A communication method, chip, device, storage medium and product

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, chip, device, storage medium and product, which are applied to the technical field of communication, and aim to reduce signaling overhead of CSI-RS measurement on a target cell. The method comprises: receiving first information, the first information being used for a terminal device to acquire a priority of a candidate cell; generating a measurement report at a measurement occasion corresponding to the priority of the candidate cell, the priority being used to determine a frequency of generating the measurement report, and the priority of the candidate cell being positively correlated with the frequency of generating the measurement report; and sending second information, the second information being used to indicate the measurement report. Since the priority is positively correlated with the frequency of generating the measurement report, the candidate cell with a high priority has a high measurement frequency, and the candidate cell with a low priority has a low measurement frequency, thereby reducing the number of measurements of the terminal device on the candidate cell with a low priority, and reducing the signaling overhead of the CSI-RS measurement on the target cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, chip, device, storage medium and product. Background Technology

[0002] In the L1 / L2 triggered mobility management (LTM) process, there is an interaction between the terminal device and the base station involving L3 measurement reports and control signaling. When LTM is initiated, the gNodeB central unit (gNB-CU) initiates LTM configuration decisions and sends a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration message to the gNodeB distributed unit (gNB-DU). The distributed unit then sends the RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device. After completing the measurement, the terminal device sends an L1 measurement report to the base station, and the network makes LTM cell handover decisions.

[0003] To provide a basis for cell handover, one possible approach is to continuously perform channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) measurements on all target cells. However, this method involves a large number of measurements by the terminal equipment, resulting in significant signaling overhead. Therefore, reducing the signaling overhead of CSI-RS measurements on target cells has become a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, chip, device, storage medium, and product, with the aim of solving the problem of how to reduce the signaling overhead of CSI-RS measurement of a target cell.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the terminal device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. For example, the method is applied to a first terminal device, but this application does not limit its application. The following description uses a terminal device as an example. The method includes:

[0007] Receive first information, which is used by the terminal device to obtain the priority of candidate cells;

[0008] A measurement report is generated at a measurement time corresponding to the priority of the candidate cell, and the priority of the candidate cell is positively correlated with the frequency of generating the measurement report;

[0009] Send a second message, which is used to instruct the measurement report.

[0010] In the above scheme, by receiving first information to instruct the terminal device to acquire the priority of candidate cells, the terminal device determines the priority of each candidate cell and generates a measurement report according to the priority of each cell. Since the priority in this application is positively correlated with the frequency of generating measurement reports, candidate cells with higher priority have a higher measurement frequency, and candidate cells with lower priority have a lower measurement frequency, thereby reducing the number of times the terminal device measures candidate cells with lower priority, and thus reducing the signaling overhead of CSI-RS measurement of the target cell.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the first information is used to carry the priority of the candidate cell.

[0012] In the above scheme, the first piece of information directly carries the priority of the candidate cells, so that the terminal device can quickly determine the priority of each candidate cell without calculation.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the first information is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message, which includes a first field for carrying the priority of the candidate cell.

[0014] In the above scheme, by setting a first field in the RRC, the RRC can carry the priority of the candidate cell, so that the terminal device can determine the priority of the candidate cell after receiving the RRC.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the priority of the candidate cell is determined based on the signal quality of the candidate cell.

[0016] In the above scheme, candidate cells are prioritized based on signal quality, so that candidate cells with higher signal quality have higher priority, ensuring that the candidate cell after handover is a cell with higher signal quality.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the first information is used to carry one or more of the following:

[0018] The information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is the first priority, and the signal quality level of the first priority candidate cell is higher than the signal quality level of the current cell;

[0019] The information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is the second priority, and the signal quality level of the candidate cell with the second priority is the same as the signal quality level of the current cell;

[0020] The information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is the third priority, and the signal quality level of the third priority candidate cell is lower than that of the current cell.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the duration for which the signal quality of the first priority candidate cell is higher than that of the current cell reaches a first time period.

[0022] In the above scheme, since the signal quality of the first candidate cell needs to be greater than that of the current cell, and the duration must be at least longer than the first time period, the candidate cell with the first priority is guaranteed to be a cell with stable signal quality and higher signal quality.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the duration for which the signal quality of the candidate cell of the second priority is within a signal quality range reaches a second time period, wherein the signal quality range is greater than the difference between the signal quality of the current cell and a second threshold, and less than or equal to the sum of the signal quality of the current cell and a third threshold.

[0024] In the above scheme, the signal quality of the first candidate cell needs to be within the signal quality range and the duration must be at least longer than the second time period. This ensures that the selected second priority candidate cells are all cells with long-term stable signal quality within the signal quality range, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of the selected candidate cell priorities. It also avoids the need for frequent cell switching due to inaccurate cell priorities, which could lead to network devices mistakenly switching to inaccurate cells.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the duration for which the signal quality of the third priority candidate cell is lower than that of the current cell reaches a third time period.

[0026] In the above scheme, since the signal quality of the first candidate cell needs to be lower than that of the current cell, and the duration must be at least longer than the third time period, the candidate cells with the third priority are all cells with signal quality that is lower than that of the current cell for a long period of time. This ensures the accuracy of the priority of the candidate cells and avoids the network equipment from mistakenly switching to the wrong cell due to the inaccurate priority of the cells, which would require frequent cell switching.

[0027] In some possible implementations, the method further includes:

[0028] The terminal device receives downlink control information (DCI), which is used to activate the terminal device to measure the candidate cells of the third priority.

[0029] In the above scheme, the measurement frequency of the third priority candidate cell is reduced and signaling overhead is saved by triggering a measurement of the third priority candidate cell only after receiving the DCI message.

[0030] In some possible implementations, the method further includes:

[0031] The terminal device receives a Media Access Control (MAC) CE, which is used to activate the terminal device to measure candidate cells of the second priority.

[0032] In the above scheme, by triggering periodic measurements of the second priority candidate cell only after receiving the MAC CE, the measurement frequency of the second priority candidate cell is reduced, signaling overhead is saved, and the measurement frequency of the second priority candidate cell is made controllable.

[0033] In some possible implementations, the first information is specifically used to carry measurement configuration information, which is used to determine the priority of the candidate cells.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the measurement configuration information includes priority division parameters and measurement parameters, which are used to determine the priority of the candidate cells. The candidate cells include the current cell. The priority division parameters include at least one of a low reference signal received power threshold and a high reference signal received power threshold. The measurement parameters include at least one of priority handover hysteresis, the number of fourth-priority candidate cells that can coexist, the measurement period of the fourth-priority candidate cells, the measurement period of the fifth-priority candidate cells, the reporting period of the fourth-priority candidate cells, and the reporting period of the fifth-priority candidate cells, wherein the priority of the fourth-priority candidate cells is greater than the priority of the fifth-priority candidate cells.

[0035] In the above scheme, the terminal device uses priority division parameters and measurement parameters to determine the priority of candidate cells, so as to realize the priority division of candidate cells based on received power, so that candidate cells with higher signal received power have higher priority, and ensure that the candidate cells after handover are cells with higher received power.

[0036] In some possible implementations, the first information is an RRC reconfiguration message, which includes a second field for carrying the priority division parameter and the measurement parameter.

[0037] In some possible implementations, the priority of the candidate cell is determined based on the priority division parameters, the measurement parameters, and the reference signal received power.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the priority of the candidate cells includes a fourth priority, wherein the reference signal received power of the candidate cells of the fourth priority is greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold, the reference signal received power of the candidate cells of the fourth priority is greater than the sum of the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis for m consecutive measurement periods, and the reference signal received power is greater than or equal to the reference signal received power of the nth cell in the reference signal received power ranking, wherein the reference signal received power ranking is the ranking of the candidate cells from high to low reference signal received power, where n is the number of fourth priority candidate cells that are allowed to exist simultaneously, and m is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0039] In the above scheme, by setting the number of candidate cells with the fourth priority that can coexist at the same time, the number of candidate cells with the fourth priority that can coexist at the same time is reduced, thereby reducing the total overhead of the terminal device for candidate cells with the fourth priority, so as to avoid the terminal device needing to frequently measure a large number of candidate cells due to the existence of a large number of candidate cells that meet the fourth priority at the same time.

[0040] In some possible implementations, the priority of the candidate cell includes a fifth priority, wherein the reference signal received power of the candidate cell of the fifth priority is greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold and less than the difference between the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis.

[0041] Alternatively, the reference signal received power of the fifth priority candidate cell is greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold, the reference signal received power of the fourth priority candidate cells is greater than the sum of the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis within m consecutive measurement periods, and the reference signal received power is less than the reference signal received power of the nth cell in the reference signal received power ranking, where the reference signal received power ranking is the ranking of the candidate cells from high to low, n is the number of fourth priority candidate cells that are allowed to exist simultaneously, and m is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0042] In some possible implementations, the second information is used to carry the priority of the current cell.

[0043] A second aspect of this application provides a communication method, which may be executed by a network device, or by a component configured in the network device (such as a circuit, core network unit, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. This application does not limit the scope of the method. The following description uses a network device as an example. The method includes:

[0044] Send a first message, which instructs the terminal device to acquire the priority of candidate cells; the priority of the candidate cells is positively correlated with the frequency at which the terminal device generates measurement reports;

[0045] Receive second information, which includes the measurement report.

[0046] In the above scheme, by sending first information to instruct the terminal device to obtain the priority of candidate cells, the terminal device determines the priority of each candidate cell and generates a measurement report according to the priority of each cell. Since the priority in this application is positively correlated with the frequency of generating measurement reports, candidate cells with higher priority have a higher measurement frequency, and candidate cells with lower priority have a lower measurement frequency, thereby reducing the number of times the terminal device measures candidate cells with lower priority, and thus reducing the signaling overhead of CSI-RS measurement of the target cell.

[0047] In some possible implementations, the first information is used to carry the priority of the candidate cell.

[0048] In some possible implementations, the first information is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message, which includes a first field for carrying the priority of the candidate cell.

[0049] In some possible implementations, the priority of the candidate cell is determined based on the signal quality of the candidate cell.

[0050] In some possible implementations, the first information is used to carry one or more of the following:

[0051] The information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is the first priority, and the signal quality level of the first priority candidate cell is higher than the signal quality level of the current cell;

[0052] The information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is the second priority, and the signal quality level of the candidate cell with the second priority is the same as the signal quality level of the current cell;

[0053] The information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is the third priority, and the signal quality level of the third priority candidate cell is lower than that of the current cell.

[0054] In some possible implementations, the duration for which the signal quality of the first priority candidate cell is higher than that of the current cell reaches a first time period.

[0055] In some possible implementations, the duration for which the signal quality of the candidate cell of the second priority is within a signal quality range reaches a second time period, wherein the signal quality range is greater than the difference between the signal quality of the current cell and a second threshold, and less than or equal to the sum of the signal quality of the current cell and a third threshold.

[0056] In some possible implementations, the duration for which the signal quality of the third priority candidate cell is lower than that of the current cell reaches a third time period.

[0057] In some possible implementations, the first information is specifically used to carry measurement configuration information, which is used to determine the priority of the candidate cells.

[0058] In some possible implementations, the measurement configuration information includes priority division parameters and measurement parameters, which are used to determine the priority of the candidate cells. The candidate cells include the current cell. The priority division parameters include at least one of a low reference signal received power threshold and a high reference signal received power threshold. The measurement parameters include at least one of priority handover hysteresis, the number of fourth-priority candidate cells that can coexist, the measurement period of the fourth-priority candidate cells, the measurement period of the fifth-priority candidate cells, the reporting period of the fourth-priority candidate cells, and the reporting period of the fifth-priority candidate cells.

[0059] In some possible implementations, the first information is an RRC reconfiguration message, which includes a second field for carrying the priority division parameter and the measurement parameter.

[0060] In some possible implementations, the priority of the candidate cell is determined based on the priority division parameters, the measurement parameters, and the reference signal received power.

[0061] In some possible implementations, the priority of the candidate cells includes a fourth priority, wherein the reference signal received power of the candidate cells of the fourth priority is greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold, the reference signal received power of the candidate cells of the fourth priority is greater than the sum of the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis for m consecutive measurement periods, and the reference signal received power is greater than or equal to the reference signal received power of the nth cell in the reference signal received power ranking, wherein the reference signal received power ranking is the ranking of the candidate cells from high to low reference signal received power, where n is the number of fourth priority candidate cells that are allowed to exist simultaneously, and m is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0062] In some possible implementations, the priority of the candidate cell includes a fifth priority, wherein the reference signal received power of the candidate cell of the fifth priority is greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold and less than the difference between the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis.

[0063] Alternatively, the reference signal received power of the fifth priority candidate cell is greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold, the reference signal received power of the fourth priority candidate cells is greater than the sum of the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis within m consecutive measurement periods, and the reference signal received power is less than the reference signal received power of the nth cell in the reference signal received power ranking, where the reference signal received power ranking is the ranking of the candidate cells from high to low, n is the number of fourth priority candidate cells that are allowed to exist simultaneously, and m is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0064] In some possible implementations, the second information is used to carry the priority of the current cell.

[0065] In some possible implementations, the method further includes:

[0066] If neither the first-priority candidate cell nor the second-priority candidate cell is available, send a DCI.

[0067] In some possible implementations, the method further includes:

[0068] If the number of candidate cells with the highest priority is less than or equal to the fifth threshold, send a MAC CE.

[0069] If the number of candidate cells with the first priority is greater than the fifth threshold, the MAC CE is sent after waiting for t reporting periods of candidate cells with the first priority, where t is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0070] In the second aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device may also perform the steps described in the first aspect and various possible implementations, as detailed in the foregoing description of the first aspect and various possible implementations.

[0071] A third aspect of this application provides a communication device, including a module for performing the method provided in the first aspect, or a module for performing the method provided in the second aspect.

[0072] A fourth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect.

[0073] The fifth aspect of this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed, cause the method provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect.

[0074] A sixth aspect of this application provides a chip including a processor coupled to a memory for executing a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, such that the chip implements the method provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect.

[0075] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices. The processor is used to implement the method provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

[0076] An eighth aspect of this application provides a communication system, including the communication apparatus provided in the seventh aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0077] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0078] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application;

[0082] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application;

[0083] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in this application;

[0084] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of another electronic device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be a limitation of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "one or more" refers to one, two, or more; "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0086] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0087] The "multiple" mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to two or more. It should be noted that in the description of the embodiments of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying order.

[0088] The embodiments of this application are applied to communication systems, which can be second-generation (2G) communication systems, third-generation (3G) communication systems, LTE systems, fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, LTE and 5G hybrid architectures, 5G new radio (5G NR) systems, and new communication systems that will emerge in the future development of communication.

[0089] A communication system includes a first device and a second device. The first device can be a network-side device used to provide network communication functions; in some cases, it is also called a network device or network element. Network devices are typically base stations (including functional units of base stations, or combinations of functional units of base stations) or core network units. Core network units can be functional units within the core network, including but not limited to access and mobility management function (AMF) units or session management function (SMF) units. The second device can be a device accessing the network, typically a terminal. An example of a communication system is... Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 It includes base station 1 and terminal 2.

[0090] In the embodiments provided in this application, the base station can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities, including but not limited to: evolved base stations (NodeB, eNB, or e-NodeB) in Long Term Evolution (LTE), base stations (gNodeB or gNB) or transmission receiving points / transmission reception points (TRPs) in New Radio (NR), and base stations in subsequent 3GPP evolutions. The base station can be: a macro base station, micro base station, pico base station, small cell, relay station, or balloon station, etc. The base station can include one or more co-located or non-co-located transmission reception points (TRPs). The base station can also be a radio controller, centralized unit (CU), and / or distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The base station can communicate with the terminal, or it can communicate with the terminal through a relay station. The terminal can communicate with multiple base stations using different technologies. For example, the terminal can communicate with base stations that support LTE networks, base stations that support 5G networks, and can also establish dual connections with both LTE and 5G base stations.

[0091] In the embodiments provided in this application, the terminal can take various forms, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, vehicle-mounted terminal device, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, wearable terminal device, etc. The terminal may also be referred to as terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminal, industrial control terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal equipment, mobile device, UE terminal equipment, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, UE agent, or UE device, etc. The terminal can also be a fixed terminal or a mobile terminal.

[0092] LTM is a 5G mobility management optimization mechanism. Specifically, the gNB receives L1 or L3 measurement reports from the UE. Based on these reports, the gNB can change the UE's serving cell via a cell handover command sent by the MAC CE. The gNB provides LTM candidate configurations to the UE via RRC signaling. After the gNB issues an RRC reconfiguration, the UE performs L1 measurements on the configured LTM candidate cells and sends an L1 measurement report to the gNB. Subsequently, the gNB decides to perform a cell handover, sending an LTM cell handover command to trigger the handover. The UE then switches to the target cell according to the handover command.

[0093] To provide a basis for cell handover, one possible approach is to continuously perform channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) measurements on all target cells. However, this method involves a large number of measurements by the terminal equipment, resulting in significant signaling overhead. Therefore, reducing the signaling overhead of CSI-RS measurements on target cells has become a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved.

[0094] To make the technical solution of this application clearer and easier to understand, the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, introduces a communication method, device, chip, system, storage medium, and product provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0095] See Figure 2 The flowchart shown illustrates a communication method, which includes:

[0096] S201: The network device sends the first information. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information, which is used by the terminal device to obtain the priority of the candidate cell.

[0097] The first information includes at least information that enables the terminal device to determine the priority of each candidate cell. For example, the first information may directly carry the priority of each candidate cell, or instruct the terminal device on the method of determining the priority of each candidate cell, or instruct multiple parameters so that the terminal device can determine the priority of each candidate cell based on the priority determination method and parameters stored locally.

[0098] S202: The terminal device generates a measurement report at the measurement timing corresponding to the priority of the candidate cell. The priority of the candidate cell is positively correlated with the frequency at which the terminal device generates measurement reports.

[0099] In this embodiment, priority is used to determine the frequency of generating measurement reports. By setting different measurement times for candidate cells with different priorities, the frequency of generating measurement reports for candidate cells with different priorities varies. For example, after determining the priority of each candidate cell, the candidate cells are arranged in descending order of priority, and the measurement times are set for the arranged candidate cells in descending order of their corresponding generation frequencies. Candidate cells with different priorities have different measurement times, while candidate cells with the same priority have the same measurement time, so that the higher the priority of the candidate cell, the higher the frequency of generating measurement reports. Candidate cells with the same priority can also be assigned to different measurement times with the same generation frequency, so that candidate cells with the same priority can be measured at different measurement times, avoiding excessive resource consumption caused by the terminal device needing to measure multiple candidate cells at the same time.

[0100] There is a one-to-one correspondence between measurement timing and the frequency of measurement report generation; the measurement timing refers to the time when a measurement report is generated. The measurement timing can be a specific period, or a trigger condition for generating a measurement report—parameters that can change the frequency of measurement report generation.

[0101] It should be noted that the correspondence between measurement timing and priority can be generated by the terminal device or the network device. For example, the correspondence between measurement timing and priority can be stored locally on the terminal device, configured by the network device, or, if the terminal device receives the correspondence between measurement timing and priority configured by the network device, it sets the measurement timing for candidate cells according to the correspondence between measurement timing and priority configured by the network device; if the terminal device does not receive the correspondence between measurement timing and priority configured by the network device, it sets the measurement timing for candidate cells based on the correspondence between measurement timing and priority stored locally on the terminal device.

[0102] S203: The terminal device sends second information, which includes a measurement report. Correspondingly, the network device receives the second information.

[0103] After the measurement report is generated, the terminal device carries the measurement report in the second information and sends the second information to the network device so that the network device can receive the measurement report of the candidate cell and obtain the information required by the network device. The measurement report includes at least the information that the network device requires the terminal device to perform the measurement.

[0104] To facilitate understanding, the following explanation will use the example of the first information directly carrying the priority of each candidate cell:

[0105] Figure 3 This is yet another communication method disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 The process includes the following steps:

[0106] S301: Priority for network devices to allocate candidate cells.

[0107] Network devices prioritize candidate cells based on their signal quality; that is, the priority of a candidate cell is determined by its signal quality. Network devices can obtain the signal quality of each candidate cell through Layer 3 measurements. The candidate cell may include the current cell.

[0108] In one optional embodiment, the network device divides candidate cells into several priority levels based on the signal quality of each candidate cell. The number of priorities can be set according to actual needs. For example, the signal quality can be divided into five intervals, each interval corresponding to a priority level, with higher priority intervals corresponding to higher signal quality intervals. An example is given below for ease of understanding:

[0109] If candidate cells include candidate cell A, candidate cell B, candidate cell C, and candidate cell D, the network device divides the signal quality into three intervals. The signal quality in the first interval a is the highest, the signal quality in the second interval b is between the first interval a and the third interval c, and the signal quality in the third interval c is the lowest. Therefore, if the signal quality of candidate cell A is within the first interval a, the signal quality of candidate cells C and D is within the second interval b, and the signal quality of candidate cell B is within the third interval c, then candidate cell A has a higher priority than candidate cells C and D. Candidate cells C and D have the same priority, and the priority of candidate cells C and D is higher than that of candidate cell B.

[0110] S302: The network device sends first information, which is used by the terminal device to obtain the priority of the candidate cell. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information.

[0111] The first information carries the priority of candidate cells, enabling the terminal device to directly determine the priority of each candidate cell based on the content of the first information after receiving it. The first information is information sent by the network device to the terminal device or broadcast externally. For example, the first information can be an RRC reconfiguration message, which includes a first field that carries the priority of the candidate cells. This first field is a newly added field in the RRC reconfiguration message, and the newly added field can be a candidate cell priority field.

[0112] Network devices can prioritize candidate cells based on signal quality conditions and duration requirements, and carry the priority of the candidate cells in the first information.

[0113] In one optional embodiment, if the first information carries information indicating that the priority of the candidate cell is the first priority, it means that the signal quality level of the candidate cell with the first priority is higher than the signal quality level of the current cell. After receiving the first information, the terminal device determines the candidate cell with the first priority based on the indication of the first information.

[0114] Specifically, the signal quality condition can be that the signal quality level of the candidate cell is higher than that of the current cell, and the duration requirement can be that the duration exceeds a first time period. When the signal quality of a candidate cell is greater than that of the current cell, and the duration exceeds the first time period, the signal quality level of the candidate cell is determined to be higher than that of the current cell. In this embodiment, the signal quality of the candidate cell can be determined by the layer 3 filtered measurement result Mn of the candidate cell, the layer 3 filtered measurement result Ms of the current cell, the hysteresis parameter Hys, and the highest offset OffHigh. The hysteresis parameter describes the relationship between the response speed and the rate of change of the input signal. If Mn - Hys > Ms + OffHigh, then the signal quality of the candidate cell is greater than that of the current cell. The first time period can be set based on actual needs. The longer the time period, the more stable the signal quality of the selected candidate cells. In this embodiment, the first time period is 40 milliseconds, i.e., Mn - Hys > Ms + OffHigh, and the candidate cell with a duration exceeding 40 milliseconds is the first priority candidate cell.

[0115] Furthermore, when the first information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is first priority, the first information also carries periodic CSI-RS resources and the reporting period of the first priority candidate cell, and a CSI-RS resource index is associated with a candidate cell index.

[0116] In one optional embodiment, if the first information carries information indicating that the priority of the candidate cell is the second priority, it means that the signal quality level of the candidate cell with the second priority is the same as the signal quality level of the current cell. After receiving the first information, the terminal device determines the candidate cell with the second priority based on the indication of the first information.

[0117] Specifically, the signal quality condition can be that the signal quality of the candidate cell falls within the signal quality range, and the duration requirement can be that the duration exceeds the second time period. When the signal quality of a candidate cell with second priority falls within the signal quality range and the duration exceeds the second time period, the signal quality level of the candidate cell is determined to be equal to the signal quality level of the current cell. The signal quality range is greater than the difference between the signal quality of the current cell and the second threshold, and less than or equal to the sum of the signal quality of the current cell and the third threshold. In this embodiment, the signal quality of the candidate cell can be determined to fall within the signal quality range by using the layer 3 filtered measurement result Mn of the candidate cell, the layer 3 filtered measurement result Ms of the current cell, the hysteresis parameter Hys, the minimum offset OffMin, and the maximum offset OffHigh. If Ms-OffMin-Hys < Mn ≤ Ms + OffHigh-Hys, then the signal quality of the candidate cell falls within the signal quality range. In this embodiment, the second time period is 80 milliseconds, i.e., Ms-OffMin-Hys < Mn ≤ Ms + OffHigh-Hys, and the candidate cell with a duration exceeding 80 milliseconds is a candidate cell with second priority. By introducing a hysteresis parameter during the comparison, the accuracy of the comparison results can be guaranteed by avoiding the impact of instantaneous fluctuations in signal quality.

[0118] Furthermore, when the first information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is second priority, the first information also carries semi-persistent CSI-RS resources and the reporting period of the second priority candidate cell. The semi-persistent CSI-RS resources are activated through a medium access control element (MAC CE). The above method also includes: the terminal device receiving the MAC CE, which is used to activate the terminal device to measure the second priority candidate cell.

[0119] In an optional embodiment, if the first information is used to carry information indicating that the priority of the candidate cell is the third priority, it means that the signal quality level of the candidate cell with the third priority is lower than the signal quality level of the current cell. After receiving the first information, the terminal device determines the candidate cell with the third priority based on the indication of the first information.

[0120] Specifically, the signal quality condition can be that the signal quality level of the candidate cell is lower than that of the current cell, and the duration requirement can be that the duration exceeds the third time period. When the signal quality of a candidate cell with third priority is lower than that of the current cell, and the duration exceeds the third time period, the signal quality level of the candidate cell is determined to be lower than that of the current cell. In this embodiment, the signal quality of the candidate cell can be determined by the layer 3 filtered measurement result Mn of the candidate cell, the layer 3 filtered measurement result Ms of the current cell, the hysteresis parameter Hys, and the minimum offset OffMin. If Mn + Hys ≤ Ms - OffMin, then the signal quality of the candidate cell is lower than that of the current cell. In this embodiment, the third time period is 160 milliseconds, i.e., a candidate cell with Mn + Hys ≤ Ms - OffMin and a duration exceeding 160 milliseconds is a cell with third priority.

[0121] Furthermore, when the first information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is the second priority, the first information also carries semi-persistent CSI-RS resources, which are activated by downlink control information (DCI). The above method also includes: the terminal device receiving the DCI, which is used to activate the terminal device to measure the candidate cell of the third priority.

[0122] It should be noted that, in addition to carrying information indicating multiple candidate cells of a certain priority, the first information in this application may also carry information indicating multiple candidate cells of different priorities.

[0123] For example, when a network device determines that the candidate cells include a candidate cell with a first priority and a candidate cell with a second priority, the first information is used to carry information indicating the candidate cell with the second priority and information indicating the candidate cell with the first priority.

[0124] When the network device determines that the candidate cells include candidate cells with second priority and candidate cells with third priority, the first information is used to carry information indicating the candidate cells with second priority and the candidate cells with third priority.

[0125] When the network device determines that the candidate cells include candidate cells with first priority, candidate cells with second priority, and candidate cells with third priority, the first information is used to carry information indicating the candidate cells with first priority, the candidate cells with second priority, and the candidate cells with third priority. The priorities are ordered from highest to lowest as first priority, second priority, and third priority.

[0126] The duration in this application can be a continuous duration or the sum of one or more time periods that meet the signal quality conditions within the signal quality measurement time. For example, if the signal quality measurement time is shorter than the first time period, the measurement time is too short. In this case, the duration can be calculated by summing up all time periods that meet the signal quality conditions within the signal quality measurement time to determine whether the duration meets the requirement. If the signal quality measurement time is longer than the first time period, the measurement time is long enough to reflect the signal quality of the candidate cell under normal operating conditions. In this case, it can be determined whether the longest time period that meets the signal quality conditions within the signal quality measurement time meets the duration requirement to determine whether the duration requirement is met.

[0127] S303: The terminal device generates a measurement report at the measurement time corresponding to the priority of the candidate cell. The priority is used to determine the frequency of generating the measurement report. The priority of the candidate cell is positively correlated with the frequency of generating the measurement report.

[0128] Since higher-priority candidate cells have a higher probability of becoming handover targets, the number of measurements and reporting frequencies for lower-priority candidate cells can be reduced to decrease the frequency of measurement and reporting. Taking the above candidate cells, which include first-priority, second-priority, and third-priority candidate cells, as an example, because first-priority candidate cells have a higher probability of becoming handover targets, network devices need to monitor the signal quality of first-priority candidate cells in real time. Therefore, terminal devices need to periodically report on first-priority candidate cells to achieve high-frequency and stable monitoring. The handover target is the candidate cell to which the network device hands over based on the content in the second information.

[0129] Since the signal quality of candidate cells with the second priority is similar to that of the current cell, they are potential handover targets, so the measurement frequency can be appropriately reduced. Since the signal quality of candidate cells with the third priority is worse than that of the current cell, they have a low probability of becoming handover targets, so the lowest measurement frequency can be used, or no measurement and reporting can be performed by default.

[0130] Specifically, since the candidate cells with the highest priority need to be measured at high frequency, the measurement timing for the candidate cells with the highest priority is to directly activate the CSI-RS resources after receiving the RRC reconfiguration message, perform periodic measurements without additional signaling, and report according to the reporting period corresponding to the candidate cells with the highest priority.

[0131] Second-priority candidate cells do not need to start measurement simultaneously with first-priority candidate cells. Second-priority candidate cells can be measured and reported after first-priority candidate cells have started measurement to reduce measurement frequency. Therefore, network devices can determine the timing of MAC CE issuance based on the redundancy of first-priority candidate cells. The measurement timing for second-priority candidate cells is when the terminal device receives the MAC CE.

[0132] For example, if the number of candidate cells with priority level 1 is less than or equal to the fifth threshold, the network device sends a MAC CE. If the number of candidate cells with priority level 1 is greater than the fifth threshold, the device waits for t reporting periods of candidate cells with priority level 1 before sending a MAC CE, where t is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and t is 2 in this embodiment.

[0133] Specifically, if the number of candidate cells with the first priority is less than or equal to the fifth threshold, due to insufficient handover redundancy, the network device can immediately issue a MAC CE to activate the CSI-RS resources of the candidate cells with the second priority after the RRC configuration is completed.

[0134] When the number of candidate cells with the highest priority exceeds the fifth threshold, due to sufficient handover redundancy, the network device waits for t reporting periods corresponding to the first-priority candidate cells after RRC configuration before issuing a MAC CE to activate the CSI-RS resources of the second-priority candidate cells. Upon receiving a MAC CE at any time, the terminal device measures the second-priority candidate cells and reports according to the reporting period corresponding to the second-priority candidate cells. In this embodiment, t is 2, and the fifth threshold is 1.

[0135] Candidate cells of the third priority are not measured by default. To avoid a situation where no candidate cells are available when both the first and second priority candidate cells are unavailable, the semi-persistent CSI-RS resource corresponding to the third priority can be temporarily triggered through the measurement request bit of DCI 0_1. The network device sends DCI when both the first and second priority candidate cells are unavailable. That is, the measurement timing for the third priority candidate cell is that after the terminal receives the DCI and generates a measurement report for the third priority candidate cell, it immediately reports the measurement report for the third priority candidate cell through the second information.

[0136] S304: The terminal device sends a second message, which is used to indicate a measurement report. Correspondingly, the network device receives the second message.

[0137] The measurement report should include at least the parameters that the network device requires the terminal device to provide, such as channel status data. The second piece of information is the information that the terminal device feeds back to the network device.

[0138] For example, when reporting measurement reports for candidate cells with the highest priority, the second information may specifically be the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0139] When reporting measurement reports for candidate cells with the second priority, the second piece of information can specifically be PUCCH.

[0140] When reporting measurement reports for candidate cells of the third priority, the second piece of information can specifically be PUSCH.

[0141] For ease of understanding, the following explanation will use the example of a terminal device storing multiple parameters in the first information field, along with priority allocation rules pre-agreed with the network device, to determine the priority of each candidate cell based on the locally stored priority determination method and parameters.

[0142] Figure 4 This is yet another communication method disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 The process includes the following steps:

[0143] S401: The network device sends first information, which is used by the terminal device to obtain the priority of the candidate cell. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information.

[0144] The first piece of information specifically carries measurement configuration information, which is used to determine the priority of candidate cells. The measurement configuration information may include priority allocation parameters and measurement parameters, which are used to determine the priority of candidate cells, including the current cell.

[0145] Priority parameters include at least one of the low reference signal received power threshold (low rsrp thresh) and the high reference signal received power threshold (high rsrp thresh).

[0146] The priority of candidate cells includes fourth priority and fifth priority. The fourth priority has a higher priority than the fifth priority. In this embodiment, the fourth priority can also be referred to as high priority, and the fifth priority can also be referred to as low priority.

[0147] The measurement parameters include at least one of the following: priority handover hysteresis, the maximum number of fourth-priority candidate cells allowed to coexist (max high prio num), the measurement period for fourth-priority candidate cells (high priomeas period), the measurement period for fifth-priority candidate cells (low prio meas period), the reporting period for fourth-priority candidate cells (high prio report period), and the reporting period for fifth-priority candidate cells (low prio report period).

[0148] The first message is an RRC reconfiguration message. This message includes a second field, which carries priority division parameters and measurement parameters. This second field is a new addition to the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0149] S402: The terminal device determines the priority of the candidate cell based on the first information.

[0150] Upon receiving the first information, the terminal device immediately determines the priority of candidate cells. The priority of candidate cells is determined based on priority allocation parameters, measurement parameters, and reference signal received power. Specifically, the reference signal received power is the layer 1 reference signal received power (L1-RSRP). The terminal device allocates the priority of candidate cells using L1-RSRP, priority allocation rules, and the priority allocation parameters and measurement parameters carried in the first information sent by the network device.

[0151] Specifically, since the probability of a candidate cell being called a handover target is low when the L1-RSRP of the candidate cell is low, in order to reduce the measurement frequency, in this embodiment, after receiving the first information, the terminal device prioritizes all candidate cells that satisfy L1-RSRP ≥ low reference signal received power threshold, and does not prioritize or measure candidate cells that L1-RSRP < low reference signal received power threshold.

[0152] Candidate cells for the fourth priority are those with higher L1-RSRP. The terminal device determines whether a candidate cell is of the fourth priority based on priority division parameters, measurement parameters, and the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the candidate cell. For example, a candidate cell for the fourth priority needs to meet the following conditions: its RRP is greater than or equal to the low RRP threshold; its RRP is greater than the sum of the high RRP threshold and the priority handover hysteresis for m consecutive fourth-priority candidate cells in the measurement period; and its RRP is greater than or equal to the RRP of the nth cell in the RRP ranking. The RRP ranking is the ranking of the candidate cells from high to low RRP, i.e., arranging the candidate cells according to their RRP from high to low. n is the number of fourth-priority candidate cells that can coexist, and m is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In this embodiment, m is 2. Since there are non-real-time response characteristics due to changes in input conditions during the handover process, this embodiment introduces priority handover hysteresis during comparison to avoid frequent handovers caused by input signal fluctuations or noise. Furthermore, since this embodiment aims to avoid frequent switching due to fluctuations in the reference signal receiving power caused by fluctuations in the input signal, the priority switching hysteresis is set to the power value.

[0153] Candidate cells for the fifth priority are those with a low L1-RSRP but still above the low reference signal received power threshold, or those with a high L1-RSRP but whose L1-RSRP is outside the top n candidate cells according to the ranking from high to low. The terminal equipment determines whether a candidate cell is a fifth priority cell based on priority division parameters, measurement parameters, and the reference signal received power of the candidate cell. For example, a candidate cell for the fifth priority has a reference signal received power greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold and less than the difference between the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis. Alternatively, a candidate cell for the fifth priority has a reference signal received power greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold, and for m consecutive measurement periods of fourth priority candidate cells, the reference signal received power is greater than the sum of the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis, and the reference signal received power is less than the reference signal received power of the nth cell in the reference signal received power ranking, which is the ranking of the candidate cells' reference signal received power from high to low.

[0154] S403: The terminal device generates a measurement report at the measurement time corresponding to the priority of the candidate cell. The priority is used to determine the frequency of generating the measurement report. The priority of the candidate cell is positively correlated with the frequency of generating the measurement report.

[0155] After determining that a candidate cell is of the fourth priority, the terminal device immediately initiates measurement of the candidate cell of the fourth priority and performs the measurement according to the measurement cycle of the candidate cell of the fourth priority. That is, when the candidate cell has the fourth priority, the measurement timing is when the terminal device determines that the candidate cell has the fourth priority. Since the time for the terminal device to classify the priority is short, the measurement timing can also be when the first information is received. The measurement cycle of the candidate cell of the fourth priority is high-frequency detection.

[0156] To avoid resource conflicts, after the terminal device determines that a candidate cell is of the fifth priority, measurements of the fifth-priority candidate cell are performed during the measurement interval of the fourth-priority candidate cell, and the measurement is executed according to the measurement cycle of the fifth-priority candidate cell. That is, when the candidate cell has the fifth priority, the measurement timing is during the measurement interval of the fourth-priority candidate cell. The measurement cycle of the fifth-priority candidate cell is low-frequency detection, and the measurement cycle of the fourth-priority candidate cell is shorter than that of the fifth-priority candidate cell.

[0157] S404: The terminal device sends a second message, which is used to indicate a measurement report. Correspondingly, the network device receives the second message.

[0158] The second piece of information is used to carry a measurement report, which includes at least the parameters that the network device requires the terminal device to provide, as well as the current cell priority (ue assigned priority).

[0159] This embodiment employs different reporting cycles for measurement reports of candidate cells with different priorities; higher priorities correspond to longer reporting cycles. For example, when a candidate cell has a priority of fourth, it is reported according to the reporting cycle for fourth-priority candidate cells. When a candidate cell has a priority of fifth, it is reported according to the reporting cycle for fifth-priority candidate cells. The reporting cycle for fourth-priority candidate cells is shorter than that for fifth-priority candidate cells.

[0160] This application also provides a communication device, including a module for performing a communication method.

[0161] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implements a communication method.

[0162] This application also provides a computer program product, including instructions that, when executed, enable a communication method to be implemented.

[0163] This application also provides a chip, including a processor coupled to a memory, for executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, thereby enabling the chip to implement a communication method.

[0164] This application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices. The processor implements the communication method through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

[0165] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the communication device 500 may include a communication module 510. The communication module 510 can implement corresponding communication functions, which can be internal communication functions of the communication device 500 or communication functions between the communication device 500 and other devices. Optionally, the communication module 510 may also be referred to as a communication interface or transceiver module. Optionally, the communication device 500 also includes a processing module 520. The processing module 520 can implement corresponding processing functions.

[0166] Optionally, the communication device 500 further includes a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data; the processing module 520 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 500 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0167] In one possible design, the communication device 500 may correspond to the terminal device in the above method embodiments, or to a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the terminal device. The communication device 500 can be used to execute the steps or processes performed by the terminal device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0168] For example, the communication module 510 is used to receive first information, which is used by the terminal device to obtain the priority of the candidate cell;

[0169] The processing module 520 is used to generate a measurement report at the measurement timing corresponding to the priority of the candidate cell, and the priority of the candidate cell is positively correlated with the frequency of generating the measurement report;

[0170] Communication module 510 is also used to send a second message, which is used to indicate a measurement report.

[0171] The above are merely examples; for detailed steps or procedures, please refer to the descriptions in the foregoing embodiments.

[0172] In one possible design, the communication device 500 may correspond to the network device in the above method embodiments, or to a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the network device. The communication device 500 can be used to perform the steps or processes performed by the network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0173] For example, the communication module 510 is used to send first information, which instructs the terminal device to acquire the priority of the candidate cell; the priority of the candidate cell is positively correlated with the frequency at which the terminal device generates measurement reports;

[0174] The communication module 510 is also used to receive second information, which is used to indicate a measurement report.

[0175] The above are merely examples; for detailed steps or procedures, please refer to the descriptions in the foregoing embodiments.

[0176] Figure 6 This is another schematic block diagram of the communication device 600 provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication device 600 may be a chip, chip system, or processor, etc., in a terminal device or network device that implements the above-described methods. The communication device 600 can be used to implement the methods described in the above-described method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above-described method embodiments.

[0177] like Figure 6 As shown, the communication device 600 may include one or more processors 610, which may also be referred to as processing units or processing modules, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 610 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device 600 (e.g., a base station, baseband chip, user, user chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0178] In an alternative design, the processor 610 may also store instructions and / or data, which can be executed by the processor 610 to cause the communication device 600 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0179] In another alternative design, the communication device 600 may include a communication interface 620 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 620 may be a transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or it may be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0180] Optionally, the communication device 600 may include one or more memories 630, which may store instructions that can be executed on the processor 610, causing the communication device 600 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 630 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 610 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 610 and the memories 630 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0181] It should be understood that, in one possible design, the steps in the method embodiments provided in this application can be implemented by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are not provided here.

[0182] In one implementation, the communication device 600 may correspond to the terminal device in the above method embodiments and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The processor 610 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory 630, and when the processor 610 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 610 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the terminal device.

[0183] In another implementation, the communication device 600 may correspond to the network device in the above method embodiments and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes executed by the network device in the above method embodiments. The processor 610 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory 630, and when the processor 610 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 610 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the network device.

[0184] It should be understood that the aforementioned processing device can be one or more chips. For example, the processing device can be a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips.

[0185] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0186] Figure 7This application provides an example of the composition of an electronic device. The electronic device can be a terminal device, including but not limited to mobile phones, smart wearable devices (such as smartwatches), and other electronic devices. Taking a mobile phone as an example, the electronic device may include a processor 710, an external memory interface 720, an internal memory 721, a display screen 730, a camera 740, antenna 1, antenna 2, a mobile communication module 750, and a wireless communication module 760, etc.

[0187] It is understood that the structure illustrated in this embodiment does not constitute a specific limitation on the electronic device. In other embodiments, the electronic device may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0188] It is understood that the interface connection relationships between the modules illustrated in this embodiment are merely illustrative and do not constitute a limitation on the structure of the electronic device. In other embodiments of this application, the electronic device may also employ different interface connection methods or combinations of multiple interface connection methods as described in the above embodiments.

[0189] The external memory interface 720 can be used to connect external memory cards, such as Micro SD cards, to expand the storage capacity of electronic devices.

[0190] The internal memory 721 can be used to store executable program code, which includes instructions. The processor 710 executes various functional applications and data processing of the electronic device by running the instructions stored in the internal memory 721.

[0191] The wireless communication function of electronic devices can be implemented through antenna 1, antenna 2, mobile communication module 750, wireless communication module 760, modem processor, and baseband processor.

[0192] The mobile communication module 750 can provide solutions for wireless communication applications, including 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G, in electronic devices. The mobile communication module 750 may include at least one filter, switch, power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA), etc.

[0193] Furthermore, an operating system runs on top of the aforementioned components. Examples include iOS, Android, and Windows operating systems. Applications can be installed and run on this operating system. Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the above-described electronic devices can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0194] Figure 8 This application provides another example of the composition of an electronic device. The electronic device may be a first device, including but not limited to a base station and a core network unit. Figure 8 A simplified schematic diagram of a base station structure is shown. The base station includes sections 810, 820, and 830. Section 810 is mainly used for baseband processing and base station control; section 810 is typically the control center of the base station, often referred to as a processor, used to control the base station to perform the processing operations on the first device side in the above method embodiments. Section 820 is mainly used for storing computer program code and data. Section 830 is mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals to baseband signals; section 830 is often referred to as a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver unit. The transceiver module of section 830, also referred to as a transceiver or transceiver unit, includes an antenna 833 and radio frequency circuitry (…). Figure 8 (Not shown in the diagram), where the radio frequency circuitry is primarily used for radio frequency processing. Optionally, the device in section 830 used to implement the receiving function can be considered a receiver, and the device used to implement the transmitting function can be considered a transmitter; that is, section 830 includes receiver 832 and transmitter 831. A receiver can also be called a receiving module, receiver circuit, or receiving circuit, etc., and a transmitter can be called a transmitting module, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0195] Sections 810 and 820 may include one or more circuit boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processors are used to read and execute programs from the memories to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. If multiple circuit boards exist, they can be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an alternative implementation, multiple circuit boards may share one or more processors, multiple circuit boards may share one or more memories, or multiple circuit boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0196] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver module of section 830 is used to execute the transceiver-related processes performed by the base station (first device) in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor of section 810 is used to execute the processing-related processes performed by the base station in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0197] It should be understood that Figure 8 This is for illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation. The network devices mentioned above, including processors, memory, and transceivers, may be independent of... Figure 8 The structure shown.

[0198] This application also provides a chip system including a processor for supporting terminal devices or network devices in implementing the functions involved in the above aspects, such as transmitting or processing data and / or information involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the terminal device or network device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0199] In the embodiments of this application, the terms and English abbreviations are exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not be construed as limiting the application in any way. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0200] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated.

[0201] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0202] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0203] In summary, the above are merely preferred embodiments of the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal device, and the method includes: The terminal device receives first information, which is used to obtain the priority of the candidate cell; the priority includes a first priority, a second priority, and a third priority. A measurement report is generated at a measurement time corresponding to the priority of the candidate cell, and the priority of the candidate cell is positively correlated with the frequency of generating the measurement report; Send a second message, the second message including the measurement report; The method further includes: receiving downlink control information (DCI), the DCI being used to activate the terminal device to measure the candidate cells of the third priority; the DCI being sent when both the candidate cells of the first priority and the candidate cells of the second priority are unavailable; The terminal device receives a Media Access Control (MAC) CE, which is used to activate the terminal device to measure candidate cells of the second priority. The MAC CE is sent when the number of candidate cells of the first priority is less than or equal to a fifth threshold. When the number of candidate cells of the first priority is greater than the fifth threshold, the MAC CE is sent after waiting for t reporting periods of candidate cells of the first priority, where t is an integer greater than or equal to 1. After receiving the first information, periodic measurements are performed on the candidate cells of the first priority.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is used to carry the priority of the candidate cell.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first information is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message, which includes a first field that carries the priority of the candidate cell.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The priority of the candidate cell is determined based on the signal quality of the candidate cell.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first information is used to carry one or more of the following: The information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is the first priority, and the signal quality level of the first priority candidate cell is higher than the signal quality level of the current cell; The information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is the second priority, and the signal quality level of the candidate cell with the second priority is the same as the signal quality level of the current cell; The information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is the third priority, and the signal quality level of the third priority candidate cell is lower than that of the current cell.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The duration during which the signal quality of the candidate cell with the first priority is higher than that of the current cell reaches a first time period.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The duration for which the signal quality of a candidate cell of the second priority is within a signal quality range reaches a second time period, wherein the signal quality range is greater than the difference between the signal quality of the current cell and a second threshold, and less than or equal to the sum of the signal quality of the current cell and a third threshold.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The duration during which the signal quality of the candidate cell with the third priority is lower than that of the current cell reaches the third time period.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is specifically used to carry measurement configuration information, which is used to determine the priority of the candidate cell.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The measurement configuration information includes priority division parameters and measurement parameters, which are used to determine the priority of the candidate cells. The candidate cells include the current cell. The priority division parameters include at least one of a low reference signal received power threshold and a high reference signal received power threshold. The measurement parameters include at least one of priority handover hysteresis, the number of fourth-priority candidate cells that can coexist, the measurement period of the fourth-priority candidate cells, the measurement period of the fifth-priority candidate cells, the reporting period of the fourth-priority candidate cells, and the reporting period of the fifth-priority candidate cells. The priority of the fourth-priority candidate cells is greater than the priority of the fifth-priority candidate cells.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first information is an RRC reconfiguration message, which includes a second field that carries the priority division parameter and the measurement parameter.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The priority of the candidate cell is determined based on the priority division parameters, the measurement parameters, and the reference signal received power.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The priority of the candidate cells includes a fourth priority, wherein the reference signal received power of the candidate cells of the fourth priority is greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold, the reference signal received power of the candidate cells of the fourth priority is greater than the sum of the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis within m consecutive measurement periods, and the reference signal received power is greater than or equal to the reference signal received power of the nth cell in the reference signal received power ranking, wherein the reference signal received power ranking is the ranking of the candidate cells from high to low reference signal received power, where n is the number of fourth priority candidate cells that are allowed to exist simultaneously, and m is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The priority of the candidate cells includes a fifth priority, wherein the reference signal received power of the candidate cells of the fifth priority is greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold and less than the difference between the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis. Alternatively, the reference signal received power of the fifth priority candidate cell is greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold, the reference signal received power of the fourth priority candidate cells is greater than the sum of the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis within m consecutive measurement periods, and the reference signal received power is less than the reference signal received power of the nth cell in the reference signal received power ranking, where the reference signal received power ranking is the ranking of the candidate cells from high to low, n is the number of fourth priority candidate cells that are allowed to exist simultaneously, and m is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a network device, and the method includes: Send a first message, which instructs the terminal device to acquire the priority of candidate cells; the priority includes a first priority, a second priority, and a third priority; the priority of the candidate cells is positively correlated with the frequency at which the terminal device generates measurement reports; Receive second information, the second information including the measurement report; The method further includes: sending downlink control information (DCI), the DCI being used to activate the terminal device to measure the candidate cells of the third priority; the DCI being sent when both the candidate cells of the first priority and the candidate cells of the second priority are unavailable; A Media Access Control (MAC) CE is sent, which is used to activate the terminal device to measure candidate cells of the second priority. The MAC CE is sent when the number of candidate cells of the first priority is less than or equal to a fifth threshold. When the number of candidate cells of the first priority is greater than the fifth threshold, the MAC CE is sent after waiting for t reporting periods of candidate cells of the first priority, where t is an integer greater than or equal to 1. After sending the first information, the terminal device performs periodic measurements on the candidate cells of the first priority.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first information is used to carry the priority of the candidate cell.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first information is used to carry one or more of the following: The information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is the first priority, and the signal quality level of the first priority candidate cell is higher than the signal quality level of the current cell; The information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is the second priority, and the signal quality level of the candidate cell with the second priority is the same as the signal quality level of the current cell; The information indicates that the priority of the candidate cell is the third priority, and the signal quality level of the third priority candidate cell is lower than that of the current cell.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The duration during which the signal quality of the candidate cell with the first priority is higher than that of the current cell reaches a first time period.

19. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first information is specifically used to carry measurement configuration information, which is used to determine the priority of the candidate cell.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The measurement configuration information includes priority division parameters and measurement parameters, which are used to determine the priority of the candidate cells. The candidate cells include the current cell. The priority division parameters include at least one of a low reference signal received power threshold and a high reference signal received power threshold. The measurement parameters include at least one of priority handover hysteresis, the number of fourth-priority candidate cells that can coexist, the measurement period of the fourth-priority candidate cells, the measurement period of the fifth-priority candidate cells, the reporting period of the fourth-priority candidate cells, and the reporting period of the fifth-priority candidate cells. The priority of the fourth-priority candidate cells is greater than the priority of the fifth-priority candidate cells.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The priority of the candidate cells includes a fourth priority, wherein the reference signal received power of the candidate cells of the fourth priority is greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold, the reference signal received power of the candidate cells of the fourth priority is greater than the sum of the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis within m consecutive measurement periods, and the reference signal received power is greater than or equal to the reference signal received power of the nth cell in the reference signal received power ranking, wherein the reference signal received power ranking is the ranking of the candidate cells from high to low reference signal received power, where n is the number of fourth priority candidate cells that are allowed to exist simultaneously, and m is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The priority of the candidate cells includes a fifth priority, wherein the reference signal received power of the candidate cells of the fifth priority is greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold and less than the difference between the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis. Alternatively, the reference signal received power of the fifth priority candidate cell is greater than or equal to the low reference signal received power threshold, the reference signal received power of the fourth priority candidate cells is greater than the sum of the high reference signal received power threshold and the priority handover hysteresis within m consecutive measurement periods, and the reference signal received power is less than the reference signal received power of the nth cell in the reference signal received power ranking, where the reference signal received power ranking is the ranking of the candidate cells from high to low, n is the number of fourth priority candidate cells that are allowed to exist simultaneously, and m is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

23. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor coupled to a memory for executing a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, such that the chip implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 14, or 15 to 22.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, the processor being used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or 15 to 22, through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or 15 to 22.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or 15 to 22, to be implemented.

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