M2M, MTC, and the Internet of Things.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210458433.6, filed on April 27, 2022, entitled "A Method for Monitoring Signals", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for signal transmission. Background Technology

[0003] The terminal device can receive a wake-up signal via a separate low-power circuit, such as a wake-up radio (WUR), while the main receiver can be in a deep sleep state. When the terminal device detects the wake-up signal via the WUR, it triggers the main receiver to wake up. After the main receiver wakes up, the terminal device can perform a paging reception process, such as receiving paging messages, through the main receiver.

[0004] However, if the terminal device continuously receives the wake-up signal through WUR, it will also result in significant power consumption for the terminal device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a signal transmission method and communication device that can balance the power consumption and latency of terminal devices.

[0006] Firstly, a method for signal transmission is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by a component of the terminal device (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation. For ease of description, the following explanation will take execution by a terminal device as an example.

[0007] The method may include: a terminal device monitoring a wake-up signal within a first time window, the wake-up signal being used to indicate information about at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up; and the terminal device determining whether to monitor the wake-up signal within a first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal for a period of time after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. In this way, on the one hand, the duration of the first time window can be configured to be shorter to save energy. On the other hand, if the terminal device determines not to monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, then the terminal device does not need to continue monitoring the wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window, thereby reducing the functionality of the terminal device.

[0009] Optionally, if the length of the first time window is short, some terminal devices may fail to be woken up within the first time window. For these terminal devices, the network device can send a corresponding wake-up signal for a period of time after the first time window. Correspondingly, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal for a period of time after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. In this way, even if some terminal devices fail to be woken up within the first time window, they can still be woken up through a period of time after the first time window (i.e., the first time period). Compared to these terminal devices needing to be woken up in the next time window or other time windows (e.g., a long interval between time windows; or, in the next time window or other time windows, other terminal devices may need to be woken up first, and then these terminal devices may need to be woken up), the solution of this application embodiment can also reduce the latency caused by waking up terminal devices.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first time window includes N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal in a first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. This includes: if the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal in every time unit within the first time window, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal in the first time period; if the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal in at least one time unit within the first time window, then the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, considering that if the terminal device detects a wake-up signal in every time unit within the first time window, there may be a large amount of paging information to send, the terminal device can continue to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. This allows the network device to quickly send wake-up signals that were not sent within the first time window, thereby reducing latency. If the terminal device does not detect a wake-up signal in at least one time unit within the first time window, the paging information that needs to be sent may have already been sent within the first time window. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time period, thus shortening the monitoring time and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first time window includes N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. This includes: if the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal in the last N1 time units within the first time window, then the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period; if the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal in the last N1 time units within the first time window, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal in the first time period; wherein, N1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N1 is less than N.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, considering that the wake-up signal of some terminal devices may arrive in the middle or at the end of the first time window, that is, in the last N1 time units, and the wake-up signal cannot be completely sent before the end of the first time window, the terminal device can continue to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period if it detects the wake-up signal in the last N1 time units of the first time window. This allows the network device to quickly send the wake-up signal that was not sent within the first time window, thereby reducing latency. If the terminal device does not detect the wake-up signal in the last N1 time units of the first time window, the wake-up signal that needs to be sent may have already been sent within the first time window. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time period, thereby shortening the monitoring time of the terminal device and reducing its power consumption.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first time window includes N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. This includes: if the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within N2 time units of the first time window, then the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period; if the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within N2 time units of the first time window, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal in the first time period; wherein, N2 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N2 is less than N.

[0015] Based on the above technical solution, considering that the terminal device detects wake-up signals in all N2 time units within the first time window, there may be a large number of wake-up signals that need to be sent. Therefore, the terminal device can continue to monitor wake-up signals within the first time period, allowing the network device to quickly send wake-up signals that were not sent within the first time window, thereby reducing latency. If the terminal device does not detect wake-up signals in the N2 time units within the first time window, it is likely that the required wake-up signals have already been sent within the first time window, or that there are few wake-up signals within that first time window. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to continue monitoring wake-up signals within the first time period, thereby shortening the monitoring time of the terminal device and reducing its power consumption.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first time window includes N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. This includes: if the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal in any of the N3 time units within the first time window, then the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period; if the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal in at least one of the N3 time units within the first time window, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal in the first time period; wherein, N3 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N3 is less than N.

[0017] Based on the above technical solution, considering that the wake-up signal of some terminal devices may arrive in the middle or at the end of the first time window, that is, in the last N3 time units or one of the last N3 time units, and the wake-up signal cannot be completely sent before the end of the first time window, the terminal device can continue to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period if it detects the wake-up signal in at least one of the last N3 time units within the first time window. This allows the network device to quickly send the wake-up signal that was not sent within the first time window, thereby reducing latency. If the terminal device does not detect the wake-up signal in any of the last N3 time units within the first time window, the wake-up signal that needs to be sent may have already been sent within the first time window. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time period, thereby shortening the monitoring time of the terminal device and reducing its power consumption.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the information of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up is the identifier of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up. The terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within a first time window, including: the terminal device detects the wake-up signal within the first time window, and the identifier of the at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up indicated by the wake-up signal includes a first identifier; the terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal within a first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, including: the terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period based on the identifier of the terminal device and the first identifier.

[0019] Based on the above technical solution, network devices can send wake-up signals in a certain pattern. In this way, terminal devices can determine whether to monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period based on their own identifier and the identifier indicated by the wake-up signal.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0021] Based on the above technical solution, network devices can send wake-up signals in ascending order of terminal device identifiers. In this way, terminal devices can determine whether to monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period by comparing their own identifier with the identifier indicated by the wake-up signal.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal within a first time period based on the terminal device's identifier and the first identifier, including: if the terminal device's identifier is greater than the first identifier, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time period; if the terminal device's identifier is less than the first identifier, then the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period, or the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window and does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0024] Based on the above technical solution, network devices can send wake-up signals in descending order of terminal device identifiers. In this way, terminal devices can determine whether to monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period by comparing their own identifier with the identifier indicated by the wake-up signal.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal within a first time period based on the terminal device's identifier and the first identifier, including: if the terminal device's identifier is less than the first identifier, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time period; if the terminal device's identifier is greater than the first identifier, then the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period, or, the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window and does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within a first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal, and when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within a first time period, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0027] Based on the above technical solution, the network device sends a wake-up signal in ascending order of the terminal device identifier within the first time window, and in descending order of the terminal device identifier within the first time period.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within a first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal, and when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within a first time period, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is larger than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0029] Based on the above technical solution, the network device sends a wake-up signal in descending order of the terminal device identifier within the first time window, and in ascending order of the terminal device identifier within the first time period.

[0030] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within a first time window, including: the terminal device monitors first information within the first time window, the first information being used to indicate stopping the monitoring of the wake-up signal; the terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal within a first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, including: the terminal device, based on the first information, does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period, or stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window and does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0031] Based on the above technical solution, once the network device determines that there is no more paging information to send, such as no terminal device needs to be paging, or the paging messages in the buffer have been sent, the network device can send the first message to notify the terminal device to stop monitoring the wake-up signal, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0032] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the starting position of the first time period is the same as the ending position of the first time window.

[0033] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the end position of the first time window coincides with the start position of the second time window, or the end position of the first time window is located before the start position of the second time window, wherein the second time window is the time window corresponding to when the second terminal device monitors the wake-up signal, and the first time window and the second time window are adjacent time windows.

[0034] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving configuration information, the configuration information including at least one of the following: information of a first time window, or information of a first time period.

[0035] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the duration of the first time period is the same as the duration of the first time window.

[0036] Secondly, a signal transmission method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by a component of the terminal device (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation. For ease of description, the following explanation uses execution by a terminal device as an example.

[0037] The method may include: a terminal device monitoring a wake-up signal within a first time window, the wake-up signal being used to indicate information about at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up; and the terminal device determining whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal for a portion of the first time window.

[0038] Based on the above technical solution, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the results of monitoring the wake-up signal for a portion of the first time window. This allows the first time window to be configured to be relatively long, preventing some terminal devices from failing to wake up within the first time window. Furthermore, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the results of monitoring the wake-up signal for a portion of the first time window, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the information of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up is the identifier of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up. The terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within a first time window, including: the terminal device detects the wake-up signal within the first time window, and the identifier of the at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up indicated by the wake-up signal includes a first identifier; the terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal for a portion of the duration within the first time window, including: the terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the identifier of the terminal device and the first identifier.

[0040] Based on the above technical solution, network devices can send wake-up signals according to a certain pattern. Terminal devices can then determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on their own identifier and the identifier indicated by the wake-up signal. This allows the first time window to be configured to be relatively long, preventing some terminal devices from failing to wake up within that window. Furthermore, terminal devices can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on their own identifier and the identifier indicated by the wake-up signal, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0041] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0042] Based on the above technical solution, network devices can send wake-up signals in ascending order of terminal device identifiers. In this way, terminal devices can compare their own identifiers with the identifiers indicated by the wake-up signal to determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0043] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the terminal device's identifier and the first identifier, including: if the terminal device's identifier is greater than the first identifier, then the terminal device continues to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time window; if the terminal device's identifier is less than the first identifier, then the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0044] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0045] Based on the above technical solution, network devices can send wake-up signals in descending order of terminal device identifiers. In this way, terminal devices can compare their own identifiers with the identifiers indicated by the wake-up signal to determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0046] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the terminal device's identifier and the first identifier, including: if the terminal device's identifier is less than the first identifier, then the terminal device continues to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time window; if the terminal device's identifier is greater than the first identifier, then the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0047] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within a first time window of the first cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal, and when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within a first time window of the second cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal, wherein the first cycle and the second cycle are adjacent.

[0048] Based on the above technical solution, taking the wake-up signal as an indication of paging information for terminal devices, and the network device sending paging information in ascending order of terminal device identifiers as an example, terminal devices with smaller identifiers can determine earlier that they will not be paging, thus obtaining greater energy-saving benefits; while terminal devices with larger identifiers often require monitoring for a longer period, or even monitoring for the entire time window. Therefore, by sending the wake-up signal in ascending order within the first time window of the first cycle, and in descending order within the first time window of the next cycle (i.e., the second cycle), the above problem can be solved.

[0049] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within a first time window of the first cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal, and when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within a first time window of the second cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is larger than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal, wherein the first cycle and the second cycle are adjacent.

[0050] Based on the above technical solution, taking the wake-up signal as an indication of paging information for terminal devices, and the network device sending paging information in ascending order of terminal device identifiers as an example, terminal devices with smaller identifiers can determine earlier that they will not be paging, thus obtaining greater energy-saving benefits; while terminal devices with larger identifiers often require monitoring for a longer period, or even monitoring for the entire time window. Therefore, by sending the wake-up signal in descending order in the first time window of the first cycle, and sending the wake-up signal in ascending order in the first time window of the next cycle (i.e., the second cycle), the above problem can be solved.

[0051] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within a first time window, including: the terminal device monitors first information within the first time window, the first information being used to indicate stopping the monitoring of the wake-up signal; the terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal for a portion of the time within the first time window, including: the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the first information.

[0052] Based on the above technical solution, once the network device determines that there is no more paging information to send, such as no terminal device needs to be paging, or the paging messages in the buffer have been sent, the network device can send the first message to notify the terminal device to stop monitoring the wake-up signal, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0053] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the end position of the first time window coincides with the start position of the second time window, or the end position of the first time window is located before the start position of the second time window, wherein the second time window is the time window corresponding to when the second terminal device monitors the wake-up signal, and the first time window and the second time window are adjacent time windows.

[0054] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving configuration information, the configuration information including information of the first time window.

[0055] Thirdly, a method for signal transmission is provided, which can be executed by a network device, or by a component of the network device (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation. For ease of description, the following explanation uses execution by a network device as an example.

[0056] The method may include: the network device sending a wake-up signal within a first time window, the wake-up signal being used to indicate the identifier of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up; and the network device determining whether to send a wake-up signal within a first time period after the first time window based on the situation of sending a wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0057] For example, determining whether to send a wake-up signal within a first time period after the first time window means: determining whether it is permissible to send a wake-up signal within the first time period after the first time window, or determining whether it is permitted to send a wake-up signal within the first time period after the first time window, or determining whether it is possible to send a wake-up signal within the first time period after the first time window. For instance, determining to send a wake-up signal within the first time period after the first time window means determining that it is permissible to send a wake-up signal within the first time period after the first time window, or determining that it is permitted to send a wake-up signal within the first time period after the first time window, or determining that it is possible to send a wake-up signal within the first time period after the first time window.

[0058] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first time window includes N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The network device determines whether to send a wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window based on the situation of sending a wake-up signal within the first time window. This includes: if the network device sends a wake-up signal in every time unit within the first time window, then the network device determines to send a wake-up signal in the first time period; if the network device does not send a wake-up signal in at least one time unit within the first time window, then the network device determines not to send a wake-up signal in the first time period.

[0059] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first time window includes N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The network device determines whether to send a wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window based on the situation of sending a wake-up signal within the first time window. This includes: if the network device does not send a wake-up signal in the last N1 time units of the first time window, then the network device determines not to send a wake-up signal in the first time period; if the network device sends a wake-up signal in the last N1 time units of the first time window, then the network device determines to send a wake-up signal in the first time period; where N1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N1 is less than N.

[0060] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first time window includes N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The network device determines whether to send a wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window based on the situation of sending a wake-up signal within the first time window. This includes: if the network device does not send a wake-up signal within N2 time units of the first time window, then the network device determines not to send a wake-up signal in the first time period; if the network device sends a wake-up signal within N2 time units of the first time window, then the network device determines to send a wake-up signal in the first time period; where N2 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N2 is less than N.

[0061] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first time window includes N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The network device determines whether to send a wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window based on the situation of sending a wake-up signal within the first time window. This includes: if the network device does not send a wake-up signal in the last N3 time units within the first time window, then the network device determines not to send a wake-up signal in the first time period; if the network device sends a wake-up signal in at least one of the last N3 time units within the first time window, then the network device determines to send a wake-up signal in the first time period; where N3 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N3 is less than N.

[0062] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the information of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up is the identifier of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up. The identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent later by the network device within the first time window is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent earlier. Alternatively, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent later by the network device within the first time window is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent earlier.

[0063] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent later by the network device within the first time window is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent earlier. The method further includes: the network device sends a wake-up signal within a first time period, and the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent later by the network device within the first time period is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent earlier.

[0064] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent later by the network device within the first time window is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent earlier. The method further includes: the network device sends a wake-up signal within a first time period, and the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent later by the network device within the first time period is larger than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent earlier.

[0065] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the network device sending first information within a first time window, the first information being used to indicate the cessation of monitoring the wake-up signal.

[0066] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the network device determining, based on the first information, not to send a wake-up signal within the first time period, or determining to stop sending a wake-up signal within the first time window and not to send a wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0067] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the network device sending a wake-up signal within a second time window, wherein the first time window and the second time window are adjacent, wherein the end position of the first time window coincides with the start position of the second time window, or the end position of the first time window is located before the start position of the second time window.

[0068] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the network device sending configuration information, which includes at least one of the following: information of a first time window, or information of a first time period.

[0069] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the starting position of the first time period is the same as the ending position of the first time window.

[0070] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the duration of the first time period is the same as the duration of the first time window.

[0071] The third aspect and the beneficial effects of each possible design can be found in the description of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0072] Fourthly, a method for signal transmission is provided, which can be executed by a network device, or by a component of the network device (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation. For ease of description, the following explanation uses execution by a network device as an example.

[0073] The method may include: a network device sending a wake-up signal within a first time window, the wake-up signal indicating the identifier of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up; wherein, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent later by the network device within the first time window is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent earlier, or, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent later by the network device within the first time window is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal sent earlier.

[0074] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the network device sending first information within a first time window, the first information being used to indicate the cessation of monitoring the wake-up signal.

[0075] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the network device determining, based on the first information, to stop sending wake-up signals within a first time window.

[0076] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, when the network device sends at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the first cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-sent wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-sent wake-up signal, and when the network device sends at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the second cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-sent wake-up signal is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-sent wake-up signal, wherein the first cycle and the second cycle are adjacent.

[0077] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, when the network device sends at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the first cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-sent wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-sent wake-up signal, and when the network device sends at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the second cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-sent wake-up signal is larger than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-sent wake-up signal, wherein the first cycle and the second cycle are adjacent.

[0078] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the network device sending a wake-up signal within a second time window, wherein the first time window and the second time window are adjacent, wherein the end position of the first time window coincides with the start position of the second time window, or the end position of the first time window is located before the start position of the second time window.

[0079] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method also includes: the network device sending configuration information, which includes information about the first time window.

[0080] The fourth aspect and the beneficial effects of each possible design can be found in the description of the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0081] Fifthly, a communication apparatus is provided for performing the method provided in any one of the first to fourth aspects. Specifically, the apparatus may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided in any one of the above implementations of the first to fourth aspects, such as processing units and / or communication units.

[0082] In one implementation, the device is a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device). When the device is a communication device, the communication unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0083] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in communication equipment (such as terminal equipment or network equipment). When the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in communication equipment, the communication unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0084] A sixth aspect provides a communication device comprising: a memory for storing a program; and at least one processor for executing the computer program or instructions stored in the memory to perform the method provided by any of the above-described implementations of any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0085] In one implementation, the device is a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device).

[0086] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in communication equipment (such as terminal equipment or network equipment).

[0087] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a processor for performing the methods provided in the foregoing aspects.

[0088] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved in the processor can be understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0089] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores program code for execution by a device, the program code including a method for performing any of the above-described implementations of any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0090] Ninth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided by any of the above-described implementations of any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0091] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the processor reading instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executing the method provided by any of the above implementations of any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0092] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip also includes a memory storing computer programs or instructions. The processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided by any of the above implementations of any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0093] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, including the terminal equipment and network equipment described above. Attached Figure Description

[0094] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system 100 applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0095] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a terminal device receiving a wake-up signal through a wake-up circuit.

[0096] Figure 3 This is a waveform diagram of the wake-up signal when OOK modulation is used.

[0097] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a signal transmission method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0098] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a time unit.

[0099] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram applicable to method 1.

[0100] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram applicable to method 2.

[0101] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram applicable to method 6.

[0102] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the overlap of time window boundaries on different terminal devices.

[0103] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing that the time window boundaries of different terminal devices do not overlap.

[0104] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a signal transmission method 1100 provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0105] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram applicable to method A.

[0106] Figure 13 This is another schematic diagram applicable to method A.

[0107] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0108] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0109] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1600 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0110] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0111] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, and LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as 6th generation mobile communication systems. Furthermore, the technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0112] The terminal device in this application embodiment can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device.

[0113] Terminal devices can be devices that provide voice / data to users, such as handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, etc. Currently, examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or future public land mobile communication networks. Terminal devices in a network (PLMN), etc., are not limited to this in the embodiments of this application.

[0114] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0115] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be a device that supports the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system or a chip. This device can be installed in the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0116] The network device in this application embodiment can be a device for communicating with a terminal device. This network device can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device, such as a base station. In this application embodiment, the network device can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master station, auxiliary station, motor slide retainer (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or a combination thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. Base stations can also be mobile switching centers, devices that perform base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, network-side devices in 6G networks, and devices that perform base station functions in future communication systems. Base stations can support networks with the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network equipment.

[0117] Base stations can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and at least one cell can move depending on the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another base station.

[0118] In some deployments, the network devices mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be devices including CU, or DU, or devices including CU and DU, or devices including control plane CU nodes (central unit-control plane, CU-CP) and user plane CU nodes (central unit-user plane, CU-UP) and DU nodes.

[0119] Network devices and terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located.

[0120] First, combine Figure 1 The network architecture applicable to this application is briefly described below.

[0121] As an example, see Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a wireless communication system 100 applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the wireless communication system 100 may include at least one network device, such as Figure 1 The network device 110 shown, the wireless communication system 100 may also include at least one terminal device, such as Figure 1 The terminal device 120 shown is an example. Both the network device and the terminal device can be configured with multiple antennas, and the network device and the terminal device can communicate using multi-antenna technology.

[0122] When the network device and the terminal device communicate, the network device can manage at least one cell, and a cell can contain an integer number of terminal devices. Optionally, the network device 110 and the terminal device 120 form a single-cell communication system, and without loss of generality, the cell is referred to as cell #1. The network device 110 can be a network device in cell #1, or the network device 110 can serve the terminal devices (e.g., terminal device 120) in cell #1.

[0123] It should be noted that a residential area can be understood as the area within the wireless signal coverage of network devices.

[0124] It should be understood that Figure 1 This is a simplified illustration for ease of understanding only. The wireless communication system 100 may also include other network devices or other terminal devices. Figure 1 It is not shown in the figure. The embodiments of this application can be applied to any communication scenario in which the sending end device and the receiving end device communicate.

[0125] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the terms used in this application will be briefly explained.

[0126] 1. Paging

[0127] When a terminal device is in an idle or inactive state, it can periodically receive paging messages. As an example, the process of a terminal device receiving a paging message includes the following steps.

[0128] 1) The terminal device can calculate the position of a paging frame (PF) and the paging occasion (PO) in a PF based on its own identifier (ID) (UE ID).

[0129] 2) The terminal equipment monitors the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) (also known as the paging PDCCH) within the PO. The PDCCH contains downlink control information (DCI) (also known as the paging DCI).

[0130] 3) If a terminal device detects a PDCCH, it receives the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) (also known as a paging PDSCH) at the location scheduled by that PDCCH. The paging PDSCH contains a paging message indicating which terminal devices have been paged. For example, a paging PDSCH can contain up to 32 paging records, each of which can contain a UE ID indicating which UE has been paged.

[0131] Paging can be divided into two categories: core network paging (CN paging) and access network paging (RANpaging).

[0132] 1) Core Network Paging: This refers to paging received by the UE when it is in idle mode. It is initiated by the core network, which sends the UE ID of the paged UE to the network device that will send the paging information. For core network paging, the UE ID is the 5G SAE temporary mobilestation identifier (5G-S-TMSI), with a length of 48 bits. The 5G-S-TMSI can be assigned by the access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0133] 2) Access Network Paging: This refers to a paging received by a UE when it is in an inactive state. It is initiated by a network device, which can send the UE ID of the paging UE to other network devices that will send paging information. This network device is the base station corresponding to the cell where the UE was located when it transitioned from connected to inactive state. This cell can also be called the last serving cell. For access network paging, the UE ID is the inactive radio network temporary identifier (I-RNTI), with a length of 40 bits. The I-RNTI can be assigned by the last serving cell.

[0134] It should be understood that the above-described process for performing paging reception is merely an illustrative example, and relevant standards may be referenced for reference, but this application does not impose any limitations.

[0135] 2. Main circuit and wake-up circuit

[0136] Generally, whether the terminal device is in idle or inactive mode receiving a paging request, or in connected mode receiving data, it uses the same receiving module, receiver, or receiving circuit. In this application, for ease of description, the module that performs these functions or executes related steps is referred to as the main circuit. It is understood that the term "main circuit" is merely a designation for differentiation, and its specific naming does not limit the scope of protection of this application. For ease of explanation, the following description will consistently use the term "main circuit."

[0137] Signals received by a terminal device using the main circuit can be referred to as being transmitted on the main link. Here, the main link represents a connection between the terminal device and the network device; it is a logical concept, not a physical entity. It is understood that the term "main link" is merely a designation for differentiation, and its specific naming does not limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0138] When a terminal device uses the main circuit to receive paging messages, power consumption is relatively high. For example, when receiving a paging message, the terminal device first needs to use the main circuit's receiving module to receive the downlink signal. Then, the terminal device also needs to perform blind detection on the PDCCH and decode the received PDSCH, all of which result in significant power consumption. In addition, due to the complexity of the main circuit, its operating reference power consumption or static power consumption is relatively high.

[0139] To reduce power consumption when a terminal device receives a paging signal, one possible method is for the terminal device to use a separate low-power circuit to receive the signal. This signal received by the terminal device using this low-power circuit can be called a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) or a wake-up signal. As an example, the wake-up signal can be used to indicate paging-related information, such as whether a terminal device or a group of terminal devices has been paged. This low-power circuit can be implemented using a simple, separate circuit or chip with low power consumption. This low-power circuit can be called, for example, a wake-up radio (WUR), a wake-up circuit, a low-power circuit, or a wake-up receiver (WUR), etc. This application does not limit the naming. In this application, for ease of description, the low-power circuit is referred to as a wake-up circuit. It is understood that the term "wake-up circuit" is merely a designation for distinction and does not limit the scope of protection of this application. For ease of explanation, it will be uniformly described as a wake-up circuit below. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the signal received by the terminal device using the wake-up circuit below will be referred to as a wake-up signal.

[0140] Signals received by a terminal device using a wake-up circuit can be referred to as being transmitted on a wake-up link. Here, the wake-up link represents a connection between the terminal device and the network device; it is a logical concept, not a physical entity. It is understood that the term "wake-up link" is merely a designation for differentiation, and its specific naming does not limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0141] As an example, Figure 2 A schematic diagram is shown showing how a terminal device receives a wake-up signal through a wake-up circuit.

[0142] like Figure 2As shown, when a terminal device uses the wake-up circuit to receive signals, if the terminal device does not detect a wake-up signal associated with itself, it continues to use the wake-up circuit to receive signals, and the main circuit can be in a closed or sleep state. If the terminal device detects a wake-up signal associated with itself, it triggers the wake-up of the main circuit, that is, the main circuit is put into / switched to an on state. This on state can also be called the working state or the active state. After the main circuit is on, the terminal device can perform the paging process. For example, the terminal device receives the paging PDCCH, and after its corresponding PO detects the paging PDCCH, it receives the paging PDSCH. Alternatively, after the main circuit is on, the terminal device can directly execute the access procedure. In this case, the wake-up signal received by the wake-up circuit can directly indicate the paged UE. After the terminal device activates the main circuit, it no longer needs to receive paging through the main circuit, but directly initiates random access.

[0143] To ensure power efficiency, the wake-up signal can be modulated using either on-off key (OOK) or frequency shift keying (FSK). A brief introduction to these two modulation methods follows.

[0144] 1) OOK: Information is modulated by whether a signal is transmitted or not. The corresponding wake-up circuit can use envelope detection to receive the signal. OOK modulation technology can be demodulated with a very low-complexity receiver, thus achieving the goal of low power consumption for the wake-up circuit.

[0145] As an example, Figure 3 The waveform diagram of the wake-up signal using OOK modulation is shown.

[0146] When a signal is modulated using OOK, each bit, i.e., the encoded bit, corresponds to a symbol. A symbol can also be called a chip, or other names, which are not limited here.

[0147] For example, when a bit is 1, a signal is emitted within that symbol length (i.e., the signal transmission power within that symbol length is not 0); when a bit is 0, no signal is emitted within that symbol length (i.e., the signal transmission power within that symbol length is 0). Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 The waveform shown can represent four bits of 1010.

[0148] For example, when a bit is 0, a signal is emitted within that symbol length (i.e., the signal transmission power within that symbol length is not 0); when a bit is 1, no signal is emitted within that symbol length (i.e., the signal transmission power within that symbol length is 0). In this case, Figure 3 The waveform shown can represent four bits: 0101.

[0149] 2) FSK: This is a modulation technique that modulates information onto a carrier frequency. When using FSK modulation, a symbol can carry at least one bit of information. For example, assuming the information to be transmitted is a sequence of 0s and 1s, the modulated signal has four possible positions in the frequency domain. For instance, a signal transmitted at frequency f1 represents bit "00", a signal transmitted at frequency f2 represents bit "01", a signal transmitted at frequency f3 represents bit "10", and a signal transmitted at frequency f4 represents bit "11". At the receiving end, a frequency discriminator circuit can be used to detect the frequency of the received signal. If the detected signal frequency is f1, the received bit is determined to be 00; if the detected signal frequency is f2, the received bit is determined to be 01; if the detected signal frequency is f3, the received bit is determined to be 10; and if the detected signal frequency is f4, the received bit is determined to be 11.

[0150] The terminology used in this application has been briefly explained above, and will not be repeated in the following embodiments.

[0151] If the terminal device continuously receives wake-up signals on the wake-up link, it will result in significant power consumption. Therefore, to further reduce the power consumption of the terminal device, a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode can be adopted on the wake-up link. For example, network devices can configure a wake-up signal monitoring window. The wake-up circuit of the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the monitoring window; that is, the wake-up circuit of the terminal device does not need to monitor the wake-up signal outside the monitoring window, which can further reduce the power consumption of the terminal device. If the monitoring window is configured too long, the power consumption benefit will decrease; if the monitoring window is configured too short, it may increase the latency of some terminal devices. For example, if a monitoring window can transmit 10 paging messages, but more than 10 terminal devices in the group corresponding to that monitoring window need to be paged, then some terminal devices may not be paged in the current monitoring window, but will be paged in the next monitoring window, which will increase the latency of those terminal devices.

[0152] In view of this, this application proposes a solution that can simultaneously consider the power consumption and latency of the terminal device. For example, the terminal device can determine whether to monitor the wake-up signal for a period of time after the time window based on the results of monitoring the wake-up signal within that time window. As another example, the network device can send wake-up signals according to a certain pattern, such as arranging the identifiers of the terminal devices indicated by the wake-up signals in ascending or descending order. In this way, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal based on its own identifier and the identifiers of the monitored wake-up signals.

[0153] It is understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0154] The signal transmission method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments provided in this application can be applied to the above-described embodiments. Figure 1 The network architecture shown is not limited.

[0155] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a signal transmission method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. Method 400 may include the following steps.

[0156] 410. The terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time window. The wake-up signal is used to indicate information about at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up.

[0157] The wake-up signal refers to the signal received by the terminal device using the wake-up circuit. The specific content of the wake-up signal is not limited in this application. In this application, the wake-up signal represents a type of signal, namely, a signal transmitted on the wake-up link, and is not limited to a wake-up signal specific to a particular terminal device.

[0158] One possible way to wake up a terminal device is through paging, such as core network paging or access network paging; that is, the wake-up signal can be used to indicate paging information for at least one terminal device. As an example, the wake-up signal can be used to indicate the identifier of at least one terminal device. For example, if core network paging is used, the identifier of the terminal device can be 5G-S-TMSI. As another example, if access network paging is used, the identifier of the terminal device can be I-RNTI. The identifier of the terminal device can also be other cases. For example, to reduce the overhead of the wake-up signal, the wake-up signal can indicate an identifier of the terminal device that is shorter than 5G-S-TMSI or I-RNTI. In one possible case, this shorter identifier of the terminal device can be configured by the network device for the terminal device.

[0159] The first time window refers to the time window configured by the network device for monitoring wake-up signals on the terminal device. In other words, the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time window configured by the network device. For example, the first time window includes N time units, within which the terminal device can monitor the wake-up signal. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. N can be configured by the network device or predefined, such as those predefined in the standard, without restriction. As an example, this first time window can be periodic.

[0160] A time unit can be a symbol, a mini-slot, a slot, a subframe, an occasion, a monitoring occasion, or a transmission occasion; there are no restrictions on which. A time unit can include a continuous period of time or several discontinuous periods of time. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a time unit is shown. (For example...) Figure 5 As shown in (1), a time unit can include a continuous period of time. Figure 5 As shown in (2) above, different time units are interleaved and mapped, and a time unit may include multiple discontinuous time segments. For ease of explanation, the following example mainly uses a time unit that includes a continuous time segment as an example. It can be understood that the scheme described below can also be applied to scenarios where a time unit includes multiple discontinuous time segments.

[0161] In some cases, one wake-up signal can be transmitted within a time unit; in other cases, at least two wake-up signals can be transmitted within a time unit, for example, different wake-up signals can occupy different frequency domain positions within the same time unit.

[0162] It is understood that the time window is mentioned many times in the embodiments of this application. The time window can also be replaced by a time period or time interval or a similar concept. Its naming does not limit the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0163] 420. The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0164] One possible scenario is that the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window, based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0165] Another possible scenario is that the terminal device, based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, does not monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period following the first time window. As an example, if the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period, the network device may not need to configure this first time period; that is, the first time period can be configured only when the terminal device needs to monitor the wake-up signal. As another example, if the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period, it may also not enable this first time period. For example, when the first time period is controlled by a timer, if the terminal device determines that it will not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period, it may not start the timer; if the terminal device determines that it will monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period, it may start the timer. This will not be elaborated further below.

[0166] Through the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal for a period of time after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. In this way, on the one hand, the duration of the first time window can be configured to be shorter to save energy. On the other hand, if the terminal device determines, based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, that it will not monitor the wake-up signal in the first period of time after the first time window, then the terminal device does not need to continue monitoring the wake-up signal in the first period of time after the first time window, thereby reducing the functionality of the terminal device.

[0167] Optionally, if the length of the first time window is short, some terminal devices may not be paged within the first time window. For these terminal devices, the network device can send a corresponding wake-up signal for a period of time after the first time window. Correspondingly, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal for a period of time after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. In this way, even if some terminal devices cannot be woken up within the first time window, they can be woken up through a period of time after the first time window (i.e., the first time period). Compared to these terminal devices needing to be woken up in the next time window or other time windows (e.g., a long interval between time windows; or, in the next time window or other time windows, other terminal devices may need to be woken up first, and then these terminal devices may need to be woken up), the solution of this application embodiment can also reduce the latency caused by the wake-up of terminal devices.

[0168] Correspondingly, network devices can also determine whether to send a wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window based on whether a wake-up signal is sent within the first time window. It's understandable that the network device's decision to send a wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window does not imply that the network device will definitely send a wake-up signal within the first time period. Specifically, "determining to send a wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window" means determining that it can, allows, or is capable of sending a wake-up signal within the first time period after the first time window. In actual communication, whether the network device sends a wake-up signal when it determines it can do so primarily depends on whether there are any terminal devices that need to be woken up.

[0169] The first time period can also be understood as an extended monitoring period of the first time window. Optionally, the start position of the first time period is the same as the end position of the first time window.

[0170] The length of the first time period and the length of the first time window can be the same or different; there are no restrictions. For example, the length of the first time period and the length of the first time window can be the same. Another example is that the length of the first time period is longer than the length of the first time window. Yet another example is that the length of the first time period is shorter than the length of the first time window.

[0171] One possible form is that the length of the first time period and the length of the first time window satisfy a certain relationship: such as T1 = f(T2). T1 represents the length of the first time window, T2 represents the length of the first time period, and f() represents a function. As an example, network devices can send the above relationship to terminal devices, or the above relationship can be predefined, such as in the standard, without restriction.

[0172] Optionally, method 400 further includes: the terminal device receiving configuration information, which includes at least one of the following: information about a first time window, or information about a first time period. In one possible implementation, the network device sends the configuration information on the main link, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the configuration information via a main receiver on the main link. As an example, the configuration information may be carried in a system information block (SIB).

[0173] As an example, the terminal device receives configuration information, which includes information about a first time window.

[0174] In this example, the terminal device can obtain information about the first time window based on the configuration information. Further optionally, the terminal device can determine the information about the first time period based on the relationship between the first time window and the first time period. For example, if the start position of the first time period is the same as the end position of the first time window, and the length of the first time period and the length of the first time window satisfy T1 = f(T2), then the terminal device can determine the start position of the first time period based on the end position of the first time window, and determine the length of the first time period based on T1 = f(T2), thereby determining the first time period.

[0175] In another example, the terminal device receives configuration information that includes information for a first time period.

[0176] In this example, the terminal device can obtain information about the first time period based on the configuration information. Further optionally, the terminal device can determine the information of the first time window based on the relationship between the first time window and the first time period. For example, if the start position of the first time period is the same as the end position of the first time window, and the length of the first time period and the length of the first time window satisfy T1 = f(T2), then the terminal device can determine the end position of the first time window based on the start position of the first time period, and determine the length of the first time window based on T1 = f(T2), thereby determining the first time window.

[0177] Optionally, in step 420, the terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, and this can be achieved through any of the following methods.

[0178] Method 1: If the terminal device detects a wake-up signal in every time unit within the first time window, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time period; if the terminal device does not detect a wake-up signal in at least one time unit within the first time window, then the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0179] Alternatively, if the number of wake-up signals monitored by the terminal device within the first time window is N, then the terminal device monitors wake-up signals within the first time period; if the number of wake-up signals monitored by the terminal device within the first time window is less than N, then the terminal device does not monitor wake-up signals within the first time period.

[0180] For example, if the terminal device detects a wake-up signal in every time unit within the first time window, there may be a large number of paging messages to send. Therefore, the terminal device can continue to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period so that the network device can quickly send the wake-up signals that were not sent within the first time window, thereby reducing latency. If the terminal device does not detect a wake-up signal in at least one time unit within the first time window, the paging messages that need to be sent may have already been sent within the first time window. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time period, thereby shortening the monitoring time of the terminal device and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device. Based on this method 1, the duration of the first time window can be configured to be shorter to save energy. In addition, since the length of the first time window is short, some terminal devices may not be paged within the first time window. For these terminal devices, the network device can send the corresponding wake-up signal for a period of time after the first time window. Correspondingly, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time period according to method 1 to reduce latency.

[0181] As an example, Figure 6 A schematic diagram applicable to method 1 is shown.

[0182] like Figure 6 As shown in (1), if the terminal device detects a wake-up signal at each time unit within the first time window, then the terminal device continues to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. Figure 6 As shown in (2), if the terminal device does not detect the wake-up signal at at least one time unit within the first time window, that is, the wake-up signal is sent in part of the time unit within the first time window, then the terminal device does not detect the wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0183] Method 1 is mainly described from the perspective of the terminal device, and it can be understood that the network device side is similar. For example, if the network device sends a wake-up signal in every time unit within the first time window, then the network device can send a wake-up signal within the first time period; if the network device does not send a wake-up signal in at least one time unit within the first time window, then the network device cannot send a wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0184] Method 2: If the terminal device does not detect a wake-up signal in the last N1 time units within the first time window, then the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period; if the terminal device detects a wake-up signal in the last N1 time units within the first time window, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal in the first time period. Here, N1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N1 is less than N.

[0185] Alternatively, if the number of wake-up signals monitored by the terminal device in the last N1 time units of the first time window is N1, then the terminal device monitors wake-up signals in the first time period; if the number of wake-up signals monitored by the terminal device in the last N1 time units of the first time window is less than N1, then the terminal device does not monitor wake-up signals in the first time period.

[0186] In this context, "the terminal device did not detect a wake-up signal in the last N1 time units of the first time window" means that the terminal device did not detect a wake-up signal in any one of the last N1 time units of the first time window. In other words, the number of wake-up signals detected by the terminal device in the last N1 time units of the first time window is less than N1. This will not be elaborated further below. N1 can be configured by the network device or predefined, such as those predefined by the standard, and is not restricted.

[0187] For example, considering that some terminal devices' paging information arrives in the middle or at the end of the first time window, i.e., in the last N1 time units, and cannot be completely sent before the end of the first time window, if the terminal device detects a wake-up signal in the last N1 time units of the first time window, the terminal device can continue to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. This allows the network device to quickly send any wake-up signals that could not be sent within the first time window, thereby reducing latency. If the terminal device does not detect a wake-up signal in any of the last N1 time units of the first time window, the paging information that needs to be sent may have already been sent within the first time window. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time period, thus shortening the terminal device's monitoring time and reducing its power consumption. Based on this method 2, the duration of the first time window can be configured to be shorter to save energy. In addition, since the first time window is short, some terminal devices may not be able to be paged within the first time window. For these terminal devices, the network device can send the corresponding wake-up signal for a period of time after the first time window. Correspondingly, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time period according to method 2, so as to reduce latency.

[0188] As an example, Figure 7 A schematic diagram applicable to method 2 is shown.

[0189] like Figure 7 As shown in (1), assuming N1 = 1, if the terminal device detects a wake-up signal at the last time unit within the first time window, then the terminal device continues to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. Figure 7As shown in (2), if the terminal device does not detect the wake-up signal at the last time unit within the first time window, then the terminal device will not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0190] Method 2 is mainly described from the perspective of the terminal device, and it can be understood that the network device side is similar. For example, if the network device sends a wake-up signal in the last N1 time units within the first time window, then the network device can send a wake-up signal within the first time period; if the network device does not send a wake-up signal in any of the last N1 time units within the first time window, then the network device cannot send a wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0191] Method 3: If the terminal device detects a wake-up signal within N2 time units in the first time window, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time period; if the terminal device does not detect a wake-up signal within N2 time units in the first time window, then the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. Here, N2 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N2 is less than N.

[0192] Alternatively, if the number of wake-up signals monitored by the terminal device within the first time window is N2, then the terminal device monitors wake-up signals within the first time period; if the number of wake-up signals monitored by the terminal device within the first time window is less than N2, then the terminal device does not monitor wake-up signals within the first time period.

[0193] If the terminal device does not detect a wake-up signal for N2 time units within the first time window, it means that the terminal device did not detect a wake-up signal in any one of the N2 time units within the first time window. In other words, the number of wake-up signals detected by the terminal device within the first time window is less than N2. This will not be elaborated further below. N2 can be configured by the network device or predefined, such as those predefined by the standard, and is not restricted.

[0194] For example, if the terminal device detects the wake-up signal in all N2 time units within the first time window, there may be a large number of paging messages to send. Therefore, the terminal device can continue to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period so that the network device can quickly send the wake-up signals that were not sent in the first time window, thereby reducing latency. If the terminal device does not detect the wake-up signal in any of the N2 time units within the first time window, the paging messages that need to be sent may have already been sent within the first time window, or there may be few paging messages in the first time window. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time period, thereby shortening the monitoring time of the terminal device and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device. Based on this method 3, the duration of the first time window can be configured to be shorter to save energy. In addition, since the length of the first time window is short, some terminal devices may not be paged within the first time window. For these terminal devices, the network device can send the corresponding wake-up signal for a period of time after the first time window. Accordingly, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time period according to method 3 to reduce latency.

[0195] It is understood that the above method 3 is an illustrative example and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. For example, if the number of wake-up signals monitored by the terminal device within the first time window is greater than or equal to a threshold, then the terminal device monitors wake-up signals within the first time period; if the number of wake-up signals monitored by the terminal device within the first time window is less than the threshold, then the terminal device does not monitor wake-up signals within the first time period. The threshold can be predefined, such as a standard predefined threshold, or it can be configured by the network device and is not limited thereto.

[0196] Method 3 is mainly described from the perspective of the terminal device, and it can be understood that the network device side is similar. For example, if the network device sends a wake-up signal in N2 time units within the first time window, then the network device can send a wake-up signal within the first time period; if the network device sends a wake-up signal in fewer than N2 time units within the first time window, then the network device cannot send a wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0197] Method 4, in step 410, if the terminal device detects a wake-up signal within the first time window, and the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal includes the first identifier, then the terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period based on the identifier of the terminal device and the first identifier.

[0198] For example, network devices can send wake-up signals according to a certain pattern. These wake-up signals are used to indicate paging information for at least one terminal device, such as sending paging information in ascending or descending order of paging ID. This allows terminal devices to determine whether to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period based on their own paging ID and the paging ID indicated by the wake-up signal. Based on this method 4, the duration of the first time window can be configured to be relatively long to avoid situations where some terminal devices cannot be paged within the first time window. Furthermore, terminal devices can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time period to conserve energy, based on method 4.

[0199] The following describes several possible scenarios.

[0200] In the first possible scenario, the network device sends paging information in ascending order of paging ID. That is, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0201] For example, if a terminal device detects three wake-up signals within the first time window, such as wake-up signal 1, wake-up signal 2, and wake-up signal 3, in this case, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by wake-up signal 3 is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by wake-up signal 2, and the identifier of the terminal device indicated by wake-up signal 2 is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by wake-up signal 1.

[0202] In this scenario, the terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal within a first time period based on its own identifier and a first identifier. This includes: if the terminal device's identifier is greater than the first identifier, the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time period; if the terminal device's identifier is less than the first identifier, the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. The first identifier can represent the largest identifier indicated by a wake-up signal sent by the network device within the first time window. For example, the network device sends at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, each indicating an identifier of at least two terminal devices, and the first identifier is the largest of the at least two terminal device identifiers. It can be understood that if the terminal device's identifier is equal to the first identifier, it means that the wake-up signal detected by the terminal device is used to wake up the terminal device itself. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to determine whether to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period, i.e., the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0203] Optionally, if the identifier of the terminal device is less than the first identifier, the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. Based on this method, since the network device sends paging information in ascending order of paging ID within the first time window, if the identifier of the terminal device is less than the first identifier, the terminal device can stop monitoring the wake-up signal within that first time window, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the terminal device. Specifically, this will be described in detail below in conjunction with method 1100.

[0204] It is understandable that if the first time window is periodic, the terminal device stopping monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window means that the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window of the current period, but it does not limit the terminal device to stop monitoring the wake-up signal in all first time windows. This will not be elaborated further below.

[0205] In the second possible scenario, the network device sends paging information in descending order of paging ID. That is, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0206] For example, if a terminal device detects three wake-up signals within the first time window, such as wake-up signal 1, wake-up signal 2, and wake-up signal 3, in this case, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by wake-up signal 3 is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by wake-up signal 2, and the identifier of the terminal device indicated by wake-up signal 2 is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by wake-up signal 1.

[0207] In this scenario, the terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period based on its own identifier and a first identifier. This includes: if the terminal device's identifier is less than the first identifier, the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time period; if the terminal device's identifier is greater than the first identifier, the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. The first identifier can represent the smallest identifier indicated by a wake-up signal sent by the network device within the first time window. For example, the network device sends at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, each indicating an identifier of at least two terminal devices, and the first identifier is the smallest of these two identifiers. It can be understood that if the terminal device's identifier is equal to the first identifier, it means that the wake-up signal detected by the terminal device is used to wake up the terminal device itself. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to determine whether to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period, i.e., the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0208] Optionally, if the identifier of the terminal device is greater than the first identifier, the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. Based on this method, since the network device sends paging information in descending order of paging ID within the first time window, if the identifier of the terminal device is greater than the first identifier, the terminal device can stop monitoring the wake-up signal within that first time window, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the terminal device. Specifically, this will be described in detail below in conjunction with method 1100.

[0209] The above description primarily uses the example of network devices sending paging information in ascending or descending order of paging IDs as an example. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are not limited to this. Any scheme in which network devices send wake-up signals according to a certain pattern, and terminal devices can determine whether they need to monitor the wake-up signal based on their own identifier and the identifier indicated by the wake-up information, is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0210] In addition, when network devices send paging information in ascending or descending order of paging ID, the following scenarios may apply.

[0211] In one scenario, network devices send paging information in ascending order within the first time window and in descending order within the first time period. That is, when a terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal; and when a terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time period, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0212] In another scenario, the network device sends paging information in descending order within the first time window and in ascending order within the first time period. That is, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal; and when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time period, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is larger than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0213] In another scenario, the network device sends paging information in ascending order within the first time window and within the first time period. That is, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal; and when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time period, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0214] In another scenario, the network device sends paging information in descending order within the first time window and in descending order within the first time period. That is, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal; and when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time period, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0215] Method 4 is mainly described from the perspective of terminal devices, which can be understood as being similar on the network device side.

[0216] For example, taking the first possible scenario described above, the first identifier represents the largest identifier indicated by the wake-up signal sent by the network device within the first time window. For the identifier of a certain terminal device (e.g., denoted as the identifier of terminal device 1), the network device compares the identifier of terminal device 1 with the first identifier. If the identifier of terminal device 1 is greater than the first identifier, the network device determines that it can send the wake-up signal corresponding to terminal device 1 within the first time period; if the identifier of terminal device 1 is less than the first identifier, the network device determines that it cannot send the wake-up signal corresponding to terminal device 1 within the first time period. Here, the wake-up signal corresponding to terminal device 1, that is, the wake-up signal used to indicate the identifier of the terminal device 1 that needs to be woken up, is...

[0217] For example, taking the second possible scenario described above, the first identifier represents the smallest identifier indicated by the wake-up signal sent by the network device within the first time window. For the identifier of a certain terminal device (e.g., denoted as the identifier of terminal device 1), the network device compares the identifier of terminal device 1 with the first identifier. If the identifier of terminal device 1 is less than the first identifier, the network device determines that it can send the wake-up signal corresponding to terminal device 1 within the first time period; if the identifier of terminal device 1 is greater than the first identifier, the network device determines that it cannot send the wake-up signal corresponding to terminal device 1 within the first time period. Here, the wake-up signal corresponding to terminal device 1, that is, the wake-up signal used to indicate the identifier of the terminal device 1 that needs to be woken up, is...

[0218] Method 5, in step 410, if the terminal device detects the first information within the first time window, and the first information is used to indicate to stop monitoring the wake-up signal, then the terminal device will not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period according to the first information.

[0219] Accordingly, network devices can also determine, based on this first information, that they cannot send a wake-up signal during the first time period.

[0220] Based on this method 5, once the network device determines that there is no more paging information to send, such as no terminal device needs to be paging, or the paging in the buffer has been sent, the network device can send the first message to notify the terminal device to stop monitoring the wake-up signal and reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0221] Optionally, the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within a first time window based on the first information. In this manner, since the network device has already instructed the terminal device to stop monitoring the wake-up signal, the terminal device can stop monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the terminal device. Specifically, this will be described in detail below in conjunction with method 1100.

[0222] Optionally, method 5 can be used in combination with any of methods 1 to 4 and method 6 below. Specifically, if the terminal device receives the first information, it can directly stop monitoring the wake-up signal based on the first information, without needing to perform the judgments of methods 1 to 4 and method 6, or the judgments of methods 1 to 4 and method 6 can be ignored.

[0223] Taking the combination of methods 5 and 4 as an example, if the network device sends paging information in ascending order of paging ID, and the terminal device's paging ID is large, a situation may arise where "all terminal devices paging by the network device have paging IDs smaller than the terminal device's paging ID." In this case, the terminal device cannot stop monitoring in advance. Therefore, if the network device determines within the first time window that there is no more paging information to send (e.g., no terminal device needs to be paging, or all paging messages in the buffer have been sent), the network device can send the first message to notify the terminal device to stop monitoring the wake-up signal. That is, the terminal device no longer needs to compare its own identifier with the first identifier; it can directly stop monitoring the wake-up signal based on this first message.

[0224] There are no restrictions on the form of the first message.

[0225] One possible format is that the first piece of information is an ID, such as the termination ID. The value of this termination ID can be predefined, such as by a standard, or it can be configured by the network device; there are no restrictions. For example, the termination ID can be all 1s, all 0s, or other values. For instance, when using method 5 in combination with method 4, if the network device sends paging information in ascending order of paging ID, the termination ID can be set to all 1s. As another example, when using method 5 in combination with method 4, if the network device sends paging information in descending order of paging ID, the termination ID can be set to all 0s.

[0226] For example, the first information can be in the form of a bit field. The format of this first information can be the same as or different from the format of the paging information; the format of the wake-up signal carrying the first information can be the same as or different from the format of the wake-up signal carrying the paging information, without restriction.

[0227] Method 6: If the terminal device detects a wake-up signal in at least one of the last N3 time units within the first time window, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time period; if the terminal device does not detect a wake-up signal in any of the last N3 time units within the first time window, then the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. Here, N3 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N3 is less than N.

[0228] Alternatively, if the number of wake-up signals monitored by the terminal device in the last N3 time units of the first time window is greater than 0, then the terminal device monitors wake-up signals in the first time period; if the number of wake-up signals monitored by the terminal device in the last N3 time units of the first time window is 0, then the terminal device does not monitor wake-up signals in the first time period.

[0229] N3 can be configured for network devices or predefined, such as standard predefined ones, without restriction.

[0230] For example, considering that some terminal devices' paging information may arrive in the middle or at the end of the first time window, that is, within the last N3 time units or one of the last N3 time units, and the paging information cannot be completely sent before the end of the first time window, if the terminal device detects a wake-up signal in at least one of the last N3 time units within the first time window, the terminal device can continue to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. This allows the network device to quickly send any wake-up signals that could not be sent within the first time window, thereby reducing latency. If the terminal device does not detect a wake-up signal within the last N3 time units of the first time window, the paging information that needs to be sent may have already been sent within the first time window. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time period, thereby shortening the terminal device's monitoring time and reducing its power consumption. Based on this method 6, the duration of the first time window can be configured to be shorter to save energy. In addition, since the first time window is short, some terminal devices may not be able to be paged within the first time window. For these terminal devices, the network device can send the corresponding wake-up signal for a period of time after the first time window. Correspondingly, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time period according to method 6, so as to reduce latency.

[0231] As an example, Figure 8A schematic diagram applicable to mode 6 is shown.

[0232] like Figure 8 As shown in (1) or (2), assuming N3 = 2, if the terminal device detects a wake-up signal in at least one of the last two time units within the first time window, then the terminal device continues to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. Figure 8 As shown in (3), if the terminal device does not detect the wake-up signal in the last two time units within the first time window, then the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0233] Method 6 is mainly described from the perspective of the terminal device, and it can be understood that the network device side is similar. For example, if the network device sends a wake-up signal in at least one of the last N3 time units within the first time window, then the network device can send a wake-up signal within the first time period; if the network device does not send a wake-up signal in any of the last N3 time units within the first time window, then the network device cannot send a wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0234] The above, in conjunction with methods 1 to 6, describes a scheme for a terminal device to determine whether to monitor a wake-up signal in the first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. It can be understood that methods 1 to 6 are illustrative examples, and any variations of methods 1 to 6 are applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0235] The text has mentioned several times above the monitoring of wake-up signals by terminal devices. There are no restrictions on how the terminal device determines whether it has detected a wake-up signal. As an example, two possible implementation methods are listed below.

[0236] One possible implementation involves the terminal device performing energy detection within a time unit. If the detected energy exceeds a preset threshold, the terminal device determines that the network device has sent a wake-up signal, meaning the terminal device has detected a wake-up signal. If the detected energy is below the preset threshold, the terminal device determines that the network device has not sent a wake-up signal, meaning the terminal device has not detected a wake-up signal. The value of the preset threshold is not restricted. For example, it can be predefined, such as by a standard, configured by the network device, or determined by the terminal device based on channel measurement results.

[0237] Another possible implementation is that the terminal device attempts to decode the signal monitored within the time unit, such as by performing a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) check. If the CRC check passes, the terminal device can determine that the network device has sent a wake-up signal, that is, the terminal device has detected a wake-up signal; if the CRC check fails, the terminal device can determine that the network device has not sent a wake-up signal, that is, the terminal device has not detected a wake-up signal.

[0238] As mentioned above, network devices can configure time windows for monitoring wake-up signals for terminal devices. Network devices can configure different time windows for different terminal devices or different groups of terminal devices. The following describes possible designs for these different time windows.

[0239] The first possible scenario is that the time window boundaries of different terminal devices overlap.

[0240] Taking the first time window and the second time window as examples, assuming that the first time window and the second time window are adjacent time windows, in this case, the end position of the first time window coincides with the start position of the second time window. The second time window can represent the time window corresponding to other terminal devices or other groups of terminal devices monitoring the wake-up signal.

[0241] It is understood that, as mentioned multiple times in the embodiments of this application, the first time window and the second time window are adjacent time windows. This means that the second time window is the next time window after the first time window, that is, from the perspective of the network side, the second time window is the next time window after the first time window. It does not imply that there is no time interval between the first time window and the second time window. This will not be elaborated further below.

[0242] In the first possible scenario, the end position of the first time window coincides with the start position of the second time window. This can also be understood as the time interval between the end position of the first time window and the start position of the second time window being 0. In this case, the first time period of the first time window and the second time window may overlap, such as partially or completely.

[0243] As an example, Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the overlap of time window boundaries across different terminal devices.

[0244] like Figure 9 As shown, the network device configuration time windows include a first time window, a second time window, a third time window, and a fourth time window, all with the same duration. From... Figure 9 It can be seen that the boundaries of adjacent time windows coincide, meaning that the time interval between adjacent time windows is 0.

[0245] like Figure 9As shown in (1), if the length of the first time period is the same as the length of the first time window, then the first time period and the second time window completely overlap. Figure 9 As shown in (2), if the length of the first time period is greater than the length of the first time window, then the first time period completely overlaps with the second time window and partially overlaps with the third time window. Figure 9 As shown in (3), if the length of the first time period is less than the length of the first time window, then the first time period and the second time window partially overlap.

[0246] Understandable. Figure 9 For illustrative purposes only, this is not a limitation; for example, the first time period of the first time window may completely overlap with the second and third time windows.

[0247] The second possible scenario is that the time window boundaries of different terminal devices do not overlap, that is, there is a certain interval between the time window boundaries of different terminal devices.

[0248] Taking the first time window and the second time window as examples, assuming they are adjacent, the end position of the first time window is before the start position of the second time window; that is, the end position of the first time window does not coincide with the start position of the second time window. The second time window can represent the time window corresponding to other terminal devices or other groups of terminal devices monitoring the wake-up signal.

[0249] In the second possible scenario, the end position of the first time window does not coincide with the start position of the second time window. This can also be understood as the time interval between the end position of the first time window and the start position of the second time window being greater than 0. In this case, the time interval between the end position of the first time window and the start position of the second time window can be, for example, a first time period, or it can be greater than a first time period, or it can be less than a first time period.

[0250] As an example, Figure 10 This diagram illustrates that the time window boundaries of different terminal devices do not overlap.

[0251] like Figure 10 As shown, the time windows configured for network devices include a first time window, a second time window, and a third time window, all with the same duration. From... Figure 10 It can be seen that the boundaries of adjacent time windows do not coincide, meaning that the time interval between adjacent time windows is greater than 0. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the first time window and the second time window are separated by a first time period of the first time window, and the second time window and the third time window are separated by a second time period of the second time window. The first time period can be understood as the extended monitoring time corresponding to the first time window, and the second time period can be understood as the extended monitoring time corresponding to the second time window.

[0252] Understandable. Figure 10 For illustrative purposes only, this is not a limitation; for example, the time interval between the first time window and the second time window may be greater than the first time period, or it may be less than the first time period.

[0253] Assuming the network device's configured time window period is T, the time window length is W, and the offset of the first time window within a period is 0, the terminal device can determine the position of the first time window within a period based on these parameters. For example, assuming the time unit index is time unit_index and the terminal device's paging ID is UE_ID.

[0254] Based on the first possible scenario described above, the starting time unit _index of the first time window of the terminal device can satisfy Equation 1.

[0255] (Time unit_index+O)mod T=W*(UE_ID mod(T / W)) Equation 1

[0256] Here, mod represents the modulo operation.

[0257] Based on the second possible scenario above, assuming the length of the first time period is E, the starting time unit _index of the first time window of the terminal device can satisfy Equation 2.

[0258] (Time unit_index+O)mod T=(W+E)*(UE_ID mod(T / (W+E))) Equation 2

[0259] It is understood that the above formulas are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application. In calculating the parameters involved above, calculations can also be performed according to the above formulas, or based on variations of the above formulas, or in other ways to satisfy the results of the formula calculations.

[0260] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a signal transmission method 1100 provided in another embodiment of this application. Method 1100 may include the following steps.

[0261] 1110, The terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time window. The wake-up signal is used to indicate information about at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up.

[0262] Step 1110 is similar to step 410, except that the first time window in method 1100 can be the first time window in method 400, or the first time window in method 1100 can be the first time window and the first time period in method 400, that is, the first time window and the first time period in method 400 as a whole are used as the first time window in method 1100.

[0263] 1120, The terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the results of monitoring the wake-up signal for a portion of the time within the first time window.

[0264] The terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the results of monitoring the wake-up signal within that first time window. For example, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the results of monitoring the wake-up signal within a certain duration of the first time window. In other words, the terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the results of the wake-up signal already monitored (or the results of the wake-up signal currently being monitored).

[0265] In one possible scenario, the terminal device continues to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the results of monitoring the wake-up signal within a portion of the first time window's duration.

[0266] Another possible scenario is that the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within a certain duration of the first time window. If the first time window is periodic, the terminal device stopping monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window means that the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window of the current period, and does not limit the terminal device to stopping monitoring the wake-up signal within all first time windows. This will not be elaborated further below.

[0267] Through the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within a first time window based on the results of monitoring the wake-up signal for a portion of the first time window. This allows the first time window to be configured to be relatively long, preventing some terminal devices from being paged within that first time window. Furthermore, the terminal device can determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the results of monitoring the wake-up signal for a portion of the first time window, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0268] Correspondingly, network devices can also determine whether to continue sending wake-up signals within the first time window based on whether a wake-up signal was sent within that window. It's important to understand that determining to continue sending wake-up signals within the first time window does not imply that the network device will necessarily continue sending them within that window. Specifically, determining to continue sending wake-up signals within the first time window means determining that it is permissible to continue sending wake-up signals within the first time window, or determining that it is allowed to continue sending wake-up signals within the first time window, or determining that it is capable of continuing to send wake-up signals within the first time window. In actual communication, when the network device determines that it can continue sending wake-up signals within the first time window, whether the network device sends the wake-up signal mainly depends on whether there are any terminal devices that need to be woken up.

[0269] Optionally, method 1100 further includes: the terminal device receiving configuration information, which includes information about a first time window. One possible implementation is that the network device sends the configuration information on the main link, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the configuration information on the main link. As an example, the configuration information may be carried in an SIB.

[0270] Optionally, in step 1120, the terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within a certain duration within the first time window, and this can be achieved through any of the following methods.

[0271] In Method A, if the terminal device detects a wake-up signal within the first time window in step 1110, and the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the wake-up signal includes a first identifier, then the terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the identifier of the terminal device and the first identifier.

[0272] For example, network devices can send wake-up signals according to a certain pattern. These wake-up signals indicate paging information for at least one terminal device, such as sending paging information in ascending or descending order of paging ID. This allows terminal devices to determine whether to continue monitoring for the wake-up signal within the first time window based on their own paging ID and the paging ID indicated by the wake-up signal. Based on this method, the duration of the first time window can be configured to be relatively long to avoid situations where some terminal devices cannot be paged within the first time window. Furthermore, terminal devices can use this method to determine whether to continue monitoring for the wake-up signal within the first time window to conserve energy.

[0273] The following describes several possible scenarios.

[0274] In the first possible scenario, the network device sends paging information in ascending order of paging ID. That is, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal. For details, please refer to the description in method 400, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] In this scenario, the terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on its own identifier and a first identifier. This includes: if the terminal device's identifier is greater than the first identifier, the terminal device continues monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window; if the terminal device's identifier is less than the first identifier, the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. The first identifier can represent the largest identifier indicated by a wake-up signal sent by the network device within the first time window. For example, the network device sends at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, each indicating an identifier of at least two terminal devices, and the first identifier is the largest of the at least two terminal device identifiers. It can be understood that if the terminal device's identifier is equal to the first identifier, it means that the wake-up signal detected by the terminal device is used to wake up the terminal device itself. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window; that is, the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0276] As an example, Figure 12 A schematic diagram applicable to mode A is shown.

[0277] like Figure 12 As shown, if the terminal device detects a wake-up signal in a certain time unit within the first time window, and the paging ID indicated by the wake-up signal is greater than its own paging ID, then the terminal device will stop monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0278] In the second possible scenario, the network device sends paging information in descending order of paging ID. That is, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal. For details, please refer to the description in method 400, which will not be repeated here.

[0279] In this scenario, the terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on its own identifier and a first identifier. This includes: if the terminal device's identifier is less than the first identifier, the terminal device continues monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window; if the terminal device's identifier is greater than the first identifier, the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. The first identifier can represent the smallest identifier indicated by a wake-up signal sent by the network device within the first time window. For example, the network device sends at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, each indicating an identifier of at least two terminal devices, and the first identifier is the smallest of these two identifiers. It can be understood that if the terminal device's identifier is equal to the first identifier, it means that the wake-up signal detected by the terminal device is used to wake up the terminal device itself. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window; that is, the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0280] As an example, Figure 13 Another schematic diagram applicable to method A is shown.

[0281] like Figure 13 As shown, if the terminal device detects a wake-up signal in a certain time unit within the first time window, and the paging ID indicated by the wake-up signal is less than its own paging ID, then the terminal device will stop monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0282] The above description primarily uses the example of network devices sending paging information in ascending or descending order of paging IDs as an example. It is understood that the embodiments of this application are not limited to this. Any scheme in which network devices send wake-up signals according to a certain pattern, and the terminal device can determine whether it needs to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on its own identifier and the identifier indicated by the wake-up information, is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0283] Taking network devices sending paging information in ascending order of paging ID as an example, terminal devices with smaller paging IDs can determine earlier that they will not be paging, thus gaining greater energy savings; while terminal devices with larger paging IDs often need to monitor for a longer period, or even monitor for the entire time window. Therefore, the above problem can be solved by sending paging information in ascending order of paging ID in the first time window of one cycle and in descending order of paging ID in the first time window of the next cycle. For example, paging information can be sent in ascending order of paging ID in the first time window of odd-numbered cycles and in descending order of paging ID in the first time window of even-numbered cycles. An example is given below.

[0284] Assuming the first time window is periodic, and the period of the first time window includes the first period and the second period, and the first period and the second period are adjacent, when the network device sends paging information in ascending or descending order of paging ID, the following scenarios may be included.

[0285] In one scenario, the network device sends paging information in ascending order of paging ID within the first time window of the first cycle, and in descending order within the first time window of the second cycle. That is, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the first cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal; and when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the second cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0286] In another scenario, the network device sends paging information in descending order of paging ID within the first time window of the first cycle, and in ascending order within the first time window of the second cycle. That is, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the first cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal; and when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the second cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0287] It is understood that the above two scenarios are illustrative examples, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. For example, the network device may also send data in ascending order within the first time window of each period, or in descending order within the first time window of each period.

[0288] In addition, in the two scenarios described above, method 1100 may further include: the network device sending second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to indicate the period of the first time window, such as the period index, so that the terminal device can know whether the network device sends paging information in ascending order of paging ID or in descending order of paging ID.

[0289] Method A is mainly described from the perspective of the terminal device, which can be understood; the same applies to the network device side.

[0290] For example, taking the first possible scenario described above, the first identifier represents the largest identifier indicated by the wake-up signals sent by the network device within the first time window. For the identifier of a certain terminal device (e.g., denoted as the identifier of terminal device 1), the network device compares the identifier of terminal device 1 with the first identifier. If the identifier of terminal device 1 is greater than the first identifier, the network device determines that it can continue to send the wake-up signal corresponding to terminal device 1 within the first time window; if the identifier of terminal device 1 is less than the first identifier, the network device determines that it cannot send the wake-up signal corresponding to terminal device 1 within the first time window. Here, the wake-up signal corresponding to terminal device 1, that is, the wake-up signal used to indicate the identifier of the terminal device 1 that needs to be woken up, is...

[0291] For example, taking the second possible scenario described above, the first identifier represents the smallest identifier indicated by the wake-up signal sent by the network device within the first time window. For the identifier of a certain terminal device (e.g., denoted as the identifier of terminal device 1), the network device compares the identifier of terminal device 1 with the first identifier. If the identifier of terminal device 1 is less than the first identifier, the network device determines that it can continue to send the wake-up signal corresponding to terminal device 1 within the first time window; if the identifier of terminal device 1 is greater than the first identifier, the network device determines that it cannot send the wake-up signal corresponding to terminal device 1 within the first time window. Here, the wake-up signal corresponding to terminal device 1, that is, the wake-up signal used to indicate the identifier of the terminal device 1 that needs to be woken up.

[0292] In method B, if the terminal device detects the first information within the first time window in step 1110, and the first information is used to indicate that the monitoring of the wake-up signal should be stopped, then the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window according to the first information.

[0293] Accordingly, network devices can also determine, based on this first information, to stop sending wake-up signals within the first time window.

[0294] Based on method B, if the network device determines that there is no more paging information to send, such as no terminal device needs to be paging, or the paging in the buffer has been sent, the network device can send the first message to notify the terminal device to stop monitoring the wake-up signal and reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0295] Optionally, method B can be used in combination with method A. For example, if a network device sends paging information in ascending order of paging ID, and the terminal device's paging ID is large, a situation may arise where "all terminal devices paging by the network device have paging IDs smaller than the terminal device's paging ID." In this case, the terminal device cannot stop monitoring in advance. Therefore, if the network device determines within the first time window that there is no more paging information to send—for example, no terminal device needs to be paging, or all paging messages in the buffer have been sent—the network device can send the first message to notify the terminal device to stop monitoring the wake-up signal.

[0296] There are no restrictions on the format of the first piece of information. Please refer to the description in Method 400 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0297] In addition, for information on how to determine whether a terminal device has detected a wake-up signal, and the relevant schemes for configuring different time windows for different terminal devices or different groups of terminal devices, please refer to the description in Method 400, which will not be repeated here.

[0298] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application... Figures 4 to 13 The examples provided are merely to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application by those skilled in the art, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the specific scenarios illustrated. Figures 4 to 13 The examples are obviously subject to various equivalent modifications or changes, and such modifications or changes also fall within the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0299] It is also understood that the above embodiments are mainly illustrated by taking a time unit comprising a continuous period of time as an example, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. For example, the solutions of the embodiments of this application can also be used in scenarios where a time unit comprises multiple discontinuous periods of time.

[0300] It is also understood that in various embodiments of this application, "monitoring" can be replaced with "detecting" or "reading". For example, "monitoring wake-up signal" can also be replaced with "detecting wake-up signal" or "reading wake-up signal".

[0301] It is also understood that in some of the above embodiments, the term "transmission" is used, and unless otherwise specified, transmission includes receiving and / or sending. For example, transmitting a signal may include receiving a signal and / or sending a signal.

[0302] It is also understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, the interaction between a terminal device and a network device is mainly used as an example for illustrative purposes. This application is not limited thereto. The terminal device can be replaced by a receiving device, which can be either a terminal device or a network device; the network device can be replaced by a sending device, which can be either a terminal device or a network device. For example, "terminal device" can be replaced by "first terminal device," and "network device" can be replaced by "second terminal device."

[0303] It is also understood that some optional features in the various embodiments of this application may not depend on other features in some scenarios, or may be combined with other features in some scenarios, without limitation.

[0304] It is also understood that the solutions in the various embodiments of this application can be used in reasonable combinations, and the explanations or descriptions of the various terms appearing in the embodiments can be referenced or explained to each other in the various embodiments, without limitation.

[0305] It is also understood that, in the above-described method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the terminal device can also be implemented by components of the terminal device (e.g., chips or circuits); in addition, the methods and operations implemented by the network device can also be implemented by components of the network device (e.g., chips or circuits), without limitation.

[0306] Corresponding to the methods described in the above embodiments, this application also provides corresponding apparatuses, which include modules for executing the methods described above. These modules can be software, hardware, or a combination of both. It is understood that the technical features described in the above method embodiments are also applicable to the following apparatus embodiments.

[0307] Figure 14 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 1400 includes a transceiver unit 1410 and a processing unit 1420. The transceiver unit 1410 can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 1410 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. The processing unit 1420 can be used to perform data processing.

[0308] Optionally, the device 1400 further includes a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1420 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device can perform the actions of the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0309] The device 1400 can be used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. In this case, the device 1400 can be the terminal device or a component of the terminal device. The transceiver unit 1410 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations on the terminal device side in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 1420 is used to perform the processing-related operations on the terminal device side in the above method embodiments.

[0310] One possible implementation is that the transceiver unit 1410 is used to monitor a wake-up signal within a first time window, the wake-up signal being used to indicate information about at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up; and the processing unit 1420 is used to determine whether to monitor the wake-up signal within a first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0311] Optionally, the first time window includes N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. If the terminal device detects a wake-up signal in each time unit within the first time window, the transceiver unit 1410 is also used to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. If the terminal device does not detect a wake-up signal in at least one time unit within the first time window, the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0312] Optionally, the first time window includes N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. If the terminal device does not detect a wake-up signal in the last N1 time units of the first time window, the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period. If the terminal device detects a wake-up signal in the last N1 time units of the first time window, the transceiver unit 1410 is also used to monitor the wake-up signal in the first time period. Wherein, N1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N1 is less than N.

[0313] Optionally, the first time window includes N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. If the terminal device does not detect the wake-up signal within N2 time units in the first time window, the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. If the terminal device detects the wake-up signal within N2 time units in the first time window, the transceiver unit 1410 is also used to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. Wherein, N2 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N2 is less than N.

[0314] Optionally, the information of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up is the identifier of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up. The transceiver unit 1410 is specifically used to detect the wake-up signal within the first time window, and the identifier of the at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up indicated by the wake-up signal includes a first identifier. The processing unit 1420 is specifically used to determine whether to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period based on the identifier of the terminal device and the first identifier.

[0315] Optionally, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0316] Optionally, if the identifier of the terminal device is greater than the first identifier, the transceiver unit 1410 is further configured to monitor the wake-up signal during the first time period; if the identifier of the terminal device is less than the first identifier, the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal during the first time period, or the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal during the first time window and does not monitor the wake-up signal during the first time period.

[0317] Optionally, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0318] Optionally, if the identifier of the terminal device is less than the first identifier, the transceiver unit 1410 is further configured to monitor the wake-up signal during the first time period; if the identifier of the terminal device is greater than the first identifier, the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal during the first time period, or the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal during the first time window and does not monitor the wake-up signal during the first time period.

[0319] Optionally, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal, and when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time period, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0320] Optionally, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal, and when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time period, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is larger than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0321] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1410 is specifically used to detect first information within a first time window, the first information being used to indicate stopping the monitoring of the wake-up signal; the terminal device, based on the first information, either does not monitor the wake-up signal within a first time period, or stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window and does not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period.

[0322] Optionally, the starting position of the first time period is the same as the ending position of the first time window.

[0323] Optionally, the end position of the first time window coincides with the start position of the second time window, or the end position of the first time window is located before the start position of the second time window, wherein the second time window is the time window corresponding to when the second terminal device monitors the wake-up signal, and the first time window and the second time window are adjacent time windows.

[0324] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1410 is also used to receive configuration information, which includes at least one of the following: information of a first time window or information of a first time period.

[0325] Optionally, the length of the first time period is the same as the length of the first time window.

[0326] The device 1400 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those executed by a terminal device in a method embodiment according to the present application. The device 1400 may include methods for performing... Figure 4 The unit of the method executed by the terminal device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0327] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0328] Another possible implementation is that the transceiver unit 1410 is used to monitor a wake-up signal within a first time window, the wake-up signal being used to indicate information about at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up; and the processing unit 1420 is used to determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal for a portion of the first time window.

[0329] Optionally, the information of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up is the identifier of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up. The transceiver unit 1410 is specifically used to detect the wake-up signal within the first time window, and the identifier of the at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up indicated by the wake-up signal includes a first identifier. The processing unit 1420 is specifically used to determine whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the identifier of the terminal device and the first identifier.

[0330] Optionally, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0331] Optionally, if the identifier of the terminal device is greater than the first identifier, the transceiver unit 1410 is further configured to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window; if the identifier of the terminal device is less than the first identifier, the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0332] Optionally, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

[0333] Optionally, if the identifier of the terminal device is less than the first identifier, the transceiver unit 1410 is further configured to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window; if the identifier of the terminal device is greater than the first identifier, the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

[0334] Optionally, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the first cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal, and when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the second cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal, wherein the first cycle and the second cycle are adjacent.

[0335] Optionally, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the first cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal, and when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the second cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is larger than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal, wherein the first cycle and the second cycle are adjacent.

[0336] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1410 is specifically used to detect first information within a first time window, the first information being used to indicate the cessation of monitoring the wake-up signal; the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the first information.

[0337] Optionally, the end position of the first time window coincides with the start position of the second time window, or the end position of the first time window is located before the start position of the second time window, wherein the second time window is the time window corresponding to when the second terminal device monitors the wake-up signal, and the first time window and the second time window are adjacent time windows.

[0338] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1410 is also used to receive configuration information, including information about the first time window.

[0339] The device 1400 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those executed by a terminal device in a method embodiment according to the present application. The device 1400 may include methods for performing... Figure 11 The unit of the method executed by the terminal device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0340] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0341] It should also be understood that the device 1400 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing at least one software or firmware program, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1400 can be specifically a terminal device as described in the above embodiments, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0342] The apparatus 1400 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the terminal device in the above-described methods. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes at least one module corresponding to the above-described function; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (e.g., the transmitting unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing units, can be replaced by processors, each executing the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0343] In addition, the transceiver unit 1410 may also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit may be a processing circuit.

[0344] It should be pointed out that, Figure 14 The device mentioned can be the equipment described in the foregoing embodiments, or it can be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on a chip (SoC). The transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit is a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. No limitations are imposed here.

[0345] like Figure 15 As shown, this application embodiment provides another communication device 1500. The device 1500 includes a processor 1510, which is coupled to a memory 1520. The memory 1520 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1510 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1520, or to read the data stored in the memory 1520, in order to execute the methods in the above method embodiments.

[0346] Alternatively, processor 1510 may be at least one.

[0347] Optionally, the memory 1520 is at least one.

[0348] Alternatively, the memory 1520 can be integrated with the processor 1510, or it can be set separately.

[0349] Optionally, such as Figure 15 As shown, the device 1500 also includes a transceiver 1530 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, a processor 1510 is used to control the transceiver 1530 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0350] As one option, the device 1500 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0351] For example, processor 1510 is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory 1520 to implement relevant operations of the terminal device in the various method embodiments described above. For example, Figure 4 The method executed by the terminal device in the illustrated embodiment, or Figure 11 The method executed by the terminal device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0352] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0353] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0354] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0355] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0356] like Figure 16 This application provides a chip system 1600. The chip system 1600 (or processing system) includes logic circuitry 1610 and an input / output interface 1620.

[0357] The logic circuit 1610 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 1600. The logic circuit 1610 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 1600 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 1620 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 1600, outputting processed information from the chip system 1600, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 1600 for processing.

[0358] Specifically, for example, if the terminal device is equipped with the chip system 1600, the logic circuit 1610 is coupled to the input / output interface 1620, and the input / output interface 1620 can input a wake-up signal to the logic circuit 1610 for processing.

[0359] As one approach, the chip system 1600 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0360] For example, logic circuit 1610 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, such as... Figure 4 The terminal device in the illustrated embodiment performs processing-related operations, or Figure 11 The terminal device in the illustrated embodiment performs processing-related operations; the input / output interface 1620 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment, such as... Figure 4 The terminal device in the illustrated embodiment performs sending and / or receiving related operations, or Figure 11 The terminal device in the illustrated embodiment performs sending and / or receiving related operations.

[0361] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by a terminal device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0362] For example, when the computer program is executed by the computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods executed by the terminal device in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0363] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods executed by a terminal device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0364] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the terminal device and network device described in the above embodiments.

[0365] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0366] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0367] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes at least one computer instruction. When the computer program instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates at least one available medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs). For example, the aforementioned available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0368] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of signal transmission, characterized by, The method includes: The terminal device monitors a wake-up signal within a first time window, the wake-up signal being used to indicate information about at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up; The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal in a first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window. The first time period is the extended monitoring time of the first time window. The information of the at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up is the identifier of the at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up. The terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time window, including: The terminal device detects the wake-up signal within the first time window, and the identifier of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up indicated by the wake-up signal includes a first identifier; The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal in a first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, including: The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period based on the terminal device's identifier and the first identifier; When the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal; or, When the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first time window comprises N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal in a first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, including: If the terminal device detects the wake-up signal in each time unit within the first time window, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time period. If the terminal device does not detect the wake-up signal in at least one time unit within the first time window, then the terminal device will not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first time window comprises N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal in a first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, including: If the terminal device does not detect the wake-up signal in the last N1 time units within the first time window, then the terminal device will not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. If the terminal device detects the wake-up signal in the last N1 time units within the first time window, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time period. Where N1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N1 is less than N.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first time window comprises N time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal in a first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, including: If the terminal device does not detect the wake-up signal within N2 time units in the first time window, then the terminal device will not monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period. If the terminal device detects the wake-up signal in N2 time units within the first time window, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time period; Where N2 is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N2 is less than N.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period based on the terminal device's identifier and the first identifier, including: If the identifier of the terminal device is greater than the first identifier, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal during the first time period; If the identifier of the terminal device is less than the first identifier, then the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal during the first time period; or, the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal during the first time window and does not monitor the wake-up signal during the first time period.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time period based on the terminal device's identifier and the first identifier, including: If the identifier of the terminal device is less than the first identifier, then the terminal device monitors the wake-up signal during the first time period; If the identifier of the terminal device is greater than the first identifier, then the terminal device does not monitor the wake-up signal during the first time period; or, the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal during the first time window and does not monitor the wake-up signal during the first time period.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, When the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time period, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, When the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time period, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1, 5, or 6, characterized in that, The terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time window, including: The terminal device detects first information within the first time window, and the first information is used to indicate to stop monitoring the wake-up signal; The terminal device determines whether to monitor the wake-up signal in a first time period after the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window, including: The terminal device, based on the first information, either does not monitor the wake-up signal during the first time period, or stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window and does not monitor the wake-up signal during the first time period.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The starting position of the first time period is the same as the ending position of the first time window.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The end position of the first time window coincides with the start position of the second time window, or the end position of the first time window is before the start position of the second time window. The second time window is the time window corresponding to when the second terminal device monitors the wake-up signal, and the first time window and the second time window are adjacent time windows.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives configuration information, which includes at least one of the following: information about the first time window, or information about the first time period.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The length of the first time period is the same as the length of the first time window.

14. A method for signal transmission, characterized in that, The method includes: The terminal device monitors a wake-up signal within a first time window, the wake-up signal being used to indicate information about at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up; The terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal for a portion of the time within the first time window; The information of the at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up is the identifier of the at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up. The terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time window, including: The terminal device detects the wake-up signal within the first time window, and the identifier of at least one terminal device that needs to be woken up indicated by the wake-up signal includes a first identifier; The terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal for a portion of the time within the first time window, including: The terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the terminal device's identifier and the first identifier; When the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal; or, When the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the terminal device's identifier and the first identifier, including: If the identifier of the terminal device is greater than the first identifier, the terminal device continues to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time window; If the identifier of the terminal device is less than the first identifier, then the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the terminal device's identifier and the first identifier, including: If the identifier of the terminal device is less than the first identifier, the terminal device continues to monitor the wake-up signal within the first time window; If the identifier of the terminal device is greater than the first identifier, then the terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window.

17. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, When the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the first cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is greater than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal. Furthermore, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the second cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is less than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal. The first cycle and the second cycle are adjacent.

18. The method according to claim 14 or 16, characterized in that, When the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the first cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is smaller than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal. Furthermore, when the terminal device detects at least two wake-up signals within the first time window of the second cycle, the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the later-detected wake-up signal is larger than the identifier of the terminal device indicated by the earlier-detected wake-up signal. The first cycle and the second cycle are adjacent.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The terminal device monitors the wake-up signal within the first time window, including: The terminal device detects first information within the first time window, and the first information is used to indicate to stop monitoring the wake-up signal; The terminal device determines whether to continue monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the result of monitoring the wake-up signal for a portion of the time within the first time window, including: The terminal device stops monitoring the wake-up signal within the first time window based on the first information.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The end position of the first time window coincides with the start position of the second time window, or the end position of the first time window is before the start position of the second time window. The second time window is the time window corresponding to when the second terminal device monitors the wake-up signal, and the first time window and the second time window are adjacent time windows.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives configuration information, which includes information about the first time window.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor for executing a computer program stored in memory to cause the apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that, The device further includes the memory and / or a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor. The communication interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 21.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 21.

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