Communication method, communication device and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method, communication equipment and a storage medium. The communication method executed by UE may comprise: monitoring a first signal sent by a network device by using a first receiver, the first signal being used to wake up the second receiver; and determining a search space set group SSSG monitored by the UE according to whether a running first timer exists when the first signal is monitored.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the Low Power Wake-Up Signal (LP WUS) research project, the base station sends a low-power wake-up signal to the User Equipment (UE) to wake up the UE. The UE can keep its main transceiver (MR) in sleep mode and use a separate low-power wake radio (LR) receiver to receive the LP WUS. After receiving the LP WUS, the UE's main receiver can be woken up to perform data transmission and reception operations, etc. In other words, the MR wakes up from sleep mode and enters working mode. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, and a storage medium.

[0004] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a communication method, wherein the method is performed by a UE, the UE including a first receiver and a second receiver, the method comprising:

[0005] The first receiver is used to listen to the first signal sent by the network device, and the first signal is used to wake up the second receiver.

[0006] The Search Space Set Group (SSSG) that the UE is listening to is determined based on whether a first timer is running when the first signal is detected.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a communication method, wherein the method is performed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0008] Send configuration information to the user equipment (UE), the configuration information including at least one of the following:

[0009] First information, used to indicate the first search space set group SSSG associated with the first type of activation time;

[0010] The second piece of information is used to indicate the third SSSG associated with the second type of activation time.

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a user equipment (UE), wherein the UE includes:

[0012] The receiving module is configured to use a first receiver to listen for a first signal sent by a network device, the first signal being used to wake up a second receiver;

[0013] The processing module is configured to determine the search space set group (SSSG) that the UE is listening to based on whether there is a running first timer when the first signal is detected.

[0014] A network device is provided according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the network device includes: a transmitting module configured to transmit configuration information to a user equipment (UE), the configuration information including at least one of the following: first information for indicating a first search space set group (SSSG) associated with a first type of activation time; and second information for indicating a third SSSG associated with a second type of activation time.

[0015] A communication system is provided according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the communication system includes: a user equipment (UE) configured to perform the method described in any technical solution of the first aspect; and a network device configured to perform the method described in any technical solution of the second aspect.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, wherein the communication device includes: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method provided by any of the techniques described in the first to second aspects.

[0017] A storage medium is provided according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method provided by any one of the first to second aspects.

[0018] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, wherein the program product includes a computer program, which, when executed by a communication device, enables the communication device to implement the method provided by any of the technical means of the first to second aspects.

[0019] The technical approach provided in this disclosure is that when the UE detects the first signal, it determines the SSSG to be detected next based on whether there is a running first timer at the time of detecting the first signal, instead of directly detecting the second type of SSSG associated with the first type of activation time after entering the first type of activation time associated with the first signal. This standardizes the UE's SSSG detection behavior when the timing time of the first timer overlaps (conflicts) with the first type of activation time, and solves this detection conflict.

[0020] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2A This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the time-domain relationship between a first signal and the SSSG monitored by the UE, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the time-domain relationship between a first signal and the SSSG monitored by the UE, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2D This is a schematic diagram illustrating the time-domain relationship between a first signal and the SSSG monitored by the UE, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2E This is a schematic diagram illustrating the time-domain relationship between a first signal and the SSSG monitored by the UE, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2F This is a schematic diagram illustrating the time-domain relationship between a first signal and the SSSG monitored by the UE, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2G This is a schematic diagram illustrating the time-domain relationship between a first signal and the SSSG monitored by the UE, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a user equipment (UE) according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0035] Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0036] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0037] A first aspect provides a communication method, wherein the method is performed by a user equipment (UE), the UE including a first receiver and a second receiver, the method comprising: using the first receiver to listen for a first signal sent by a network device, the first signal being used to wake up the second receiver; and determining a search space set group (SSSG) to be listened to by the UE based on whether a first timer is running when the first signal is listened to.

[0038] Based on the above scheme, when the UE detects the first signal, it determines the SSSG to be detected next based on whether there is a running first timer at the time of detecting the first signal, instead of directly detecting the second type of SSSG associated with the first type of activation time after entering the first type of activation time associated with the first signal. This standardizes the UE's SSSG detection behavior when the timing time of the first timer overlaps (conflicts) with the first type of activation time, and solves this detection conflict.

[0039] In some embodiments of the first aspect, determining the search space set group (SSSG) that the UE is listening to based on whether there is a running first timer when the first signal is detected includes: determining that the UE is listening to a first type of SSSG if there is a running first timer when the first signal is detected; the first type of SSSG is associated with the first timer.

[0040] Based on the above scheme, when a running first timer is detected, the UE directly listens to the first type of SSSG associated with the first timer, instead of listening to the second type of SSSG related to the first type of activation time, thereby ensuring that the first type of SSSG that needs to be listened to is successfully listened to.

[0041] In some embodiments of the first aspect, determining that the UE is listening to a first type of SSSG when a first signal is detected includes: restarting the first timer when a first signal is detected; and determining that the UE is listening to a first type of SSSG after restarting the first timer.

[0042] Based on the above scheme, when the first signal is detected, the first timer that is running will be restarted, thereby ensuring the listening duration and success rate of the first type of SSSG by restarting the first timer.

[0043] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes at least one of the following: determining a restart time of a first timer based on a first moment, the first moment being the moment when the UE receives the first signal; determining a restart time of the first timer based on a wake-up delay, the wake-up delay being the delay at which the UE wakes up the second receiver; and determining a restart time of the first timer based on a DCI monitored within a first type of activation time, the first type of activation time being an activation time associated with the first signal.

[0044] Based on the above scheme, when the first timer needs to be restarted, the restart time needs to be determined in order to accurately control the restart of the first timer.

[0045] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the wake-up delay is at least one of the following: the interval between the transmission time of the first signal and the listening time of the physical control channel (PDCCH); the interval between the transmission time of the first signal and the first type of activation time associated with the first signal; the first type of activation time is the activation time associated with the first signal.

[0046] Based on the above scheme, the method and basis for determining the wake-up delay are given. By adopting the above method, the running time of the first timer can be as close as possible to the time when the second receiver is woken up, thereby ensuring that the PDCCH listening opportunity in the corresponding first type of SSSG is successfully listened to.

[0047] In some embodiments of the first aspect, determining the restart time based on the downlink control information (DCI) detected at the first type of activation time includes: when the detected DCI indicates that the first type of SSSG is being monitored, determining the time when the DCI is detected as the restart time.

[0048] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI is detected, instructing the UE to listen to the first type of SSSG, the restart time can be determined directly based on the time when the DCI is detected. This is because the UE has already received the DCI, indicating that the UE's second receiver has been woken up. Therefore, the time when the DCI is detected can be directly determined as the restart time, which can enable the first timer for listening to the second type of SSSG to be started as soon as possible.

[0049] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: continuing the currently running first timer until the restart time is reached or the first timer times out, before restarting the first timer. Based on the above scheme, the UE behavior of the currently running first timer is limited, reducing runtime conflicts between the current first timer and the restarted first timer.

[0050] In some embodiments of the first aspect, determining the search space set group (SSSG) that the UE is listening to based on whether there is a running first timer when the first signal is detected includes: when there is no running first timer when the first signal is detected, listening to the second search space set group (SSSG) during a first type of activation time; the first type of activation time is the activation time associated with the first signal, and the second type of SSSG is associated with the first type of activation time.

[0051] Based on the above scheme, if there is no running first timer when the first signal is detected, the UE will listen to the second type of SSSG associated with the first type of activation time, thereby standardizing the UE's listening to SSSG and reducing the confusion in the UE's listening to SSSG.

[0052] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second type of SSSG includes: a first SSSG associated with the first type of activation time.

[0053] Based on the above scheme, the second type of SSSG may include, but is not limited to, the first SSSG configured by the network device, or the second SSSG agreed upon in the protocol. This allows for the determination of the second type of SSSG in different scenarios. For example, even if the UE does not configure the first SSSG, the UE can use the second SSSG agreed upon in the protocol as the second type of SSSG for the first type of activation time.

[0054] In some embodiments of the first aspect, determining the search space set group (SSSG) that the UE is listening to based on whether a first timer is running when the first signal is detected includes: determining the SSSG that the UE is listening to at a time-domain overlap location based on whether a first timer is running, the time-domain overlap location including the portion in the time domain where a first type of activation time and a second type of activation time overlap, the first type of activation time being the activation time associated with the first signal, and the second type of activation time being the activation time associated with the UE's discontinuous reception.

[0055] The above solution also addresses the behavior of the SSSG monitored by the UE when the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time overlap in the time domain, further reducing the phenomenon of SSSG confusion caused by the overlap of the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time.

[0056] In some embodiments of the first aspect, determining the SSSG that the UE is listening to at the time-domain overlap location based on whether there is a running first timer includes: when the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time have time-domain overlap and there is a running first timer, determining that the UE is listening to the first type of SSSG at the time-domain overlap location, wherein the first type of SSSG is associated with the first timer.

[0057] The above scheme limits the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time to overlap in the time domain and there is a running first timer. Then, it listens to the first type of SSSG associated with the first timer at the time domain overlap position, instead of listening to the second type of SSSG associated with the first type of activation time and / or the second type of activation time, thus solving the SSSG listening conflict in this case.

[0058] In some embodiments of the first aspect, determining the SSSG that the UE is listening to at the time-domain overlap location based on whether there is a running first timer includes one of the following: when there is a time-domain overlap between the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time, there is no running first timer, and it is determined that the UE is listening to the first SSSG at the time-domain overlap location; when there is a time-domain overlap between the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time, there is no running first timer, and it is determined that the UE is listening to the first SSSG and the third SSSG at the time-domain overlap location, wherein the third SSSG is associated with the second type of activation time; and the first SSSG is associated with the first type of activation time.

[0059] Based on the above scheme, when the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time overlap in the time domain, there is no running first timer. Instead, it listens to the SSSG associated with the first type of activation time and / or the second type of activation time, rather than other SSSGs, so that the UE does not miss the SSSG that needs to be listened to.

[0060] In some embodiments of the first aspect, a second timer is started during the first type of activation time, and the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time have a time domain overlap; the second timer is associated with the first type of activation time.

[0061] Based on the above scheme, an example is given where the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time have overlapping positions in the time domain. The specific implementation is not limited to the above example.

[0062] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: listening to a first type SSSG according to a first instruction during a first type of activation time associated with the first signal, the first instruction being carried by the first signal or by a DCI listened to during the first type of activation time.

[0063] Based on the above scheme, during the first type of activation time associated with the first signal, the UE will listen to the first type of SSSG according to the first instruction. That is, during the first type of activation time, the UE will prioritize listening to the first type of SSSG according to the first instruction, so that the UE can listen to the most important SSSG, reduce the chance of missing the SSSG that the network device instructs the UE to listen to through the first instruction, and improve the listening success rate.

[0064] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: restarting a first timer if there is a running first timer before listening to the first type of SSSG; associating the first type of SSSG with the first timer; and starting the first timer if there is no running first timer before listening to the first type of SSSG.

[0065] Based on the above scheme, the first type of SSSG that needs to be monitored by the first instruction needs to determine the monitoring time period through the first timer. Therefore, in order to ensure successful monitoring of the first type of SSSG indicated by the first instruction, it will be determined whether to restart or start the first timer based on whether there is a running first timer.

[0066] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first instruction is a first signal, and the method further includes: determining the start time or restart time of the first timer based on the reception time of the first signal and the start delay.

[0067] Based on the above scheme, in order to accurately control the start of the first timer, the start time and restart time will be accurately determined according to the reception time of the first signal and the start delay.

[0068] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the startup delay is related to at least one of the wake-up delay of the second receiver and the different SSSG listening switch delays.

[0069] Based on the above scheme, the startup delay is related to one or more of the wake-up delay of the second receiver and the SSSG monitoring switching delay. The startup delay determined in this way can ensure that the running time after the startup and restart of the first timer is within the wake-up time of the second receiver as much as possible, thereby ensuring the monitoring effect of the first type of SSSG.

[0070] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving configuration information sent by a network device, the configuration information including at least one of the following: first information for indicating a first SSSG associated with a first type of activation time; and second information for indicating a third SSSG associated with a second type of activation time. Based on the above scheme, by receiving the configuration information sent by the network device, the UE will know the first type of activation time and / or the second type of SSSG associated with the second type of activation time configured by the network device for the UE, thereby facilitating the UE to accurately listen to the SSSG that needs to be listened to according to the configuration information of the network device.

[0071] A second aspect provides a communication method, performed by a network device, the method comprising: sending configuration information to a user equipment (UE), the configuration information including at least one of the following: first information for indicating a first search space set group (SSSG) associated with a first type of activation time; and second information for indicating a third SSSG associated with a second type of activation time.

[0072] Based on the above scheme, the network device can enable the UE to know the SSSG associated with the first type of activation time and / or the second type of activation time by sending configuration information, thus ensuring that the UE accurately monitors the SSSG.

[0073] A third aspect provides a user equipment (UE), wherein the UE includes: a receiving module configured to use a first receiver to listen for a first signal sent by a network device, the first signal being used to wake up a second receiver; and a processing module configured to determine a search space set group (SSSG) to be listened to by the UE based on whether a first timer is running when the first signal is listened to.

[0074] A fourth aspect provides a network device, wherein the network device includes: a transmitting module configured to transmit configuration information to a user equipment (UE), the configuration information including at least one of the following: first information for indicating a first search space set group (SSSG) associated with a first type of activation time; and second information for indicating a third SSSG associated with a second type of activation time.

[0075] The fifth aspect provides a communication system, wherein the communication system includes: a UE configured to perform the method provided by any technical solution of the first aspect; and a network device configured to perform the method provided by any technical solution of the second aspect.

[0076] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product, wherein the program product includes a computer program, which, when executed by a communication device, enables the communication device to perform the methods described in the optional implementations of the first to second aspects.

[0077] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the communication method described in optional implementations of the first to second aspects.

[0078] It is understood that the aforementioned first device, network device, communication system, program product, and computer program are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0079] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, and storage medium. The embodiments of this disclosure are not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to limit the specific scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementations in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0080] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0081] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0082] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the aforementioned," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0083] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0084] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0085] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "A in one case, B in another", etc., may include the following technical methods depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0086] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical approaches, depending on the circumstances: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, selective execution from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0087] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. As another example, if the object being described is "information", then "first type of information" and "second type of information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0088] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0089] In some embodiments, terms such as “…”, “determine…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0090] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0091] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0092] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as network-side devices or network functions, such as access network devices and core network devices.

[0093] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving node," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0094] In some embodiments, the terms "UE (terminal)," "UE device (terminal device)," "user equipment (UE)," "user UE (user terminal)," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile UE (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access UE (access terminal)," "mobile UE (mobile terminal)," "wireless UE (wireless terminal)," "remote UE (remote terminal)," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0095] In some embodiments, the access network device, core network device, or network device can be replaced by a UE. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between the access network device, core network device, or network device and the UE is replaced by communication between multiple UEs (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the UE can also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between UEs (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0096] In some embodiments, the UE can be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, it can also be configured such that the access network device, core network device, or network device has all or some of the functions of the UE.

[0097] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0098] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0099] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0100] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102. The network device 102 may include access network equipment and / or core network equipment. The terminal may also be referred to as a UE.

[0102] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) UE device, augmented reality (AR) UE device, wireless UE device in industrial control, wireless UE device in self-driving, wireless UE device in remote medical surgery, wireless UE device in smart grid, wireless UE device in transportation safety, wireless UE device in smart city, and wireless UE device in smart home.

[0103] In some embodiments, UE is also referred to as User Equipment (UE).

[0104] In some embodiments, the access network device may be a node or device that connects the UE to the wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next generation eNB (ng-eNB), next generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0105] In some embodiments, the technical methods of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0106] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0107] In some embodiments, the core network equipment can be a single device, including a first network element, or it can be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including a first network element. Network elements can be virtual or physical. The core network includes, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0108] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical methods of this disclosure and does not constitute a limitation on the technical methods provided in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical methods provided in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0109] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown, or a part thereof, but not limited to it. Figure 1 The entities shown are illustrative; a communication system may include... Figure 1 All or part of the main body, or may include Figure 1 Other entities besides the main body, the number and form of each entity are arbitrary, the connection relationship between the entities is illustrative, the entities may not be connected or may be connected, and the connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0110] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Futuregeneration radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing configuration methods of other resources, and next-generation systems extended from them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., LTE and NR can be combined).

[0111] The UE's main transceiver can have different levels of sleep states, such as deep sleep, light sleep, and micro sleep. Different sleep states have different power consumption levels and different transition times (also called wake-up latency) from sleep to normal operation. Deeper sleep consumes less power but has a longer wake-up latency. For example, deep sleep has a wake-up time of 10ms, light sleep has a wake-up time of 3ms, and micro sleep can be considered as an immediate wake-up with a wake-up time of 0ms.

[0112] If the UE's traffic is very sparse, for example, a traffic packet arrives in a few hundred milliseconds, then a deeper sleep mode is suitable. If the traffic arrives very densely, then a shallow sleep mode or even no sleep mode is suitable.

[0113] In some embodiments, the UE can enter a sleep state from an active state in the following ways: 1) The base station instructs the UE to enter a sleep state via an indication signaling; 2) The UE enters a sleep state after a specific timer expires. The specific timer may be a first timer that is restarted / started whenever the UE receives a scheduled uplink / downlink transmission DCI. When the first timer expires (meaning the UE did not receive a DCI during the timer's runtime), the UE enters a sleep state; 3) The UE enters a sleep state voluntarily and sends an indication message to the base station, which indicates that the UE has entered a sleep state.

[0114] In some embodiments, search space group switching is introduced to save energy for the UE. The base station configures multiple search space groups for the UE. A search space group can contain one or more search spaces and dynamically indicates the switching of search spaces. Different search space sets can have different configurations such as period, frequency domain width, number of PDCCH candidates, and DCI format to be listened to. Therefore, the UE will have different energy consumption when listening to different search space sets. For example, when the data transmission demand is low, the UE switches to a search space set with a longer period. Between the two period points, the UE can enter a sleep state, thus achieving energy saving on the UE side. The base station can also configure an SSSG switching timer. For example, when the UE listens to PDCCH on SSSG 1 or SSSG 2, the UE will continue to listen to SSSG 1 or SSSG 2 before the SSSG switching timer expires. After the UE listens to PDCCH, it will restart the corresponding SSSG switching timer. When the SSSG switching timer expires, the UE will listen to the default SSSG, i.e., SSSG 0.

[0115] In some embodiments, the application of LP WUS in RRC connections needs to be combined with the C-DRX mechanism in the existing protocol. The application method can be as follows: (1) Second type of activation time, which is the running time of the second timer. The second timer can be a timer in the C-DRX mechanism. For example, when drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimerDL, drx-RetransmissionTimerUL, and drx-onDurationTimer are running, the UE is in the activation time under the connected state C-DRX mechanism, that is, the "legacy active time". (2) First type of activation time, which can be another activation time introduced in addition to the second type of activation time. For example, the UE listens for LP WUS during the second activation time. If the corresponding LP WUS is listened for, a temporary wake-up period is started, that is, the "additional active time".

[0116] like Figure 2A As shown, this disclosure provides a communication method, by... Figure 1 The communication system shown is executed. The method may include:

[0117] S2101: The network device sends configuration information to the UE.

[0118] In some embodiments, the network device may be an access network device, such as various types of base stations.

[0119] In some embodiments, the UE can be various types of terminals, such as mobile phones, tablets, vehicle-mounted devices, or flight equipment.

[0120] In some embodiments, the network device sends an RRC message or a MAC message to the UE. The RRC message or MAC message includes configuration information.

[0121] In some embodiments, the network device broadcasts, multicasts, or unicasts configuration information to the UE.

[0122] In some embodiments, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: first information for indicating a first SSSG associated with a first type of activation time; and second information for indicating a third SSSG associated with a second type of activation time.

[0123] In some embodiments, configuration information can be used by the UE to determine a second type of SSSG associated with the activation time. Exemplarily, the second type of SSSG is the default SSSG. Exemplarily, the first information may be the identification information or number of a first SSSG associated with a first type of activation time. Also exemplaryly, the second information may be the identification information or number of a third SSSG associated with a second type of activation time.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first information may also be used to indicate whether the first SSSG associated with the first type of activation time is SSSG0. Exemplarily, the first type of activation time is the activation time associated with the first signal.

[0125] In some embodiments, the second information may also be used to indicate whether the third SSSG associated with the second type of activation time is SSSG0.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first type of activation time may be an activation time initiated by the UE based on a first signal being monitored. For example, the first type of activation time may be referred to as a temporary wake-up time or an additional wake-up time. For instance, after receiving the first signal, the UE enters the first type of wake-up time. During the first type of wake-up time, the UE wakes up the second receiver and monitors the PDCCH through the second receiver.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first signal may be an LP WUS received by a first receiver of the UE. Exemplarily, the power consumption of the first receiver is less than that of the second receiver. Exemplarily, the receiving capability of the first receiver is weaker than that of the second receiver. In some embodiments, the first receiver has receiving capability but no transmitting capability. The second receiver has both receiving and transmitting capabilities.

[0128] In some embodiments, the second receiver may be an MR.

[0129] In some embodiments, the second type of activation time may be discontinuous reception (DRX). In some embodiments, the second type of activation time is also referred to as additional active time. For example, the discontinuous reception may be C-DRX in the UE connected state.

[0130] In some embodiments, DRX involves one or more second timers. The runtime of the second timer is the second type of activation time. Exemplarily, the second timer includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a DRX inactivity timer (drx-InactivityTimer); a DRX downlink retransmission timer (drx-RetransmissionTimerDL); a DRX uplink retransmission timer (drx-RetransmissionTimerUL); and a DRX wake-up timer (drx-onDurationTimer).

[0131] For example, regardless of whether there is any service to be transmitted, each C-DRX cycle will periodically enable drx-onDurationTimer and blindly check the PDCCH during the drx-onDurationTimer runtime.

[0132] For example, the UE performs upload transmission, and for each UL HARQ process, drx-RetransmissionTimerUL is enabled, and PDCCH is blindly checked within drx-RetransmissionTimerUL.

[0133] For example, when the UE receives a new DCI transmission, it will start the drx-InactivityTimer and blindly check the PDCCH during the operation of the drx-InactivityTimer.

[0134] During the second type of activation time, the UE's MR remains in an awake state, so the UE can perform uplink and / or downlink transmissions based on the MR.

[0135] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, both the first type of wake-up time and the second type of wake-up time can be collectively referred to as wake-up time, during which the UE's MR remains in the wake-up state. Outside of the wake-up time, the UE's MR exits the wake-up state and enters the sleep state. For example, the UE can enter deep sleep, light sleep, or shallow sleep states to save UE power consumption.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second type of SSSG associated with the first type of wake-up time and the second type of wake-up time may be the same or different. For example, both the first type of wake-up time and the second type of SSSG associated with the second type of wake-up time may be SSSG0.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first type of wake-up time and the second type of wake-up time can be configured with the same second type of SSSG, or they can be configured with different SSSGs. For example, the second type of SSSG associated with the second type of wake-up time can be SSSG0, while the second type of SSSG associated with the first type of wake-up time can be SSSG1.

[0138] Preferably, the first type of wake-up time and the second type of wake-up time are configured with different second type SSSGs. For example, the reason for distinguishing between the two types of activation times is:

[0139] If LP WUS is applied to a single UE, the network's motivation for triggering additional active time using LP WUS is generally to immediately schedule the UE's uplink and downlink transmissions. Therefore, the PDCCH search space typically requires dense configuration of PDCCH listening opportunities to ensure timely scheduling within a short period. However, the activation of C-DRX's legacy active time does not always imply that the UE has uplink or downlink services awaiting scheduling. Therefore, configuring PDCCH listening opportunities in the SSSG within the legacy active time is sparser compared to PDCCH listening opportunities based on the additional active time triggered by LP WUS.

[0140] If LP WUS targets a UE group, that UE group may include one or more UEs. Thus, when a network device needs to wake up any UE within that UE group, it will also send an LP WUS that can wake up the entire UE group. However, since all UEs in that UE group have wake-up needs, there is no need to configure intensive PDCCH listening times for the first type of activation time triggered by LP WUS. C-DRX is generally configured to match service characteristics, therefore the PDCCH listening times for the first type of activation time do not need to be as intensive as those configured for the second type of activation time.

[0141] Therefore, by configuring the second type of SSSG separately for the first and second type of activation times, the same or different PDCCH listening times can be configured for the first and second type of activation times as needed. One or more PDCCH listening times can be included within an SSSG.

[0142] It is worth noting that S2101 can be an optional step. For example, the second type of SSSG associated with the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time can be agreed upon by the protocol. If the network device does not need to temporarily configure it, then the network device does not need to send configuration information to the UE.

[0143] S2102: The network device sends the first signal to the UE.

[0144] In some embodiments, the first signal may be the aforementioned LP WUS.

[0145] In some embodiments, the network device sends a first signal to the UE in a sleep state.

[0146] S2103: The UE uses the first receiver to listen to the first signal sent by the network device.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to wake up the second receiver.

[0148] S2104: The UE determines the SSSG it is monitoring.

[0149] In some embodiments, the UE determines the search space set group (SSSG) to be monitored by the UE based on whether a first timer is running when the first signal is detected.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first timer is a timer associated with a first type of SSSG. Exemplarily, the UE listens for a second type of SSSG while the first timer is running. The second type of SSSG is different from the first type of SSSG. Exemplarily, the second type of SSSG is not associated with the UE's activation time. The second type of SSSG may include one or more. The first timer may include, but is not limited to, an SSSG switching timer.

[0151] There are several options available for S2104. The following are some of the options:

[0152] Option 1:

[0153] When the first signal is detected, there is a running first timer, which determines that the UE is listening to the first type of SSSG; the first type of SSSG is associated with the first timer.

[0154] If a first timer is running when the first signal is detected, although the UE will enter the first type of activation time, it will continue to listen to the first type of SSSG associated with the first timer, instead of listening to the second type of SSSG associated with the first type of activation time, because the first timer is running. For example, if a first timer is running when the first signal is detected, the first timer is restarted; after restarting the first timer, it is determined that the UE is listening to the first type of SSSG.

[0155] In some embodiments, restarting the first timer can extend the listening duration of the first type of SSSG, enabling the UE to successfully listen to the PDCCH information sent during the PDCCH listening time within the first type of SSSG.

[0156] In some embodiments, the restart time of the first timer is determined; the first timer is restarted at the restart time.

[0157] There are several ways to determine the restart time. For example, the restart time can be determined based on a first moment, a wake-up delay, and a DCI detected within a first type of activation time. For instance, the restart time of a first timer can be determined, where the first moment is the moment the UE receives the first signal. Another example is determining the restart time of the first timer based on a wake-up delay, where the wake-up delay is the delay at which the UE wakes up the second receiver. Yet another example is determining the restart time of the first timer based on a DCI detected within a first type of activation time, where the first type of activation time is the activation time associated with the first signal.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first timer can be restarted immediately, and the restart time is the moment when the UE receives the first signal.

[0159] In other embodiments, the restart time of the first timer is determined based on the wake-up delay. The wake-up delay is the delay at which the UE wakes up the second receiver.

[0160] For example, the first timer is a listening timer for the first type of SSSG. When listening for the PDCCH listening time in the SSSG, the time required for the UE to wake up the second receiver to listen for the PDCCH needs to be considered. Therefore, in this embodiment, the restart time is determined based on the wake-up delay.

[0161] Also exemplarily, the restart time of the first timer is determined based on the wake-up delay of the second receiver, including one of the following: determining the restart time as a first time, wherein the first time is the time when the UE receives the first signal; or determining the restart time as a second time based on the first time and the wake-up delay.

[0162] In some embodiments, the timing duration of the first timer is greater than the wake-up delay, including: the timing duration of the first timer is greater than the wake-up delay, and the timing duration of the first timer is greater than the wake-up delay.

[0163] In this case, since the duration of the first timer is greater than the wake-up delay, the first moment is determined as the restart moment. The operation of the first timer after restart will continue until the second receiver is woken up, thus ensuring that the UE can listen to the first type of SSSG during the operation of the first timer through the second receiver after wake-up.

[0164] For example, if the first signal is received at the first moment T1 and the wake-up delay is T0, then the moment T1+T0 is determined as the restart moment. At this time, regardless of the relationship between the timing duration of the first timer and T0, the second receiver of the UE is in a woken-up state during the operation of the restarted first timer and can listen to the PDCCH.

[0165] Of course, this is just one example of determining the restart time, and the actual implementation is not limited to this example.

[0166] In some embodiments, the wake-up delay is at least one of the following: the interval between the transmission time of the first signal and the listening time of the physical control channel (PDCCH); the interval between the transmission time of the first signal and the first type of activation time associated with the first signal; the first type of activation time is the activation time for the UE to listen to the first signal.

[0167] Since wireless communication uses radio waves to transmit signals, typically, the moment when the network device sends the first signal and the moment when the UE receives the first signal are also different.

[0168] In some embodiments, the transmission time of the first signal is pre-configured, so the UE can determine the reception time of the first signal according to the pre-configuration.

[0169] In other embodiments, the wake-up latency can be configured by the network device, for example, the network device configures the latency based on parameters such as the UE's wake-up capability, the UE's type, or the UE's historical wake-up latency.

[0170] In some other embodiments, the wake-up delay may be the delay agreed upon in the protocol.

[0171] In other embodiments, the restart time is determined based on the downlink control information (DCI) detected at the first type of activation time; the first type of activation time is the activation time associated with the first signal.

[0172] In other embodiments, the network device sends the first signal to the UE to trigger the UE to listen to the PDCCH. The PDCCH is used to send downlink control information (DCI). The DCI will then trigger the UE to listen to the corresponding SSSG. If the DCI triggers the UE to listen to the first type of SSSG, the UE will restart the first timer. That is, in some embodiments, the restart time is determined based on the downlink control information (DCI) listened to during the first type of activation time.

[0173] For example, if the detected DCI indicates that the UE is listening to a first type of SSSG, the moment the DCI is detected is determined as the restart time. If the detected DCI indicates that the UE is listening to a second type of SSSG, since listening to a second type of SSSG does not require starting the first timer, the UE will not determine the restart time based on the moment this DCI is received.

[0174] Of course, in some embodiments, the UE may be able to listen to the DCI during the first type of activation time, or it may not be able to listen to the DCI, or it may only listen to the DCI that makes the UE listen to the second type of SSSG. In these cases, the UE may not need to restart the first timer.

[0175] In some embodiments, the UE may listen to the first type of SSSG in a manner that includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: when the first signal is detected, there is a running first timer; restart the first timer; after restarting the first timer, listen to the first type of SSSG during the running time of the restarted first timer.

[0176] When the first signal is detected, there is a running first timer. The first timer continues to run and the first type of SSSG is monitored during the continued running of the first timer.

[0177] Option 1 allows you to restart the first timer. For the currently running first timer, this can be understood as terminating it. Alternatively, it can continue running. For example, before restarting the first timer, the currently running first timer continues until the restart time is reached or the first timer times out.

[0178] For example, if the first running timer has a remaining duration, which may be greater than the wake-up delay, then if the first timer continues to run until the remaining duration reaches 0, the running period of the currently running first timer will exceed the restart time. In this case, the currently running first timer will stop running at the restart time.

[0179] For example, if the first timer that is currently running still has a certain amount of remaining time, but the remaining time is too short for the first timer to run until the restart time, then the first timer will time out and stop running.

[0180] Regardless of which method is used, the UE can effectively control the operation of the first timer.

[0181] like Figure 2B As shown, when the UE receives the first signal, it has a running first timer. It does not need to wait for the currently running first timer to end. It can restart the first timer at the restart time and listen to the first type of SSSG within the running time range of the first timer (i.e. during the running period).

[0182] Option 2:

[0183] When the first signal is detected, there is no running first timer. During the first type of activation time, the second type of search space set group SSSG is monitored.

[0184] In some embodiments, the second type of SSSG is associated with the first type of activation time.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first type of activation time is the activation time associated with the first signal. For example, the first type of activation time may be the activation time of the UE listening to the PDCCH corresponding to the first signal.

[0186] Since the first activation time will begin after the first signal is detected, and since there is currently no running first timer, the second type of SSSG associated with the first type of activation time is detected instead of the first type of SSSG.

[0187] like Figure 2C As shown, after receiving the first signal, the UE listens to the second type of SSSG during the first type of activation time. For example, it listens to the first SSSG associated with the first type of activation time.

[0188] Therefore, based on the above optional method 1 and optional method 2, after the first signal is detected, the SSSG being monitored by the UE can be easily and quickly determined according to whether the first timer is running, thereby resolving the conflict between the first type of activation time and the first timer regarding the SSSG being monitored by the UE.

[0189] In some embodiments, the second type of SSSG includes one of the following: a first SSSG associated with the first type of activation time; or a second SSSG agreed upon in the protocol.

[0190] For example, the first SSSG associated with the first type of activation time can be an SSSG configured by the network device, while the second SSSG can be an SSSG agreed upon by the protocol. In this case, both the first SSSG and the second SSSG are second type SSSGs associated with the first type of activation time.

[0191] For example, the first SSSG can be SSSG0 or SSSG1.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first activation time and the second activation time do not overlap in the time domain, and the SSSG that the UE is listening to can be determined using optional mode 1 and / or optional mode 2.

[0193] In other embodiments, even if the first type of activation time and the second activation time have time domain overlap, the time domain overlap between the first type of activation time and the second activation time can be ignored, and the SSSG monitored by the UE can still be determined according to optional method 2.

[0194] In other embodiments, after the UE receives the first signal, it triggers a first type of activation time, at which point a second type of activation time may already be triggered. Alternatively, if a second type of activation time is triggered within the first type of activation time, there may be temporal overlap between the first and second type of activation times. Therefore, in this case, the SSSG monitoring the overlapping temporal position of the first and second type of activation times is also one of the conflict resolution mechanisms. In view of this, optional method 3 of S2104 is proposed.

[0195] Option 3: When the first type of activation time associated with the first signal and the second type of activation time have a time-domain overlap, determine the SSSG that the UE is listening to at the time-domain overlap position based on whether there is a running first timer.

[0196] In some embodiments, the temporal overlap location includes the portion in the temporal domain where the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time overlap.

[0197] In other embodiments, the temporal overlap position is the portion where the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time overlap in the temporal domain.

[0198] For example, the first timer currently running may be a first timer that was started before the time-domain overlap position, or the first timer currently running may be a first timer that was started at the beginning of the time-domain overlap position.

[0199] In some embodiments, when the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time overlap in the time domain and a first timer is running when the first signal is received; it is determined that the UE listens to the first type of SSSG at the time domain overlap position, and the first type of SSSG is associated with the first timer.

[0200] like Figure 2D As shown, there is a running first timer at the time domain overlap position of the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time. The UE listens to the listening time of the PDCCH contained in the first type of SSSG associated with the first timer.

[0201] In other embodiments, when the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time overlap in the time domain, there is no running first timer, and it is determined that the UE listens to the first SSSG and / or the third SSSG at the time domain overlap position; the first SSSG is associated with the first type of activation time; the third SSSG is associated with the second type of activation time.

[0202] In some embodiments, when the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time have a time-domain overlap position, there is no running first timer, and it is determined that the UE is listening to the first SSSG at the time-domain overlap position; or, when the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time have a time-domain overlap position, there is no running first timer, and it is determined that the UE is listening to the first SSSG and the third SSSG at the time-domain overlap position, wherein the third SSSG is associated with the second type of activation time and the first SSSG is associated with the first type of activation time.

[0203] If no first timer is pre-started at the time domain where the first and second type activation times overlap, the UE listens to the second type SSSG. This second type SSSG can be an SSSG associated with the first type activation time and / or a second type SSSG associated with the second type activation time.

[0204] In some embodiments, a second timer is started during the first type of activation time, and the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time have a time domain overlap; the second timer is associated with the first type of activation time.

[0205] For example, if the drx-onDurationTimer starts during the first type of activation time, then the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time overlap in the time domain.

[0206] For example, if the UE transmits PUCCH and / or PUSCH during the first type of activation time, then drx-RetransmissionTimerUL is activated. The activation of drx-RetransmissionTimerUL triggers the second type of activation time, thus the first and second type of activation times overlap in the time domain.

[0207] In summary, there are multiple ways in which the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time overlap, and these are not limited to the examples mentioned above.

[0208] In other embodiments, when the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time overlap in the time domain, there is no running first timer, and it is determined that the UE listens to the first SSSG and / or the third SSSG at the time domain overlap position; the first SSSG is associated with the first type of activation time; the third SSSG is associated with the second type of activation time.

[0209] If no first timer is pre-started at the time domain where the first and second type activation times overlap, the UE listens to the second type SSSG. This second type SSSG can be an SSSG associated with the first type activation time and / or a second type SSSG associated with the second type activation time.

[0210] In some embodiments, a second timer is started during the first type of activation time, and the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time have a time domain overlap; the second timer is associated with the first type of activation time.

[0211] For example, if the drx-onDurationTimer starts during the first type of activation time, then the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time overlap in the time domain.

[0212] For example, if the UE transmits PUCCH and / or PUSCH during the first type of activation time, then drx-RetransmissionTimerUL is activated. The activation of drx-RetransmissionTimerUL triggers the second type of activation time, thus the first and second type of activation times overlap in the time domain.

[0213] like Figure 2E As shown, at the time-domain overlap position of the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time, the first SSSG is monitored.

[0214] like Figure 2F As shown, at the time-domain overlap of the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time, the first SSSG and the third SSSG are monitored.

[0215] In summary, there are multiple ways to overlap the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time, not limited to the examples mentioned above.

[0216] In some embodiments, the SSSG that the UE listens to during the first type of activation time triggered by the first signal may be indicated by the network device. Therefore, S2104 may also include optional mode 4.

[0217] Option 4:

[0218] During the first type of activation time associated with the first signal, the first type of SSSG is monitored according to the first instruction, which is carried by the first signal or by the DCI monitored during the first type of activation time.

[0219] For example, the first signal may carry indication information that indicates to the UE that a first type of SSSG needs to be monitored. In this case, based on the first signal entering the first type of activation time, instead of monitoring the second type of SSSG associated with the first type of activation time, the first type of SSSG is monitored directly.

[0220] like Figure 2G As shown, the DCI is listened to during the first type of activation time corresponding to the first signal. When the DCI indicating that the first type of SSSG is listened to is detected, the first timer is started, and the corresponding first type of SSSG is listened to during the first timer class.

[0221] In some embodiments, during the first type of activation time, the UE can determine the SSSG to be monitored according to optional mode 1, optional mode 2, and / or optional mode 3. However, when receiving a DCI instruction to monitor the first type of SSSG, the UE needs to initiate monitoring of the first type of SSSG. Exemplarily, there may be one or more first type SSSGs, and the DCI can be used to specifically indicate which specific first type SSSG to be monitored. Exemplarily, the DCI may include a bitmap, where different bits are used to indicate different first type SSSGs. Thus, the UE can determine which specific SSSG of the first type to be monitored based on the DCI or a first signal.

[0222] In some embodiments, the method further includes: restarting a first timer that is running before listening to the first type of SSSG. Restarting the first timer here includes: stopping the running first timer and restarting the first timer after stopping the current first timer.

[0223] In some embodiments, the method further includes: starting a first timer if there is no first timer running before listening to the first type of SSSG.

[0224] During the execution of the first timer during startup or restart, the UE listens for the first type of SSSG indicated by the first instruction.

[0225] In some embodiments, if the first signal is a first instruction, then the start time of the first timer is determined based on the reception time of the first signal and the start delay.

[0226] In some embodiments, the startup delay is related to at least one of the wake-up delay of the second receiver and the different SSSG listening switch delays.

[0227] For example, startup latency is equal to wake-up latency.

[0228] For example, the startup latency is equal to the switching latency between different SSSG listeners.

[0229] In another embodiment, the startup latency is equal to the smaller of the wake-up latency and the switching latency between different SSSGs.

[0230] For another example, the startup latency is equal to the greater of the wake-up latency and the switching latency between different SSSGs.

[0231] In some embodiments, the term "information" may be used interchangeably with terms such as "message," "signal," "signaling," "report," "configuration," "indication," "instruction," "command," "channel," "parameter," "field," and "data."

[0232] In some embodiments, the terms "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of 3GPP protocols, Wi-Fi protocols, and audio and / or video protocols. In some embodiments, the term "send" can be used interchangeably with terms such as "transmit," "report," and "transfer."

[0233] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2104 of this embodiment can be implemented independently, or their order can be arbitrarily changed and combined without contradiction. For example, S2101 is an optional step; if the activation time-related second type SSSG is agreed upon by the protocol, then it is not necessary to receive configuration information sent by the network device. In other embodiments, the UE performs the reception of the first signal, but it is also possible that the first signal is not received. For example, when the UE is in sleep mode, the network device does not have a need to wake up the UE's second receiver, and therefore may not send the first signal. Therefore, if the UE does not receive the first signal, the UE does not need to perform S2103 to S2104.

[0234] like Figure 3 As shown, this disclosure provides a communication method, which is executed by a user equipment (UE). The UE includes a first receiver and a second receiver. The method includes:

[0235] S3101: Receive configuration information.

[0236] In some embodiments, configuration information sent by a network device is received.

[0237] In some embodiments, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: first information for indicating a first search space set group (SSSG) associated with a first type of activation time; and second information for indicating a third SSSG associated with a second type of activation time.

[0238] For example, the specific content of the configuration information, the transmission method, the network device, and the relevant descriptions of any one of the first SSSG and the third SSSG can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A The corresponding implementation examples will not be repeated here.

[0239] S3102: Receive the first signal using the first receiver.

[0240] In some embodiments, the UE uses a first receiver to listen for a first signal sent by a network device.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to wake up the second receiver of the UE.

[0242] In some embodiments, the relevant descriptions of the first receiver, the second receiver, and / or the first signal can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A The examples shown will not be repeated here.

[0243] After the UE receives the first signal, the UE will enter the first type of activation time.

[0244] S3103: Determine the SSSG that the UE is listening to.

[0245] In some embodiments, the UE determines the search space set group (SSSG) to be monitored by the UE based on whether a first timer is running when the first signal is detected.

[0246] In some embodiments, optional implementations for the UE to determine the SSSG being monitored can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A One or more of the optional methods 1 to 4 of the corresponding embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0247] S3104: Listen to DCI during the first type of activation time.

[0248] S3105: Monitor SSSG based on the DCI being monitored.

[0249] In some embodiments, the UE listens for either a first type SSSG or a second type SSSG based on the DCI being listened to. Typically, the second type SSSG is the SSSG associated with the current activation time by the UE, while listening for SSSGs other than the first type is usually indicated by the DCI. However, it is worth noting that step S3105 is optional. The UE may listen to the DCI during the first type activation time, but this DCI is not used to instruct the UE to listen for SSSGs; therefore, step S3105 is not necessarily required.

[0250] In some embodiments, steps S3101 to S3105 of this embodiment can be implemented independently, or their order can be arbitrarily changed and combined without contradiction. For example, S3101 is an optional step. If the second type of SSSG associated with the activation time is agreed upon by the protocol, then it is not necessary to receive configuration information sent by the network device. In some embodiments, the UE performs the reception of the first signal, but it is also possible that the first signal is not received. For example, when the UE is in a sleep state, the network device does not have a need to wake up the UE's second receiver, and therefore may not send the first signal. Therefore, if the UE does not receive the first signal, the UE does not need to perform S3103 to S3104. For another example, the UE may have detected the first signal and listened to the DCI during the first type of activation time, but it is possible that it did not detect the DCI or did not detect the DCI instructing the UE to listen to the SSSG; in this case, S3105 is also an optional step.

[0251] like Figure 4 As shown, this disclosure provides a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0252] S4101: Send configuration information.

[0253] In some embodiments, the network device sends configuration information to the UE.

[0254] In some embodiments, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: first information for indicating a first search space set group (SSSG) associated with a first type of activation time; and second information for indicating a third SSSG associated with a second type of activation time.

[0255] In some embodiments, the relevant configuration information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A The examples shown will not be repeated here.

[0256] S4102: Send the first signal.

[0257] In some embodiments, the network device sends a first signal to the UE. For example, a description of the first signal can be found here. Figure 2A The corresponding implementation examples will not be repeated here.

[0258] In some embodiments, the steps in S4101 to S4102 of this embodiment can be implemented independently, or their order can be arbitrarily changed and combined without contradiction. For example, S4101 is an optional step. If the activation time-related second type SSSG is agreed upon by the protocol, then it is not necessary to receive configuration information sent by the network device. Similarly, if the network device does not wake up a UE in a sleep state, then the network device also does not need to send the first signal.

[0259] This disclosure presents a method for a UE to determine the operation of the SSSG switching timer in a scenario where C-DRX and LP WUS are applied, and a method for a UE to determine SSSG listening after being woken up again.

[0260] For example, the SSSG switching timer is one of the aforementioned first timers.

[0261] In some embodiments, if the UE is running an SSSG timer, the SSSG timer terminates when the UE enters sleep mode. Upon waking, the UE listens to a designated SSSG. This designated SSSG can be the SSSG that existed before sleep, pre-configured by the network, or defined by a protocol, such as SSSG0.

[0262] In other embodiments, if the UE is running the SSSG timer, the SSSG timer is suspended when the UE enters sleep mode. When the UE wakes up, the SSSG timer resumes operation, that is, it continues to listen for the SSSG that existed before the UE went to sleep.

[0263] In some embodiments, after the UE is woken up, it can determine whether to perform a BWP handover based on an instruction from the network side. In some cases, the UE can perform a BWP handover based on an LP-WUS sent by the network side. The instruction for the UE to perform a BWP handover can be an LPWUS instruction or other instructions.

[0264] In some embodiments, if the UE performs a BWP handover after waking up, the original SSSG timer terminates. The UE will then listen for the designated SSSG on the new BWP. The designated SSSG can be pre-configured by the network or agreed upon by the protocol, such as SSSG0.

[0265] In some embodiments, if the UE is running an SSSG timer, the SSSG timer continues counting when the UE enters sleep mode. If the UE performs a BWP handover after waking up, and the original SSSG timer is still running, the original SSSG timer is terminated. The UE will then listen for the designated SSSG on the new BWP. The designated SSSG can be pre-configured by the network or agreed upon by a protocol, such as SSSG0.

[0266] In some embodiments, if the UE is running the SSSG timer, when the UE enters a sleep state, it can determine whether to terminate, continue running, or suspend the SSSG timer based on the different conditions of the sleep state.

[0267] For example, if the UE enters a light sleep state, the SSSG timer can continue to run.

[0268] If the UE enters a light sleep state, the SSSG timer can be suspended.

[0269] If the UE enters a deep sleep state, the SSSG timer can be terminated.

[0270] All of the above sleep states can be equivalently represented by wake-up delay. For example, generally, the deeper the sleep state, the greater the wake-up delay.

[0271] Therefore, network devices can be configured with default SSSGs during the operation of the second type of active timer and the first type of active timer, respectively. For example, when the second type of active timer is running, its default SSSG is SSSG0, and when the first type of active timer is running, its default SSSG is SSSG1. The time corresponding to the operation of the second type of active timer is also the aforementioned first type of activation time, also known as the original activation time. Exemplarily, the second type of active timer is also the aforementioned second timer.

[0272] The second type of active timer can be the C-DRX legacy active timer; the first type of active timer can be an additional active timer. This additional active timer can be used to monitor LP-WUS. The time corresponding to the operation of the first type of active timer is the aforementioned second type of active time, also known as the additional active time.

[0273] In some embodiments, the reasons for distinguishing between the first type and the first type of active timer may include, but are not limited to, the following examples:

[0274] Example 1: If LP WUS wake-up information can be precise down to the individual UE level: The network's motivation for using LP WUS to trigger additional active time is generally to immediately schedule the uplink and downlink transmissions of that UE. Therefore, it typically requires dense configuration of PDCCH monitoring occasions in the PDCCH search space to ensure that the network can schedule in a timely manner within a short period. However, the activation of the legacy active time of C-DRX does not always mean that there are uplink and downlink services to be scheduled for that UE. For example, for drx-onDurationTimer, regardless of whether there are services to be transmitted, it will periodically activate and blindly check the PDCCH within each C-DRX cycle. For drx-RetransmissionTimerUL, regardless of whether the uplink process is transmitted correctly, it will activate and blindly check the PDCCH within each ULHARQ process. For drx-InactivityTimer, it will activate and blindly check the PDCCH within each timer as soon as a new DCI transmission for scheduling is received. Therefore, these default SSSGs that are originally active timers do not need to be configured with intensive PDCCH monitoring occasions.

[0275] If the LP WUS wake-up information is configured at the smallest granularity of a UE group: since an LP WUS indication that a wake-up is needed may only mean that one or some UEs in that UE group are actually awakened, rather than all UEs having a wake-up requirement, the first type of activation timer triggered by LP WUS does not need to be configured with intensive PDCCH monitoring occasions. C-DRX, on the other hand, is generally configured to match service characteristics; therefore, the configuration of PDCCH monitoring occasions for the first type of activation timer does not need to be as intensive as that for the second type of activation timer.

[0276] If the UE receives the LP WUS and there is an SSSG switch timer in operation, the original activation time may have ended, but the SSSG switch timer started within it may not have ended yet. In this case, the following operations can be performed:

[0277] First, restart the SSSG switch timer based on LP WUS. That is, continue to listen to the SSSG corresponding to the SSSG switch timer during the additional active time enabled by LP WUS.

[0278] One approach in this scenario is to generally require the SSSG switch timer duration to be greater than the UE's wake-up latency (i.e., the time required from receiving the LP WUS to waking up to a working state). Assuming the LP WUS is received at time t1, the SSSG switch timer restarted by the LP WUS will start counting from t1.

[0279] Another approach in this scenario is to start the SSSG switch timer restarted by the LP WUS from the time the UE is woken up. For example, assuming the LP WUS is received at time t1 and the wake-up delay is T0, the SSSG switch timer restarted by the LP WUS will start counting from t1+T0. The aforementioned wake-up delay can also be the interval between the network-configured LP WUS and the PDCCH listening start position, or the interval between the network-configured LP WUS and the start position of the additional active time triggered by that LP WUS.

[0280] Secondly, the LP WUS triggers an additional active time, and the SSSG switch timer is restarted after receiving the DCI during the additional active time. This DCI can be a DCI used to schedule data transmission.

[0281] In some embodiments, if no SSSG switch timer is running when the UE receives LP WUS, the UE will listen for the default SSSG during the additional active time triggered by LP WUS. The default SSSG is described above. Exemplarily, the network device can configure the default SSSG during the operation of the second type of active timer and the default SSSG during the operation of the first type of active timer, respectively. For example, when the second type of active timer is running, its default SSSG is SSSG0, and when the first type of active timer is running, its default SSSG is SSSG1. If no default SSSG is configured to be listened for during the additional active time, its default SSSG is SSSG0.

[0282] In some cases, the first type of active timer and the second type of active timer overlap in time. This overlap may occur in the following scenarios:

[0283] (1) The UE receives the LP WUS outside of the original active time, and the LP WUS triggers an additional active time. After sending the PDCCH scheduling instruction during the additional active time, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimerUL, drx-RetransmissionTimerDL, etc. are enabled, so there may be overlap in the time domain.

[0284] (2) The UE receives LP WUS outside of the original active time, and LP WUS triggers an additional active time. Since the timer duration corresponding to the additional active time is configured to be relatively long, the runtime of the additional active timer overlaps with the runtime of the drx-onDurationTimer of the next C-DRX cycle.

[0285] In this case of overlap, the UE's behavior can be one of the following:

[0286] If there is a running SSSG switch timer, then listen to the SSSG corresponding to that SSSG switch timer;

[0287] If no SSSG switch timer is running, perform one of the following:

[0288] 1) The UE only listens to the default SSSG during the execution of the first type of active timer;

[0289] 2) The UE only listens to the default SSSG during the execution of the second type of active timer, or,

[0290] 3) The UE listens to the default SSSG during the operation of the second type of active timer and the default SSSG during the operation of the first type of active timer.

[0291] If LP WUS triggers an additional active time, and the UE is triggered to listen to a non-default SSSG during the additional active time, the UE may perform one of the following actions:

[0292] The UE will listen to this non-default SSSG;

[0293] If an SSSG switching timer is already running when this non-default SSSG is triggered, then that SSSG switching timer is terminated.

[0294] Here, the UE can be triggered by LP WUSDCI to listen for non-default SSSG.

[0295] If the LP WUS triggers an additional active time and triggers the UE to listen to a non-default SSSG, then the LP WUS will trigger the SSSG switching timer corresponding to that non-default SSSG. Assume the LP WUS detects this at time t1, and the timing start time of this SSSG switching timer is t1+T0.

[0296] In one embodiment, the value of T0 is related to the UE's wake-up delay. This wake-up delay can be protocol-defined, base station-configured, or dynamically indicated by the base station. The wake-up delay can also be the interval between the network-configured LP WUS and the PDCCH listening start position, or the interval between the network-configured LP WUS and the start position of the additional active time triggered by that LP WUS.

[0297] In another embodiment, the value of T0 is also related to the SSSG switching delay configured by the base station or the minimum SSSG switching delay defined in the existing protocol.

[0298] In some embodiments, T0 = max(wake-up delay, SSSG switching delay)).

[0299] This disclosure also provides apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the UE in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, or a core network device) in any of the above methods.

[0300] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through a configuration file, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0301] In this disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU). Unit, DPU, etc.

[0302] like Figure 5A As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, a UE is provided, wherein the UE includes:

[0303] The receiving module 5101 is configured to use a first receiver to listen for a first signal sent by a network device, the first signal being used to wake up the second receiver;

[0304] Processing module 5102 is configured to determine the search space set group (SSSG) that the UE is listening to based on whether there is a running first timer when the first signal is detected.

[0305] In some embodiments, the network device further includes a processing module.

[0306] In some embodiments, the transmitting module and / or receiving module may correspond to the network interface and / or transceiver antenna of the network device.

[0307] In some embodiments, the processing module can be used by a network device to perform information processing-related steps in any communication method.

[0308] In some embodiments, the sending module can be used by a network device to perform information sending-related steps in any communication method.

[0309] In some embodiments, the receiving module can be used by a network device to perform information transmission-related steps in any communication method.

[0310] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to have a running first timer when a first signal is detected, and to determine that the UE is listening to a first type of SSSG; the first type of SSSG is associated with the first timer.

[0311] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to restart a running first timer when a first signal is detected; after restarting the first timer, it is determined that the UE is listening to a first type of SSSG.

[0312] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to determine the restart time of the first timer and restart the first timer at the restart time.

[0313] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to determine the restart time of a first timer based on a wake-up delay; the wake-up delay is the delay at which the UE wakes up the second receiver; and to determine the restart time based on downlink control information (DCI) detected at a first type of activation time; the first type of activation time is the activation time associated with a first signal.

[0314] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to perform one of the following: determining a restart time of a first timer based on a first moment, the first moment being the moment when the UE receives the first signal; determining a restart time of the first timer based on a wake-up delay, the wake-up delay being the delay at which the UE wakes up the second receiver; and determining a restart time of the first timer based on a DCI listened to during a first type of activation time, the first type of activation time being the activation time associated with the first signal.

[0315] In some embodiments, the wake-up delay is at least one of the following: the interval between the transmission time of the first signal and the listening time of the physical control channel (PDCCH); the interval between the transmission time of the first signal and the first type of activation time associated with the first signal, wherein the first type of activation time is the activation time associated with the first signal.

[0316] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to listen for a first type of SSSG upon receiving a DCI indication, and to determine the moment when the DCI is detected as the restart moment.

[0317] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to continue running the first timer until the restart time is reached or the first timer times out, prior to restarting the first timer.

[0318] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to listen to a second type of search space set group (SSSG) during a first type of activation time when no first timer is running when the first signal is detected; the first type of activation time is the activation time associated with the first signal, and the second type of SSSG is associated with the first type of activation time.

[0319] In some embodiments, the second type of SSSG includes: a first type of SSSG associated with the first type of activation time.

[0320] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to determine the SSSG that the UE is listening to at a time-domain overlap location based on whether there is a running first timer. The time-domain overlap location includes the portion in the time domain where a first type of activation time and a second type of activation time overlap. The first type of activation time is the activation time associated with the first signal, and the second type of activation time is the activation time associated with the UE's discontinuous reception.

[0321] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured such that when there is no running first timer at a time-domain overlap position between the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time, it determines that the UE is listening to the first SSSG at the time-domain overlap position; and determines the first SSSG and the third SSSG that the UE is listening to at the time-domain overlap position based on whether there is a running first timer, wherein the third SSSG is associated with the second type of activation time and the first SSSG is associated with the first type of activation time.

[0322] In some embodiments, a second timer is started during the first type of activation time, and the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time have a time domain overlap; the second timer is associated with the first type of activation time.

[0323] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to perform one of the following: when there is no running first timer at a time-domain overlap position between the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time, determine that the UE is listening to a first SSSG at the time-domain overlap position; when there is no running first timer at a time-domain overlap position between the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time, determine that the UE is listening to a first SSSG and a third SSSG at the time-domain overlap position, wherein the third SSSG is associated with the second type of activation time; and the first SSSG is associated with the first type of activation time.

[0324] In some embodiments, a second timer is started during the first type of activation time, and the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time have a time domain overlap; the second timer is associated with the first type of activation time.

[0325] In some embodiments, the receiving module is configured to listen to a first type SSSG according to a first instruction during a first type of activation time associated with the first signal, the first instruction being carried by the first signal or by a DCI listened to during the first type of activation time.

[0326] In some embodiments, the receiving module is configured to restart the first timer if there is a running first timer before listening to the first type of SSSG; the first type of SSSG is associated with the first timer; if there is no running first timer before listening to the first type of SSSG, the first timer is started.

[0327] In some embodiments, the first instruction is a first signal, and the processing module is configured to determine the start time or restart time of the first timer based on the reception time of the first signal and the start delay.

[0328] In some embodiments, the startup delay is related to at least one of the wake-up delay of the second receiver and the different SSSG listening switch delays.

[0329] In some embodiments, the receiving module is configured to receive configuration information sent by the network device, the configuration information including at least one of the following: first information for indicating a first SSSG associated with a first type of activation time; and second information for indicating a third SSSG associated with a second type of activation time.

[0330] like Figure 5B As shown, this disclosure provides a network device, wherein the network device includes:

[0331] The sending module 5201 is configured to send configuration information to the user equipment (UE), the configuration information including at least one of the following: first information, used to indicate a first search space set group (SSSG) associated with a first type of activation time; second information, used to indicate a third SSSG associated with a second type of activation time.

[0332] In some embodiments, the network device may further include a processing module and / or a receiving module. In some embodiments, the transmitting module and / or receiving module may correspond to a network interface and / or transceiver antenna of the network device. In some embodiments, the processing module may be used by the network device to perform information processing-related steps in any communication method. In some embodiments, the transmitting module may be used by the network device to perform information transmission-related steps in any communication method. In some embodiments, the receiving module may be used by the network device to perform information transmission-related steps in any communication method.

[0333] This disclosure also provides a communication device, which may include one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device to execute a communication method and / or a communication method achievable in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0334] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6A and / or Figure 6BAs shown, the communication device 8100 also includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8102 may be located outside the communication device 8100.

[0335] The communication device may be the aforementioned UE or network device. In some embodiments, the network device may be a primary node and / or a secondary node.

[0336] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceivers 8103, and other steps are performed by the processor 8101.

[0337] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0338] Optionally, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more interface circuits 8104, which are connected to the memory 8102. The interface circuits 8104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 8104 can read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0339] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a UE, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may vary. Figure 6A The limitations. Communication equipment can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, communication equipment can be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, UE device, smart UE device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle-mounted device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0340] Figure 6BThis is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 8200 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to... Figure 6B The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure of chip 8200, but it is not limited to this.

[0341] Chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201, which are used to invoke instructions to cause chip 8200 to execute any of the above communication methods.

[0342] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202 connected to memory 8203. Interface circuits 8202 can be used to receive signals from memory 8203 or other devices, and can also be used to send signals to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in memory 8203 and send those instructions to processor 8201. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver can be used interchangeably.

[0343] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8203 may be located outside of chip 8200.

[0344] This disclosure also provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 8100, cause the communication device 8100 to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but it can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but it can also be a temporary storage medium.

[0345] This disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by a communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above communication methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0346] This disclosure also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above communication methods.

[0347] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the embodiments of this disclosure that follow the general principles of the embodiments of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the embodiments of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0348] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from their scope. The scope of the embodiments disclosed herein is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, wherein, Performed by a user equipment (UE), the UE including a first receiver and a second receiver, the method includes: The first receiver is used to listen to a first signal sent by the network device, and the first signal is used to wake up the second receiver. The search space set group (SSSG) that the UE is monitoring is determined based on whether a first timer is running when the first signal is detected.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of determining the search space set group (SSSG) that the UE is monitoring based on whether a first timer is running when the first signal is detected includes: If the first timer is running when the first signal is detected, it is determined that the UE is listening to a first type of SSSG; the first type of SSSG is associated with the first timer.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, If the first timer is running when the first signal is detected, it is determined that the first type of SSSG is being monitored, including: If the first timer is running when the first signal is detected, restart the first timer; After restarting the first timer, it is determined that the UE is listening to the first type of SSSG.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The method includes at least one of the following: The restart time of the first timer is determined based on the first moment, where the first moment is the moment when the UE receives the first signal; The restart time of the first timer is determined based on the wake-up delay, wherein the wake-up delay is the delay at which the UE wakes up the second receiver; The restart time of the first timer is determined based on the DCI monitored during the first type of activation time, which is the activation time associated with the first signal.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The wake-up delay is at least one of the following: The interval between the transmission time of the first signal and the monitoring time of the Physical Control Channel (PDCCH); The interval between the transmission time of the first signal and the first type of activation time associated with the first signal.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The step of determining the restart time based on the downlink control information (DCI) detected by the first type of activation time includes: The time when the DCI is detected is determined as the restart time, based on the first type of SSSG.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, The method further includes: Before restarting the first timer, the currently running first timer continues until the restart time is reached or the first timer times out.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of determining the search space set group (SSSG) that the UE is monitoring based on whether a first timer is running when the first signal is detected includes: When the first signal is detected, there is no running first timer. During the first type of activation time, the second type of search space set group (SSSG) is monitored. The first type of activation time is the activation time associated with the first signal, and the second type of SSSG is associated with the first type of activation time.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The second type of SSSG includes: a first SSSG associated with the first type of activation time.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The step of determining the search space set group (SSSG) that the UE is monitoring based on whether a first timer is running when the first signal is detected includes: Based on whether the first timer is running, the SSSG that the UE is listening to at the time-domain overlap position is determined. The time-domain overlap position includes the portion in the time domain where the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time overlap. The first type of activation time is the activation time associated with the first signal, and the second type of activation time is the activation time associated with the discontinuous reception of the UE.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The step of determining the SSSG that the UE is listening to at the time-domain overlap position based on whether the first timer is running includes: When the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time overlap in the time domain and there is a running first timer, it is determined that the UE is listening to the first type of SSSG at the time domain overlap position, and the first type of SSSG is associated with the first timer.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The determination of the SSSG that the UE is listening to at the time-domain overlap location based on whether the first timer is running includes one of the following: When there is no running first timer at a time-domain overlap position between the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time, it is determined that the UE is listening to the first SSSG at the time-domain overlap position; When there is no running first timer at a time-domain overlap position between the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time, the first SSSG and the third SSSG that the UE listens to at the time-domain overlap position are determined, and the third SSSG is associated with the second type of activation time; The first SSSG is associated with the first type of activation time.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, A second timer is started during the first type of activation time, and the first type of activation time and the second type of activation time have a time domain overlap; the second timer is associated with the first type of activation time.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The method further includes: During the first type of activation time associated with the first signal, the first type of SSSG is monitored according to the first instruction, which is carried by the first signal or by the DCI monitored during the first type of activation time.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: If the first timer was running before listening to the first type of SSSG, restart the first timer; The first type of SSSG is associated with the first timer; If there is no running first timer before listening to the first type of SSSG, start the first timer.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The first instruction is the first signal, and the method further includes: The start time or restart time of the first timer is determined based on the reception time of the first signal and the start delay.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The startup delay is related to the wake-up delay of the second receiver and at least one of the different SSSG listening switching delays.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The method further includes: Receive configuration information sent by a network device, wherein the configuration information includes at least one of the following: First information, used to indicate the first SSSG associated with the first type of activation time; The second piece of information is used to indicate the third SSSG associated with the second type of activation time.

19. A communication method, wherein, Performed by a network device, the method includes: Send configuration information to the user equipment (UE), wherein the configuration information includes at least one of the following: First information, used to indicate the first search space set group SSSG associated with the first type of activation time; The second piece of information is used to indicate the third SSSG associated with the second type of activation time.

20. A user equipment (UE), wherein, The UE includes: The receiving module is configured to use a first receiver to listen for a first signal sent by a network device, the first signal being used to wake up the second receiver; The processing module is configured to determine the search space set group (SSSG) that the UE is listening to based on whether a first timer is running when the first signal is detected.

21. A network device, wherein, The network device includes: The transmitting module is configured to transmit configuration information to a user equipment (UE), the configuration information including at least one of the following: First information, used to indicate the first search space set group SSSG associated with the first type of activation time; The second piece of information is used to indicate the third SSSG associated with the second type of activation time.

22. A communication system, wherein, The communication system includes: User equipment (UE) is configured to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 18; A network device configured to perform the communication method of claim 19.

23. A communication device, wherein, The communication device includes: One or more processors; The processor is configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18 or 19.

24. A storage medium, wherein, The storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any one of the communication methods of claims 1 to 18 or 19.

25. A program product, wherein, The program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a communication device, enables the communication device to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 18 or 19.

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