Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and device. The method comprises the following steps: a terminal performs SSB measurement according to first SMTC configuration; when the SSB measurement meets a first condition, the terminal records related information (called first information) of the SSB measurement, and reports the first information to the network side; and the network side optimizes parameters and / or a PCI list in the first SMTC configuration according to the first information. In the scheme of the invention, the time offset parameter in the SMTC configuration is adjusted, and other parameters (such as the measurement period and the duration) and / or the PCI list in the SMTC configuration can be adjusted, so that the time offset parameter in the SMTC configuration can be adjusted compared with a network side which adjusts the time offset parameter in the SMTC configuration according to the UAI reported by the terminal. The success rate of complete SSB measurement of a terminal in a cell corresponding to a PCI list can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) utilize spacecraft or aircraft as transmission equipment. Compared to traditional terrestrial networks, NTNs overcome the limitations of the earth's surface, enabling mobile networks to extend into the air and sea, forming an integrated air-space-terrestrial-sea communication network. This allows coverage of remote areas where traditional terrestrial networks are difficult to establish. Due to their wide service coverage and the reduced susceptibility of space / airborne vehicles to physical attacks and natural disasters, NTNs offer advantages in remote area coverage, service continuity and availability for IoT or mobile platforms, and support for 5G (5G) networks. th There is significant potential in many aspects, such as the expansion of generation (5G) networks. Therefore, NTN, with its advantages in coverage, user bandwidth, system capacity, service reliability / availability, energy consumption, and connection density, offers considerable benefits to communication services in scenarios such as transportation, public safety, energy, and agriculture.

[0003] In NTN scenarios, the network side can configure a measurement timing configuration (SMTC) based on the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block for the terminal. The terminal then performs SSB measurements according to the SMTC configuration. Optimizing the parameters in the SMTC configuration is a research direction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to optimize parameters in SMTC configuration.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, wherein the execution subject of the method is a terminal, or a module (e.g., a chip, circuit, or other) in the terminal, comprising: firstly, determining first information based on the measurement timing configuration SMTC of the synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel PBCH block SSB, wherein the SSB measurement corresponding to the configuration meets a first condition; the first information includes information on the measurement result of the SSB; and sending the first information, wherein the first information is used to adjust the parameters in the first SMTC configuration and / or the physical cell identifier (PCI) list corresponding to the first SMTC configuration.

[0006] With the above design, when the first condition is met, the terminal considers that the SSB measurement corresponding to the first SMTC configuration is abnormal. The terminal can enable MDT recording, record relevant information of SSB measurement, and report the MDT record (referred to as the first information) to the network side. The network side can optimize the parameters and / or PCI list in the first SMTC configuration based on the MDT record reported by the terminal, thereby reducing the probability of SSB measurement failure and achieving more accurate and efficient SSB measurement.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the PCI list includes at least one PCI, each PCI corresponding to a cell. The first condition includes at least one of the following: for a single SSB measurement, in the at least one cell corresponding to the PCI list, the number of cells with failed SSB measurements is greater than or equal to a first threshold, or the number of cells with complete SSB measurements is less than or equal to a second threshold; for multiple SSB measurements, in the at least one cell corresponding to the PCI list, the number of single SSB measurements satisfying the second condition is greater than or equal to a third threshold, the second condition including: in a single SSB measurement, the number of cells with complete SSB measurements is less than or equal to a fourth threshold, or the number of cells with failed SSB measurements is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold; or, for a cell corresponding to the PCI list, the number of times SSB measurements fail in that cell is greater than or equal to a sixth threshold, or the number of times SSB measurements are complete in that cell is less than or equal to a seventh threshold.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes at least one of the following: information on the first SMTC configuration, information on the PCI list, or information on cells where the SSB measurement is complete or failed.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving configuration information, which is used to configure the first condition.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to adjust the first condition.

[0011] The second aspect is a method opposite to the first aspect, and the beneficial effects can be referred to the description of the first aspect. It provides a communication method in which the execution subject is a network device or a module (e.g., chip, circuit or other) in the network device, including: receiving first information, the first information including information on synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel PBCH block SSB measurement results; and adjusting the parameters in the first SMTC configuration and / or the physical cell identifier (PCI) list corresponding to the first SMTC configuration according to the first information.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes at least one of the following: information on the first SMTC configuration, information on the PCI list, or information on cells where the SSB measurement is complete or failed.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending configuration information, which is used to configure the first condition.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to adjust the first condition.

[0015] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, wherein the execution subject of the method is a terminal or a module in the terminal (e.g., a chip, circuit, or other), comprising: configuring the SSB measurement corresponding to the first SMTC to meet a third condition; determining second information, wherein the SSB measurement includes SSB measurements of the serving cell and neighboring cells; the second information includes information on the measurement results of the SSB of the serving cell and / or neighboring cells, and information on the propagation delay difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cells; and sending the second information, wherein the second information is used to adjust an eighth threshold, wherein the eighth threshold is a threshold for the terminal to report Terminal Assistive Information (UAI).

[0016] With the above design, when the terminal meets the third condition, it reports the second information to the network device. The network device can adjust the eighth threshold in the UAI reporting conditions based on the second information reported by the terminal, thereby making the UAI reporting more reasonable and avoiding unnecessary duplicate UAI reporting, or not reporting UAI for a long time.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the third condition includes at least one of the following: the propagation delay difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cell changes; the SSB measurement fails in the serving cell and / or the neighboring cell; or the time interval between two consecutive reports of the UAI by the terminal is greater than or equal to a ninth threshold.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the second information further includes: the identifier of the neighboring cell and / or the information of the first SMTC configuration.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving configuration information, which is used to configure the third condition.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the second information is also used to adjust the third condition.

[0021] The fourth aspect is a method opposite to the third aspect, and the beneficial effects can be referred to the description of the third aspect. It provides a communication method in which the execution subject is a network device or a module (e.g., a chip, circuit or other) in the network device, including: receiving second information, the second information including information on the measurement results of the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block SSB of the serving cell and / or neighboring cells, and information on the propagation delay difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cells; and adjusting an eighth threshold according to the second information, the eighth threshold being a threshold for the terminal to report terminal auxiliary information (UAI).

[0022] In one possible implementation, the second information further includes at least one of the following: information about the first SMTC configuration, information about the PCI list, or information about cells where the SSB measurement is complete or failed.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending configuration information, which is used to configure the third condition.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the second information is also used to adjust the third condition.

[0025] Fifthly, an apparatus is provided that can implement the methods of the first or third aspect described above. For example, the apparatus includes means for performing the methods corresponding to the first or third aspect. The apparatus can be implemented in hardware, in software, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations.

[0026] In one possible design, the device includes a unit that performs the first or third aspect described above.

[0027] In one possible design, the device includes a processor for performing the methods described in the first or third aspect above.

[0028] In one possible design, the device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other devices outside the device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other devices outside the device. The processor implements the methods in the first or third aspect described above through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

[0029] In one possible design, the device includes a processor and a memory, the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, such that the device implements the methods of the first or third aspect described above.

[0030] Optionally, the device may be the first device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the first device that corresponds to the execution of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first or third aspects, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the first device.

[0031] Sixthly, an apparatus is provided capable of implementing the methods of the second or fourth aspect described above. For example, the apparatus includes means for performing the methods corresponding to the second or fourth aspect. The apparatus can be implemented in hardware, in software, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations.

[0032] In one possible design, the device includes a unit that performs the second or fourth aspect described above.

[0033] In one possible design, the device includes a processor for performing the methods described in the second or fourth aspect above.

[0034] In one possible design, the device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other devices outside the device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other devices outside the device. The processor implements the methods in the second or fourth aspect above through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

[0035] In one possible design, the device includes a processor and a memory, the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, such that the device implements the methods of the second or fourth aspect described above.

[0036] Optionally, the device may be a second device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the second device that corresponds one-to-one with the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second or fourth aspect, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the second device.

[0037] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to implement the methods of any one of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0038] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the methods of any one of the first to fourth aspects to be performed.

[0039] A ninth aspect provides a chip including a processor coupled to a memory for executing a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, such that the chip implements the method of any one of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0040] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first communication device and a second communication device;

[0041] Wherein, the first communication device is used to implement the method of the first aspect above, and the second communication device is used to implement the method of the second aspect above; or, the first communication device is used to implement the method of the third aspect above, and the second communication device is used to implement the method of the fourth aspect above. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of SSB measurement based on SMTC configuration provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific operating methods and functional descriptions in the method embodiments can also be applied to the device embodiments or system embodiments.

[0047] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates that the related objects before and after are in a "division" relationship. "Including at least one of A, B, or C," or similar expressions can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C, where A, B, and C can be singular or plural.

[0048] The various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. Furthermore, the various processes described below may include more or fewer steps than those shown in the text or graphics, without limitation. The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and do not limit the size, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown in the illustration, this application provides a schematic diagram of a communication system 10, including: a terminal 110 and an access network 120. Further, it may also include a core network 130.

[0050] 1. Terminal 110

[0051] A terminal is a device with specific wireless transceiver capabilities. A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart homes, smart offices, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0052] 2. Access Network 120

[0053] The devices included (or deployed) in the access network are called access network devices, which are used to enable wireless access for terminals.

[0054] (1) The solutions in this application embodiment can be applied to terrestrial networks (TN), such as terrestrial cellular networks related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, fourth-generation (4G) communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, or fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, such as new radio (NR) systems. Furthermore, the solutions in this application embodiment can also be applied to open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), cloud radio access networks (CRAN), or wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, etc. Specifically, the access network equipment satisfies the following description:

[0055] In one possible implementation, the access network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The access network equipment can be a macro base station, a micro base station or indoor station, a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the access network equipment can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0056] All or part of the functions of the access network device in this application embodiment can be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The access network device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0057] In another possible implementation, the access network equipment may include multiple radio access network (RAN) nodes, each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, the RAN node may be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and DU may be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU may be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0058] It is understood that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called open-CU (open-CU, O-CU), DU can also be called open-DU (open-DU, O-DU), CU-CP can also be called open-CU-CP (open-CU-CP, O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called open-CU-UP (open-CU-UP, O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called open-RU (open-RU, O-RU). For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0059] (2) The solutions in this application can be applied to non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), such as the 6th generation (6G) communication system. Specifically:

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the access network 120 includes satellite 1210 and ground station 1220. Optionally, the ground station can also be called a gateway station (GW). The link between satellite 1210 and terminal 110 is called the user link, and the link between satellite 1210 and ground station 1220 is called the feeder link. Satellites 1210 can communicate with each other via inter-satellite links. The satellite's operating modes include transparent and regenerative.

[0061] When the satellite operates in transparent transmission mode, it has signal relay capabilities, and the ground station possesses all or some of the functions of a base station; the ground station can be considered a base station. It is understood that a ground station can be a single device (e.g., a macro base station or a micro base station), or it can consist of multiple RAN nodes (e.g., CU and DU) implementing the corresponding functions, as detailed in the aforementioned description of the terrestrial network. Alternatively,

[0062] When a satellite operates in regenerative mode, it has the ability to process digital signals and possesses all or some of the functions of a base station; thus, the satellite can be considered a base station. Further, regenerative mode can be subdivided into two scenarios: all base station functions are deployed on the satellite (referred to as full base station functions (e.g., CU and DU) on satellite); or, some base station functions are deployed on the satellite (referred to as partial base station functions (e.g., DU) on satellite), with the remaining functions (e.g., CU) implemented at a ground station.

[0063] Optionally, the communication system 10 also includes a core network 300. The core network can implement functions such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. The core network includes at least one network element. For example, in the data plane, the core network 300 includes a user plane function (UPF) network element. The UPF network element can be connected to the data network (DN). In downlink transmission, the UPF network element receives downlink data from the DN and transmits the downlink data to the terminal via ground stations and satellites. In uplink transmission, the terminal transmits uplink data to the UPF via satellites and ground stations, and the UPF transmits the uplink data to the DN. In the control plane, the core network includes network elements such as access and mobility management function (AMF) and session management function (SMF).

[0064] In mobile communication scenarios, due to factors such as terminal mobility, dynamic changes in the wireless environment, and vulnerability, the continuity of communication services is a critical issue affecting mobile communication performance. Therefore, measurement has become one of the key technologies for mobility management. In NTN scenarios, mobility issues face even greater challenges: Firstly, satellites with base station functions in NTN are divided into geostationary earth orbit satellites (GSO) and non-geostationary earth orbit satellites (NGSO). The former are stationary relative to the ground, while the latter are mobile relative to the ground. Therefore, in NTN scenarios, both terminals and satellite base stations can move, leading to increased mobility. Secondly, because NTN communication has long-distance wireless links and wide coverage, measurement indicators in terrestrial network scenarios, such as signal strength, show relatively small changes within NTN cells, making it difficult to directly use them to determine whether cell handover or reselection is necessary. Therefore, mobility enhancement in NTN scenarios is crucial for improving the service performance of NTN networks.

[0065] To perform mobility-related optimizations, the terminal performs measurements according to the network-side configuration. Based on measurements of the radio link and environment, it determines whether to perform operations such as cell handover or cell reselection. In NTN scenarios, the network configures the terminal with a measurement timing configuration (SMTC) based on synchronization signal and PBCH block (SSB, physical broadcast channel, PBCH). Typically, the network configures multiple SMTCs for the terminal. Each SMTC configuration corresponds to a list of physical-layer cell identities (PCIs), and the PCI list includes at least one PCI, with each PCI representing a cell. Alternatively, each SMTC configuration corresponds to a set of cells, which includes at least one cell.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, a flowchart is provided, including:

[0067] Step 200: The network (NW) side sends the SMTC configuration, and the terminal receives the SMTC configuration.

[0068] For example, the system information block (SIB) sent from the network side to the terminal includes SMTC configurations. Each SMTC configuration includes key parameters such as measurement period, time offset, and measurement duration. The terminal determines the SMTC measurement window based on the SMTC configuration. Within the SMTC measurement window, the terminal performs SSB measurements.

[0069] Step 210: When the measurement conditions are met, the terminal performs SSB measurement on the cells in the PCI list corresponding to the SMTC.

[0070] For example, for an SMTC configuration, the terminal determines the SMTC measurement window (or simply SMTC window) based on parameters such as the measurement period, time offset, and measurement duration included in the SMTC configuration. The terminal measures the SSB within the SMTC measurement window. If the SMTC configuration on the network side is unreasonable, it may result in the terminal failing to measure the SSB within the SMTC measurement window, or measuring an incomplete SSB.

[0071] like Figure 3As shown, the PCI list corresponding to an SMTC configuration includes the PCI of cell 1. The terminal performs SSB measurements in cell 1 according to the SMTC configuration. For example, the terminal determines the SMTC measurement window according to the SMTC configuration. Within each SMTC measurement window, SSBs are measured. The period of the SMTC measurement window is equal to the measurement period parameter in the SMTC configuration, the duration of the SMTC measurement window is equal to the duration in the SMTC configuration, and the start time of the SMTC measurement window is affected by the time offset parameter in the SMTC configuration. For example, according to the configuration, the start time of the SMTC measurement window is T1, but the time offset value in the SMTC configuration is 3ms, then the start time of the SMTC measurement window is T1+3ms. The network side sends SSBs to the terminal in the form of SSB blocks. An SSB block includes at least one SSB, and SSB blocks are sent periodically; for example, the scan period of an SSB block is 20ms. Because the SMTC period is shorter than the SSB block scan period, and the duration of the SMTC measurement window is shorter than the SSB scan time (the scan time of one SSB block), the SSB measurement is incomplete. For example, within an SMTC measurement window, the terminal can only measure a portion of the SSBs in the SSB block; the remaining SSBs cannot be measured, resulting in incomplete SSB measurement.

[0072] For terminals in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state, under certain conditions, they also report UE assistance information (UAI) to the network. Based on the UAI reported by the terminal, the network adjusts the time offset in the SMTC configuration to ensure that the terminal measures the complete SSB.

[0073] It can be seen that the terminal performs SSB measurements using the pre-configured SMTC settings on the network side. Simultaneously, under certain conditions, the RRC-connected terminal reports a UAI to the network side to adjust the time offset parameters in the SMTC configuration. This leads to the following problems:

[0074] 1. The network side can only adjust the time offset to optimize SSB measurement, and cannot adjust other parameters in the SMTC configuration or the PCI list. This may lead to a mismatch between the SMTC configuration and the PCI list, resulting in incomplete or even no SSB measurements for cells in the PCI list. The solution can be found in [Example 1].

[0075] 2. The terminal measures the propagation delay between the serving cell and neighboring cells to determine the propagation delay difference between them. When the difference between the propagation delay difference between the two cells and the propagation delay difference included in the UAI previously reported by the terminal is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the terminal reports a UAI including the current propagation delay difference to the network side. If the first threshold is not designed appropriately, in some scenarios, it may cause the terminal to frequently report UAI to the network side, or the terminal may not report UAI for a long time, which may affect the adjustment of the time offset in the SMTC configuration and affect the efficiency and accuracy of SSB measurement. How to adjust the first threshold so that the terminal can report UAI reasonably? The solution can be found in [Example 2].

[0076] This application introduces the concept of Minimum Drive Test (MDT). MDT provides an efficient data collection mechanism: operators use commercial terminals or test terminals of subscribed users to report measurement data, partially replacing traditional drive testing. This enables automatic collection of terminal measurement data to detect and optimize problems and faults in the wireless network. MDT has significant application value in scenarios such as coverage optimization, mobility management optimization, and capacity optimization, enabling low-cost information collection and thus network automation. Typically, MDT is divided into immediate MDT, logged MDT, and others. Immediate MDT is suitable for terminals in RRC connected state, used for immediate reporting of measurement information. Logged MDT is suitable for terminals in RRC idle or deactivated state, storing measurement results in the terminal in log form and reporting the measurement information upon entering RRC connected state. Other types of MDT recording and reporting are triggered by events, such as radio link failure (RLF), which triggers MDT recording and reporting.

[0077] For example, in Embodiment 1, the network side configures the triggering conditions for terminal MDT recording (referred to as the first condition); when the triggering condition is met, the terminal executes MDT recording and reports the MDT record (referred to as the first information) to the network side. The network side adjusts the parameters and / or PCI list, etc., in the first SMTC configuration based on the MDT record.

[0078] For example, in Embodiment 2, the network side configures the triggering condition for the terminal's MDT recording (referred to as the third condition); when the triggering condition is met, the terminal executes the MDT recording and reports the MDT recording (referred to as the second information) to the network side. Based on this MDT recording, the network side adjusts the eighth threshold in the terminal's reported UAI conditions.

[0079] In the description of this application, "adjust" and "optimize" are interchangeable. For example, adjusting a parameter in the SMTC configuration (e.g., time offset) can be replaced with optimizing a parameter in the SMTC configuration. "Greater than or equal to" a threshold (e.g., a first threshold) can be replaced with "greater than" that threshold; "less than" a threshold can be replaced with "less than or equal to" a threshold. Similarly, "less than or equal to" a threshold (e.g., a second threshold) can be replaced with "less than" that threshold; "greater than" a threshold can be replaced with "greater than or equal to" a threshold.

[0080] Example 1

[0081] Example 1 is mainly used to solve the above-mentioned problem 1. In Example 1, the terminal performs SSB measurement according to an SMTC configuration (e.g., the first SMTC configuration). When the SSB measurement meets a first condition, the terminal records the relevant information of the SSB measurement (referred to as the first information) and reports the first information to the network side; the network side optimizes the parameters and / or PCI list in the first SMTC configuration according to the first information. In the solution of this application, in addition to adjusting the time offset parameter in the SMTC configuration, other parameters (e.g., measurement period and duration) and / or PCI list in the SMTC configuration can also be adjusted. Compared with the network side adjusting the time offset parameter in the SMTC configuration according to the UAI reported by the terminal, the success rate of the terminal in completing the SSB measurement of the corresponding cell in the PCI list can be improved.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, a flowchart is provided, including:

[0083] Step 410: When the SSB measurement corresponding to the first SMTC configuration meets the first condition, the terminal determines the first information.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the SSB measurement corresponding to the first SMTC configuration can be understood as: the SSB measurement performed by the terminal according to the first SMTC configuration. For example, the terminal determines an SMTC measurement window according to the first SMTC configuration. Within the SMTC measurement window, the terminal measures the SSB. When the SSB meets a first condition, first information is determined. The first condition is predefined, such as that specified by a protocol, or configured by the network device for the terminal; for example, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal, which is used to configure the first condition. The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0085] 1. For a single SSB measurement, in at least one cell corresponding to the PCI list, the number of cells with failed SSB measurements is greater than or equal to a first threshold, or the number of cells with complete SSB measurements is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0086] SSB measurement failure includes either no SSB measurement or incomplete SSB measurement. A number of cells with failed SSB measurements greater than or equal to a first threshold can include: the number of cells with no SSB measurement greater than or equal to threshold 1, and the number of cells with incomplete SSB measurements greater than or equal to threshold 2. Threshold 1 and threshold 2 can be the same or different. Threshold 1 and threshold 2 can be considered as one implementation of the first threshold. Complete SSB measurement includes both SSB measurement and complete SSB measurement. For example, the PCI list corresponding to the first SMTC configuration includes the PCIs of cells 1 to 5, and the first SMTC configuration corresponds to a set of cells including cells 1 to 5. The terminal performs SSB measurements in cells 1 to 5 according to the first SMTC configuration. In one SSB measurement, if the terminal fails to measure SSB in cells 1 to 3 but succeeds in measuring SSB in cells 4 and 5, then in this one SSB measurement, the number of cells with failed SSB measurements is 3, and the number of cells with complete SSB measurements is 2. If the number of cells with failed SSB measurements (3) is greater than or equal to the first threshold, or the number of cells with complete SSB measurements (2) is less than or equal to the second threshold, the SSB measurement corresponding to the first SMTC configuration is considered to meet the first condition, and the terminal records the first information.

[0087] It is understandable that the terminal performs SSB measurements periodically according to the measurement cycle parameters included in the first SMTC configuration. One SSB measurement refers to the SSB measurement performed by the terminal within one SMTC measurement time window according to the measurement cycle included in the first SMTC configuration. The SMTC measurement time window refers to... Figure 3 The explanation in the text is as follows. Multiple SSB measurements can be performed by the terminal within multiple SMTC measurement time windows according to the measurement period included in the first SMTC configuration. The network device periodically sends SSBs according to the SSB block format. For example, the SSB scan period is 20ms, and an SSB block includes at least one SSB. In a single SSB measurement: if the terminal measures all the SSBs included in the SSB block within the SMTC measurement time window, the SSB measurement is considered complete. If the terminal does not measure any SSBs or measures only part of the SSBs included in the SSB block within the SMTC measurement time window, the SSB measurement is considered a failure.

[0088] 2. For multiple SSB measurements, in at least one cell corresponding to the PCI list, the number of cells that satisfy the second condition in a single SSB measurement is greater than or equal to the third threshold. The second condition includes: in a single SSB measurement, the number of cells with complete SSB measurements is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, or the number of cells with failed SSB measurements is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold.

[0089] Among them, the number of cells with failed SSB measurements is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, including: the number of cells with no SSB measurement is greater than or equal to threshold 3, the number of cells with incomplete SSB measurements is greater than or equal to threshold 4, threshold 3 and threshold 4 are the same or different, and threshold 3 and threshold 4 are one implementation of the fifth threshold.

[0090] For example, the second condition can be called the condition for SSB measurement failure, which is also called SSB measurement anomaly. For the first SMTC configuration: in a single SSB measurement, determine whether the SSB measurement meets the second condition; if it does, the SSB measurement is considered a failure; if it does not, the SSB measurement is considered complete. In multiple SSB measurements, determine the number of failed SSB measurements. If the number of failed SSB measurements in multiple SSB measurements is greater than or equal to a third threshold, the SSB measurement corresponding to the first SMTC configuration is considered to meet the first condition, triggering the terminal to record the first information; otherwise, the terminal does not record the first information.

[0091] For example, the first SMTC configuration corresponds to a set of cells including cells 1 to 5. In a single SSB measurement, the number of cells from cells 1 to 5 that failed the SSB measurement is determined, or the number of cells from cells 1 to 5 that completed the SSB measurement is determined. When the number of cells with failed SSB measurements is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold, or the number of cells with completed SSB measurements is less than or equal to a fourth threshold, the current SSB measurement is considered to meet the second condition, i.e., the current SSB measurement is abnormal. In multiple SSB measurements configured in the first SMTC, the terminal determines the number of failed SSB measurements. When this number is greater than or equal to a third threshold, the recording of the first information is triggered.

[0092] 3. For a cell corresponding to the PCI list, the number of SSB measurement failures in the cell is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold, or the number of complete SSB measurements in the cell is less than or equal to the seventh threshold.

[0093] The condition that the number of SSB measurement failures in the cell is greater than or equal to a sixth threshold includes: the number of times an SSB cannot be measured in the cell is greater than or equal to threshold 5, and the number of times an SSB measurement is incomplete in the cell is greater than or equal to threshold 6. Thresholds 5 and 6 can be the same or different, and thresholds 5 and 6 can be considered as one implementation of the sixth threshold. For example, the first SMTC configuration corresponds to a cell set including cells 1 to 5. For any cell in the cell set, the terminal determines the number of failed or successful SSB measurements in that cell. When the number of failed SSB measurements in that cell is less than or equal to the sixth threshold, or greater than or equal to the seventh threshold, the recording of first information is triggered; otherwise, the recording of first information is not triggered. Optionally, different thresholds can be set for different cells in the cell set corresponding to the first SMTC configuration, thus reflecting the weight of different cells. For example, for cells with higher importance, the sixth threshold can be set smaller, and the seventh threshold can be set larger. Conversely, for cells with lower importance, the sixth threshold can be set larger, and the seventh threshold can be set smaller.

[0094] The first SMTC configuration can refer to any SMTC configuration. For example, the first SMTC configuration can be the i-th SMTC configuration, where i is a positive integer. The first to seventh thresholds mentioned above can be predefined, or configured by the network device or indicated to the terminal, without restriction.

[0095] When the first condition is met, the terminal records first information, which includes information about the measurement results of the SSB. For example, the SSB measurement results information may include the measurement results of all or part of the SSBs. For instance, it may include information about all SSBs that failed measurement in the PCI list, or information about some SSBs that failed measurement in the PCI list, or information about SSBs that successfully measured in the PCI list, or information about some SSBs that successfully measured in the PCI list. For example, if a cell in the PCI list has a low priority, even if the SSB measurement fails, its measurement SSB information may not be reported to the network device. Alternatively, if a cell in the PCI list has a high priority, even if the SSB measurement succeeds, its measurement SSB information may be reported to the network device. Further, taking the information about failed SSB measurements as an example, the SSB measurement results information includes: the number of failed SSB measurements, the index of the failed SSB measurement, etc. Further, optionally, the first information may also include at least one of the following:

[0096] 1. Information about the first SMTC configuration; for example, the parameters of the first SMTC configuration, such as measurement period, time offset, and duration. Alternatively, the identifier of the first SMTC configuration, etc. When the network device receives the index of the first SMTC configuration reported by the terminal, it can determine the SMTC configuration corresponding to that index. Furthermore, the network device can determine the parameters corresponding to this SMTC configuration, eliminating the need for the terminal to report specific parameters to the network device, thus saving air interface overhead.

[0097] 2. Information about the PCI list corresponding to the first SMTC configuration.

[0098] 3. Information on cells where SSB measurements were complete or failed. For example, regarding cells where SSB measurements failed: the terminal can report the number of cells where SSB measurements failed (coarse-grained reporting) and / or the identifier of the cells where SSB measurements failed (fine-grained reporting). Similarly, for information on cells where SSB measurements were complete, the terminal can also report the number of cells that were successfully measured, or the identifier of the cells where SSB measurements were complete. Optionally, the terminal can report information on cells where SSB measurements were complete or failed at the granular level of a single SSB measurement.

[0099] In one description, when a first condition is met, the terminal initiates MDT recording to record relevant information during SSB measurement according to the first SMTC configuration. This information is called the first information. The first condition can be referred to as the condition that triggers MDT recording; it is a condition related to SSB measurement failure. For example, for a single SSB measurement, if the number of cells where the SSB measurement failed exceeds a certain threshold, the first condition is considered met, triggering the terminal to initiate MDT recording and record the first information. For the specific content of the first information, refer to the preceding explanation. The first information can be called the first SMTC-related MDT record, or simply the MDT record, or the first SMTC anomaly record. The type of first information recorded by the terminal can be predefined, determined by the terminal itself, or configured by the network device without restriction.

[0100] Step 420: The terminal sends first information, and the network device receives the first information. The first information is used to adjust the parameters in the first SMTC configuration and / or the PCI list corresponding to the first SMTC configuration.

[0101] For example, for an RRC connected terminal, reporting the first information to the terminal immediately is called immediate MDT. For an RRC idle or inactive terminal, storing the first information in the terminal as a log, and reporting the first information after restoring to RRC connected state, is called recorded MDT. Alternatively, the terminal reports the first information when it receives a triggering event. For example, this event could be an RLF (Related Event Response).

[0102] Step 430: The network device adjusts the parameters in the first SMTC configuration and / or the PCI list corresponding to the first SMTC configuration based on the first information.

[0103] For example, based on the first information, the network device adjusts at least one of the following in the first SMTC configuration: measurement period, time offset, duration, or PCI list, so that the SSBs of each cell in the PCI list configured in the first SMTC can be completely measured. For instance, if the network device finds that the SSBs missed by the terminal (unmeasurable SSBs) change periodically based on the first information reported by the terminal, it is likely that the measurement period configured in the first SMTC is incorrect, and the network device can adjust the measurement period configured in the first SMTC. Alternatively, if the terminal, according to the first SMTC configuration, starts SSB measurement at the same time as the start time of the SSB block, but the measurement duration is too short, resulting in incomplete SSB measurement, the measurement duration in the first SMTC configuration can be increased. Adjustments to the PCI list by the network device include adding and / or deleting PCIs in the PCI list. The PCI list corresponding to the first SMTC configuration can be understood as: in the cells corresponding to this PCI list, the terminal performs SSB measurements according to the first SMTC configuration.

[0104] Optionally, the network device can also adjust the first condition based on the first information. For example, adjusting at least one of the first threshold to the seventh threshold in the first condition. Specifically, the network device can adjust the threshold in the first condition by combining the first information and the actual communication service situation (e.g., the channel quality, signal quality, etc. of the cell corresponding to the terminal configured in the first SMTC).

[0105] In the description of the embodiments of this application, if the network device adjusts the parameters of the first SMTC configuration, the network device can configure the adjusted first SMTC configuration to the terminal. And / or, if the terminal adjusts the PCI list, the network device can configure the adjusted PCI list to the terminal. For example, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal, the configuration information including the adjusted first SMTC configuration and / or the adjusted PCI list.

[0106] Optionally, in step 440: the network device sends the adjusted first SMTC configuration and / or PCI list, and the terminal receives the adjusted first SMTC configuration and / or PCI list.

[0107] For example, the configuration information sent by the network device to the terminal includes an adjusted first SMTC configuration and / or PCI list. The terminal performs SSB measurement based on the adjusted first SMTC configuration and / or PCI list, enabling the terminal to measure a complete SSB in the cell corresponding to the PCI list. Further, if the network device adjusts the first condition, the configuration information also includes the adjusted first condition, such as an adjusted threshold. The terminal determines whether the SSB measurement corresponding to the current SMTC configuration meets the adjusted first condition. If it does, the process of this embodiment is executed. If it does not, the process of this embodiment is not executed.

[0108] In this application embodiment, "network device" can refer to "core network device". For example, the core network device configures a first condition for the terminal through the access network device. For example, the core network device sends configuration information to the terminal through the access network device, and the configuration information includes the first condition. The terminal reports first information to the core network device through the access network device. The core network device adjusts the parameters and / or PCI list in the first SMTC configuration according to the first information. Furthermore, the core network device sends the adjusted first SMTC configuration and / or PCI list, etc., to the terminal through the access network device. Or,

[0109] "Network device" can refer to "access network device". For example, the access network device configures a first condition for the terminal. For example, the configuration information sent by the access network device to the terminal includes the first condition. The terminal reports first information to the access network device, and the access network device adjusts the parameters and / or PCI list in the first SMTC configuration according to the first information. Furthermore, the access network device sends the adjusted first SMTC configuration and / or PCI list to the terminal.

[0110] Understandably, the "configuration information" and "first information" transmitted between network devices and terminals can be propagated through separate signaling, which can be newly added signaling. Alternatively, the "configuration information" or "first information" can be carried in existing signaling between network devices and terminals.

[0111] It is understood that the above description of the first condition is illustrative and not intended to limit the embodiments of the application. The first condition can also be other similar threshold triggering conditions, or the terminal can be triggered to record the first information through other strategies. During the process of adjusting the parameters in the first SMTC configuration based on the first information, the network device may adjust not only the three key parameters (measurement period, time offset, and duration) in the first SMTC configuration, but also other parameters in the first SMTC configuration. The content of the "first information" is also not limited. For example, in addition to the content of the first information described above, information useful for "adjusting the parameters and / or PCI list in the first SMTC configuration" can be added to the first information.

[0112] With the above design, when the first condition is met, the terminal considers that the SSB measurement corresponding to the first SMTC configuration is abnormal. The terminal can enable MDT recording, record relevant information of SSB measurement, and report the MDT record (referred to as the first information) to the network side. The network side can optimize the parameters and / or PCI list in the first SMTC configuration based on the MDT record reported by the terminal, thereby reducing the probability of SSB measurement failure and achieving more accurate and efficient SSB measurement.

[0113]

Example 2

[0114] Example 2 is mainly used to solve problem 2 above. In Example 2: when the SSB measurement corresponding to the second SMTC configuration meets the third condition, the terminal determines the second information and reports the second information to the network side. The network side adjusts the threshold (called the eighth threshold) in the terminal's UAI reporting conditions based on the second information, so that the terminal can reasonably report UAI. The conditions for the terminal to report UAI include: the difference between the first propagation delay difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cell currently measured by the terminal and the difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cell included in the terminal's last reported UAI (called the second propagation delay difference), and the difference between the two is greater than or equal to the eighth threshold.

[0115] like Figure 5 As shown, this application provides a flowchart, including:

[0116] Step 510: When the SSB measurement corresponding to the second SMTC configuration meets the third condition, the terminal determines the second information.

[0117] The second SMTC configuration can be any SMTC configuration; for example, the second SMTC configuration can be SMTC configuration j, where j is a positive integer. The third condition is predefined or configured by the network device to the terminal. For example, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal to configure the third condition. The third condition includes at least one of the following:

[0118] 1. The propagation delay difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cells changes.

[0119] For example, a terminal can measure the propagation delay of the serving cell and neighboring cells to determine the difference in propagation delay between them. If the difference between the currently measured propagation delay difference and the previously measured propagation delay difference exceeds a threshold, the propagation delay difference is considered to have changed. Furthermore, this condition also includes: after the propagation delay difference changes, it remains at the current level. A change in propagation delay difference can be replaced by: a sudden change in propagation delay difference, or jitter in propagation delay difference, or a sudden change or jitter in propagation delay difference followed by maintenance at the current level.

[0120] 2. SSB measurement failed in the serving cell and / or neighboring cells.

[0121] In this configuration, the serving cell and neighboring cells can each correspond to a single SMTC configuration, which can be referred to as the second SMTC configuration. That is, the cell set corresponding to the second SMTC configuration includes both the serving cell and neighboring cells. The terminal performs SSB measurements in the serving cell and neighboring cells according to the second SMTC configuration. If the terminal fails to perform SSB measurements in the serving cell and / or neighboring cells, this condition is considered met, triggering the terminal to record second information. SSB measurement failure includes: no SSB measurement and / or incomplete SSB measurement.

[0122] This situation may be caused by the following reasons: the jitter of the propagation delay difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cell is small; the eighth threshold in the terminal's UAI reporting conditions is too large; the terminal does not report the UAI in a timely manner; and the network device is unable to adjust the time bias parameter in the second SMTC configuration, which leads to abnormal SSB measurements of the terminal in the serving cell and / or neighboring cell.

[0123] 3. The time interval between two consecutive UAI reports from the terminal is greater than or equal to the ninth threshold.

[0124] In a single measurement, the terminal can measure the propagation delay of the serving cell and neighboring cells, determining the difference between their propagation delays (referred to as the first propagation delay difference). The terminal obtains the propagation delay difference included in the UAI previously reported to the network (referred to as the second propagation delay difference). The terminal determines the difference between the first and second propagation delay differences; if the difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the terminal reports a UAI including the first propagation delay difference to the network; otherwise, the terminal does not report a UAI to the network. Optionally, the terminal can periodically measure the propagation delay of the serving cell and neighboring cells. Alternatively, the terminal can trigger a measurement of the propagation delay of the serving cell and neighboring cells when a certain condition is met. Further, based on the propagation delay difference, it is determined whether to report a UAI.

[0125] If the time interval between two consecutive UAI reports by the terminal is greater than or equal to the ninth threshold, it may be due to the following reasons: the eighth threshold in the terminal's UAI reporting conditions is too large; or, changes in the communication environment may cause a change in the overall latency difference, resulting in the terminal not reporting UAI for a longer period of time, further leading to untimely adjustments to the time offset in the second SMTC configuration. For example, due to satellite movement, the distance between the satellite and the terminal decreases, and the overall level of propagation latency difference between the serving cell and neighboring cells decreases, which may cause the terminal not to report UAI for a long time. That is, for a long period of time, the first propagation latency difference between the serving cell and neighboring cells is less than the second propagation latency difference included in the previously reported UAI.

[0126] In one description, when a third condition is met, the terminal initiates MDT recording and records the second information. The third condition can be referred to as the triggering condition for MDT recording. The second information includes the SSB measurement results of the serving cell and / or neighboring cells, and information about the propagation delay difference between the serving cell and neighboring cells. Optionally, the information about the propagation delay difference between the serving cell and neighboring cells includes at least one of the following: the first propagation delay difference between the serving cell and neighboring cells currently measured, the change value of the propagation delay difference over multiple adjacent measurements, or the statistical value of the propagation delay difference over multiple measurements (e.g., mean or variance). The SSB measurement results in the serving cell and / or neighboring cells include: the SSB measurement in the serving cell and / or neighboring cells is complete, or the SSB measurement in the serving cell and / or neighboring cells fails. Further, in the case of SSB measurement failure, the SSB measurement result may also include: specific information about the SSB measurement. For example, an SSB block includes 5 SSBs. In the serving cell or neighboring cells, the terminal can measure the first 2 SSBs but cannot measure the last 3 SSBs. In this case, the SSB measurement failure specifically means the SSB measurement is incomplete.

[0127] Optionally, the second information may also include: the identifier of the neighboring cell and / or information about the second SMTC configuration. The identifier of the neighboring cell is used to inform the network device which neighboring cell the currently reported first propagation delay difference is based on. Of course, the network device can detect or obtain the serving cell of the terminal, so the terminal needs to report the identifier of the neighboring cell to the network device. The information about the second SMTC configuration includes parameters of the second SMTC configuration, such as measurement period, time offset, and duration. Alternatively, the information about the second SMTC configuration may include an identifier or index of the second SMTC configuration, etc.

[0128] Step 520: The terminal sends the second information, and the network device receives the second information.

[0129] For RRC connected terminals, the second information is reported to the terminal immediately, which is called immediate MDT. For RRC idle or inactive terminals, the second information is stored in the terminal in the form of a log, and reported after restoring to RRC connected state, which is called recorded MDT. Alternatively, the terminal reports the second information when it receives a triggering event. For example, this event could be an RLF. The second information is used to adjust the eighth threshold, which is the threshold for the terminal to report UAI.

[0130] Step 530: The network device adjusts the eighth threshold for UAI reported by the terminal based on the second information.

[0131] For example, if the SSB measurement of the serving cell and / or neighboring cells reported by the terminal via the second information is complete, the eighth threshold can be increased by referring to the propagation delay information of the serving cell and neighboring cells reported by the terminal via the second information, thereby avoiding frequent UAI reporting by the terminal. Alternatively, if the SSB measurement of the serving cell and / or neighboring cells reported by the terminal via the second information fails, the eighth threshold can be decreased by referring to the propagation delay information of the serving cell and neighboring cells reported by the terminal via the second information, thereby enabling the terminal to report UAI in a timely manner, which helps to optimize or adjust the time offset parameters in the second SMTC configuration.

[0132] Optionally, the second information can also be used to adjust the third condition, and the network device can adjust the third condition based on the second information. Specifically, for example, the network device can combine the second information and the SSB measurement results reported by the terminal to adjust the third condition. For example, adjusting the threshold in the third condition, such as the ninth threshold.

[0133] Optionally, in step 540: the network device sends the adjusted eighth threshold, and the terminal receives the adjusted eighth threshold.

[0134] For example, a network device sends configuration information to a terminal, which includes an adjusted eighth threshold. Furthermore, this configuration information also includes an adjusted third condition (which can be referred to as the new third condition). The terminal receives the adjusted eighth threshold (which can be referred to as the new eighth threshold). The terminal can determine whether to report UAI to the network device based on this new eighth threshold. If the terminal receives the new third condition, the terminal can determine whether to trigger the recording of second information, etc., based on the new third condition.

[0135] It is understood that the thresholds in this second embodiment, such as the eighth threshold and the ninth threshold, can be predefined or configured by the network device for the terminal, and are not limited.

[0136] In this second embodiment, the network device can refer to a core network device. For example, the core network device configures a third condition for the terminal. When the third condition is met, the terminal sends second information to the core network device, and the core network device adjusts the eighth threshold based on the second information. Furthermore, the third condition is adjusted. It is understood that the interaction between the core network device and the terminal is through the access network device. For example, the terminal reports the second information to the core network device through the access network device. Or,

[0137] In this second embodiment, the network device can refer to an access network device. For example, the access network device configures a third condition for the terminal. When the third condition is met, the terminal sends second information to the access network device, and the access network device adjusts the eighth threshold based on the second information. Furthermore, the third condition is adjusted.

[0138] Information exchange between network devices and terminals, such as configuration information and secondary information, can be transmitted through separate signaling, which can be newly added signaling. Alternatively, the relevant information, such as configuration information and secondary information, can be carried in existing signaling between access network devices and terminals.

[0139] The third condition in Example 2 (e.g., the triggering condition for MDT recording) is illustrative, and other triggering conditions may also be included. The second information recorded by the terminal is also illustrative, and other information may also be recorded. The conditions for the terminal to report UAI are also illustrative, and other conditions may be used to report UAI. Using the scheme in Example 2, the thresholds in other UAI reporting conditions can be adjusted.

[0140] In this second embodiment, the network device adjusts the eighth threshold in the UAI reporting conditions based on the second information reported by the terminal, thereby making the UAI reporting more reasonable and avoiding unnecessary duplicate UAI reporting, or not reporting UAI for a long time.

[0141] Meanwhile, in this second embodiment, the condition for the terminal to report a UAI is that the first propagation delay difference currently measured by the terminal is greater than the second propagation delay difference in the previous UAI report. The principle is as follows: Since the serving cell and neighboring cells use the same SMTC configuration for SSB measurement, a large propagation delay difference between the serving cell and neighboring cells indicates a large time offset in the reception of SSB blocks. When the difference between the currently measured first propagation delay difference and the second propagation delay difference included in the previously reported UAI is greater than an eighth threshold, it indicates a time offset relative to the second propagation delay difference included in the previously reported UAI, requiring readjustment. Therefore, the terminal reports a UAI including the first propagation delay difference again. The network device adjusts the time offset in the SMTC configuration based on the first propagation delay difference included in the terminal's reported UAI, thereby enabling the complete SSB to be measured in both the serving cell and neighboring cells.

[0142] The solutions in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 can be applied to terrestrial networks. In a terrestrial network, the access network device can be any access network device within the terrestrial network. For example, the access network device can be a single device, or it can consist of multiple nodes, such as CU, DU, and RU, etc., see reference [reference needed]. Figure 1 The description in the document is as follows. Alternatively, it can be applied to NTN networks. In an NTN network, the access network equipment can be a satellite and / or a ground station, etc. For example, when the satellite operates in transparent transmission mode, the ground station can configure corresponding conditions for the terminal (e.g., a first condition or a third condition), and adjust the corresponding parameters in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 according to the corresponding information reported by the terminal (e.g., first information or second information). Information is transmitted between the ground station and the terminal via satellite. Alternatively, when the satellite operates in regeneration mode, the satellite can configure corresponding conditions for the terminal, and the satellite adjusts the corresponding parameters in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 according to the corresponding information reported by the terminal.

[0143] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described from the perspective of interaction between the terminal and the network device. To implement the functions of the methods provided by the embodiments of this application, the terminal and the network device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the design constraints of the specific application of the technical solution.

[0144] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a possible communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can implement one or more corresponding functions as described in the above method embodiments. For example, functions implemented by a terminal or network device, thus potentially achieving the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be a terminal or network device, or a module (such as a chip) applied in a terminal or network device.

[0145] like Figure 6 As shown, the communication device 600 includes a processing unit 610 and a transceiver unit 620. The communication device 600 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 4 or Figure 5 The functions of a terminal or network device.

[0146] Alternatively, the transceiver unit 620 may also be referred to as an output unit, an interface unit, or a communication unit, etc. In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 includes at least one of a transmitting unit or a receiving unit. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit may be integrated together, or they may be two independent units, etc.

[0147] When the communication device 600 is used to implement Figure 4 Specifically, the terminal functions as follows: a processing unit 610 is used to determine first information when the SSB measurement corresponding to the first SMTC configuration meets a first condition, the first information including information about the measurement result of the SSB; and a transceiver unit 620 is used to send the first information, the first information being used to adjust the parameters in the first SMTC configuration and / or the physical cell identifier (PCI) list corresponding to the first SMTC configuration.

[0148] In one possible implementation, the PCI list includes at least one PCI, each PCI corresponding to a cell. The first condition includes at least one of the following: for a single SSB measurement, in the at least one cell corresponding to the PCI list, the number of cells with failed SSB measurements is greater than or equal to a first threshold, or the number of cells with complete SSB measurements is less than or equal to a second threshold; for multiple SSB measurements, in the at least one cell corresponding to the PCI list, the number of single SSB measurements satisfying the second condition is greater than or equal to a third threshold, the second condition including: in a single SSB measurement, the number of cells with complete SSB measurements is less than or equal to a fourth threshold, or the number of cells with failed SSB measurements is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold; or, for a cell corresponding to the PCI list, the number of times SSB measurements fail in that cell is greater than or equal to a sixth threshold, or the number of times SSB measurements are complete in that cell is less than or equal to a seventh threshold.

[0149] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes at least one of the following: information on the first SMTC configuration, information on the PCI list, or information on cells where the SSB measurement is complete or failed.

[0150] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to receive configuration information, which is used to configure the first condition.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to adjust the first condition.

[0152] When the communication device 600 is used to implement Figure 4 Specifically, the functions of the network device are as follows: a transceiver unit 620 is used to receive first information, which includes information about SSB measurement results; and a processing unit 610 is used to adjust the parameters in the first SMTC configuration and / or the physical cell identifier (PCI) list corresponding to the first SMTC configuration based on the first information.

[0153] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes at least one of the following: information on the first SMTC configuration, information on the PCI list, or information on cells where the SSB measurement is complete or failed.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to send configuration information, which is used to configure the first condition.

[0155] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to adjust the first condition.

[0156] When the communication device 600 is used to implement Figure 5 Specifically, the terminal functions as follows: Processing unit 610 is configured to configure the SSB measurement corresponding to the second synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel PBCH block SSB measurement timing configuration (SMTC) to meet a third condition, and determine second information. The SSB measurement includes SSB measurements of the serving cell and neighboring cells. The second information includes information on the measurement results of the SSB of the serving cell and / or neighboring cells, and information on the propagation delay difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cells. Transceiver unit 620 is configured to transmit the second information, which is used to adjust an eighth threshold, the eighth threshold being the threshold for the terminal to report Terminal Assistive Information (UAI).

[0157] In one possible implementation, the third condition includes at least one of the following: the propagation delay difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cell changes; the SSB measurement fails in the serving cell and / or the neighboring cell; or the time interval between two consecutive reports of the UAI by the terminal is greater than or equal to a ninth threshold.

[0158] In one possible implementation, the second information further includes: the identifier of the neighboring cell and / or the information of the first SMTC configuration.

[0159] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to receive configuration information for configuring the third condition.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the second information is also used to adjust the third condition.

[0161] When the communication device 600 is used to implement Figure 5Specifically, the functions of the network device are as follows: a transceiver unit 620 is used to receive second information, which includes information on the measurement results of the synchronization signal of the serving cell and / or neighboring cells and the physical broadcast channel PBCH block SSB, and information on the propagation delay difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cells; a processing unit 610 is used to adjust an eighth threshold according to the second information, which is the threshold for the terminal to report terminal auxiliary information (UAI).

[0162] In one possible implementation, the second information further includes: the identifier of the neighboring cell and / or the information of the first SMTC configuration.

[0163] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to send configuration information to the terminal, the configuration information being used to configure the third condition.

[0164] In one possible implementation, the second information is also used to adjust the third condition.

[0165] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 610 and the transceiver unit 620, please refer to the above method embodiments. Figure 4 or Figure 5 The description in the text will not be repeated here.

[0166] It is understood that the division of units in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. In addition, the functional units in this application embodiment can be integrated into a physical device (e.g., in a processor), or each functional unit can be a separate physical device, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module, etc.

[0167] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 includes a processor 710 and an interface circuit 720. The processor 710 and the interface circuit 720 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 720 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 700 may also include a memory 730 for storing instructions executed by the processor 710, or storing input data required by the processor 710 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 710 executes instructions.

[0168] When the communication device 700 is used to implement Figure 4 or Figure 5 In the method shown, the processor 710 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 610, and the interface circuit 720 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 620.

[0169] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information sent to the terminal by the network device through other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna); or, the chip sends information to other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), which is information sent by the terminal to the network device.

[0170] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to a network device, the module implements the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. This module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, which is information sent by the terminal to the network device; or, the module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, which is information sent by the network device to the terminal. The module of the network device here can be a chip of the network device, or a DU (Distributed Unit) or other modules. The DU here can be a DU under the O-RAN architecture.

[0171] This application embodiment also provides a communication device, which includes a processor and a memory, the processor and the memory being coupled, the processor being used to implement... Figure 4 The function of a terminal or network device, or to achieve Figure 5 The functions of a terminal or network device.

[0172] This application also provides a communication device, including a processor, which is used to implement... Figure 4 The function of a terminal or network device, or used to achieve Figure 5 The functions of a terminal or network device.

[0173] This application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other devices outside the device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other devices outside the device. The processor is used to implement this through logic circuits or executable code instructions. Figure 4 The function of a terminal or network device, or to achieve Figure 5 The functions of a terminal or network device.

[0174] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which may also be referred to as a computer program, computer program code, etc. These instructions, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. Figure 4 The function of the terminal or network device, or the execution of Figure 5 The functions of a terminal or network device.

[0175] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, which, when run on a computer, implement... Figure 4 The function of a terminal or network device, or to achieve Figure 5 The functions of a terminal or network device.

[0176] This application also provides a chip, which includes a processor coupled to a memory. The processor is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to achieve... Figure 4 The function of a terminal or network device, or to achieve Figure 5 The functions of a terminal or network device.

[0177] This application also provides a communication system, including a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device is used to implement... Figure 4 The function of the middle terminal, the second communication device is used to implement Figure 4 The function of the network equipment; or, the first communication device is used to implement Figure 5 The function of the middle terminal, the second communication device is used to implement Figure 5 The functions of network devices.

[0178] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0179] The memory in the embodiments of this application may be random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), register, hard disk, portable hard disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0180] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC.

[0181] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center integrating one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0182] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first condition is met when the SSB measurement timing configuration SMTC based on the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel PBCH block SSB meets the first condition, and the first information is determined, which includes information about the result of the SSB measurement. Send the first information, which is used to adjust the parameters in the first SMTC configuration and / or the physical cell identifier (PCI) list corresponding to the first SMTC configuration.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The PCI list includes at least one PCI, each PCI corresponding to one cell, and the first condition includes at least one of the following: For a single SSB measurement, in at least one cell corresponding to the PCI list, the number of cells with failed SSB measurements is greater than or equal to a first threshold, or the number of cells with complete SSB measurements is less than or equal to a second threshold. For multiple SSB measurements, in at least one cell corresponding to the PCI list, the number of cells that satisfy the second condition in a single SSB measurement is greater than or equal to the third threshold. The second condition includes: in a single SSB measurement, the number of cells with complete SSB measurements is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, or the number of cells with failed SSB measurements is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold. or, For a cell corresponding to the PCI list, the number of SSB measurement failures in the cell is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold, or the number of complete SSB measurements in the cell is less than or equal to the seventh threshold.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information also includes at least one of the following: information on the first SMTC configuration, information on the PCI list, or information on cells where the SSB measurement is complete or failed.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first information is also used to adjust the first condition.

5. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first information, which includes information on the synchronization signal and the results of the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) block SSB measurement; Based on the first information, adjust the parameters in the first SSB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC) and / or the physical cell identifier (PCI) list corresponding to the first SMTC configuration.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first information also includes at least one of the following: information on the first SMTC configuration, information on the PCI list, or information on cells where the SSB measurement is complete or failed.

7. The method as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The first information is also used to adjust the first condition.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The second condition is met when the SSB measurement timing configuration SMTC based on the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel PBCH block SSB meets the third condition, and the second information is determined. The SSB measurement includes the SSB measurement of the serving cell and the neighboring cell. The second information includes the measurement results of the SSB of the serving cell and / or the neighboring cell, and the propagation delay difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cell. Send the second information, which is used to adjust the eighth threshold, which is the threshold for the terminal to report terminal auxiliary information (UAI).

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The third condition includes at least one of the following: The propagation delay difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cell changes; The SSB measurement failed in the serving cell and / or neighboring cells; or, The time interval between two consecutive reports of the UAI by the terminal is greater than or equal to the ninth threshold.

10. The method as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The second information also includes: the identifier of the neighboring cell and / or the information of the second SMTC configuration.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The second information is also used to adjust the third condition.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive second information, the second information including information on the synchronization signals of the serving cell and / or neighboring cells and the measurement results of the physical broadcast channel PBCH block SSB, and information on the propagation delay difference between the serving cell and the neighboring cell; Based on the second information, the eighth threshold is adjusted, whereby the eighth threshold is the threshold for the terminal to report Terminal Assistive Information (UAI).

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The second information also includes: the identifier of the neighboring cell and / or the information of the second SSB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC) corresponding to the SSB measurement.

14. The method as described in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The second information is also used to adjust the third condition.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units for implementing the method of any one of claims 1 to 4, or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 8 to 11.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units for implementing the method of any one of claims 5 to 7, or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 12 to 14.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor configured to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, or to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor configured to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, or to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the method as described in any one of claims 5 to 7, or the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 11, or the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 14.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the method as described in any one of claims 5 to 7, or the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 11, or the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 14.

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