Communication method and related device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of wireless communication, in particular to a communication method and device. In the communication method, a network device sends target indication information in a target time period within an active time period of first discontinuous transmission of a first cell. And the terminal equipment receives the target indication information in the target time period, and activates / deactivates the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell according to the target indication information. By adopting the communication method provided by the invention, the transmission times of the target indication information for indicating the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell can be effectively reduced, so that the power consumption of a communication system where the network equipment and the terminal equipment are located is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and related devices. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of cellular communication technology, network transmission bandwidth is increasing, and the number of transmission channels is also increasing dramatically, which leads to an increase in the power consumption of network equipment and terminal equipment. In order to reduce the power consumption of communication systems, two energy-saving technologies, cell discontinuous transmission (cell DTX) and cell discontinuous reception (cell DRX), have been proposed. The basic idea of ​​these two energy-saving technologies is to configure a cycle consisting of active time and inactive time. When the energy-saving technology is activated, the network equipment and terminal equipment will not transmit some channels / signals during the inactive period of this cycle, thereby achieving the purpose of saving the power consumption of the communication system.

[0003] In the prior art, the network device instructs the terminal device to activate / deactivate cellDTX or cellDRX by multicasting downlink control information (DCI), which can also be called DCI Format2_X. In this case, the terminal device needs to blindly detect the DCI according to the search space and control resource set configuration corresponding to the DCI. However, this method requires the terminal device to continuously detect the DCI, and the network device may also need to continuously send the DCI to the terminal device, which is not conducive to reducing the power consumption of the communication system. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides a communication method and related devices, which can effectively reduce the power consumption of the communication system.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applicable to a terminal device. The method comprises: receiving target indication information sent by a network device within a target period, wherein the target period is included in an active period of a first discontinuous transmission of a first cell of the terminal device. Activating / deactivating the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information.

[0006] In the above implementation, the terminal device only detects and receives the target indication information in the target time period, and further activates / deactivates the above-mentioned first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information, which can reduce the number of times the target indication information is received and reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0007] In combination with the first aspect, in a feasible implementation, the terminal device may receive the target configuration information sent by the network device, and the target configuration information includes a first offset and a second offset. The first offset is the time unit offset of the start time unit of the target period relative to the start time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset is the time unit offset of the end time unit of the target period relative to the start time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission; or, the first offset is the time unit offset of the start time unit of the target period relative to the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset is the time unit offset of the end time unit of the target period relative to the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission. The terminal device may determine the target period according to the first offset and the second offset.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in a feasible implementation, the terminal device may activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information at a first target time unit. The first target time unit is the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or the first target time unit is the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period, where X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in a feasible implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous transmission DTX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous reception DRX, and the terminal device can activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in a feasible implementation, the active period of DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DTX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DRX of the first cell.

[0011] In the above implementation, when the first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX, defining the target time period based on the DTX of the first cell can reduce the number of times the terminal device receives target indication information, which can effectively reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in a feasible implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous reception DRX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous transmission DTX, and the terminal device can activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in a feasible implementation, the active period of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DRX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DTX of the first cell.

[0014] In the above implementation, when the first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX, defining the target time period based on the DRX of the first cell can also reduce the number of times the terminal device sends target indication information, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in a feasible implementation, each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission. The terminal device may activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i of the at least one second cell according to the target indication information.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of the first discontinuous transmission is shorter than or equal to the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell, and / or the period of the first discontinuous transmission is less than or equal to the period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

[0017] In the above implementation, when the terminal device has multiple cells configured with discontinuous transmission, the target time period for receiving the target indication information can be defined based on the cell with the shortest active period and / or the shortest cycle of the discontinuous transmission among the multiple cells. This can also reduce the number of times the target indication information is sent, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in a feasible implementation, if the terminal device determines that the target indication information is received for the first time within the period of the second non-continuous transmission of any second cell i among the at least one second cell, and the time unit for receiving the target indication information is within the inactive period of the second non-continuous transmission of the second cell i, then the second cell i is activated / deactivated according to the target indication information at the second target time unit. The second target time unit is the Yth time unit after the time unit for receiving the target indication information, and Y is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. With this implementation, even if the terminal device receives the target indication information within the inactive period of the second continuous transmission of any second cell i, it can timely activate / deactivate the second non-continuous transmission of the second cell i, which can improve transmission stability.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in a feasible implementation, the target indication information received by the terminal device during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i among the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i. Such an implementation can not only avoid repeated indication of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, but also avoid affecting the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i that has been determined to be activated or deactivated when the terminal device does not detect the target indication information, thereby avoiding logical confusion.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in a feasible implementation, when the terminal device receives multiple target indication information in a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j. Such an implementation can ensure that the indication results of all target indication information received by the terminal device in each discontinuous transmission period of any cell j are consistent, and avoid logical confusion caused by inconsistent indication results of multiple target indication information.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the starting time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing start moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located, and the ending time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing end moment or timeout moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect, in a feasible implementation method, each period of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, or a partial period of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, and the time interval between each period in the partial period is the same.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applicable to a network device. The method includes: determining target indication information, wherein the target indication information is used to activate / deactivate a first discontinuous transmission of a first cell. Sending the target indication information to a terminal device within a target time period, wherein the target time period is included in an active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0024] In the above implementation, the network device only sends the target indication information in the target time period, which can reduce the number of times the target indication information is sent and reduce the power consumption of the network device.

[0025] In combination with the second aspect, in a feasible implementation, the network device may send target configuration information to the terminal device. The target configuration information includes a first offset and a second offset, the first offset being a time unit offset of the start time unit of the target time period relative to the start time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset being a time unit offset of the end time unit of the target time period relative to the start time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission. Alternatively, the first offset is a time unit offset of the start time unit of the target time period relative to the end time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset is a time unit offset of the end time unit of the target time period relative to the end time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, in a feasible implementation, the network device may activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission at a first target time unit. The first target time unit is a time unit next to the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or the first target time unit is the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period, where X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0027] In combination with the second aspect, in a feasible implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous transmission DTX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous reception DRX, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell.

[0028] In combination with the second aspect, in a feasible implementation, the active period of DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DTX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DRX of the first cell.

[0029] In the above implementation, when the first cell is configured with DTX and DRX at the same time, defining the target time period based on the DTX of the first cell can not only reduce the number of times the network device sends target indication information, but also avoid the network device sending target indication information during the inactive period of DTX of the first cell, which can effectively reduce the power consumption of the network device.

[0030] In combination with the second aspect, in a feasible implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous reception DRX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous transmission DTX, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate DTX of the first cell.

[0031] In combination with the second aspect, in a feasible implementation, the active period of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DRX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DTX of the first cell.

[0032] In the above implementation, when the first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX, defining the target time period based on the DRX of the first cell can also reduce the number of times the network device sends target indication information, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the network device.

[0033] In combination with the second aspect, in a feasible implementation method, each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of any one second cell i among the at least one second cell.

[0034] In combination with the second aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of the first discontinuous transmission is shorter than or equal to the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell, and / or the period of the first discontinuous transmission is less than or equal to the period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

[0035] In the above implementation, when the terminal device has multiple cells configured with discontinuous transmission, the target time period for sending the target indication information can be defined based on the cell with the shortest active period and / or the shortest cycle of the discontinuous transmission among the multiple cells. This can also reduce the number of times the target indication information is sent, thereby reducing the power consumption of the network device.

[0036] In conjunction with the second aspect, in a feasible implementation, the target indication information sent by the network device during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i in the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i. Such an implementation can not only avoid repeated indication of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, but also avoid affecting the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i that has been determined to be activated or deactivated when the terminal device does not detect the target indication information, thereby avoiding logical confusion.

[0037] In combination with the second aspect, in a feasible implementation, when the network device sends multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j of the terminal device, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j. Such an implementation can ensure that the indication results of all target indication information received by the terminal device in each discontinuous transmission period of any cell j are consistent, and avoid logical confusion caused by inconsistent indication results of multiple target indication information.

[0038] In combination with the second aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the starting time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing start moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located, and the ending time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing end moment or timeout moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect, in a feasible implementation method, each period of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, or a partial period of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, and the time interval between each period in the partial period is the same.

[0040] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applicable to the terminal device described above. The communication method includes: receiving target indication information sent by a network device at a target time period within a preset period, wherein the preset period is different from the period of the search space indication associated with the target indication information, and / or the target period is different from the detection timing of the search space and control resource set indication associated with the target indication information. Activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell of the terminal device according to the target indication information.

[0041] In the above implementation, the terminal device only detects and receives the target indication information during the target time period within the preset cycle, which can reduce the number of times the target indication information is received and reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0042] In conjunction with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation, preset cycle configuration information sent by a network device is received. The preset cycle configuration information includes at least a cycle length of the preset cycle, a starting offset, and configuration information of the target time period, and the configuration information corresponding to the target time period is used to indicate the position of the target time period within the preset cycle. The preset cycle is determined according to the cycle length and the starting offset, and the target time period included in each preset cycle is determined according to the configuration information of the target time period.

[0043] In combination with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation, the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell of the terminal device may be activated / deactivated according to the target indication information at the first target time unit. The first target time unit is the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or the first target time unit is the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period, where X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0044] In combination with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous transmission DTX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous reception DRX, and the method further includes activating / deactivating the DRX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0045] In combination with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DTX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DRX of the first cell.

[0046] In conjunction with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous reception DRX, and the first cell is further configured with discontinuous transmission DTX. The method further includes activating / deactivating DTX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0047] In combination with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DRX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DTX of the first cell.

[0048] In combination with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation method, each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission, and the method also includes activating / deactivating the second discontinuous transmission of any one second cell i of the at least one second cell according to the target indication information.

[0049] In combination with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of the first discontinuous transmission is shorter than or equal to the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell, and / or the period of the first discontinuous transmission is less than or equal to the period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

[0050] In combination with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation, if it is determined that the target indication information is received for the first time within the second discontinuous transmission period of any second cell i among the at least one second cell, and the time unit for receiving the target indication information is within the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, then the second cell i is activated / deactivated according to the target indication information at the second target time unit. The second target time unit is the Yth time unit after the time unit for receiving the target indication information, and Y is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0051] In combination with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the target indication information received by the terminal device during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i in the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

[0052] In combination with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation method, when the terminal device receives multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j.

[0053] In combination with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the starting time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing start moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located, and the ending time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing end moment or timeout moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located.

[0054] In combination with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation manner, the preset period is an integer multiple of the period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0055] In combination with the third aspect, in a feasible implementation manner, the target time period is included in an active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0056] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applicable to a network device. The method includes: determining target indication information, wherein the target indication information is used to indicate activation / deactivation of a first discontinuous transmission of a first cell of a terminal device. The target indication information is sent to the terminal device at a target time period within a preset period, wherein the preset period is different from the period of the search space indication associated with the target indication information, and / or the target period is different from the detection timing of the search space and control resource set indication associated with the target indication information.

[0057] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in an optional implementation, the network device generates and sends preset period configuration information to the terminal device. The preset period configuration information includes at least the period length of the preset period, the starting offset, and the configuration information corresponding to the target period, and the configuration information corresponding to the target period is used to indicate the position of the target period within the preset period.

[0058] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the method further includes: activating / deactivating the first discontinuous transmission at a first target time unit. The first target time unit is a time unit next to the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or the first target time unit is the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period, where X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0059] In the above implementation, the network device only sends the target indication information in the target time period within the preset cycle, which can reduce the number of times the target indication information is sent and reduce the power consumption of the network device.

[0060] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous transmission DTX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous reception DRX, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell.

[0061] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DTX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DRX of the first cell.

[0062] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous reception DRX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous transmission DTX, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate DTX of the first cell.

[0063] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DRX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DTX of the first cell.

[0064] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of any one second cell i among the at least one second cell.

[0065] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of the first discontinuous transmission is shorter than or equal to the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell, and / or the period of the first discontinuous transmission is less than or equal to the period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

[0066] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the target indication information sent by the network device during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i in the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

[0067] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, when the network device sends multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j of the terminal device, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j.

[0068] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the starting time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing start moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located, and the ending time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing end moment or timeout moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located.

[0069] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation manner, the preset period is a positive integer multiple of the period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0070] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation manner, the target time period is included in the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0071] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be the terminal device mentioned in the first aspect. The communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive target indication information sent by a network device within a target time period. The target time period is included in the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell of the terminal device. The processing unit is used to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information.

[0072] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the transceiver unit is also used to receive the target configuration information sent by the network device, and the target configuration information includes a first offset and a second offset. The first offset is the time unit offset of the start time unit of the target time period relative to the start time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset is the time unit offset of the end time unit of the target time period relative to the start time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission. Alternatively, the first offset is the time unit offset of the start time unit of the target time period relative to the end time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset parameter is the time unit offset of the end time unit of the target time period relative to the end time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission. The processing unit is also used to determine the target time period based on the first offset and the second offset.

[0073] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the processing unit is used to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information at a first target time unit. The first target time unit is the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or the first target time unit is the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period, where X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0074] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous transmission DTX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous reception DRX, and the processing unit is also used to activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0075] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DTX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DRX of the first cell.

[0076] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous reception DRX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous transmission DTX, and the processing unit is also used to activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0077] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DRX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DTX of the first cell.

[0078] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission, and the processing unit is also used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of any one second cell i among the at least one second cell according to the target indication information.

[0079] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of the first discontinuous transmission is shorter than or equal to the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell, and / or the period of the first discontinuous transmission is less than or equal to the period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

[0080] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that the target indication information is received for the first time within the second discontinuous transmission period of any second cell i among the at least one second cell, and the time unit for receiving the target indication information is within the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, activate / deactivate the second cell i according to the target indication information at a second target time unit. The second target time unit is the Yth time unit after the time unit for receiving the target indication information, and Y is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0081] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the target indication information received by the transceiver unit during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i in the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

[0082] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, when the transceiver unit receives multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j.

[0083] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the starting time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing start moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located, and the ending time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing end moment or timeout moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located.

[0084] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, each cycle of the non-continuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, or a partial cycle of the non-continuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, and the time interval between each cycle in the partial cycle is the same.

[0085] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be the network device involved in the aforementioned second aspect. The network device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The processing unit is used to determine target indication information, wherein the target indication information is used to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell. The transceiver unit is used to send the target indication information to the terminal device within a target time period, wherein the target time period is included in the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0086] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the transceiver unit is also used to send target configuration information to the terminal device. The target configuration information includes a first offset and a second offset, the first offset being a time unit offset of the start time unit of the target time period relative to the start time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset being a time unit offset of the end time unit of the target time period relative to the start time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission. Alternatively, the first offset is a time unit offset of the start time unit of the target time period relative to the end time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset is a time unit offset of the end time unit of the target time period relative to the end time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0087] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission at a first target time unit. The first target time unit is a time unit next to the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or the first target time unit is the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period, where X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0088] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous transmission DTX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous reception DRX, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell.

[0089] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DTX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DRX of the first cell.

[0090] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous reception DRX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous transmission DTX, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell.

[0091] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DRX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DTX of the first cell.

[0092] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of any one second cell i among the at least one second cell.

[0093] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of the first discontinuous transmission is shorter than or equal to the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell, and / or the period of the first discontinuous transmission is less than or equal to the period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

[0094] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the target indication information sent by the transceiver unit during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i in the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

[0095] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, when the transceiver unit sends multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j of the terminal device, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j.

[0096] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the starting time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing start moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located, and the ending time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing end moment or timeout moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located.

[0097] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, each cycle of the non-continuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, or a partial cycle of the non-continuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, and the time interval between each cycle in the partial cycle is the same.

[0098] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be the terminal device described in the third aspect above. The communication device may include a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive target indication information sent by a network device at a target time period within a preset period. The preset period is different from the period of the search space indication associated with the target indication information, and / or the target time period is different from the detection timing of the search space and control resource set indication associated with the target indication information. The processing unit is used to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell of the terminal device according to the target indication information.

[0099] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation, the processing unit is used to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information at a first target time unit. The first target time unit is an end time unit of an active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or the first target time unit is the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period, where X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0100] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous transmission DTX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous reception DRX, and the processing unit is also used to activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0101] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DTX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DRX of the first cell.

[0102] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous reception DRX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous transmission DTX, and the processing unit is also used to activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0103] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DRX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DTX of the first cell.

[0104] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation method, each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission, and the processing unit is also used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of any one second cell i among the at least one second cell according to the target indication information.

[0105] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of the first discontinuous transmission is shorter than or equal to the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell, and / or the period of the first discontinuous transmission is less than or equal to the period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

[0106] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that the target indication information is received for the first time within the second discontinuous transmission period of any second cell i among the at least one second cell, and the time unit for receiving the target indication information is within the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, activate / deactivate the second cell i according to the target indication information at a second target time unit. The second target time unit is the Yth time unit after the time unit for receiving the target indication information, and Y is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0107] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the target indication information received by the transceiver unit during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i among the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

[0108] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation method, when the transceiver unit receives multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j.

[0109] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the starting time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing start moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located, and the ending time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing end moment or timeout moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located.

[0110] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation method, each period of the non-continuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, or a partial period of the non-continuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, and the time interval between each period in the partial period is the same.

[0111] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation, the preset period is a positive integer multiple of the period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0112] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the target time period is included in the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0113] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be the network device described in the fourth aspect above. The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is used to determine target indication information, wherein the target indication information is used to indicate activation / deactivation of a first discontinuous transmission of a first cell of a terminal device. The transceiver unit is used to send target indication information to a terminal device at a target time period within a preset period, wherein the preset period is different from the period of the search space indication associated with the target indication information, and / or the target time period is different from the detection timing of the search space and control resource set indication associated with the target indication information.

[0114] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission at a first target time unit. The first target time unit is a time unit next to the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or the first target time unit is the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period, where X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0115] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous transmission DTX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous reception DRX, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell.

[0116] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DTX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DRX of the first cell.

[0117] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous reception DRX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous transmission DTX, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell.

[0118] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DRX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DTX of the first cell.

[0119] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of any one second cell i among the at least one second cell.

[0120] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the active period of the first discontinuous transmission is shorter than or equal to the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell, and / or the period of the first discontinuous transmission is less than or equal to the period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

[0121] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the target indication information sent by the transceiver unit during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i in the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

[0122] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, when the transceiver unit sends multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j of the terminal device, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j.

[0123] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the starting time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing start moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located, and the ending time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing end moment or timeout moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located.

[0124] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, each period of the non-continuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, or a partial period of the non-continuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, and the time interval between each period in the partial period is the same.

[0125] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the preset period is a positive integer multiple of the period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0126] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the target time period is included in the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0127] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, and the instructions can be executed by one or more processors on a processing circuit. When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the communication method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, or the fourth aspect.

[0128] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, at least one processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program. The processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication device performs the communication method provided in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0129] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, comprising an input-output interface and a processing circuit, wherein the input-output interface is used to exchange information or data, and the processing circuit is used to run instructions so that a device installed with the chip executes the communication method provided in the first, second, third or fourth aspect above.

[0130] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a device installed with the chip system to implement the communication method provided in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect or the fourth aspect, such as generating or processing the data and / or information involved in the above method. In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and data necessary for the data sending device. The chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0131] By adopting the communication method provided in the present application, the network device and the terminal device only need to transmit the target indication information of the first discontinuous transmission for indicating activation / deactivation of the first cell during a preset time period, which can effectively reduce the power consumption of the communication system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0132] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiment of the present application;

[0133] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the DTX / DRX cycle provided by this application;

[0134] Figure 3 It is a flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0135] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a transmission period of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0136] Figure 5 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0137] Figure 6 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0138] Figure 7 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0139] Figure 8 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0140] Fig. 9 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0141] Fig.10 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0142] Fig.11 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0143] Fig.12 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0144] Fig.13 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0145] Fig.14 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0146] Fig.15 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0147] Fig.16This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0148] Fig.17 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0149] Fig.18 It is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0150] Fig.19 It is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0151] Fig. 20 It is a schematic diagram of the format of target indication information provided by this application;

[0152] Fig.21 It is a schematic diagram of another format of target indication information provided by this application;

[0153] Fig. 22 This is another communication method provided by the present application - a flow chart;

[0154] Fig.23 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0155] Fig.24 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0156] Fig.25 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application;

[0157] Fig.26 This is another flow chart of another communication method provided by the present application;

[0158] Fig. 27 It is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device provided by the present application;

[0159] Fig.28 It is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device provided by the present application;

[0160] Fig.29 This is a structural diagram of another communication device provided by the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0161] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example: global system for mobile communications (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WIMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR), or applied to future communication systems or other similar communication systems.

[0162] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a wireless access network 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include the Internet 300. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one wireless access network device (such as Figure 1 110a and 110b), and may further include at least one terminal (such as Figure 1 120a-120j in the figure). The terminal is connected to the wireless access network device by wireless means, and the wireless access network device is connected to the core network by wireless or wired means. The core network device and the wireless access network device can be independent and different physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the wireless access network device can be integrated on the same physical device, or part of the functions of the core network device and part of the functions of the wireless access network device can be integrated on one physical device. Terminals and wireless access network devices can be connected to each other by wired or wireless means. Figure 1 This is just a schematic diagram. The communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices. Figure 1 Not drawn in.

[0163] The wireless access network equipment may be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, a next generation base station in the sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc.; it may also be a module or unit that completes part of the functions of a base station, for example, it may be a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). The CU here completes the functions of the radio resource control protocol and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and may also complete the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); the DU completes the functions of the radio link control layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer of the base station, and may also complete the functions of part or all of the physical layer. For the specific description of each of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). The wireless access network device may be a macro base station (such as Figure 1 110a), or a micro base station or an indoor station (such as Figure 1 110b), may also be a relay node or a donor node, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the wireless access network device. For ease of description, the following description takes the network device as an example of the wireless access network device.

[0164] The terminal may also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. The terminal can be widely used in various scenarios, for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IOT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, automatic driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The terminal may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a wearable device, a vehicle, a drone, a helicopter, an airplane, a ship, a robot, a mechanical arm, a smart home device, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the terminal.

[0165] The network equipment and terminal can be fixed or movable. The network equipment and terminal can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; can also be deployed on the water surface; can also be deployed on airplanes, balloons and artificial satellites. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the application scenarios of the network equipment and terminals.

[0166] The roles of network devices and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1 The helicopter or drone 120i in the figure can be configured as a mobile network device. For the terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, the drone 120i is a network device; but for the network device 110a, 120i is a terminal, that is, 110a and 120i communicate through the wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate through the interface protocol between network devices. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a network device. Therefore, network devices and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 110a and 110b in the figure may be referred to as communication devices having network device functions. Figure 1 120a-120j in the figure can be called communication devices with terminal functions.

[0167] Network devices and terminals, network devices and network devices, and terminals and terminals can communicate through authorized spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both; can communicate through spectrum below 6 gigahertz (GHz), spectrum above 6 GHz, or spectrum below 6 GHz and spectrum above 6 GHz. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0168] In the embodiments of the present application, the functions of the network device may also be performed by a module (such as a chip) in the network device, or by a control subsystem including the network device function. The control subsystem including the network device function here may be a control center in the above-mentioned application scenarios such as smart grid, industrial control, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The functions of the terminal may also be performed by a module (such as a chip or a modem) in the terminal, or by a device including the terminal function.

[0169] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clear, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The specific operation method in the method embodiment can also be applied to the device embodiment or the system embodiment.

[0170] Below, some terms in the embodiments of the present application are explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0171] (1) Cell discontinuous transmission (cell DTX) and cell discontinuous reception (cell DRX)

[0172] In order to achieve the purpose of energy saving for a communication system (including terminal devices and network devices), the prior art provides a method: configuring a cell of a terminal device with a period including an active time and an inactive time. During the inactive time period of this period, the terminal device does not send some signals / channels, and the network device does not receive these signals / channels. Only during the active time period of this period will the terminal device send these signals / channels, and the network device will receive these signals / channels. Such energy-saving technology is called cell DTX, and such a period is also the period of cell DTX. It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, cell DTX can also be referred to as DTX, and these two expressions can be equivalently replaced. For the convenience of expression, it is uniformly expressed as DTX in the following text.

[0173] Similarly, the prior art also provides another way: configuring a cell for a terminal device with a period including an active time and an inactive time. During the inactive time of this period, the terminal device does not receive some signals / channels, and the network device does not send these signals / channels. Only during the active time period of this cycle will the terminal device receive these signals / channels, and the network device will also send these signals / channels. This energy-saving technology is called cell DRX. It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, cell DRX can also be referred to as DRX, and these two expressions can be equivalently replaced. For the convenience of expression, it is uniformly expressed as DRX in the following text.

[0174] It should be understood that when a cell is configured with DTX or DRX, it is effective for all terminal devices in the cell, or in other words, the network equipment can indicate DTX or DRX to all users in the cell through relevant information, or in other words, all users in the cell use the same DTX or DRX.

[0175] In actual implementation, DTX or DRX can be configured at the cell granularity. The network device can configure DTX for a cell of the terminal device through RRC signaling. In the actual communication process, the network device can instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate DTX for the cell through multicast DCI or MAC control element (CE). Similarly, the network device can also configure DRX for a cell of the terminal device through RRC signaling, and instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate DRX for the cell through multicast DCI or MACCE.

[0176] It should be understood that activating DTX means making the DTX of the cell effective, or in other words, making the terminal device receive some signals / channels during the active period of the DTX cycle of the cell, and not receiving these signals / channels during the inactive period of the DTX cycle of the cell (at this time, the network device sends some signals / channels during the active period of the DTX cycle of the cell, and does not send these signals / channels during the inactive period of the DTX cycle of the cell). Deactivating the DTX of the cell means making the DTX of the cell invalid, or in other words, making the terminal device receive these signals / channels at any time unit within the DTX cycle of the cell (at this time, the network device can send these signals / channels at any time unit within the DTX cycle of the cell), or making the terminal device receive these signals / channels during the inactive period of the DTX cycle of the cell (at this time, the network device can also send these signals / channels during the inactive period of the DTX cycle of the cell). Similarly, activating DRX means making the DRX of the cell effective, or in other words, making the terminal device send some signals / channels during the active period of the DRX cycle of the cell, and not sending these signals / channels during the inactive period of the DRX cycle of the cell (at this time, the network device receives some signals / channels during the active period of the DRX cycle of the cell, and does not receive these signals / channels during the inactive period of the DRX cycle of the cell). Deactivating the DRX of the cell means making the DRX of the cell invalid, or in other words, making the terminal device send these signals / channels at any time unit within the DRX cycle of the cell (at this time, the network device can receive these signals / channels at any time unit within the DRX cycle of the cell), or making the terminal device send these signals / channels during the inactive period of the DRX cycle of the cell (at this time, the network device can also receive these signals / channels during the inactive period of the DRX cycle of the cell). For the convenience of explanation, the following text will uniformly express them in the form of activation / deactivation.

[0177] For any cell of the terminal device, it can be configured with only one DTX or DRX, or multiple DTX or multiple DRX. When multiple DTX are configured in the arbitrary cell, only one DTX will be activated or effective at the same time, and the remaining DTX will be deactivated or invalid. Similarly, when multiple DRX are configured in the arbitrary cell, only one DRX will be activated or effective at the same time, and the remaining DTX will be deactivated or invalid.

[0178] It should be noted that DTX or DRX is only an abbreviation of the above two energy-saving technologies. In actual implementation, the above two energy-saving technologies can be respectively referred to as energy-saving mode 1 and energy-saving mode 2, or energy-saving configuration 1 and energy-saving configuration 2. This application does not specifically limit the names of these two energy-saving technologies.

[0179] It should also be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, DTX technology and DRX technology can be collectively referred to as discontinuous transmission technology. In other words, DTX and DRX can be collectively referred to as discontinuous transmission, and the discontinuous transmission of a cell involved in the embodiments of the present application is DTX of the cell or DRX of the cell. In other words, in the embodiments of the application, discontinuous transmission is equivalent to DTX or DRX.

[0180] (2) DTX and DRX cycles, active periods, and inactive periods

[0181] The key configuration information of DTX / DRX may include the following items: cycle length, active period, inactive period, start time, and shut down time. Among them, the start time refers to the start time of the active time in the DTX / DRX cycle (that is, the start time of the DTX / DRX cycle), and the shut down time refers to the start time of the inactive time in the DTX / DRX cycle. The DTX / DRX cycle consists of an active period and an inactive period.

[0182] For example, see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the DTX / DRX cycle provided by this application. Figure 2 As shown, the DTX / DRX cycle includes an active period and an inactive period, and the total duration of the active period and the inactive period is the length of the DTX / DRX cycle. In addition, within a DTX / DRX cycle, the active period and the inactive time are included in chronological order.

[0183] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the active period in the cycle of DTX is defined by the active timer of DTX, and the active period of DTX is the timing period (or running period) of the active timer of DTX. The active period in the cycle of DRX is defined by the active timer of DRX, and the active period of DRX is the timing period of the active timer of DRX. It can also be understood that the starting time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission provided by the present application is the time unit where the timing start moment of the active timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located, and the ending time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing end moment or timeout moment of the active timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located. The next time unit of the ending time unit of the active period of DTX / DRX is the starting time unit of the inactive period of DTX / DRX. Among them, the active timer of DTX can also be called cellDTX-onDurationTimer, and the active timer of DRX can also be called cellDRX-on Duration Timer. Correspondingly, the inactive period in the cycle of DTX / DRX is the remaining period of the cycle of DTX / DRX excluding the active period of DTX / DRX.

[0184] In practical applications, the channel / signal that cannot be transmitted during the inactive period in the DTX cycle may be a downlink channel / signal, and the channel / signal that cannot be transmitted during the inactive period in the DRX cycle may be an uplink channel / signal.

[0185] Exemplarily, the channels / signals that cannot be transmitted during the inactive period within the DRX cycle include at least one of the following: configured grant PUSCH (CG PUSCH; PUSCH is the English abbreviation of physical uplink shared channel); hybrid automatic repeat request feedback (hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledge, HARQ-ACK) of semi-persistent scheduled physical downlink shared channel (SPS PDSCH); scheduling request (scheduling request, SR); physical random access channel (physical random access channel, PRACH); random access message A; random access message 3.

[0186] Exemplarily, the channels / signals that cannot be transmitted during the inactive period of the DTX cycle include at least one of the following: PDCCH scrambled by modulation and coding scheme-cell-RNTI (MCS-C-RNTI); PDCCH scrambled by power saving-RNTI (PS-RNTI); PDCCH scrambled by system information-RNTI (SI-RNTI); PDCCH scrambled by random access-RNTI (RA-RNTI); PDCCH scrambled by temporary cell-RNTI (TC-RNTI); PDCCH scrambled by paging-RNTI (P-RNTI); PDCCH scrambled by paging advance indication wireless network temporary identifier (paging-RNTI, P-RNTI); PDCCH scrambled with early indication-RNTI, PEI-RNTI); synchronization and physical broadcast channel block SSB; system information; paging message; random access message 2; random access message 4; random access message B; or semi-persistent scheduling physical layer downlink shared channel (SPS PDSCH).

[0187] (3) Time unit

[0188] The time unit involved in this application is specifically the time domain resource granularity at a specific moment. Specifically, the time unit can be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, a time slot (i.e., a slot), a millisecond or a second, etc., and this application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0189] In the prior art, the network device instructs the terminal device to activate / deactivate the DTX or DRX of the cell through DCI, and the terminal device needs to blindly detect the DCI according to the search space and control resource set configuration corresponding to the multicast DCI. This method requires frequent transmission of the DCI between the terminal device and the network device, which is not conducive to reducing the power consumption of the communication system.

[0190] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present application is: how to reduce the power consumption of activating / deactivating DTX and / or DRX to further save the power consumption of the communication system.

[0191] Embodiment 1

[0192] To solve the above problems, the present application provides a communication method. In the communication method, after the network device determines the target indication information for instructing the terminal device to activate / activate the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell, it will send the target indication information in a preset target time period within the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission. Correspondingly, the terminal device will also detect and receive the target indication information in the target time period, and further activate / deactivate the above-mentioned first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information. In the communication method, the network device and the terminal device only send and receive the target indication information in the preset target time period within the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission, so that the number of interactions of the target indication information can be reduced, and the power consumption generated by activating / deactivating the first discontinuous transmission can be reduced, thereby achieving the purpose of further saving the power consumption of the communication system.

[0193] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clear, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The specific operation method in the method embodiment can also be applied to the device embodiment or the system embodiment.

[0194] See also Figure 3 , Figure 3 1 is a flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application. The method is applicable to the network device and terminal device described above. It should be noted that since the network device and the terminal device will repeatedly execute the communication method provided by the present application in all or part of the cycles of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell, for ease of understanding, the present application embodiment will take a certain cycle of the first discontinuous transmission as an example to describe the various method steps to be executed by the network device and the terminal device. Figure 3 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0195] S301, a network device determines target indication information.

[0196] In some feasible implementations, the network device determines that it needs to send target indication information to the terminal device, and may determine to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission based on information such as the current load status and the usage of the first discontinuous transmission, and generate target indication information that can be used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission based on the determined result. Here, the first discontinuous transmission can be DTX or DRX. Optionally, the network device may determine that it needs to send target indication information to the terminal device when it detects that a preset trigger condition is met. The above-mentioned preset trigger condition may be the arrival of a preset activation / deactivation cycle, the occurrence of a preset communication event, the receipt of an activation / deactivation request sent by the terminal device, or the detection of the presence of a target time period in the first cycle in which the target indication information can be sent to the terminal device, etc., and the present application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0197] It should be understood that the process of determining the target indication information by the network device described above corresponds to an application scenario in which the first cell of the terminal device is configured with only one first discontinuous transmission, or corresponds to an application scenario in which the first cell of the terminal device is configured with only one DTX or one DRX, which is application scenario 1 provided by this application. In actual use, the communication method provided by this application can also be applied to other application scenarios, and the operation of determining the target indication information by the network device will be supplemented with these other application scenarios below.

[0198] Application scenario 2: The first cell is configured with both a DTX and a DRX

[0199] In an optional implementation, when the above-mentioned first discontinuous transmission is DTX, the target indication information determined by the network device can also be used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate DRX of the first cell.

[0200] Alternatively, in the case where the above-mentioned first discontinuous transmission is DRX, the target indication information determined by the network device can also be used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate DTX of the first cell.

[0201] In other words, when the first cell is configured with DTX and DRX at the same time, the network device can determine whether to activate / deactivate DTX and DRX of the first cell based on the current load status, the usage of DTX of the first cell, and the usage of DRX of the first cell, and further generate target indication information that can be used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate DTX and DRX of the first cell based on the determined results.

[0202] In another optional implementation, when the above-mentioned first discontinuous transmission is DTX, the network device may also determine first indication information for instructing the terminal device to activate / deactivate DRX of the first cell.

[0203] That is to say, when the first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX, the network device may determine whether to activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to information such as the current load status and the usage of the DTX of the first cell, and further generate target indication information that can be used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to the determined result. At the same time, the network device may also determine whether to activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to information such as the current load status and the usage of the DRX of the first cell, and further generate first indication information that can be used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to the determined result.

[0204] Application scenario 3: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DTX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DTX

[0205] In a specific implementation, the network device may determine to activate / deactivate the first DTX and each second DTX according to the current load state, the usage of the first DTX and each second DTX of the first cell, and generate target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first DTX and each second DTX according to the determined result. It should be understood that when the first cell is configured with multiple DTXs, only one DTX is activated at the same time, and the remaining DTXs are all deactivated.

[0206] Application scenario 4: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DRX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DRX

[0207] In a specific implementation, the network device may determine to activate / deactivate the first DRX and each second DRX according to the current load state, the usage of the first DRX of the first cell, and the usage of each second DRX of the first cell, and generate target indication information for indicating the activation / deactivation of the first DRX and each second DRX according to the determined result. It should be understood that when the first cell is configured with multiple DRXs, only one DRX is activated at the same time, and the remaining DRXs are all deactivated.

[0208] Application scenario 5: Each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission

[0209] In an optional implementation, when the first cell of the terminal device is configured with a first discontinuous transmission and each of the at least one second cell is configured with a second discontinuous transmission, the network device may determine the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and each of the second discontinuous transmissions based on the current load state, the usage of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell, and the usage of the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell, and generate target indication information for indicating the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell based on the determined result. In other words, the target indication information determined by the network device is not only used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission, but also used to indicate the activation / deactivation of any one of the at least one second cell (here assumed to be the second cell i).

[0210] In another optional implementation, when the first cell of the terminal device is configured with a first discontinuous transmission and each of the at least one second cell is configured with a second discontinuous transmission, the network device may determine to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the current load state and the usage of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell, and generate the above-mentioned target indication information according to the determined result. At the same time, the network device may also determine to activate / deactivate each second discontinuous transmission according to the current load state and the usage of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell, and generate at least one second indication information for respectively indicating the activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell according to the determined result. In other words, the network device not only determines the above-mentioned target indication information, but also determines the second indication information for indicating the activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i.

[0211] S302, the network device sends target indication information to the terminal device in the target time period.

[0212] In some feasible ways, after determining the above-mentioned target indication information, the network device may send the target indication information to the terminal device during the target time period. The above-mentioned target time period is included in the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission. In other words, the target time period is a partial time period or the entire time period of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission. It can be understood that the target time period can be the entire time period of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission, that is, the entire active time period of the first discontinuous transmission is used as the target time period. Correspondingly, the network device can send the target indication information during the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission. Correspondingly, the terminal device can also receive or monitor the target indication information during the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0213] The following will further explain the process of the network device sending the target indication information in combination with the application scenarios 1 to 5 described above.

[0214] Application scenario 1: The first cell of the terminal device is configured with a DTX or a DRX

[0215] In this application scenario, after determining the target indication information, the network device may send the target indication information at the target time period within the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission. That is, in the case where the first cell is configured with DTX, after determining the target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the DTX of the first cell, the network device may send the target indication information to the terminal device at the target time period within the active time period of the DTX of the first cell. In the case where the first cell is configured with DRX, after determining the target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the DRX of the first cell, the network device may send the target indication information to the terminal device at the target time period within the active time period of the DRX of the first cell.

[0216] It should be understood that in this application scenario, the network device only sends the target indication information within the target period. Moreover, within the target period, the network device will send the target indication information to the terminal device once or multiple times, or in other words, the network device will send one or more target indication information to the terminal device within the target period.

[0217] It should also be noted that, for the multiple target time periods of the first discontinuous transmission, the relative position of each target time period in the active time period is consistent. In other words, for each cycle containing a target time period, the time interval between the start time unit of the target time period contained therein and the start time unit of the entire cycle is equal, and the time interval between the end time unit of the target time period contained therein and the end time unit of the entire cycle is equal.

[0218] For example, see Figure 4 , Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a transmission period of target indication information provided by this application. It should be understood that Figure 4 Only the first period and the second period of the first discontinuous transmission are shown as examples, and the other periods of the first discontinuous transmission are similar and will not be listed again. Figure 4 As shown, a target time period is included in both the first cycle of the first discontinuous transmission and the inactive time period of the second cycle. Among them, the active time period of the first cycle of the first discontinuous transmission includes target time period 1, and the active time period of the second cycle of the first discontinuous transmission includes target time period 2. Moreover, the position of target time period 1 in the first cycle of the first discontinuous transmission is consistent with the position of target time period 2 in the second cycle of the first discontinuous transmission. After determining the target indication information, the network device may send the target indication information to the terminal device in target time period 1. The network may also send the target indication information to the terminal device in target time period 2. It should be understood that the target indication information sent by the network device in target time period 2 may be regenerated by it, or it may directly use the target indication information sent by it in target time period 1, and the present application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0219] Application scenario 2: The first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX

[0220] In a first optional implementation, the above-mentioned first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. After determining the target indication information that can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of DTX and DRX of the first cell, the network device may send the target indication information at the target time period within the DTX cycle of the first cell. In other words, when the first cell of the terminal device is configured with DTX and DRX at the same time, the network device will only send the target indication information at the target time period within the active time period of DTX of the first cell, and will not determine another target time period within the active time period of DRX of the first cell and send the above-mentioned target indication information accordingly. It can also be understood that when the first cell of the terminal device is configured with DTX and DRX at the same time, the target time period for sending the target indication information is defined by the DTX of the first cell.

[0221] Furthermore, the active period of the DTX of the first cell should be shorter than or equal to the active period of the DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of the DTX of the first cell should be less than or equal to the cycle of the DRX of the first cell. That is to say, when the network device determines that the active period of the DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of the DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of the DTX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of the DRX of the first cell, the target indication information can be sent only on the target period within the active period of the DTX of the first cell. It should be understood that the network device usually sends the target indication information to the terminal device multiple times within the target period. In addition, for multiple target time periods of the DTX of the first cell, the relative position of each target time period within the active period is consistent.

[0222] For example, see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. It should be understood that Figure 5 In the figure, only the first and second periods of DTX of the first cell are shown as examples, and the situations of other periods are similar and will not be listed here. Figure 5 As shown in the figure, when the active period of the DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of the DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of the DTX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of the DRX of the first cell, only the cycle of the DTX of the first cell will include the target period. Specifically, the active period of the first cycle of the DTX of the first cell includes the target period 1, and the active period of the second cycle of the DTX of the first cell includes the target period 2. The cycle of the DRX of the first cell ( Figure 5Only the first cycle of DRX is shown in the figure, and the target time period is not included. Moreover, the position of target time period 1 in the first cycle of DTX is consistent with the relative position of target time period 2 in the second cycle of DTX. After determining the target indication information, the network device may send the target indication information to the terminal device in target time period 1. The network device may also send the target indication information to the terminal device in target time period 2. It should be understood that the target indication information sent by the network device in target time period 2 may be regenerated by it, or it may directly use the target indication information sent by it in target time period 1, and the present application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0223] In the above implementation, when the first cell is configured with DTX and DRX at the same time, defining the target time period based on the DTX of the first cell can not only reduce the number of times the network device sends target indication information, but also avoid the network device sending target indication information during the inactive period of DTX of the first cell, which can effectively reduce the power consumption of the network device.

[0224] In a second optional implementation, the above-mentioned first discontinuous transmission is DRX, and the first cell is also configured with DTX. After determining the target indication information that can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of DTX and DRX of the first cell, the network device can send the target indication information at the target time period within the DRX cycle of the first cell. In other words, when the first cell of the terminal device is configured with DRX and DTX at the same time, the network device will only send the target indication information at the target time period within the active time period of the DRX of the first cell, and will not determine another target time period within the active time period of the DTX of the first cell and send the above-mentioned target indication information accordingly. It can also be understood that when the first cell of the terminal device is configured with DTX and DRX at the same time, the target time period for sending the target indication information is defined by the DRX of the first cell.

[0225] Furthermore, the active period of the DRX of the above-mentioned first cell should be shorter than or equal to the active period of the DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of the DRX of the above-mentioned first cell should be less than or equal to the cycle of the DTX of the first cell. That is to say, when the network device determines that the active period of the DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of the DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of the DRX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of the DTX of the first cell, the above-mentioned target indication information can be sent only on the target period within the active period of the DRX of the first cell. It should be understood that within the target period, the network device usually sends the target indication information to the terminal device multiple times. In addition, for multiple target time periods of the DRX of the first cell, the relative position of each target time period within the active period is consistent.

[0226] For example, see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. It should be understood that Figure 6 In the figure, only the first cycle and the second cycle of DRX of the first cell are shown as examples, and the situations of other cycles are similar and will not be listed here. Figure 6 As shown, when the active period of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DRX of the first cell is less than or equal to the cycle of DTX of the first cell, only the cycle of DRX of the first cell ( Figure 6 Only the first cycle and the second cycle of DRX are shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 include the target period. For example, the active period of the first cycle of DRX of the first cell includes the target period 1, and the active period of the second cycle of DRX of the first cell includes the target period 2. The cycle of DTX of the first cell ( Figure 6 Only the first cycle of DTX is shown in the figure, and the target time period is not included. Moreover, the relative position of target time period 1 in the first cycle of DRX is consistent with the relative position of target time period 2 in the second cycle of DRX. After determining the target indication information, the network device may send the target indication information to the terminal device in target time period 1. The network device may also send the target indication information to the terminal device in target time period 2. It should be understood that the target indication information sent by the network device in target time period 2 may be regenerated by it, or it may directly use the target indication information sent by it in target time period 1, and the present application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0227] In the above implementation, when the first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX, defining the target time period based on the DRX of the first cell can also reduce the number of times the network device sends target indication information, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the network device.

[0228] In a third optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. The network device can also use the determined target indication information to indicate activation / deactivation of the DRX of the first cell. The network device can send the target indication information in a target time period within an active time period of the DTX of the first cell, and can also send the target indication information in a first time period within an active time period of the DRX of the first cell.

[0229] For example, see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. It should be understood that Figure 7In the figure, only the first cycle and the second cycle of the DTX of the first cell and the DRX of the first cell are shown as examples. The other cycles of the DTX of the first cell and the DRX of the first cell are similar and will not be listed again. Figure 7 As shown, in the case where the first cell is configured with DTX and DRX at the same time, the network device will send target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first DTX in the target time period of the DTX of the first cell. Exemplarily, the network device will send target indication information in the target time period 1 within the first cycle of the DTX of the first cell, and the network device will also send target indication information again in the target time period 2 within the second cycle of the DTX of the first cell. It should be understood that the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 1 and the target time period 2 can be the same, or the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 2 can also be regenerated. Further, the network device will also send target indication information that can also be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the DRX of the first cell in the first time period within the active time period of the DRX of the first cell. Exemplarily, the network device will send target indication information in the first time period 1 within the first cycle of the DRX of the first cell, and the network device will also send target indication information again in the first time period 2 within the second cycle of the DRX of the first cell. Similarly, the target indication information sent by the network device in the first time period 1 and the second time period 2 can be the same, or the target indication information sent by the network device in the second time period 2 can also be regenerated.

[0230] Optionally, for the multiple target time periods corresponding to the DTX of the first cell and the multiple first time periods corresponding to the DRX of the first cell, the multiple target time periods and the multiple first time periods may be consistent. It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the two time periods are consistent, that is, equivalent to the start time unit and the end time unit of the two time periods being the same. Figure 7 As shown, the first time period 1 corresponding to the DRX of the first cell is consistent with the target time period 1 corresponding to the DTX of the first cell, and the first time period 2 corresponding to the DRX of the first cell is also consistent with the target time period 2 corresponding to the DTX of the first cell. It should be noted that in order to ensure the consistency between the target time period and the first time period, the cycle of the DTX of the first cell can be consistent with the cycle of the DRX of the first cell in length, and the start time unit and the end time unit are also consistent.

[0231] Optionally, for the multiple target time periods corresponding to the DTX of the first cell and the multiple first time periods corresponding to the DRX of the first cell, some of the target time periods in the multiple target time periods and some of the first time periods in the multiple first time periods may be the same. In other words, some of the target time periods corresponding to the DTX of the first cell may be made consistent with some of the target time periods corresponding to the DRX of the first cell. Figure 8, Figure 8 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. It should be understood that Figure 8 In the figure, only the first cycle and the second cycle of DTX and DRX of the first cell are shown as examples. The other cycles of DTX and DRX of the first cell are similar and will not be listed again. Figure 8 As shown, the first time period 1 corresponding to the DRX of the first cell is consistent with the target time period 1 corresponding to the DTX of the first cell, and the first time period 2 corresponding to the DRX of the first cell is inconsistent with the target time period 2 corresponding to the DTX of the first cell.

[0232] In the above implementation, it is ensured that the multiple target time periods corresponding to the DTX of the first cell and the multiple first time periods corresponding to the DRX of the first cell are partially or completely consistent, so that the network device can send target indication information less times, which can further reduce the power consumption of the network device.

[0233] In a fourth optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. After determining the target indication information that can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the DTX of the first cell, the network device can also determine the first indication information that can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the DRX of the first cell. Then, the network device can send the target indication information in the target time period within the active time period of the DTX of the first cell, and can also send the first indication information in the first time period within the active time period of the DRX of the first cell.

[0234] like Figure 7As shown, in the case where the first cell is configured with DTX and DRX at the same time, the network device can send target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first DTX in the target time period of the DTX of the first cell. Exemplarily, the network device will send target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first DTX in the target time period 1 within the first cycle of the DTX of the first cell, and the network device will also send target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first DTX again in the target time period 2 within the second cycle of the DTX of the first cell. It should be understood that the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 1 and the target time period 2 may be the same or different, and the present application does not impose specific restrictions on this. The network device may also send the above-mentioned first indication information in the first time period within the active time period of the DRX of the first cell. Exemplarily, the network device will send target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first DTX in the first time period 1 within the first cycle of the DRX of the first cell, and the network device will also send target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first DTX again in the first time period 2 within the second cycle of the DRX of the first cell. It should be understood that the target indication information sent by the network device in the two first time periods may be the same or different, and this application does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0235] In the above implementation, when the terminal device is equipped with DTX and DRX, different indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of DTX and DRX respectively, and the sending time period of the indication information is also different. This method is more flexible and can effectively avoid the occurrence of indication confusion while reducing the power consumption of network equipment.

[0236] Application scenario 3: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DTX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DTX

[0237] In this application scenario, the target indication information can be used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the first DTX and each second DTX. The following takes the first DTX and any second DTX of at least one second DTX as an example. In a specific implementation, when the network device determines that the first DTX is activated, the above-mentioned target indication information is sent only in the target time period within the active time period of the first DTX. At this time, it can be understood that each cycle of any second DTX does not contain the second time period for sending the target indication information, or it can be understood that the second time period within each cycle of any second DTX is invalid. When the network device determines that any second DTX is activated, the above-mentioned target indication information can be sent only in the second time period within the active time period of any second DTX. At this time, it can be understood that each cycle of the first DTX does not contain the target time period for sending the target indication information, or it can be understood that the target time period within each cycle of the first DTX is invalid.

[0238] For example, see Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. Fig. 9 As shown, the first DTX is activated in its first cycle, and any second DTX is deactivated in its first cycle. After the network device determines the target indication information, it can send the target indication information to the terminal device in the target time period 1 in the first cycle of the first DTX. Further, the first DTX is deactivated in its second cycle, and any second DTX is activated in its second cycle. After the network device determines the new target indication information, it can send the new target indication information to the terminal device in the second time period 1 in the second cycle of any second DTX.

[0239] In short, when multiple DTXs are configured in the first cell, the network device will only send target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the multiple DTXs during a preset time period within the active time period of the DTXs that are activated among the multiple DTXs.

[0240] Optionally, each target time period of the first DTX is consistent with each second time period corresponding to any second DTX in the at least one second DTX. Alternatively, part of the target time period of the first DTX is consistent with part of the second time period corresponding to any second DTX in the at least one second DTX.

[0241] For example, see Fig.10 , Fig.10 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. It should be understood that Fig.10 This is only to indicate the difference between each target period of the first DTX and each second period of any second DTX, and does not mean that the first DTX and any second DTX will be activated at the same time. Fig.10 As shown, the first cycle of the first DTX includes a target time period 1 for sending target indication information, and the second cycle of the first DTX includes a target time period 2 for sending target indication information. The first cycle of any second DTX includes a second time period 1 for sending target indication information, and the second cycle of any second DTX includes a second time period 2 for sending target indication information. Among them, the second time period 1 is completely consistent with the target time period 1, and the second time period 2 is completely consistent with the target time period 2. It can also be understood that, for the first DTX and any second DTX, the time period for the network device to send the target indication information is the same, so it only needs to send the target indication information in the same time period to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate the first DTX and any second DTX.

[0242] For example, see Fig.11 , Fig.11is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. Fig.11 It is only to indicate the difference between each target period of the first DTX and each second period of any second DTX, and does not mean that the first DTX and any second DTX will be activated at the same time. Fig.11 As shown, the first cycle of the first DTX includes a target time period 1 for sending target indication information, and the second cycle of the first DTX includes a target time period 2 for sending target indication information. The first cycle of any second DTX includes a second time period 1 for sending target indication information, and the second cycle of any second DTX includes a second time period 2 for sending target indication information. Among them, the second time period 1 is completely consistent with the target time period 1, and the second time period 2 is inconsistent with the target time period 2. It can also be understood that, for the first DTX and any second DTX, the partial time periods for the network device to send the target indication information are the same.

[0243] By adopting the above implementation manner, the number of times the network device sends target indication information can also be reduced, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the network device.

[0244] Application scenario 4: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DRX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DRX

[0245] In this application scenario, the target indication information can be used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the first DRX and each second DRX. The following takes the first DRX and any second DRX of at least one second DRX as an example. In a specific implementation, when the network device determines that the first DRX is activated, the above-mentioned target indication information is sent only in the target time period within the active time period of the first DRX. At this time, it can be understood that each cycle of any second DRX does not contain the third time period for sending the target indication information, or it can be understood that the third time period within each cycle of any second DRX is invalid. When the network device determines that any second DRX is activated, the above-mentioned target indication information can be sent only in the third time period within the active time period of any second DRX. At this time, it can be understood that each cycle of the first DRX does not contain the target time period for sending the target indication information, or it can be understood that the target time period within each cycle of the first DRX is invalid.

[0246] For example, see Fig.12 , Fig.12 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. Fig.12As shown, the first DRX is activated in its first cycle, and any second DRX is deactivated in its first cycle. After the network device determines the target indication information, it can send the target indication information to the terminal device in the target time period 1 in the first cycle of the first DRX. Further, the first DRX is deactivated in its second cycle, and any second DRX is activated in its second cycle. After the network device determines the new target indication information, it can send the new target indication information to the terminal device in the third time period 1 in the second cycle of the any second DRX.

[0247] In short, when multiple DRXs are configured in the first cell, the network device will only send target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the multiple DRXs during a preset time period within an active time period of the DRXs in the activated state among the multiple DRXs.

[0248] Optionally, each target period of the first DRX is consistent with each third period corresponding to any second DRX in the at least one second DRX. Alternatively, part of the target period of the first DRX is consistent with part of the third period corresponding to any second DRX in the at least one second DRX.

[0249] For example, see Fig.13 , Fig.13 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. It should be understood that Fig.13 This is only to indicate the difference between each target period of the first DRX and each third period of any second DRX, and does not mean that the first DRX and any second DRX will be activated at the same time. Fig.13 As shown, the first cycle of the first DRX includes a target time period 1 for sending target indication information, and the second cycle of the first DRX includes a target time period 2 for sending target indication information. The first cycle of any second DRX includes a third time period 1 for sending target indication information, and the second cycle of any second DRX includes a third time period 2 for sending target indication information. Among them, the third time period 1 is completely consistent with the target time period 1, and the third time period 2 is completely consistent with the target time period 2. It can also be understood that, for the first DRX and any second DRX, the time period for the network device to send the target indication information is the same, so it only needs to send the target indication information in the same time period to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate the first DRX and any second DRX.

[0250] For example, see Fig.14 , Fig.14 is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. Fig.14It is only to indicate the difference between each target period of the first DRX and each third period of any second DRX, and does not mean that the first DRX and any second DRX will be activated at the same time. Fig.14 As shown, the first cycle of the first DRX includes a target time period 1 for sending target indication information, and the second cycle of the first DRX includes a target time period 2 for sending target indication information. The first cycle of any second DRX includes a third time period 1 for sending target indication information, and the second cycle of any second DRX includes a third time period 2 for sending target indication information. Among them, the third time period 1 is completely consistent with the target time period 1, and the third time period 2 is inconsistent with the target time period 2. It can also be understood that, for the first DRX and any second DRX, the partial time periods for the network device to send the target indication information are the same.

[0251] By adopting the above implementation manner, the number of times the network device sends target indication information can also be reduced, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the network device.

[0252] Application scenario 5: Each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission

[0253] In a first optional implementation manner, the target indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell in the first discontinuous transmission and the at least one second cell. After determining the target indication information, the network device may send the target indication information in a target time period within an active time period of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell. The second discontinuous transmission may be DTX or DRX.

[0254] Further, in the above case, the activity period of the first discontinuous transmission may be shorter than or equal to the activity period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell. Alternatively, the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission may be less than or equal to the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell. Alternatively, the activity period of the first discontinuous transmission may be shorter than or equal to the activity period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell and the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission may be less than or equal to the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

[0255] It can also be understood that, in this application scenario, if the target indication information determined by the network device is used to indicate the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell of the terminal device and the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell, the network device can select the discontinuous transmission with the shortest activity time and / or the shortest period from the first discontinuous transmission and the at least one second discontinuous transmission, and send the target indication information at a preset time period within the active period of the discontinuous transmission. In other words, in this application scenario, if the target indication information determined by the network device is used to indicate the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell of the terminal device and the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell, the sending time period of the target indication information is based on the cell definition of the shortest activity period of the discontinuous transmission and / or the shortest period of the discontinuous transmission.

[0256] For example, see Fig.15 , Fig.15 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. Fig.15 As shown, it is assumed that the second cell i and the second cell k of the terminal device are configured with the second discontinuous transmission. Fig.15 As shown, since the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell k is longer than the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i is longer than the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission, and the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i is also longer than the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission, when the target indication information determined by the network device can also be used to indicate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i and the second cell k, the sending period of the target indication information is defined by the first cell, that is, the network device will send the target indication information at the target period within the active period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0257] In the above implementation, when the terminal device has multiple cells configured with discontinuous transmission, the target time period for sending the target indication information can be defined based on the cell with the shortest active period and / or the shortest cycle of the discontinuous transmission among the multiple cells. This can also reduce the number of times the target indication information is sent, thereby reducing the power consumption of the network device.

[0258] In a second optional implementation, the target indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell. The network device sends the target indication information in the target time period within the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission. The network device will also send the target indication information in the fourth time period within the active time period of each second discontinuous transmission. In other words, the network device will also send the target indication information in the fourth time period within the active time period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i. It can also be understood that when the terminal device has multiple cells configured with discontinuous transmission, the network device will send the target indication information that can be used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell in the preset time period within the active time period of the discontinuous transmission of each cell.

[0259] For example, see Fig.16 , Fig.16 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. Take the first cell and any second cell i in at least one second cell as an example. It should be understood that Fig.16 Only the first period and the second period of the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i are shown as examples, and other periods of the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i are similar and will not be listed again. Fig.16 As shown, in the first cycle of the first discontinuous transmission, the network device will send target indication information in the target time period 1, and in the second cycle of the first discontinuous transmission, the network device will send target indication information in the target time period 2. Similarly, in the first cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, the network device will send target indication information in the fourth time period 1, and in the second cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, the network device will send target indication information in the fourth time period 2. It should be noted that the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 1 and the target time period 2 can be the same, or the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 2 can be re-determined. The target indication information sent by the network device in the fourth time period 1 and the fourth time period 2 is the same.

[0260] Optionally, each target time period corresponding to the first discontinuous transmission is consistent with each fourth time period corresponding to any one of the at least one second discontinuous transmission. Alternatively, part of the target time period corresponding to the first discontinuous transmission is consistent with part of the fourth time period corresponding to any one of the at least one second discontinuous transmission.

[0261] For example, please see Fig.16 .like Fig.16 As shown, the target time period 1 of the first discontinuous transmission is consistent with the fourth time period 1 corresponding to the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, and similarly, the target time period 2 of the first discontinuous transmission is consistent with the fourth time period 2 corresponding to the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i. It should be noted that in order to ensure that each target time period corresponding to the first discontinuous transmission is consistent with each fourth time period corresponding to any one of the at least one second discontinuous transmission, it can be designed so that the period of the first discontinuous transmission is equal to the period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

[0262] For example, see Fig.17 , Fig.17 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. It should be understood that Fig.17 Only the first period and the second period of the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i are shown as examples, and other periods of the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i are similar and will not be listed again. Fig.17 As shown, the target time period 1 of the first discontinuous transmission is consistent with the fourth time period 1 corresponding to the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, while the target time period 2 of the first discontinuous transmission is inconsistent with the fourth time period 2 corresponding to the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

[0263] In the above implementation, when multiple cells of the terminal device are respectively configured with non-continuous transmission, the same indication information is used for indication, and then the indication information is sent respectively in the time period corresponding to the non-continuous transmission configured in each cell, and it is ensured that the time period corresponding to the non-continuous transmission configured in each cell is exactly the same or partially the same. This method can effectively reduce the number of times the network device sends the target indication information, and can further reduce the power consumption of the network device.

[0264] In a third optional implementation, the network device determines a target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and at least one second indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the at least one second discontinuous transmission. In this case, the network device sends the target indication information in the target time period within the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission. The network device also sends each second indication information in the fourth time period within the active time period of each second discontinuous transmission. In other words, the network device also sends the second indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i in the fourth time period within the active time period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i. In other words, when the terminal device has multiple cells configured with discontinuous transmission, the network device generates corresponding indication information for the discontinuous transmission configured for each cell to indicate its activation / deactivation, and the indication information corresponding to each discontinuous transmission will be sent in a preset time period within the active time period of each discontinuous transmission.

[0265] For example, please see Fig.16 , in the first cycle of the first discontinuous transmission, the network device will send the target indication information in the target time period 1, and in the second cycle of the first discontinuous transmission, the network device will send the target indication information in the target time period 2. Similarly, in the first cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, the network device will send the second indication information in the fourth time period 1, and in the second cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, the network device will send the second indication information in the fourth time period 2. It should be noted that the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 1 and the target time period 2 can be the same, or the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 2 can also be re-determined. Similarly, the second indication information sent by the network device in the fourth time period 1 and the fourth time period 2 can be the same, or the second indication information sent by the network device in the fourth time period 2 can also be re-determined.

[0266] In the above implementation, when multiple cells of the terminal device are respectively configured with non-continuous transmission, different indication information is used for indication, and these different indication information are sent respectively in the time period corresponding to the non-continuous transmission configured in each cell. This method of activating / deactivating the non-continuous transmission configured in each cell is more flexible, which can effectively avoid the occurrence of indication confusion while reducing the power consumption of network equipment.

[0267] It should be noted that, in actual implementation, the network device may send the above-mentioned target indication information, the first indication information or the second indication information to the terminal device via multicast DCI or MAC CE.

[0268] In some feasible implementations, the target indication information sent by the network device during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i in at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i. Such an implementation can not only avoid repeated indication of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, but also avoid affecting the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i that has been determined to be activated or deactivated when the terminal device does not detect the target indication information, thereby avoiding logical confusion.

[0269] In some feasible implementations, the network device may send the above-mentioned target indication information, the first indication information or the second indication information on its primary cell (Pcell), primary secondary cell (PScell) or special cell (spcell).

[0270] S303: The terminal device receives target indication information sent by the network device during the target time period.

[0271] In some feasible ways, the terminal device may receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period within the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell. In other words, the terminal device uses the target time period within the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell as the detection opportunity to detect the target indication information sent by the network device. In the embodiment of the present application, detecting the target indication information and receiving the target indication information are equivalent expressions, and the target time period can also be understood as the detection opportunity of the terminal device for the target indication information.

[0272] The following will further explain the process of the terminal device receiving the target indication information in combination with the application scenarios one to five described above.

[0273] Application scenario 1: The terminal device has only one DTX or one DRX configured in the first cell

[0274] In this application scenario, the terminal device can receive the target indication information sent by the network device during the target time period within the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0275] When the first cell is configured with DTX, the terminal device may receive the target indication information in the target period within the active period of the DTX of the first cell. When the first cell is configured with DRX, the terminal device may receive the target indication information in the target period within the active period of the DRX of the first cell.

[0276] It should be understood that the terminal device may receive one or more target indication information in the target period within the active period of the first discontinuous transmission. In the case of multiple target indication information, the contents of the multiple target indication information should be completely consistent.

[0277] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the terminal device receives the target indication information sent by the network device in target period 1. Similarly, the terminal device also receives the target indication information sent by the network device in target period 2. It should be understood that the target indication information transmitted in target period 2 can be regenerated by the network device, or it can be the target indication information transmitted in the first period.

[0278] Application scenario 2: The first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX

[0279] In a first optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. The terminal device receives the target indication information only in the target time period within the active time period of the DTX of the first cell, and does not preset another time period within the active time period of the DRX of the first cell and repeatedly receive the target indication information. Moreover, the target indication information can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the DTX and DRX of the first cell at the same time.

[0280] Furthermore, the active period of the DTX of the first cell should be shorter than or equal to the active period of the DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of the DTX of the first cell should be shorter than or equal to the cycle of the DRX of the first cell. That is to say, when the active period of the DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of the DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of the DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the cycle of the DRX of the first cell, the detection timing of the target indication information is defined by the DTX of the first cell, and the terminal device only needs to receive the target indication information in the target period within the active period of the DTX of the first cell.

[0281] For example, please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. Figure 5 As shown, the active period of DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DRX of the first cell, and the cycle of DTX of the first cell is smaller than the cycle of DRX of the first cell. In this case, only the cycle of DTX of the first cell ( Figure 5 Only the first and second cycles of DTX are shown in FIG. 1 and 2 (including the target period). The terminal device also receives the target indication information sent by the network device in the target period 1 and the target period 2 respectively.

[0282] In the above implementation, defining the target time period based on the DTX of the first cell can not only reduce the number of times the target indication information is received, but also avoid the terminal device from receiving the target indication information during the inactive period of the DTX of the first cell, which can effectively reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0283] In a second optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DRX, and the first cell is also configured with DTX. The terminal device receives the target indication information only in the target time period within the active time period of the DRX of the first cell, and does not preset another time period within the active time period of the DTX of the first cell and repeatedly receive the target indication information. Moreover, the target indication information can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the DTX and DRX of the first cell at the same time.

[0284] Furthermore, the active period of the DRX of the first cell should be shorter than or equal to the active period of the DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of the DRX of the first cell should be shorter than or equal to the cycle of the DTX of the first cell. That is to say, when the active period of the DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of the DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of the DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the cycle of the DTX of the first cell, the detection timing of the target indication information is defined by the DRX of the first cell, and the terminal device only needs to receive the target indication information in the target period within the active period of the DRX of the first cell.

[0285] For example, Figure 6 As shown, the active period of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to the active period of DTX of the first cell, and the cycle of DRX of the first cell is smaller than the cycle of DTX of the first cell. In this case, only the cycle of DRX of the first cell ( Figure 6 Only the first cycle and the second cycle of DRX are shown in the figure) including the target period. The terminal device will also receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the target period 1 and the target period 2 defined based on the DRX of the first cell respectively.

[0286] In the above implementation, defining the target time period based on the DRX of the first cell can not only reduce the number of times the target indication information is received, but also avoid the terminal device from receiving the target indication information during the inactive period of the DRX of the first cell, which can effectively reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0287] In a third optional implementation, the above-mentioned first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. The network device can also use the determined target indication information to indicate activation / deactivation of the DRX of the first cell. The terminal device can receive the target indication information in the target time period within the active time period of the DTX of the first cell, and can also receive the target indication information in the first time period within the active time period of the DRX of the first cell. In other words, the detection timings of the DTX of the first cell and the DRX of the first cell are independently configured, and the terminal device will separately detect the target indication information at the detection timings configured for the DTX of the first cell and the DRX of the first cell respectively.

[0288] For example, Figure 7 As shown, when the first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX, the terminal device will receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 1 and the target time period 2 defined by the DTX of the first cell respectively. Furthermore, the terminal device will also receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the first time period 1 and the second time period 2 defined by the DRX of the first cell respectively.

[0289] Optionally, for the multiple target time periods corresponding to the DTX of the first cell and the multiple first time periods corresponding to the DRX of the first cell, the multiple target time periods and the multiple first time periods may be consistent. Figure 7 As shown, the first time period 1 corresponding to the DRX of the first cell is consistent with the target time period 1 corresponding to the DTX of the first cell, and the first time period 2 corresponding to the DRX of the first cell is consistent with the target time period 2 corresponding to the DTX of the first cell.

[0290] Alternatively, for the multiple target time periods corresponding to the DTX of the first cell and the multiple first time periods corresponding to the DRX of the first cell, some of the target time periods in the multiple target time periods and some of the first time periods in the multiple first time periods may be the same. Figure 8 As shown, the first time period 1 corresponding to the DRX of the first cell is consistent with the target time period 1 corresponding to the DTX of the first cell, and the first time period 2 corresponding to the DRX of the first cell is inconsistent with the target time period 2 corresponding to the DTX of the first cell.

[0291] In the above implementation, since the multiple target time periods corresponding to the DTX of the first cell and the multiple first time periods corresponding to the DRX of the first cell are partially or completely the same, the terminal device receives target indication information fewer times, which can further reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0292] In a fourth optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. The terminal device can receive the target indication information not only in the target time period defined by DTX of the first cell, but also in the first time period defined by DRX of the first cell.

[0293] like Figure 7 or Figure 8 As shown, when the first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX, the terminal device can receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 1 and the target time period 2 defined based on the DTX of the first cell. The terminal device can also receive the first indication information sent by the network device in the first time period 1 and the second time period 2 defined based on the DRX of the first cell.

[0294] In the above implementation, when the terminal device is equipped with DTX and DRX, different indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of DTX and DRX respectively, and the sending time period of the indication information is also different. This method is more flexible and can effectively avoid the occurrence of indication confusion while reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0295] Application scenario 3: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DTX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DTX

[0296] In this application scenario, the target indication information can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the first DTX and each second DTX. The following takes the first DTX and any second DTX of at least one second DTX as an example. In a specific implementation, when the terminal device determines that the first DTX is activated, the target indication information is received only in the target time period within the active time period of the first DTX. When the terminal device determines that any second DTX is activated, the target indication information can be received only in the second time period within the active time period of any second DTX.

[0297] For example, Fig. 9 As shown, the first DTX is activated in its first cycle, and any second DTX is deactivated in its first cycle, then the terminal device can receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 1 in the first cycle of the first DTX. Further, the first DTX is deactivated in its second cycle, and any second DTX is activated in its second cycle, then the terminal device can receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the second time period 1 in the second cycle of any second DTX.

[0298] It can also be understood that, when the first cell is configured with multiple DTXs, the terminal device will only receive target indication information indicating activation / deactivation of the multiple DTXs during a preset time period within the active time period of the DTXs that are activated among the multiple DTXs.

[0299] Optionally, each target time period of the first DTX is consistent with each second time period corresponding to any second DTX in the at least one second DTX. Alternatively, part of the target time period of the first DTX is consistent with part of the second time period corresponding to any second DTX in the at least one second DTX.

[0300] For example, Fig.10 As shown, the second period 1 is completely consistent with the target period 1, and the second period 2 is completely consistent with the target period 2. Or, as Fig.11 As shown, the second period 1 is completely consistent with the target period 1, and the second period 2 is inconsistent with the target period 2.

[0301] By adopting such an implementation method, the number of times the terminal device receives target indication information can be reduced, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0302] Application scenario 4: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DRX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DRX

[0303] In this application scenario, the target indication information can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the first DRX and each second DRX. The following takes the first DRX and any second DRX of at least one second DRX as an example. In a specific implementation, when the terminal device determines that the first DRX is activated, the target indication information is received only in the target time period within the active time period of the first DRX. When the terminal device determines that any second DRX is activated, the target indication information can be received only in the second time period within the active time period of any second DRX.

[0304] For example, Fig.12 As shown, the first DRX is activated in its first cycle, and any second DRX is deactivated in its first cycle, then the terminal device can receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 1 in the first cycle of the first DRX. Further, the first DRX is deactivated in its second cycle, and any second DRX is activated in its second cycle, then the terminal device can receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the second time period 1 in the second cycle of any second DRX.

[0305] It can also be understood that, when multiple DRXs are configured in the first cell, the terminal device will only receive target indication information indicating activation / deactivation of the multiple DXRs during a preset time period within the active time period of the DRX that is activated among the multiple DRXs.

[0306] Optionally, each target period of the first DRX is consistent with each second period corresponding to any second DRX in the at least one second DRX. Alternatively, part of the target period of the first DRX is consistent with part of the second period corresponding to any second DRX in the at least one second DRX.

[0307] For example, Fig.13 As shown, the second period 1 is completely consistent with the target period 1, and the second period 2 is completely consistent with the target period 2. Or, as Fig.14 As shown, the second period 1 is completely consistent with the target period 1, and the second period 2 is inconsistent with the target period 2.

[0308] By adopting such an implementation method, the number of times the terminal device receives target indication information can also be reduced, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0309] Application scenario 5: Each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission

[0310] In a first optional implementation, the target indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of the first discontinuous transmission and each of the at least one second cell. The terminal device may receive the target indication information sent by the network device only in the target time period within the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell. The second discontinuous transmission may be DTX or DRX.

[0311] Further, in the above case, the activity period of the first discontinuous transmission may be shorter than or equal to the activity period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell. Alternatively, the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission may be less than or equal to the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell. Alternatively, the activity period of the first discontinuous transmission may be shorter than or equal to the activity period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell and the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission may be less than or equal to the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

[0312] It can also be understood that, in this application scenario, the terminal device can select the discontinuous transmission with the shortest activity time and / or the shortest cycle from the first discontinuous transmission and at least one second discontinuous transmission, and receive the target indication information at a preset time period within the active period of the discontinuous transmission. In other words, in this application scenario, the detection timing of the target indication information is based on the definition of the discontinuous transmission with the shortest activity period and / or the shortest cycle from the first discontinuous transmission and at least one second discontinuous transmission.

[0313] For example, Fig.15As shown, since the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell k is longer than the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i is longer than the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission, and the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i is also longer than the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission, when the target indication information determined by the network device can also be used to indicate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i and the second cell k, the detection timing of the target indication information is defined by the first cell, that is, the terminal device will receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the target period within the active period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0314] In the above implementation, when the terminal device has multiple cells configured with discontinuous transmission, the target time period for sending the target indication information can be defined based on the cell with the shortest active period and / or the shortest cycle of the discontinuous transmission configured in these multiple cells. This can also reduce the number of times the target indication information is received, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0315] In a second optional implementation, the target indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of the first discontinuous transmission and each of the at least one second cell. The terminal device will not only receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period within the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission, but also receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the fourth time period within the active time period of each second discontinuous transmission. In other words, the terminal device will also receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the fourth time period within the active time period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i.

[0316] For example, Fig.16 As shown, in the first cycle of the first discontinuous transmission, the terminal device receives the target indication information in the target time period 1, and in the second cycle of the first discontinuous transmission, the terminal device receives the target indication information in the target time period 2. Similarly, in the first cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, the terminal device receives the target indication information in the fourth time period 1, and in the second cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, the terminal device receives the target indication information in the fourth time period 2.

[0317] Optionally, each target time period corresponding to the first discontinuous transmission is consistent with each fourth time period corresponding to any one of the at least one second discontinuous transmission. Alternatively, part of the target time period corresponding to the first discontinuous transmission is consistent with part of the fourth time period corresponding to any one of the at least one second discontinuous transmission.

[0318] For example, Fig.16As shown, the target time period 1 of the first discontinuous transmission is consistent with the fourth time period 1 corresponding to the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, and similarly, the target time period 2 of the first discontinuous transmission is consistent with the fourth time period 2 corresponding to the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i. Alternatively, Fig.17 As shown, the target time period 1 of the first discontinuous transmission is consistent with the fourth time period 1 corresponding to the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, while the target time period 2 of the first discontinuous transmission is inconsistent with the fourth time period 2 corresponding to the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

[0319] In the above implementation, when multiple cells of the terminal device are respectively configured with non-continuous transmission, the target indication information is received respectively in the time period corresponding to the non-continuous transmission configured in each cell, and it is ensured that the receiving time period corresponding to the non-continuous transmission configured in each cell is completely or partially the same. This method can effectively reduce the number of times the terminal device receives the target indication information, and can further reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0320] In a third optional implementation, the network device determines a target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and at least one second indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the at least one second discontinuous transmission. In this case, the terminal device will not only receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period within the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission, but will also receive each second indication information sent by the network device in the fourth time period within the active time period of each second discontinuous transmission. In other words, the terminal device will also receive the second indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i in the fourth time period within the active time period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i. In other words, when the terminal device has multiple cells configured with discontinuous transmission, the discontinuous transmission configured for each cell is indicated by the corresponding indication information for activation / deactivation, and the indication information corresponding to each discontinuous transmission will be received in the preset time period within the active time period of each discontinuous transmission.

[0321] For example, Fig.16 As shown, in the first cycle of the first discontinuous transmission, the terminal device receives the target indication information in the target time period 1, and in the second cycle of the first discontinuous transmission, the terminal device receives the target indication information in the target time period 2. Similarly, in the first cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, the terminal device receives the second indication information in the fourth time period 1, and in the second cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, the terminal device receives the second indication information in the fourth time period 2.

[0322] In the above implementation, when multiple cells of the terminal device are respectively configured with non-continuous transmission, the indication information corresponding to the non-continuous transmission configured in each cell is received respectively in the time period corresponding to the non-continuous transmission configured in each cell. This method of activating / deactivating the non-continuous transmission configured in each cell is more flexible, which can effectively avoid indication confusion while reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0323] It should be understood that the terminal device can receive the above-mentioned target indication information, the first indication information or the second indication information by detecting the multicast DCI or MAC CE sent by the network device.

[0324] In some feasible implementations, each cycle of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell includes a target time period. That is, when the first cell is configured with the first discontinuous transmission, the network device can send target indication information in the target time period included in each cycle of the first discontinuous transmission, and the terminal device can receive target indication information in the target time period included in each cycle of the first discontinuous transmission. It can also be understood that, for the terminal device, each cycle of the first discontinuous transmission defines a detection timing of the target indication information. It should be understood that in this case, the target indication information received by the terminal device in the target time period within any cycle can only indicate the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell within the any cycle.

[0325] In some feasible implementations, some cycles of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell include a target time period, and the time interval between each cycle in these some cycles is the same. In other words, among all cycles of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell, there are multiple target cycles that include a target time period, and the time interval between each target cycle in these multiple target cycles is the same. It can also be understood that, for the terminal device, a detection timing of the target indication information is defined every multiple cycles of the first discontinuous transmission, and not all cycles define a detection timing of the target indication information, and the detection timing of the target indication information is defined periodically. It should also be understood that in this case, the target indication information received by the terminal device in the target time period of any target cycle T1 may indicate the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell within the arbitrary target cycle T1 and the multiple cycles between the arbitrary target cycle T1 and the next target cycle T2.

[0326] It should be understood that the foregoing describes the definition of the transmission period of the target indication information for the discontinuous transmission of the first cell. In a specific implementation, the definition of the transmission period of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell for the first indication information or the second indication information mentioned above can also be defined in the manner described above. Of course, in the case where the terminal device not only has the first discontinuous transmission defined in the first cell, but also has at least one second cell configured with the second discontinuous transmission, the definition of the transmission period of each second discontinuous transmission in the at least one second cell for the above-mentioned target indication information, the first indication information or the second indication information can also be defined in the manner described above.

[0327] In some feasible implementations, when the network device sends multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell (here, assumed to be cell j) of the terminal device, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j. It can also be understood that when the network device sends multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j, it is not expected that the indication results of the multiple target indication information are inconsistent, that is, it is not expected that some of the target indication information among the multiple target indication information indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, while the remaining target indication information indicates deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j. Such an implementation can ensure that the indication results of all target indication information received by the terminal device in each discontinuous transmission period of any cell j are consistent, and avoid logical confusion caused by inconsistent indication results of multiple target indication information.

[0328] For example, corresponding to application scenario 2, combined with Figure 5 As shown, since there is a situation where both the target time period 1 and the target time period 2 are located in the first cycle of the DRX of the first cell, in order to avoid the target indication information indicating two different results in the first cycle of the DRX of the first cell, it is required that the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 1 and the target indication information sent in the target time period 2 have the same indication result for the DRX of the first cell, that is, both indicate the activation / deactivation of the DRX of the first cell. Or, for application scenario three, combined with Figure 6 As shown, since there is a situation where both target time period 1 and target time period 2 are located within the first cycle of DTX of the first cell, in order to avoid the target indication information indicating two different results within the first cycle of DTX of the first cell, the network device is required to send the target indication information on target time period 1 and the target indication information on target time period 2 to have the same indication result for the DTX of the first cell, that is, both indicate activation / deactivation of DTX of the first cell.

[0329] In some feasible implementations, the target indication information sent by the network device during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i among the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

[0330] For example, Fig.15 As shown, the network device will send target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of both the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i in the target period 2. Since the target period 2 is located in the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, for the second cell i, the target indication information sent by the network device in the target period 2 is not used to indicate activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i. Such an implementation can avoid the situation where the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i is deactivated during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, thereby avoiding logic confusion.

[0331] In some feasible implementations, the terminal device may receive the above-mentioned target indication information, the first indication information or the second indication information in its primary cell, primary and secondary cell or special cell.

[0332] S304, the terminal device activates / deactivates the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0333] In some feasible implementations, after acquiring the target indication information, the terminal device may further activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell according to the target indication information. For ease of understanding, the following will further describe the behavior of the terminal device in combination with the application scenarios 1 to 5 described above.

[0334] Application scenario 1: The terminal device has only one DTX or one DRX configured in the first cell

[0335] In the case that the first discontinuous transmission is DTX or DRX, the terminal device can activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information upon receiving the above-mentioned target indication information.

[0336] Optionally, the terminal device may activate / deactivate the first continuous transmission according to the target indication information at the first target time unit. The first target time unit may be the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission. Alternatively, the first target time unit may be the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period that can be defined for the first discontinuous transmission. Here, X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. It can also be understood that the target indication information received by the terminal device may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined for the first discontinuous transmission.

[0337] Application scenario 2: The first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX

[0338] In a first optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. After receiving the target indication information, the terminal device can not only activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to the target indication information, but also activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0339] Furthermore, the target indication information received by the terminal device may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DTX, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first DTX.

[0340] In a second optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DRX, and the first cell is also configured with DTX. After receiving the target indication information, the terminal device can not only activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to the target indication information, but also activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0341] Furthermore, the target indication information received by the terminal device may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DRX, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first DRX.

[0342] In a third optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. The terminal device may activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to the target indication information received in the target time period. At the same time, the terminal device may also activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to the target indication information received in the first time period.

[0343] Furthermore, the target indication information received by the terminal device in the target time period may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active time period of the first DTX, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target time period defined by the first DTX. The target indication information received by the terminal device in the first time period may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active time period of the first DRX, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the first time period defined by the first DRX.

[0344] In a fourth optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. The terminal device can not only activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to the target indication information received in the target time period, but also activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to the first indication information received in the first time period.

[0345] Furthermore, the target indication information received by the terminal device in the target time period may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active time period of the first DTX, or at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target time period defined by the first DTX. The first indication information received by the terminal device in the first time period may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active time period of the first DRX, or at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the first time period defined by the first DRX.

[0346] Application scenario 3: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DTX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DTX

[0347] In this application scenario, after receiving the target indication information, the terminal device can not only activate / deactivate the first DTX according to the target indication information, but also activate / deactivate at least one second DTX configured in the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0348] Furthermore, the target indication information received by the terminal device within the target time period may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active time period of the first DTX, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target time period defined by the first DTX.

[0349] Application scenario 4: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DRX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DRX

[0350] In this application scenario, after receiving the target indication information, the terminal device can not only activate / deactivate the first DRX according to the target indication information, but also activate / deactivate at least one second DRX configured in the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0351] Furthermore, the target indication information received by the terminal device within the target time period may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active time period of the first DRX, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target time period defined by the first DRX.

[0352] Application scenario 5: Each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission

[0353] In a first optional implementation, the target indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell, and the detection timing of the target indication information is defined by the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell. In this case, the terminal device can not only activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information, but also activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission configured for each second cell according to the target indication information.

[0354] Optionally, for the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell, the target indication information may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first discontinuous transmission.

[0355] Optionally, for the first discontinuous transmission, the target indication information may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first discontinuous transmission. For the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, if the terminal device determines that it has received the target indication information for the first time within the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, and the time unit for receiving the target indication information is within the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i may be activated / deactivated according to the target indication information at the second target time unit. The second target time unit is the Yth time unit after the time unit in which the terminal device receives the target indication information. Y is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0356] In a second optional implementation, the target indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell in the at least one second cell, but the detection timing of the target indication information is defined separately for the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell and the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell. In this case, the terminal device can activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information received in the target time period, and can also activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission configured for each second cell according to the target indication information received in the fourth time period defined for each second discontinuous transmission.

[0357] Optionally, for the first discontinuous transmission, the target indication information may be effective at the next time unit after the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first discontinuous transmission. For each second discontinuous transmission, the target indication information may be effective at the next time unit after the end time unit of the active period of each second discontinuous transmission, or at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the fourth period defined by each second discontinuous transmission.

[0358] In a third optional implementation, the network device determines a target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and at least one second indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the at least one second discontinuous transmission. In this case, the terminal device will not only activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information, but also activate / deactivate each second discontinuous transmission according to the second indication information corresponding to each second discontinuous transmission.

[0359] Further, for the first discontinuous transmission, the target indication information may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first discontinuous transmission. For each second discontinuous transmission, the second indication information may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of each second discontinuous transmission, or at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the fourth period defined by each second discontinuous transmission.

[0360] In some feasible implementations, when a terminal device receives multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j. It can also be understood that when a terminal device receives multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j, it does not expect the indication results of the multiple target indication information to be inconsistent, that is, it does not expect some of the multiple target indication information to indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, while the remaining part of the target indication information indicates deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j. Such an implementation can ensure that the indication results of all target indication information received by the terminal device in each discontinuous transmission period of any cell j are consistent, and avoid logical confusion caused by inconsistent indication results of multiple target indication information.

[0361] For example, corresponding to application scenario 2, combined with Figure 5 As shown, since both target period 1 and target period 2 are located in the first cycle of the DRX of the first cell, the target indication information received by the terminal device in target period 1 and the target indication information received in target period 2 are consistent with the indication result of the DRX of the first cell, that is, both indicate the activation / deactivation of the DRX of the first cell. Or, for application scenario three, combined with Figure 6 As shown, since both target time period 1 and target time period 2 are located within the first cycle of DTX of the first cell, the target indication information received by the terminal device in target time period 1 and the target indication information received in target time period 2 are consistent in the indication results of DTX of the first cell, that is, both indicate activation / deactivation of DTX of the first cell.

[0362] In some feasible implementations, the target indication information received by the terminal device during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i among the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

[0363] For example, Fig.15As shown, the network device will send target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i in the target period 2. Since the target period 2 is located in the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, for the second cell i, the target indication information received by the terminal device in the target period 2 is not used to indicate activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i. Such an implementation method can not only avoid repeated indication of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, but also avoid affecting the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i that has been determined to be activated or deactivated when the terminal device does not detect the target indication information, thereby avoiding logical confusion.

[0364] In some feasible implementations, if the terminal device determines that the target indication information is received for the first time within the period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, and the time unit for receiving the target indication information is within the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, then the second cell i is activated / deactivated according to the target indication information at the second target time unit. The second target time unit is the Yth time unit after the time unit for receiving the target indication information, and Y is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. With this implementation, even if the terminal device receives the target indication information within the inactive period of the second continuous transmission of any second cell i, it can activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i in a timely manner, which can improve transmission stability.

[0365] For some possible implementations, see Fig.18 , Fig.18 This is another flow chart of a communication method provided by this application. Fig.18 As shown, the communication method may further include the following steps:

[0366] S305, the network device activates / deactivates the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell.

[0367] For ease of understanding, the following will further explain the specific behaviors of the network device in combination with application scenarios 1 to 5 described above.

[0368] Application scenario 1: The terminal device has only one DTX or one DRX configured in the first cell

[0369] When the first discontinuous transmission is DTX or DRX, after the network device determines to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to information such as the current load status and the usage of the first discontinuous transmission, it can activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the determined result.

[0370] Optionally, the network device may also activate / deactivate the first continuous transmission at the first target time unit mentioned above.

[0371] Application scenario 2: The first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX

[0372] In a first optional implementation, the network device may activate / deactivate the DTX and DRX of the first cell at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DTX. The network device may also activate the DTX and DRX of the first cell at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first DTX.

[0373] In a second optional implementation, the network device may activate / deactivate the DTX and DRX of the first cell at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DRX. Alternatively, the network device may also activate / deactivate the DTX and DRX of the first cell at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first DRX.

[0374] In a third optional implementation, the network device may activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DTX, or may activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first DTX. The network device may activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DRX, or may activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the first period defined by the first DRX.

[0375] Application scenario 3: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DTX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DTX

[0376] In this application scenario, the network device can activate / deactivate the above-mentioned first DTX and at least one second DTX at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DTX, or can activate / deactivate the above-mentioned first DTX and at least one second DTX at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first DTX.

[0377] Application scenario 4: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DRX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DRX

[0378] In this application scenario, the network device can activate / deactivate the above-mentioned first DRX and at least one second DRX at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DRX, or can also activate / deactivate the above-mentioned first DRX and at least one second DRX at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first DRX.

[0379] Application scenario 5: Each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission

[0380] In a first optional implementation, for the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell, the network device may activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0381] Alternatively, the network device may also activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell in the at least one second cell at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target time period defined by the first discontinuous transmission.

[0382] Alternatively, for the first discontinuous transmission, the network device may activate / deactivate at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or may activate / deactivate at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined for the first discontinuous transmission. For the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, if the network device determines that it is sending the target indication information for the first time within the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, and the time unit for sending the target indication information is within the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, then the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i may be activated / deactivated at the second target time unit. The second target time unit is the Yth time unit after the time unit in which the terminal device receives the target indication information. Y is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0383] In a second optional implementation, for the first discontinuous transmission, the network device may be activated / deactivated at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or may be activated / deactivated at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first discontinuous transmission. For each second discontinuous transmission, the network device may be activated / deactivated at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of each second discontinuous transmission, or may be activated / deactivated at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the fourth period defined by each second discontinuous transmission.

[0384] For some possible implementations, see Fig.19 , Fig.19 This is another flow chart of a communication method provided by this application. Fig.19 As shown, the communication method may further include the steps of:

[0385] S306: The network device sends target configuration information to the terminal device.

[0386] In some feasible implementations, after determining the target time period, the network device may generate corresponding target configuration information and send the target configuration information to the terminal device.

[0387] In an optional implementation, the target configuration information may include a first offset and a second offset. The first offset is a time unit offset of the start time unit of the target period relative to the start time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset is a time unit offset of the end time unit of the target period relative to the start time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission. Alternatively, the first offset is a time unit offset of the start time unit of the target period relative to the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset is a time unit offset of the end time unit of the target period relative to the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0388] In another optional implementation, the target configuration information may include a first offset, which is a time unit offset of the start time unit of the target period relative to the start time unit of the first discontinuous transmission activity period, and the end time unit of the target period is consistent with the end time unit of the first discontinuous transmission activity period. Alternatively, the first offset is a time unit offset of the start time unit of the target period relative to the end time unit of the first discontinuous transmission activity period, and the end time unit of the target period is consistent with the end time unit of the first discontinuous transmission activity period.

[0389] In another optional implementation, the target configuration information may include a second offset, which is a time unit offset of the end time unit of the target period relative to the start time unit of the first discontinuous transmission activity period, and the start time unit of the target period is consistent with the start time unit of the first discontinuous transmission activity period. Alternatively, the second offset is a time unit offset of the end time unit of the target period relative to the end time unit of the first discontinuous transmission activity period, and the start time unit of the target period is consistent with the start time unit of the first discontinuous transmission activity period.

[0390] It should be noted that the target configuration information may also include a third identifier, which is used to indicate that each period of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell includes the target period. Alternatively, the target configuration information may also include a fourth identifier and the number of interval periods Z. The fourth identifier information is used to indicate that a partial period of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell includes the target period, and the time interval between each period in the partial period is the same. The number of interval periods Z is used to indicate the time interval between each period in the partial period.

[0391] S307, the terminal device receives and determines the target time period according to the target configuration information.

[0392] In some feasible implementations, the terminal device may receive target indication information from the network device, and determine a target time period within an active time period of a first discontinuous transmission of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0393] In an optional implementation, when the target configuration information includes a first offset and a second offset, the terminal device may determine a third target time unit that is after the start time unit of the first non-continuous transmission activity period and differs from the start time unit of the first non-continuous transmission activity period by the first offset time unit as the start time unit of the target period. The terminal device may also determine a fourth target time unit that is after the start time unit of the first non-continuous transmission activity period and differs from the start time unit of the first non-continuous transmission activity period by the second offset time unit as the end time unit of the target period.

[0394] Alternatively, the terminal device may determine a third target time unit that is before the end time unit of the activity period of the first discontinuous transmission and differs from the start time unit of the activity period of the first discontinuous transmission by a first offset time unit as the start time unit of the target period. The terminal device may also determine a fourth target time unit that is before the end time unit of the activity period of the first discontinuous transmission and differs from the start time unit of the activity period of the first discontinuous transmission by a second offset time unit as the end time unit of the target period.

[0395] In another optional implementation, when the target configuration information includes a first offset, the terminal device may determine the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission as the end time unit of the target period, and determine a time unit that is after the start time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission and differs from the start time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission by the first offset time unit as the start time unit of the target period. Alternatively, the terminal device may determine the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission as the end time unit of the target period, and determine a time unit that is before the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission and differs from the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission by the first offset time unit as the start time unit of the target period.

[0396] In another optional implementation, when the target configuration information includes a second offset, the terminal device may determine the start time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission as the start time unit of the target period, and determine a time unit that is after the start time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission and differs from the start time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission by a second offset time unit as the end time unit of the target period. Alternatively, the terminal device may determine the start time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission as the start time unit of the target period, and determine a time unit that is before the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission and differs from the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission by a second offset time unit as the start time unit of the target period.

[0397] Further, if the terminal device determines that the target configuration information may also include a third identifier, it may be determined that each cycle of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period. Alternatively, if the terminal device determines that the target configuration information also includes a fourth identifier and the number of interval periods Z, the terminal device may determine that a portion of the cycle of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, and the number of periods between each period in the portion of the cycle is Z.

[0398] It should be understood that the aforementioned steps S306 and S307 may be performed before step S301, or after step S301 and before step S303, and this application does not limit this. The aforementioned steps S306 and S307 describe only optional solutions for the network device to configure the target time period for the terminal device. In actual implementation, the network device may also use this method to configure the target time period for the terminal device, and this application does not limit this.

[0399] It should be noted that steps S306 and S307 only describe the process of the network device configuring the target time period for the terminal device. For the first time period, the second time period, the third time period and the fourth time period mentioned above, the network device can also configure the terminal device in a similar manner. To avoid redundancy, it will not be repeated here. Similarly, for the case where the terminal device has multiple second cells configured with multiple second non-continuous transmissions, the network device can configure the corresponding transmission indication information time period for each cell of the terminal device in the same or similar manner, and the specific process will not be repeated here.

[0400] It should also be understood that in actual implementation, the network device will also send discontinuous transmission configuration information to the terminal device to configure corresponding discontinuous transmission for the cell of the terminal device. The discontinuous transmission configuration information mainly includes the cycle length, active period, inactive period, start time, and close time of the discontinuous transmission. The target configuration information mentioned above can be included in the discontinuous transmission configuration information, or it can be sent separately by the network device, and this application does not limit this.

[0401] For some possible implementations, see Fig. 20 , Fig. 20 This is a schematic diagram of the format of target indication information provided by this application. Fig. 20 As shown, the target indication information may include multiple transmission blocks (blocks), and only four transmission blocks are shown in the figure, namely block1, block2, block3 and block4.

[0402] Optionally, each transmission block may include bits. Where M is the total number of cells currently configured with DTX and DRX by the terminal device. e The number of bits corresponding to DTX and DRX activation for cell e.

[0403] When the terminal device supports both DTX and DRX, N e The value of can satisfy the following formula (1):

[0404]

[0405] When the terminal device only supports DTX, N e The value of can satisfy the following formula (2):

[0406]

[0407] When the terminal device only supports DTX, N e The value of can satisfy the following formula (3):

[0408]

[0409] Among them, C e1 is the number of DTX configurations that the cell e of the terminal device can support, C e2 is the number of DRX configurations that the cell e of the terminal device can support. In the embodiment of the present application, It means x is rounded up. This is the round-up symbol.

[0410] Optionally, for each transport block For example, these bits can be indicated according to the cell identifier of the terminal device first. A part of the continuous bits among the bits is used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate DTX of each cell, and another part of the continuous bits is used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate DRX of each cell.

[0411] For example, Fig. 20 As shown, assuming that cell 1, cell 2, and cell 3 of the terminal device are all configured with DTX and DRX, and are indicated by the bits in block1, the three consecutive bits in block1 are respectively used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate DTX of the three cells, wherein the cell1 DTX bit is used to indicate that the first cell 1 activates / deactivates DTX, the cell2 DTX bit is used to indicate that the first cell 2 activates / deactivates DTX, and the cell3DTX bit is used to indicate that the first cell 3 activates / deactivates DTX. At the same time, there are three consecutive bits in block1 that are respectively used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate DRX of the three cells, wherein the cell1 DRX bit is used to indicate that the first cell 1 activates / deactivates DRX, the cell2 DRX bit is used to indicate that the first cell 2 activates / deactivates DRX, and the cell3DRX bit is used to indicate that the first cell 3 activates / deactivates DRX.

[0412] Optionally, for each transport block For example, these bits can continuously indicate the DTX and DRX of each cell in units of each cell. Each N bits e The consecutive bits are used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate DTX and DRX of each cell.

[0413] For example, Fig. 20As shown, assuming that cell 4, cell 5 and cell 6 of the terminal device are all configured with DTX and DRX, and are indicated by the bits in block4, there are three groups of consecutive 2 bits in block4, and these three groups of consecutive 2 bits are respectively used to indicate that the terminal device activates / deactivates DTX and DRX of cell 4, cell 5 and cell 6. Among them, the two consecutive bits of cell4 DTX and cell4DRX are used to indicate that the terminal device activates / deactivates DTX and DRX of cell 4, cell5 DTX and cell5 DRX are used to indicate that the terminal device activates / deactivates DTX and DRX of cell 5, and cell6 DTX and cell6 DRX are used to indicate that the terminal device activates / deactivates DTX and DRX of cell 6.

[0414] Optionally, when the cell corresponding to the terminal device is configured with DTX and / or DRX, the network device will also send an indication information reading parameter to the terminal device. The terminal device can determine the starting bit that can be used to indicate the activation / deactivation of DTX and / or DRX of the cell corresponding to the terminal device from the bits included in the target indication information based on the indication information reading parameter.

[0415] In other words, the terminal device can determine, based on the indication information reading parameter, from which bit in the target indication information it needs to start reading the bit used to indicate the activation / deactivation of DTX and / or DRX of the cell corresponding to the terminal device. In other words, the terminal device can determine, based on the indication information reading parameter, which transmission block in the target indication information it needs to determine the activation / deactivation of DTX / DRX of the corresponding cell.

[0416] Optionally, when the cell corresponding to the terminal device is configured with DTX and / or DRX, the network device will also send a configuration information reading parameter to the terminal device. The terminal device can determine the position of the activation / deactivation indication bit corresponding to the cell configured with DTX and / or DRX in the transmission block based on the configuration information reading parameter. That is, the correspondence between the bits in a transmission block and the activation / deactivation indication of DTX / DRX of each cell.

[0417] Optionally, the terminal device may correspond to each N in the information block according to the target indication information. e The value of the bit determines the activation / deactivation of DTX / DRX of cell e.

[0418] For example, when N e=1 and cell e is only configured with DTX or DRX separately, when the terminal device reads the value of this bit as 1, the DTX or DRX of the cell e corresponding to the bit can be activated. Correspondingly, when the terminal device reads the value of this bit as 0, the DTX or DRX of the cell e corresponding to the bit can be deactivated. Alternatively, when the terminal device reads the value of this bit as 1, the DTX or DRX of the cell e corresponding to the bit can be deactivated. Correspondingly, when the terminal device reads the value of this bit as 0, the DTX or DRX of the cell e corresponding to the bit can be activated.

[0419] For example, when N i =2 and cell e is only configured with DTX or DRX separately, when the terminal device reads the value of the bit as 01, the DTX configuration 1 or DRX configuration 1 of the cell e corresponding to the two bits can be activated. When the terminal device reads the value of the two bits as 10, the DTX configuration 2 or DRX configuration 2 of the cell e corresponding to the two bits can be deactivated. When the terminal device reads the value of the two bits as 11, the DTX configuration 3 or DRX configuration 3 of the cell e corresponding to the two bits can be deactivated. When the terminal device reads the value of the two bits as 00, the DTX or DRX of the cell e corresponding to the two bits is deactivated.

[0420] It is understandable that cell e can be configured with DTX or DRX alone, or with both DTX and DRX. e =4, where the first 2 bits indicate DTX activation / deactivation of cell e, and the last 2 bits indicate DRX activation / deactivation of cell e. In another possible configuration, N i =2, wherein the first bit indicates DTX activation / deactivation of cell e, and the second bit indicates DRX activation / deactivation of cell e. The specific indication method of DTX or DRX activation / deactivation can be referred to the above description, which will not be repeated here.

[0421] For some possible implementations, see Fig.21 , Fig.21 This is another format diagram of target indication information provided by this application. Fig.21 As shown, the target indication information may include M transmission blocks (blocks), where M is the total number of cells in which the terminal device is currently configured with DTX and DRX. Fig.21 Only four transmission blocks are shown, namely block1, block2, block3 and block4.

[0422] Optionally, the e-th transmission block may include N ebits, corresponding to indicating DTX and DRX activation / deactivation of cell e.

[0423] When the terminal device supports both DTX and DRX, N e The value of can satisfy the following formula (4):

[0424]

[0425] When the terminal device only supports DTX, N e The value of can satisfy the following formula (5):

[0426]

[0427] When the terminal device only supports DTX, N e The value of can satisfy the following formula (6):

[0428]

[0429] Among them, C e1 is the number of DTXs that each cell of the terminal device can support, C e2 is the number of DRXs that each cell of the terminal device can support. In the embodiment of the present application, It means x is rounded up. That is, the round-up symbol, and e is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

[0430] Optionally, the M transport blocks may be sorted in order of each cell identifier. The cell identifier may be a physical cell index (PCI) corresponding to the cell, or the cell identifier may be a serving cell index (serving cell index) corresponding to the cell.

[0431] Optionally, one or more bits in each transmission block may continuously indicate the DTX and DRX of each cell, that is, every two consecutive bits of the one or more bits are respectively used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate the DTX and DRX of each cell.

[0432] For example, Fig.21As shown, assuming that cell 1, cell 2, cell 3 and cell 4 of the terminal device are all configured with DTX and DRX, and are indicated by the bits in block1-block4, each block in block1-block4 has two consecutive bits, and these four groups of two consecutive bits are respectively used to indicate that the terminal device activates / deactivates DTX and DRX of cell 1, cell 2, cell 3 and cell 4. Among them, the two consecutive bits of cell1 DTX and cell1 DRX in block1 are used to indicate that the terminal device activates / deactivates DTX and DRX of cell 1, the two consecutive bits of cell2 DTX and cell2 DRX in block2 are used to indicate that the terminal device activates / deactivates DTX and DRX of cell 2, the two consecutive bits of cell3 DTX and cell3 DRX in block3 are used to indicate that the terminal device activates / deactivates DTX and DRX of cell 3, and the two consecutive bits of cell4 DTX and cell4 DRX in block4 are used to indicate that the terminal device activates / deactivates DTX and DRX of cell 4.

[0433] Optionally, the network device will also configure a cell indication parameter to the terminal device, and the cell indication parameter indicates the correspondence between the cell configured with DTX and / or DRX function in the terminal device and each block in the target indication information. Specifically, the cell indication parameter indicates the block index in the target indication information corresponding to each cell in the cell configured with DTX and / or DRX function in the terminal device, or the cell indication parameter indicates the physical cell identifier or service cell index of the terminal cell corresponding to each block in the target indication information. Correspondingly, the terminal device can find the bit used to indicate the DTX and / or DRX activation / deactivation of the cell corresponding to the terminal device from the block contained in the target indication information based on the cell indication parameter.

[0434] Alternatively, the cell indication parameter indicates the starting bit position of the cell configured with DTX and / or DRX function corresponding to the terminal in the target indication information, that is, the starting bit position of the transmission block corresponding to the cell configured with DTX and / or DRX function corresponding to the terminal. Accordingly, the terminal device can find the starting bit of the DTX and / or DRX activation / deactivation indication bit corresponding to each cell configured with DTX and / or DRX function from the bits contained in the target indication information based on the cell indication parameter, or in other words, the starting bit of the transmission block corresponding to each cell configured with DTX and / or DRX function.

[0435] Optionally, the network device will also configure a cell configuration parameter to the terminal device, and the cell configuration parameter indicates the specific configuration of the cell configured with the DTX and / or DRX function in the network device. The specific configuration of the cell configured with the DTX and / or DRX function includes whether the cell configured with the DTX and / or DRX function is configured with DTX alone, DRX alone, or DTX and DRX at the same time, and / or the number of DTX and / or DRX supported by the cell configured with the DTX and / or DRX function. Based on the first cell configuration parameter, the terminal can learn the number of bits N corresponding to each cell configured with the DTX and / or DRX function. e , and then receive the indication information of the corresponding cell.

[0436] Optionally, the terminal device may select the target indication information according to the N in the e-th transmission block. e The value of the bit determines the activation / deactivation of DTX / DRX of cell e.

[0437] For example, when N e =1 and cell e is only configured with DTX or DRX separately, when the terminal device reads the value of this bit as 1, the DTX or DRX of the cell e corresponding to the bit can be activated. Correspondingly, when the terminal device reads the value of this bit as 0, the DTX or DRX of the cell e corresponding to the bit can be deactivated. Alternatively, when the terminal device reads the value of this bit as 1, the DTX or DRX of the cell e corresponding to the bit can be deactivated. Correspondingly, when the terminal device reads the value of this bit as 0, the DTX or DRX of the cell e corresponding to the bit can be activated.

[0438] For example, when N e =2 and cell e is only configured with DTX or DRX separately, when the terminal device reads the value of the bit as 01, the DTX configuration 1 or DRX configuration 1 of the cell e corresponding to the two bits can be activated. When the terminal device reads the value of the two bits as 10, the DTX configuration 2 or DRX configuration 2 of the cell e corresponding to the two bits can be deactivated. When the terminal device reads the value of the two bits as 11, the DTX configuration 3 or DRX configuration 3 of the cell e corresponding to the two bits can be deactivated. When the terminal device reads the value of the two bits as 00, the DTX or DRX of the cell e corresponding to the two bits is deactivated.

[0439] It is understandable that cell e can be configured with DTX or DRX alone, or with both DTX and DRX. e=4, where the first 2 bits indicate DTX activation / deactivation of cell e, and the last 2 bits indicate DRX activation / deactivation of cell e. In another possible configuration, N e =2, wherein the first bit indicates DTX activation / deactivation of cell e, and the second bit indicates DRX activation / deactivation of cell e. The specific indication method of DTX or DRX activation / deactivation can be referred to the above description, which will not be repeated here.

[0440] It should be understood that the foregoing mainly explains the data structure and usage of the target indication information. When the communication method provided in the present application also involves the first indication information or the second indication information mentioned above, the data structure and usage of the first indication information and the second indication information may be similar, and the present application will not list them one by one.

[0441] In the embodiment of the present application, the network device will only send the target indication information in the target time period within the active period of the discontinuous transmission of the cell, and the terminal device will only receive the above target indication information in the target time period, and further activate / deactivate the discontinuous transmission of the cell according to the target indication information. This method can significantly reduce the number of transmissions of the information used to indicate the activation / deactivation of discontinuous transmission, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the communication system.

[0442] Embodiment 2

[0443] To solve the above problems, the present application provides a communication method. In the communication method, the network device and the terminal device transmit target indication information for indicating the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell in the target time period within each preset period, and the preset period is different from the period of the search space indication associated with the target indication information, and / or the target time period is different from the detection timing indicated by the target indication information in the associated search space and control resource set (i.e., CORESET). By adopting this communication method, the number of interactions of the target indication information can be reduced, and the power consumption generated by activating / deactivating the first discontinuous transmission can be reduced, thereby achieving the purpose of further saving the power consumption of the network device and the terminal device (i.e., the power consumption of the communication system).

[0444] See also Fig. 22 , Fig. 22 This is another communication method provided by the present application - a flow chart. This method is applicable to the network device and terminal device mentioned above. Fig. 22 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0445] S221, the network device determines target indication information.

[0446] In some feasible implementations, the network device determines that it needs to send target indication information to the terminal device, and can determine to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to information such as the current load state and the usage of the first discontinuous transmission, and generate target indication information that can be used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the determined result. Here, the first discontinuous transmission can be DTX or DRX.

[0447] It should be understood that the process of determining the target indication information by the network device described above corresponds to an application scenario in which the first cell of the terminal device is configured with only one first discontinuous transmission, or corresponds to an application scenario in which the first cell of the terminal device is configured with only one DTX or one DRX, which is application scenario 1 provided by this application. In actual use, the communication method provided by this application can also be applied to other application scenarios, and the operation of determining the target indication information by the network device will be supplemented with these other application scenarios below.

[0448] Application scenario 2: The first cell is configured with both a DTX and a DRX

[0449] In an optional implementation, when the first cell is configured with DTX and DRX at the same time, the network device may determine to activate / deactivate DTX and DRX of the first cell based on the current load status, the usage of DTX of the first cell, and the usage of DRX of the first cell, and further generate target indication information that can be used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate DTX and DRX of the first cell based on the determined results.

[0450] In another optional implementation, when the first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX, the network device may determine to activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to information such as the current load status and the usage of the DTX of the first cell, and further generate target indication information that can be used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to the determined result. At the same time, the network device may also determine to activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to information such as the current load status and the usage of the DRX of the first cell, and further generate first indication information that can be used to instruct the terminal device to activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to the determined result.

[0451] It should be understood that the information format of the target indication information and the first indication information may be the same or different, and this application does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0452] Application scenario 3: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DTX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DTX

[0453] In a specific implementation, the network device may determine to activate / deactivate the first DTX and each second DTX according to the current load state, the usage of the first DTX and each second DTX of the first cell, and generate target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first DTX and each second DTX according to the determined result. It should be understood that when the first cell is configured with multiple DTXs, only one DTX is activated at the same time, and the remaining DTXs are all deactivated.

[0454] Application scenario 4: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DRX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DRX

[0455] In a specific implementation, the network device may determine to activate / deactivate the first DRX and each second DRX according to the current load state, the usage of the first DRX of the first cell, and the usage of each second DRX of the first cell, and generate target indication information for indicating the activation / deactivation of the first DRX and each second DRX according to the determined result. It should be understood that when the first cell is configured with multiple DRXs, only one DRX is activated at the same time, and the remaining DRXs are all deactivated.

[0456] Application scenario 5: Each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission is DTX or DRX

[0457] In an optional implementation, when the first cell of the terminal device is configured with a first discontinuous transmission and each of the at least one second cell is configured with a second discontinuous transmission, the network device may determine the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and each of the second discontinuous transmissions based on the current load state, the usage of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell, and the usage of the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell, and generate target indication information for indicating the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell based on the determined result. In other words, the target indication information determined by the network device is not only used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission, but also used to indicate the activation / deactivation of any one of the at least one second cell (here assumed to be the second cell i).

[0458] In another optional implementation, when the first cell of the terminal device is configured with a first discontinuous transmission and each of the at least one second cell is configured with a second discontinuous transmission, the network device may determine to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the current load state and the usage of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell, and generate the above-mentioned target indication information according to the determined result. At the same time, the network device may also determine to activate / deactivate each second discontinuous transmission according to the current load state and the usage of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell, and generate at least one second indication information for respectively indicating the activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell according to the determined result. In other words, the network device not only determines the above-mentioned target indication information, but also determines the second indication information for indicating the activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i.

[0459] It should be understood that the information format of the target indication information and the second indication information may be the same or different, and this application does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0460] S222, the network device sends target indication information to the terminal device at a target time period within a preset period.

[0461] In some feasible implementations, after determining the target indication information, the network device sends the target indication information at a target time period within a preset period, wherein the preset period is different from the period indicated by the search space associated with the target indication information, and / or the target time period is different from the detection timing within the period indicated by the search space and control resource set associated with the target indication information.

[0462] It should be noted that, in the case where the target indication information includes a multicast DCI, the period of the search space associated with the target indication information refers to the period configuration indicated by the monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset parameter in the search space configuration corresponding to the multicast DCI. Specifically, the parameter indicates the period length and the starting time slot offset of the period. The preset period is different from the period indicated by the search space associated with the target indication information, which means that the period configuration corresponding to the preset period exists independently of the period configuration indicated by the search space corresponding to the multicast DCI. In other words, the period length of the preset period is different from the period length indicated by the monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset parameter in the search space configuration associated with the multicast DCI, and / or the period start offset of the preset period is different from the period start offset indicated by the monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset parameter in the search space configuration associated with the multicast DCI.

[0463] The detection timing within the period of the search space associated with the target indication information involved in this application refers to the detection timing determined by one or more of the parameters such as duration, monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset in the search space configuration corresponding to the multicast DCI and one or more of the parameters such as duration, frequencyDomainResources in the control resource set configuration. The target time period is different from the detection timing in the search space and CORESET associated with the target indication information, which means that the target time period corresponding to the preset period exists independently of the search space corresponding to the multicast DCI and the detection timing indicated by the CORESET. In other words, the target time period is different from the detection timing determined by one or more of the parameters such as duration, monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset in the search space associated with the multicast DCI, and one or more of the parameters such as duration, frequencyDomainResources in CORESET.

[0464] The following will further explain the process of the network device sending the target indication information in combination with the application scenarios 1 to 5 described above.

[0465] Application scenario 1: The first cell of the terminal device is configured with a DTX or a DRX

[0466] In the case where the first cell is configured with DTX, after determining the target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of DTX of the first cell, the network device can send the target indication information to the terminal device at a target time period within a preset period.

[0467] In the case where the first cell is configured with DRX, after determining the target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the DRX of the first cell, the network device may send the target indication information to the terminal device at a target time period within a preset period.

[0468] It should be understood that in this application scenario, the network device will send the target indication information to the terminal device once or multiple times within the target time period, or in other words, the network device will send one or more of the above target indication information to the terminal device within the target time period.

[0469] For example, see Fig.23 , Fig.23 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. It should be understood that Fig.23 Only two preset periods are shown in the figure as an example, namely preset period 1 and preset period 2. The other preset periods are similar and will not be listed here. Fig.23As shown, preset period 1 and preset period 2 include target period 1 and target period 2 respectively. Moreover, the position of target period 1 in preset period 1 is consistent with the position of target period 2 in preset period 2. After determining the target indication information, the network device may send the target indication information to the terminal device in target period 1. The network may also send the target indication information to the terminal device in target period 2. Here, the target indication information sent by the network device in target period 2 may be regenerated by it, or it may directly use the target indication information sent by it in target period 1, and this application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0470] It should be understood that the network device will send one or more identical target indication information to the terminal device in a target time period.

[0471] Application scenario 2: The first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX

[0472] In a first optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. After determining the target indication information that can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of DTX and DRX of the first cell, the network device can send the target indication information to the terminal device at a target time period within a preset period.

[0473] Further, the active period of DTX of the first cell may be shorter than or equal to the active period of DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DTX of the first cell may be shorter than or equal to the cycle of DRX of the first cell.

[0474] In a second optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DRX, and the first cell is also configured with DTX. After determining the target indication information that can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of DTX and DRX of the first cell, the network device may also send the target indication information in a target time period within a preset cycle.

[0475] Furthermore, the active period of DRX of the above-mentioned first cell should be shorter than or equal to the active period of DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DRX of the above-mentioned first cell should be shorter than or equal to the cycle of DTX of the first cell.

[0476] In a third optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. The network device can also use the determined target indication information to indicate activation / deactivation of the DRX of the first cell. The preset period is the preset period of the DTX of the first cell, and the DRX of the first cell is also preset with a similar first preset period.

[0477] The network device may send the target indication information not only in the target time period within the preset cycle corresponding to the DTX of the first cell, but also in the first time period within the first preset cycle corresponding to the DRX of the first cell.

[0478] For example, see Fig.24 , Fig.24 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. It should be understood that Fig.24 In the figure, only two preset periods of DTX of the first cell and DRX of the first cell are shown as examples. The other periods of DTX of the first cell and DRX of the first cell are similar and will not be listed here. Fig.24 As shown, in the case where the first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX, the network device will send target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first DTX in the target time period within the preset period of the DTX preset of the first cell. Exemplarily, the network device sends the target indication information in the target time period 1 within the preset period 1, and the network device will also send the target indication information again in the target time period 2 within the preset period 2 of the DTX of the first cell. It should be understood that the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 1 and the target time period 2 can be the same, or the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 2 can also be regenerated. Further, the network device will also send the target indication information that can also be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the DRX of the first cell in the first time period within the first preset period of the DRX preset of the first cell. Exemplarily, the network device will send the target indication information in the first time period 1 within the first preset period 1 of the DRX of the first cell, and the network device will also send the target indication information again in the first time period 2 within the first preset period 2 of the DRX of the first cell. Similarly, the target indication information sent by the network device in the first time period 1 and the second time period 2 may be the same, or the target indication information sent by the network device in the second time period 2 may be newly generated.

[0479] Optionally, for multiple target time periods corresponding to the DTX of the first cell and multiple first time periods corresponding to the DRX of the first cell, the multiple target time periods and the multiple first time periods may be consistent. It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the two time periods are consistent, which is equivalent to the same start time unit and end time unit of the two time periods. Alternatively, for multiple target time periods corresponding to the DTX of the first cell and multiple first time periods corresponding to the DRX of the first cell, some of the target time periods in the multiple target time periods and some of the first time periods in the multiple first time periods may be the same. In other words, some of the target time periods corresponding to the DTX of the first cell can be kept consistent with some of the first time periods corresponding to the DRX of the first cell.

[0480] In a fourth optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. After determining the target indication information that can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the DTX of the first cell, the network device can also determine the first indication information that can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the DRX of the first cell. The preset period is the preset period of the DTX of the first cell, and the DRX of the first cell is also preset with a similar first preset period. The network device can not only send the target indication information in the target time period within the preset period corresponding to the DTX of the first cell, but also send the first indication information in the first time period within the first preset period corresponding to the DRX of the first cell.

[0481] like Fig.24 As shown, when the first cell is configured with DTX and DRX at the same time, the network device can send target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first DTX in the target time period 1 and the target time period 2 corresponding to the DTX of the first cell. The network device can also send the above-mentioned first indication information in the first time period 1 and the first time period 2 corresponding to the DRX of the first cell.

[0482] Application scenario 3: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DTX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DTX

[0483] In this application scenario, the target indication information may be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the first DTX and each second DTX.

[0484] In a specific implementation, after the network device issues the target indication information, the target indication information may be sent at a target time period within a preset period.

[0485] Application scenario 4: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DRX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DRX

[0486] In this application scenario, the target indication information may be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the first DRX and each second DRX.

[0487] In a specific implementation, after the network device issues the target indication information, the target indication information may be sent at a target time period within a preset period.

[0488] Application scenario 5: Each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission

[0489] In a first optional implementation manner, the target indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of the first discontinuous transmission and each of the at least one second cell. After determining the target indication information, the network device may send the target indication information in the target time period within the preset period. The second discontinuous transmission may be DTX or DRX.

[0490] Further, in the above case, the activity period of the first discontinuous transmission may be shorter than or equal to the activity period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell. Alternatively, the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission may be less than or equal to the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell. Alternatively, the activity period of the first discontinuous transmission may be shorter than or equal to the activity period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell and the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission may be less than or equal to the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

[0491] In a second optional implementation, the target indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of the first discontinuous transmission and each of the at least one second cell. The preset period is a period preset by the first cell, and any second cell i of the at least one second cell is also preset with a similar second preset period. The network device sends the target indication information at the target time period within the preset period corresponding to the first cell. The network device also sends the target indication information at the second time period within the second preset period corresponding to any second cell i.

[0492] For example, see Fig.25 , Fig.25 This is another transmission period diagram of target indication information provided by the present application. Take the first cell and any second cell i in at least one second cell as an example. It should be understood that Fig.25 Only two periods of the first cell and the second cell i are shown as examples, and the other periods of the first cell and the second cell i are similar and will not be listed again. Fig.25As shown, the preset period 1 and the preset period 2 of the first cell respectively include the target time period 1 and the target time period 2, and the second preset period 1 and the second preset period 2 of any second cell i respectively include the second time period 1 and the second time period 2. The network device will send target indication information in the target time period 1, and the network device will also send target indication information in the target time period 2. Similarly, the network device will send target indication information in the second time period 1, and will send target indication information in the second time period 2. It should be noted that the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 1 and the target time period 2 can be the same, or the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 2 can also be re-determined. The target indication information sent by the network device in the second time period 1 and the second time period 2 is the same.

[0493] Optionally, each target time period corresponding to the first cell is consistent with each second time period corresponding to each second cell in the at least one second cell. Alternatively, part of the target time period corresponding to the first cell is consistent with part of the second time period corresponding to each second cell in the at least one second cell.

[0494] In a third optional implementation, the network device determines a target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and at least one second indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the at least one second discontinuous transmission. The preset period is a period preset by the first cell, and any second cell i of the at least one second cell is also preset with a similar second preset period.

[0495] In this case, the network device sends the target indication information in the target time period within the preset cycle of the first cell. The network device also sends each second indication information in the second time period within the second preset cycle corresponding to each second cell.

[0496] For example, please see Fig.25 , the network device will send the target indication information in the target time period 1, and the network device will also send the target indication information in the target time period 2. At the same time, the network device will send the second indication information in the second time period 1, and will also send the second indication information in the second time period 2. It should be noted that the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 1 and the target time period 2 can be the same, or the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period 2 can also be re-determined. The second indication information sent by the network device in the second time period 1 and the second time period 2 is the same.

[0497] It should be noted that, in actual implementation, the network device may send the above-mentioned target indication information, the first indication information or the second indication information to the terminal device via multicast DCI or MAC CE.

[0498] In some feasible implementations, the network device may send the above-mentioned target indication information, the first indication information or the second indication information on its primary cell (Pcell), primary secondary cell (PScell) or special cell (spcell).

[0499] In some feasible implementations, the network device may generate preset period configuration information corresponding to the preset period. The preset period configuration information includes at least the period length, the starting offset and the configuration information corresponding to the target period. The configuration information corresponding to the target period is used to indicate the position of the target period within the preset period. Further, the network device may send the preset period configuration information to the terminal device so that the terminal device can determine the preset period and the target period included in the preset period according to the preset period configuration information.

[0500] S223, the terminal device receives target indication information in a target time period within a preset period.

[0501] In some feasible embodiments, the terminal device may receive the target indication information sent by the network device during a target time period within a preset period.

[0502] The following will further explain the process of the terminal device receiving the target indication information in combination with the application scenarios one to five described above.

[0503] Application scenario 1: The terminal device has only one DTX or one DRX configured in the first cell

[0504] In the case where the first cell is configured with DTX, the terminal device may receive DTX target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first cell at a target time period within a preset cycle. In the case where the first cell is configured with DRX, the terminal device may receive target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of DRX of the first cell at a target time period within a preset cycle.

[0505] It should be understood that the terminal device may receive one or more target indication information within the target period. In the case of multiple target indication information, the contents of the multiple target indication information should be completely consistent.

[0506] For example, Fig.23As shown, the terminal device will receive the target indication information sent by the network device in target period 1. Similarly, the terminal device will also receive the target indication information sent by the network device in target period 2.

[0507] Application scenario 2: The first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX

[0508] In a first optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. The terminal device receives target indication information that can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of DTX and DRX of the first cell at the target time period within the preset cycle. For example, Fig.24 As shown, the terminal device can receive target indication information for simultaneously indicating activation / deactivation of DTX and DRX of the first cell in target time period 1, and the terminal device can also receive target indication information for simultaneously indicating activation / deactivation of DTX and DRX of the first cell in target time period 2.

[0509] Further, the active period of DTX of the first cell may be shorter than or equal to the active period of DRX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DTX of the first cell may be shorter than or equal to the cycle of DRX of the first cell.

[0510] In a second optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DRX, and the first cell is also configured with DTX. The terminal device receives target indication information that can be used to indicate activation / deactivation of DTX and DRX of the first cell at the target time period within the preset cycle. For example, Fig.24 As shown, the terminal device can receive target indication information for simultaneously indicating activation / deactivation of DTX and DRX of the first cell in target time period 1, and the terminal device can also receive target indication information for simultaneously indicating activation / deactivation of DTX and DRX of the first cell in target time period 2.

[0511] Further, the active period of DRX of the above-mentioned first cell may be shorter than or equal to the active period of DTX of the first cell, and / or the cycle of DRX of the above-mentioned first cell may be shorter than or equal to the cycle of DTX of the first cell.

[0512] In a third optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. The target indication information determined by the network device can also be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the DRX of the first cell. The network device can send the target indication information at a target time period within a preset period corresponding to the DTX of the first cell, and can also send the target indication information at a first time period within a first preset period corresponding to the DRX of the first cell.

[0513] For example, Fig.24 As shown, when the first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX, the terminal device will receive the target indication information sent by the network device in target period 1 and target period 2 respectively. Further, the terminal device will also receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the first period 1 and the second period 2 respectively.

[0514] Optionally, for the multiple target time periods and the multiple first time periods, the multiple target time periods and the multiple first time periods may be consistent. Alternatively, some of the multiple target time periods and some of the multiple first time periods may be the same.

[0515] In a fourth optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. The terminal device can receive the target indication information not only in the target time period within the preset period corresponding to the DTX of the first cell, but also in the first time period within the first preset period preset by the DRX of the first cell.

[0516] like Fig.24 As shown, when the first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX, the terminal device can receive the target indication information sent by the network device in target period 1 and target period 2. The terminal device can also receive the first indication information sent by the network device in the first period 1 and the second period 2.

[0517] Application scenario 3: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DTX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DTX

[0518] In this application scenario, the target indication information may be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the first DTX and each second DTX. In a specific implementation, the terminal device may receive the target indication information at a target time period within a preset period.

[0519] Application scenario 4: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DRX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DRX

[0520] In this application scenario, the target indication information may be used to indicate activation / deactivation of the first DRX and each second DRX. In a specific implementation, the terminal device may receive the target indication information in a target time period within a preset cycle.

[0521] Application scenario 5: Each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission

[0522] In a first optional implementation manner, the target indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of the first discontinuous transmission and each of the at least one second cell. The terminal device may receive the target indication information sent by the network device during a target time period within a preset period. The second discontinuous transmission may be DTX or DRX.

[0523] Further, in the above case, the activity period of the first discontinuous transmission may be shorter than or equal to the activity period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell. Alternatively, the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission may be less than or equal to the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell. Alternatively, the activity period of the first discontinuous transmission may be shorter than or equal to the activity period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell and the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission may be less than or equal to the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

[0524] In a second optional implementation manner, the target indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of the first discontinuous transmission and each of the at least one second cell. The preset period is a period preset by the first cell, and any second cell i of the at least one second cell is also preset with a similar second preset period.

[0525] The terminal device will not only receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the target time period within the preset cycle, but also receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the second time period within each second preset cycle. In other words, the terminal device will also receive the target indication information sent by the network device in the second time period within the second preset cycle preset by any second cell i. For example, Fig.25 As shown, the terminal device receives the target indication information in the target time period 1 and the target time period 2. Similarly, the terminal device receives the target indication information in the second time period 1 and the second time period 2.

[0526] Optionally, each target time period corresponding to the first cell is consistent with each second time period corresponding to any second cell i of the at least one second cell. Alternatively, part of the target time period corresponding to the first cell is consistent with part of the second time period corresponding to any second cell i of the at least one second cell.

[0527] In a third optional implementation, the network device determines a target indication message for indicating activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and at least one second indication message for indicating activation / deactivation of the at least one second discontinuous transmission. In this case, the terminal device will not only receive the target indication message sent by the network device during the target time period within the preset period preset for the first cell, but will also receive each second indication message sent by the network device during the second time period within the second preset period preset for each second cell. In other words, the terminal device will also receive the second indication message for indicating activation / deactivation of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i during the second time period within the second preset period preset for any second cell i. For example, as Fig.25 As shown, the terminal device receives target indication information in target time period 1 and target time period 2, and also receives second indication information in second time period 1 and second time period 2.

[0528] It should be understood that the terminal device can receive the above-mentioned target indication information, the first indication information or the second indication information by detecting the multicast DCI or MAC CE sent by the network device.

[0529] In some feasible implementations, when the network device sends multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell (here, assumed to be cell j) of the terminal device, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j. It can also be understood that when the network device sends multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j, it is not expected that the indication results of the multiple target indication information are inconsistent, that is, it is not expected that some of the target indication information among the multiple target indication information indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, while the remaining target indication information indicates deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j. Such an implementation can ensure that the indication results of all target indication information received by the terminal device in each discontinuous transmission period of any cell j are consistent, and avoid logical confusion caused by inconsistent indication results of multiple target indication information.

[0530] In some feasible implementations, the target indication information received by the terminal device during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i among the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

[0531] In some feasible implementations, the terminal device may receive the above-mentioned target indication information, the first indication information or the second indication information in its primary cell, primary and secondary cell or special cell.

[0532] In some feasible implementations, the terminal device may receive preset period configuration information corresponding to the preset period sent by the network device. The preset period configuration information includes at least the period length, the starting offset and the configuration information corresponding to the above-mentioned target period of the preset period. The configuration information corresponding to the target period is used to indicate the position of the target period in the preset period. Further, the terminal device may determine the above-mentioned preset period according to the period length and the starting offset of the preset period. For example, assuming that the period length of the preset period is 80ms and the starting offset is 20ms, the terminal device may determine that the starting time of the preset period is 20ms, 100ms, 180ms, 260ms, etc. Further, the terminal device may also determine the target period included in each preset period according to the configuration information of the target period. Optionally, the configuration information of the target period may include one or more configuration parameters. The terminal device may determine the starting time unit and the ending time unit of the target period according to the one or more configuration parameters. For example, the configuration information of the target period includes a first configuration parameter. The first configuration parameter indicates the offset value between the ending time of the target period and the starting time of the period, such as 20ms. At the same time, the start time of the target period is consistent with the start time of the cycle. Based on the first configuration parameter, the terminal device can determine the first 20ms of each preset cycle as the target period.

[0533] S224, the terminal device activates / deactivates the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0534] In some feasible implementations, after acquiring the target indication information, the terminal device may further activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell according to the target indication information. For ease of understanding, the following will further describe the behavior of the terminal device in combination with the application scenarios 1 to 5 described above.

[0535] Application scenario 1: The terminal device has only one DTX or one DRX configured in the first cell

[0536] In the case that the first discontinuous transmission is DTX or DRX, the terminal device can activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information upon receiving the above-mentioned target indication information.

[0537] Optionally, the terminal device may activate / deactivate the first continuous transmission according to the target indication information at the first target time unit. The first target time unit may be the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission. Alternatively, the first target time unit may be the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period that can be defined for the first discontinuous transmission. Here, X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. It can also be understood that the target indication information received by the terminal device may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined for the first discontinuous transmission.

[0538] Application scenario 2: The first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX

[0539] In a first optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. After receiving the target indication information, the terminal device can not only activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to the target indication information, but also activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0540] Furthermore, the target indication information received by the terminal device may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DTX, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first DTX.

[0541] In a second optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DRX, and the first cell is also configured with DTX. After receiving the target indication information, the terminal device can not only activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to the target indication information, but also activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0542] Furthermore, the target indication information received by the terminal device may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DRX, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first DRX.

[0543] In a third optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. The terminal device may activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to the target indication information received in the target time period. At the same time, the terminal device may also activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to the target indication information received in the first time period.

[0544] Furthermore, the target indication information received by the terminal device in the target time period may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active time period of the first DTX, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target time period defined by the first DTX. The target indication information received by the terminal device in the first time period may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active time period of the first DRX, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the first time period defined by the first DRX.

[0545] In a fourth optional implementation, the first discontinuous transmission is DTX, and the first cell is also configured with DRX. The terminal device can not only activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell according to the target indication information received in the target time period, but also activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell according to the first indication information received in the first time period.

[0546] Furthermore, the target indication information received by the terminal device in the target time period may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active time period of the first DTX, or at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target time period defined by the first DTX. The first indication information received by the terminal device in the first time period may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active time period of the first DRX, or at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the first time period defined by the first DRX.

[0547] Application scenario 3: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DTX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DTX

[0548] In this application scenario, after receiving the target indication information, the terminal device can not only activate / deactivate the first DTX according to the target indication information, but also activate / deactivate at least one second DTX configured in the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0549] Furthermore, the target indication information received by the terminal device within the target time period may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active time period of the first DTX, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target time period.

[0550] Application scenario 4: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DRX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DRX

[0551] In this application scenario, after receiving the target indication information, the terminal device can not only activate / deactivate the first DRX according to the target indication information, but also activate / deactivate at least one second DRX configured in the first cell according to the target indication information.

[0552] Furthermore, the target indication information received by the terminal device within the target time period may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active time period of the first DRX, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target time period.

[0553] Application scenario 5: Each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission

[0554] In a first optional implementation, the target indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell, and the detection timing of the target indication information is defined by the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell. In this case, the terminal device can not only activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information, but also activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission configured for each second cell according to the target indication information.

[0555] Optionally, for the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell, the target indication information may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period within a preset period.

[0556] Optionally, for the first discontinuous transmission, the target indication information may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or may be effective at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first discontinuous transmission. For the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, if the terminal device determines that it has received the target indication information for the first time within the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, and the time unit for receiving the target indication information is within the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i may be activated / deactivated according to the target indication information at the second target time unit. The second target time unit is the Yth time unit after the time unit in which the terminal device receives the target indication information. Y is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0557] In a second optional implementation, the target indication information is used to indicate the activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell in the at least one second cell, but the detection timing of the target indication information is defined separately for the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell and the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell. In this case, the terminal device can activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information received in the target time period, and can also activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission configured for each second cell according to the target indication information received in the fourth time period defined for each second discontinuous transmission.

[0558] Optionally, for the first discontinuous transmission, the target indication information may be effective at the next time unit after the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period. For each second discontinuous transmission, the target indication information may be effective at the next time unit after the end time unit of the active period of each second discontinuous transmission, or at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of each second period.

[0559] In a third optional implementation, the network device determines a target indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the first discontinuous transmission and at least one second indication information for indicating activation / deactivation of the at least one second discontinuous transmission. In this case, the terminal device will not only activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information, but also activate / deactivate each second discontinuous transmission according to the second indication information corresponding to each second discontinuous transmission.

[0560] Further, for the first discontinuous transmission, the target indication information may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period. For each second discontinuous transmission, the second indication information may be effective at the next time unit of the end time unit of each second discontinuous transmission, or at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of each second period.

[0561] In some feasible implementations, when a terminal device receives multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j. It can also be understood that when a terminal device receives multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j, it does not expect the indication results of the multiple target indication information to be inconsistent, that is, it does not expect some of the multiple target indication information to indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, while the remaining part of the target indication information indicates deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j. Such an implementation can ensure that the indication results of all target indication information received by the terminal device in each discontinuous transmission period of any cell j are consistent, and avoid logical confusion caused by inconsistent indication results of multiple target indication information.

[0562] In some feasible implementations, the target indication information received by the terminal device during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i among the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

[0563] In some feasible implementations, if the terminal device determines that the target indication information is received for the first time within the second discontinuous transmission period of the second cell i, and the time unit for receiving the target indication information is within the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, then the second cell i is activated / deactivated according to the target indication information at the second target time unit. The second target time unit is the Yth time unit after the time unit for receiving the target indication information, and Y is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0564] For some possible implementations, see Fig.26 , Fig.26 This is another flow chart of another communication method provided by the present application. Fig.26 As shown, the communication method may further include the following steps:

[0565] S225, the network device activates / deactivates the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell.

[0566] For ease of understanding, the following will further explain the specific behavior of the network device in combination with application scenarios 1 to 5 described above.

[0567] Application scenario 1: The terminal device has only one DTX or one DRX configured in the first cell

[0568] When the first discontinuous transmission is DTX or DRX, after the network device determines to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to information such as the current load status and the usage of the first discontinuous transmission, it can activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the determined result.

[0569] Optionally, the network device may also activate / deactivate the first continuous transmission at the first target time unit mentioned above.

[0570] Application scenario 2: The first cell is configured with both DTX and DRX

[0571] In a first optional implementation, the network device may activate / deactivate the DTX and DRX of the first cell at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DTX. The network device may also activate the DTX and DRX of the first cell at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period within a preset cycle.

[0572] In a second optional implementation, the network device may activate / deactivate the DTX and DRX of the first cell at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DRX. Alternatively, the network device may also activate / deactivate the DTX and DRX of the first cell at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period defined by the first DRX.

[0573] In a third optional implementation, the network device may activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DTX, or may activate / deactivate the DTX of the first cell at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period within a preset cycle. The network device may activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DRX, or may activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the above-mentioned first period.

[0574] Application scenario 3: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DTX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DTX

[0575] In this application scenario, the network device can activate / deactivate the above-mentioned first DTX and at least one second DTX at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DTX, or, it can also activate / deactivate the above-mentioned first DTX and at least one second DTX at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the above-mentioned target period.

[0576] Application scenario 4: The first discontinuous transmission is the first DRX, and the first cell is also configured with at least one second DRX

[0577] In this application scenario, the network device can activate / deactivate the above-mentioned first DRX and at least one second DRX at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first DRX, or, it can also activate / deactivate the above-mentioned first DRX and at least one second DRX at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the above-mentioned target period.

[0578] Application scenario 5: Each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission

[0579] In a first optional implementation, for the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell, the network device may activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0580] Alternatively, the network device may also activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission and the second discontinuous transmission of each of the at least one second cell at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period.

[0581] Alternatively, for the first discontinuous transmission, the network device may activate / deactivate at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or may activate / deactivate at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the above-mentioned target period. For the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, if the network device determines that it is sending the target indication information for the first time within the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, and the time unit for sending the target indication information is within the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, then the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i may be activated / deactivated at the second target time unit. The second target time unit is the Yth time unit after the time unit in which the terminal device receives the target indication information. Y is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0582] In a second optional implementation, for the first discontinuous transmission, the network device may be activated / deactivated at the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or may be activated / deactivated at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period. For each second discontinuous transmission, the network device may be activated / deactivated at the next time unit of the end time unit of each second discontinuous transmission, or may be activated / deactivated at the Xth time unit after the end time unit of each second period.

[0583] In some feasible implementations, the preset period, the first preset period or the second preset period involved in the present application may be a positive integer multiple of the period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0584] In some feasible implementations, the target time period within the preset cycle described in the present application may be included in the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

[0585] In some feasible implementations, the specific formats of the target indication information, the first indication information, and the second indication information involved in the second embodiment can be referred to in conjunction with the first embodiment above. Fig. 20 or Fig.21 The description of the format of the target indication information will not be repeated here.

[0586] In the embodiment of the present application, the network device will only send the target indication information in the target time period within the preset period, and the terminal device will only receive the above target indication information in the target time period, and further activate / deactivate the discontinuous transmission of the cell according to the target indication information. This method can significantly reduce the number of transmissions of the information used to indicate the activation / deactivation of discontinuous transmission, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the communication system.

[0587] See also Fig. 27 , Fig. 27 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by the present application. The communication device may be the terminal device described in the first embodiment above, or may be an internal element or module of the terminal device described in the first embodiment above.

[0588] The communication device may include one or more transceiver units 271 and one or more processing units 272. The transceiver unit 271 may be called a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc., and may include at least one antenna and a radio frequency unit. The transceiver unit 271 is mainly used for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals to baseband signals, for example, for receiving target indication information from a network device. The processing unit 272 is mainly used for baseband processing, controlling the communication device, etc. The transceiver unit 271 and the processing unit 272 may be physically arranged together or physically separated, that is, a distributed device. In a specific implementation, the transceiver unit 271 may be composed of one or more single boards, and multiple single boards may jointly support a wireless access network of a single access standard, or respectively support wireless access networks of different access standards. The processing unit 272 also includes a memory and a processor, and the memory is used to store necessary instructions and data. The processor is used to control the communication device to perform necessary actions, for example, to control the communication device to execute the relevant operation process of the terminal device in the first embodiment. The memory and processor may serve one or more single boards. That is to say, each single board may be provided with a separate memory and a processor, or multiple single boards may share the same memory and processor, and each single board may also be provided with necessary circuits.

[0589] In a specific implementation, the transceiver unit 271 is used to receive target indication information sent by a network device within a target period. The target period is included in the active period of the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell of the terminal device. The processing unit 272 is used to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information.

[0590] It should be understood that more detailed functions of the above-mentioned processing unit 272 and transceiver unit 271 can be directly referred to the description of the method steps executed by the terminal device in the above embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0591] See also Fig.28 , Fig.28 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided by the present application. The communication device can be used to perform the functions of the network device in the above-mentioned embodiment 1. The communication device can be the network device itself described in embodiment 1, or it can be a component or module inside the network device. For the convenience of explanation, Fig.28 Only the main components of the communication device are shown. Fig.28It can be seen that the communication device includes modules such as a processor, a memory, a radio frequency circuit, and an antenna. The processor is mainly used to process the communication protocol and communication data, as well as to control the communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of software programs. The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The radio frequency circuit is mainly used to convert baseband signals and radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used to send and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0592] When data needs to be sent, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent, and then outputs the baseband signal to the RF circuit. The RF circuit performs RF processing on the baseband signal and then sends the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data. For ease of explanation, Fig.28 Only one memory and processor are shown. In an actual device product, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. The memory may also be referred to as a storage medium or a storage device. The memory may be set independently of the processor or may be integrated with the processor, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0593] In the embodiments of the present application, the antenna and the radio frequency circuit having transceiver functions may be regarded as the transceiver unit of the communication device, and the processor having the processing function may be regarded as the processing unit of the communication device. Fig.28 As shown, the communication device includes a transceiver unit 281 and a processing unit 282. Optionally, the device used to implement the receiving function in the transceiver unit 281 can be regarded as a receiving unit, and the device used to implement the sending function in the transceiver unit 281 can be regarded as a sending unit, that is, the transceiver unit 281 includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. Here, the receiving unit may sometimes also be referred to as a receiver, a receiver, or a receiving circuit, etc. The sending unit may sometimes also be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitter, or a transmitting circuit, etc.

[0594] In a specific implementation, the processing unit 282 determines target indication information, wherein the target indication information is used to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission of the first cell. The transceiver unit 281 sends the target indication information to the terminal device within the target period, wherein the target period is included in the active period of the first discontinuous transmission. It should be understood that the more detailed functions of the above-mentioned processing unit 282 and the transceiver unit 281 can be directly referred to the description of the method steps performed by the network device in the first embodiment above, and no further description is given here.

[0595] Optional, Fig. 27The communication device shown can be the terminal device described in the foregoing embodiment 2, or it can be an internal element or module of the terminal device described in the foregoing embodiment 2. In a specific implementation, the transceiver unit 271 is used to receive the target indication information sent by the network device at a target time period within a preset period. Among them, the preset period is different from the period of the search space indication associated with the target indication information, and / or the target time period is different from the detection timing of the search space and control resource set indication associated with the target indication information. The processing unit 272 is used to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information. It should be understood that the more detailed functions of the above-mentioned processing unit 272 and the transceiver unit 271 can be directly referred to the des...

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applicable to a terminal device, and the method comprises: Receiving target indication information sent by a network device within a target time period, wherein the target time period is included in an active time period of a first discontinuous transmission of a first cell of the terminal device; The first discontinuous transmission is activated / deactivated according to the target indication information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receiving target configuration information sent by the network device, the target configuration information including a first offset and a second offset; The first offset is a time unit offset of a start time unit of the target period relative to a start time unit of an active period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset is a time unit offset of an end time unit of the target period relative to a start time unit of an active period of the first discontinuous transmission; Alternatively, the first offset is a time unit offset of a start time unit of the target period relative to an end time unit of an active period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset is a time unit offset of an end time unit of the target period relative to an end time unit of an active period of the first discontinuous transmission; The target period is determined according to the first offset amount and the second offset amount.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The activating / deactivating the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information includes: activating / deactivating the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information at a first target time unit; The first target time unit is the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or the first target time unit is the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period, where X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous transmission DTX, and the first cell is further configured with discontinuous reception DRX. The method further includes: Activate / deactivate DRX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that An active period of DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to an active period of DRX of the first cell, and / or a cycle of DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to a cycle of DRX of the first cell.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous reception DRX, the first cell is further configured with discontinuous transmission DTX, and the method further includes: Activate / deactivate DTX of the first cell according to the target indication information.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that An active period of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to an active period of DTX of the first cell, and / or a cycle of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to a cycle of DTX of the first cell.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: Each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission, and the method further includes: The second discontinuous transmission of any one second cell i among the at least one second cell is activated / deactivated according to the target indication information.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The active period of the first discontinuous transmission is shorter than or equal to the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell, and / or the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission is shorter than or equal to the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The activating / deactivating the second discontinuous transmission of any one second cell i of the at least one second cell according to the target indication information includes: If it is determined that the target indication information is received for the first time within the second discontinuous transmission period of any second cell i among the at least one second cell, and the time unit for receiving the target indication information is within the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i, activating / deactivating the second cell i according to the target indication information at the second target time unit; The second target time unit is the Yth time unit after the time unit of receiving the target indication information, and Y is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

11. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The target indication information received by the terminal device during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i among the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: When the terminal device receives multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The starting time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing start moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located, and the ending time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing end moment or timeout moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: Each cycle of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, or a part of the cycle of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, and the time interval between each cycle in the part of the cycle is the same.

15. A communication method, characterized in that: The communication method is applicable to a network device, and the method comprises: Determine target indication information, wherein the target indication information is used to activate / deactivate a first discontinuous transmission of a first cell; The target indication information is sent to a terminal device within a target time period, wherein the target time period is included in an active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending target configuration information to the terminal device; The target configuration information includes a first offset and a second offset, the first offset being a time unit offset of a start time unit of the target time period relative to a start time unit of an active time period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset being a time unit offset of an end time unit of the target time period relative to a start time unit of an active time period of the first discontinuous transmission; Alternatively, the first offset parameter is the time unit offset of the start time unit of the target time period relative to the end time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission, and the second offset parameter is the time unit offset of the end time unit of the target time period relative to the end time unit of the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: activating / deactivating the first discontinuous transmission at a first target time unit; The first target time unit is the next time unit of the end time unit of the active period of the first discontinuous transmission, or the first target time unit is the Xth time unit after the end time unit of the target period, where X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that: The first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous transmission DTX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous reception DRX, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate the DRX of the first cell.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that An active period of DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to an active period of DRX of the first cell, and / or a cycle of DTX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to a cycle of DRX of the first cell.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that: The first discontinuous transmission is discontinuous reception DRX, the first cell is also configured with discontinuous transmission DTX, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate DTX of the first cell.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that An active period of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to an active period of DTX of the first cell, and / or a cycle of DRX of the first cell is shorter than or equal to a cycle of DTX of the first cell.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that: Each of the at least one second cell of the terminal device is configured with a second discontinuous transmission, and the target indication information is also used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of any one second cell i of the at least one second cell.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The active period of the first discontinuous transmission is shorter than or equal to the active period of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell, and / or the cycle of the first discontinuous transmission is shorter than or equal to the cycle of the second discontinuous transmission of each second cell.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that The target indication information sent by the network device during the inactive period of the second discontinuous transmission of any second cell i among the at least one second cell is not used to activate / deactivate the second discontinuous transmission of the second cell i.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that: When the network device sends multiple target indication information within a period of discontinuous transmission of any cell j of the terminal device, the multiple target indication information all indicate activation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j, or the multiple target indication information all indicate deactivation of the discontinuous transmission of the cell j.

26. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 25, characterized in that: The starting time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing start moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located, and the ending time unit of the active period of discontinuous transmission is the time unit where the timing end moment or timeout moment of the activity timer corresponding to the discontinuous transmission is located.

27. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 26, characterized in that: Each cycle of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, or a part of the cycle of the discontinuous transmission of the first cell includes the target time period, and the time interval between each cycle in the part of the cycle is the same.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a processing unit and a transceiver unit; The transceiver unit is used to receive target indication information sent by a network device within a target time period, wherein the target time period is included in an active time period of a first discontinuous transmission of a first cell of the terminal device; The processing unit is used to activate / deactivate the first discontinuous transmission according to the target indication information.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a processing unit and a transceiver unit; The processing unit is used to determine target indication information, wherein the target indication information is used to activate / deactivate a first discontinuous transmission of a first cell; The transceiver unit is used to send the target indication information to the terminal device within a target time period, wherein the target time period is included in the active time period of the first discontinuous transmission.

30. A readable storage medium for storing instructions, which, when executed, enables the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 to be implemented.

31. A readable storage medium for storing instructions, which, when executed, enable the method according to any one of claims 15 to 27 to be implemented.

32. A communication device, characterized in that: include: at least one processor and memory; The memory is used to store computer programs; The processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

33. A communication device, characterized in that: include: at least one processor and memory; The memory is used to store computer programs; The processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 15 to 27.

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