Communication method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method and device, belongs to the technical field of communication, and is used for reducing the power consumption of terminal equipment. In the method, a first device can measure at least one reference signal and / or not measure at least one measurement function only in a measurement area, and does not measure at least one reference signal and / or at least one measurement function outside the measurement area, so that the first device can measure at least one reference signal and / or at least one measurement function. According to the embodiment of the invention, centralized measurement or convergence measurement can be carried out on the at least one reference signal or the at least one measurement function in the measurement area, so that the problem that the first device is always awakened for measurement because the at least one reference signal or the at least one measurement function needs to be measured on different resources is avoided; therefore, the power consumption of the first device (which can be terminal equipment) can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, many energy-saving features for terminal devices have been standardized in 5G communication networks, but these are considered optimization features. Due to various reasons, such as increased operator costs, declining network key performance indicators (KPIs), and uncertain market prospects, most energy-saving features have not yet been commercially deployed. Furthermore, the numerous measurement features defined in 5G communication networks can lead to different measurement or reporting resources being distributed across different resources. This results in terminal devices being constantly awakened for measurement and / or reporting, unable to enter sleep or hibernation mode, thus leading to higher power consumption.

[0003] Therefore, how to reduce the power consumption of terminal devices is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to reduce the power consumption of terminal devices.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first device, which can be a terminal device, a module applied to the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The method includes: acquiring a measurement area and performing measurements within the measurement area. The measurement area is used by the first device to measure at least one reference signal and / or measure at least one measurement function only within the measurement area, wherein any one of the at least one reference signal is used for the measurement of one or more measurement functions.

[0007] As can be seen from the method described in the first aspect, the first device can measure at least one reference signal and / or at least one measurement function only within the measurement area, and not measure at least one reference signal and / or at least one measurement function outside the measurement area. In this way, centralized or converged measurement of at least one reference signal or at least one measurement function can be achieved within the measurement area, so as to avoid the problem that the at least one reference signal or at least one measurement function needs to be measured on different resources, which would cause the first device to be constantly awakened for measurement, thereby reducing the power consumption of the first device (which may be a terminal device).

[0008] In one possible design, measurement within the measurement area includes: receiving a first reference signal within the measurement area, and / or transmitting a measurement result corresponding to the first reference signal within the measurement area. At least one reference signal includes the first reference signal. That is, the first device performing measurement within the measurement area includes: receiving the first reference signal within the measurement area, measuring the first reference signal, and reporting the measurement result corresponding to the first reference signal, so that other devices (such as a second device) can perform subsequent operations based on the measurement result, without limitation.

[0009] In one possible design, the method described in the first aspect may further include: communication within the measurement area. That is, the first device can perform both measurement and communication within the measurement area. In other words, the measurement area can be a region used to restrict measurement activities, while communication activities may not be restricted. Thus, communication can be maintained without affecting it.

[0010] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second device, which can be a network device, a module applied to the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions. The method includes: acquiring a measurement area and transmitting a first reference signal within the measurement area. The measurement area is used by the first device to measure at least one reference signal and / or measure at least one measurement function only within the measurement area; any one of the at least one reference signal is used for measuring one or more measurement functions; and the at least one reference signal includes the first reference signal.

[0011] In one possible design, the method described in the second aspect may further include: receiving the measurement result corresponding to the first reference signal within the measurement area.

[0012] Based on the methods described in the first and second aspects above, in one possible design scheme, the measurement area includes a first measurement area and a second measurement area. The first measurement area is at least one of the following: a periodic area, a semi-continuous area, an area with bandwidth less than or equal to a first bandwidth, an area with the number of ports less than or equal to the number of first ports, an area with power consumption less than a first power consumption, or an area with power less than a first power. The second measurement area is at least one of the following: a non-periodic area, an area with bandwidth greater than or equal to a second bandwidth, an area with the number of ports greater than or equal to the number of second ports, an area with power consumption greater than or equal to the second power consumption, or an area with power greater than or equal to the second power; the second bandwidth is greater than the first bandwidth, the second number of ports is greater than the first number of ports, the second power consumption is greater than the first power consumption, and the second power is greater than the first power. Thus, the needs of different scenarios and services can be met. This application embodiment does not limit the values ​​of the first bandwidth, the first number of ports, the first power consumption, the first power, the second bandwidth, the second number of ports, the second power consumption, and the second power.

[0013] Based on the methods described in the first and second aspects above, in one possible design scheme, the configuration parameters of the measurement area are determined according to at least one reference signal or at least one measurement function, i.e., implicit indication, without the need to issue signaling related to the configuration parameters of the measurement area, thus saving overhead. It is understood that the configuration parameters of the measurement area can also be pre-configured, pre-defined, or explicitly indicated (such as the second device sending the configuration parameters of the measurement area to the first device through indication information or configuration information, etc.), etc., without limitation. Optionally, the bandwidth of the measurement area is determined according to at least one of the bandwidth of the first device, the bandwidth of the physical channel, or the bandwidth of the reference signal. That is, the bandwidth of the measurement area can be dynamically changed to meet the needs of different scenarios and services. It is understood that other configuration parameters of the measurement area, such as time-domain configuration parameters, spatial-domain configuration parameters, code-domain measurement area configuration parameters, power-domain configuration parameters, etc., can also be dynamically changed, and will not be elaborated further.

[0014] Based on the methods described in the first and second aspects above, in one possible design scheme, the configuration resources corresponding to at least one reference signal are within the measurement area. In this way, it can be ensured that the first device performs centralized measurement on at least one reference signal only within the measurement area.

[0015] Based on the methods described in the first and second aspects above, in one possible design scheme, at least one reference signal includes at least one of the following: Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Synchronization Information Block (SSB), Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), Phase Noise Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), Cell Reference Signal (CRS), or Sounding Reference Signal (SRS). That is, existing reference signals can be reused to reduce implementation difficulty, or new reference signals can be used to improve implementation flexibility; no limitation is imposed.

[0016] Based on the methods described in the first and second aspects above, in one possible design scheme, at least one measurement function includes at least one of the following: cell measurement, channel measurement, time-frequency measurement, phase measurement, beam measurement, transmit power (TRP) measurement, sensing measurement, artificial intelligence (AI) measurement, timing advance measurement, or any other possible measurement function, without limitation. This is to meet the needs of different scenarios and services.

[0017] Furthermore, other technical effects of the method described in the second aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0018] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first device. The first device can be a terminal device, a module applied to the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The method includes: acquiring a first reference signal and performing measurements based on the first reference signal. Wherein, a first portion of the first reference signal is used for a first measurement function, and a second portion of a second reference signal is used for a second measurement function.

[0019] Based on the method described in the third aspect, it is known that different parts of the first reference signal can be used for different measurement functions. In other words, the first device can perform different measurement functions by reusing different parts of the first reference signal, such as different resources. In this way, resource consumption and power consumption of the first device can be reduced, thus saving resource costs.

[0020] In one possible design, the method described in the third aspect may further include: acquiring configuration information of the first reference signal; wherein the configuration information includes a first configuration and a second configuration, the first configuration indicating a first part and the second configuration indicating a second part. That is, the first device can determine the parts of the first reference signal corresponding to the first measurement function and the second measurement function respectively through the configuration information of the first reference signal, so that the first device can subsequently use different parts of the first reference signal to perform different measurement functions, achieving flexibility.

[0021] In one possible design, measurement based on a first reference signal includes: receiving instruction information and, based on the instruction information, measuring the first reference signal using a first portion of the first reference signal. The instruction information is used to instruct the user to perform a measurement for a first measurement function. That is, the first device can trigger the measurement of the first reference signal using the first portion of the first reference signal based on the received instruction information and configuration information to obtain the measurement result corresponding to the first measurement function, achieving on-demand instruction and flexibility. It is understood that the first device can also perform a measurement for the first reference signal using a corresponding portion (such as a second portion) based on the received instruction information (e.g., instructing the user to perform a measurement for a second measurement function) and configuration information. The implementation principle is similar and can be understood by reference; it will not be elaborated further.

[0022] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second device. The second device can be a network device, a module applied to the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. The method includes: transmitting configuration information for a first reference signal, and transmitting the first reference signal. The configuration information includes a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the first configuration indicates a first part, and the second configuration indicates a second part; the first part of the first reference signal is used for a first measurement function, and the second part of the second reference signal is used for a second measurement function.

[0023] In one possible design, the method described in the fourth aspect may further include: sending indication information. The indication information is used to instruct the measurement of the first measurement function.

[0024] Based on the methods described in the third and fourth aspects above, in one possible design scheme, the first part of the first reference signal corresponds to the first resource, and the second part of the first reference signal corresponds to the second resource. That is, different resources of the same reference signal can be reused to perform different measurement functions, achieving flexibility.

[0025] It is understood that the first part or the second part of the first reference signal can be the entirety of the first reference signal or a portion of the first reference signal. The first part and the second part of the first reference signal are different.

[0026] Furthermore, other technical effects of the method described in the fourth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0027] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which can be the first device described in the first aspect above. The communication device includes: a module for performing the method as described in the first aspect. For example, a transceiver module and a processing module.

[0028] The processing module is used to acquire a measurement area and perform measurements within that area. The measurement area is used by the communication device described in the fourth aspect to measure at least one reference signal and / or at least one measurement function only within the measurement area, wherein any one of the at least one reference signal is used for the measurement of one or more measurement functions.

[0029] In one possible design, the measurement area includes a first measurement area and a second measurement area. The first measurement area is at least one of the following: a periodic area, a semi-continuous area, an area with a bandwidth less than or equal to a first bandwidth, an area with a number of ports less than or equal to a first number of ports, an area with power consumption less than or equal to a first power consumption, or an area with power less than or equal to a first power. The second measurement area is at least one of the following: an aperiodic area, an area with a bandwidth greater than or equal to a second bandwidth, an area with a number of ports greater than or equal to a second number of ports, an area with power consumption greater than or equal to a second power consumption, or an area with power greater than or equal to a second power; the second bandwidth is greater than the first bandwidth, the second number of ports is greater than the first number of ports, the second power consumption is greater than the first power consumption, and the second power is greater than the first power.

[0030] In one possible design, the configuration parameters of the measurement area are determined based on at least one reference signal or at least one measurement function.

[0031] Optionally, the bandwidth of the measurement area is determined based on at least one of the bandwidth of the communication device described in the fourth aspect, the bandwidth of the physical channel, or the bandwidth of the reference signal.

[0032] In one possible design, the transceiver module is configured to receive a first reference signal within the measurement area and / or transmit a measurement result corresponding to the first reference signal within the measurement area. Wherein, at least one reference signal includes the first reference signal.

[0033] In one possible design, at least one reference signal corresponds to a configuration resource within the measurement area.

[0034] In one possible design, the transceiver module is also used for communication within the measurement area.

[0035] In one possible design, at least one reference signal includes at least one of the following: Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Synchronization Information Block (SSB), Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), Phase Noise Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), Cell Reference Signal (CRS), or Detection Reference Signal (SRS).

[0036] In one possible design, at least one measurement function includes at least one of the following: cell measurement, channel measurement, time-frequency measurement, phase measurement, beam measurement, transmit power (TRP) measurement, sensing measurement, artificial intelligence (AI) measurement, or timing advance measurement.

[0037] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module implements the sending function of the communication device described in the fifth aspect, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in the fifth aspect.

[0038] Optionally, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0039] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fifth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the communication method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, which can be the second device described in the second aspect above. The communication device includes modules for performing the method as described in the second aspect. For example, a transceiver module and a processing module.

[0041] The processing module is used to acquire the measurement area. The transceiver module is used to transmit a first reference signal within the measurement area. The measurement area is used by the first device to measure at least one reference signal and / or measure at least one measurement function only within the measurement area. Any one of the at least one reference signal is used for the measurement of one or more measurement functions, and the at least one reference signal includes the first reference signal.

[0042] In one possible design, the transceiver module is also used to receive the measurement result corresponding to the first reference signal within the measurement area.

[0043] In one possible design, the measurement area includes a first measurement area and a second measurement area. The first measurement area is at least one of the following: a periodic area, a semi-continuous area, an area with a bandwidth less than or equal to a first bandwidth, an area with a number of ports less than or equal to a first number of ports, an area with power consumption less than a first power consumption, or an area with power less than a first power. The second measurement area is at least one of the following: an aperiodic area, an area with a bandwidth greater than or equal to a second bandwidth, an area with a number of ports greater than or equal to a second number of ports, an area with power consumption greater than or equal to a second power consumption, or an area with power greater than or equal to a second power; the second bandwidth is greater than the first bandwidth, the second number of ports is greater than the first number of ports, the second power consumption is greater than the first power consumption, and the second power is greater than the first power.

[0044] In one possible design, the configuration parameters of the measurement area are determined based on at least one reference signal or at least one measurement function.

[0045] Optionally, the bandwidth of the measurement area is determined based on at least one of the bandwidth of the first device, the bandwidth of the physical channel, or the bandwidth of the reference signal.

[0046] In one possible design, at least one reference signal corresponds to a configuration resource within the measurement area.

[0047] In one possible design, at least one reference signal includes at least one of the following: Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Synchronization Information Block (SSB), Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), Phase Noise Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), Cell Reference Signal (CRS), or Detection Reference Signal (SRS).

[0048] In one possible design, at least one measurement function includes at least one of the following: cell measurement, channel measurement, time-frequency measurement, phase measurement, beam measurement, transmit power (TRP) measurement, sensing measurement, artificial intelligence (AI) measurement, or timing advance measurement.

[0049] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module implements the sending function of the communication device described in the sixth aspect, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in the sixth aspect.

[0050] Optionally, the communication device described in the sixth aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0051] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the sixth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0052] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, which can be the first device described in the third aspect above. The communication device includes modules for performing the method as described in the third aspect. For example, a transceiver module and a processing module.

[0053] The processing module is used to acquire a first reference signal and perform measurements based on the first reference signal. A first portion of the first reference signal is used for a first measurement function, and a second portion of the second reference signal is used for a second measurement function.

[0054] In one possible design, the processing module is further configured to acquire configuration information of the first reference signal; wherein the configuration information includes a first configuration and a second configuration, the first configuration being used to indicate a first part and the second configuration being used to indicate a second part.

[0055] In one possible design, the first part of the first reference signal is the part of the first reference signal corresponding to the first resource, and the second part of the first reference signal is the part of the first reference signal corresponding to the second resource.

[0056] In one possible design, a transceiver module is used to receive indication information. The processing module is further used to measure the first reference signal using a first portion of the first reference signal based on the indication information. The indication information is used to instruct the measurement to perform a first measurement function.

[0057] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module implements the transmitting function of the communication device described in the seventh aspect, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in the seventh aspect.

[0058] Optionally, the communication device described in the seventh aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the third aspect.

[0059] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the seventh aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0060] Eighthly, a communication apparatus is provided, which can be the first apparatus described in the fourth aspect above. The communication apparatus includes modules for performing the method as described in the fourth aspect. For example, a transceiver module and a processing module.

[0061] The processing module controls the transceiver module to send configuration information for the first reference signal and sends the first reference signal. The configuration information includes a first configuration and a second configuration; the first configuration indicates a first part, and the second configuration indicates a second part. The first part of the first reference signal is used for a first measurement function, and the second part of the second reference signal is used for a second measurement function.

[0062] In one possible design, the processing module is also used to control the transceiver module to send instruction information. This instruction information is used to instruct the first measurement function to be performed.

[0063] In one possible design, the first part of the first reference signal is the part of the first reference signal corresponding to the first resource, and the second part of the first reference signal is the part of the first reference signal corresponding to the second resource.

[0064] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module implements the transmitting function of the communication device described in the eighth aspect, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in the eighth aspect.

[0065] Optionally, the communication device described in the eighth aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the fourth aspect.

[0066] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the eighth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the fourth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0067] Ninthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor configured to execute the communication method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0068] In one possible design, the communication device described in the ninth aspect may further include a transceiver. This transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the ninth aspect and other communication devices.

[0069] In one possible design, the communication device described in the ninth aspect may further include a memory. This memory may be integrated with the processor or disposed separately. The memory may be used to store computer programs and / or data related to the communication methods described in the first through fourth aspects.

[0070] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the ninth aspect may be the first device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects; or, the communication device may be the second device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0071] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the ninth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the communication method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0072] A tenth aspect provides a communication device. The communication device includes a processor coupled to a memory, the processor executing a computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the communication method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0073] In one possible design, the communication device described in the tenth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the tenth aspect and other communication devices.

[0074] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the tenth aspect can be the first device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects; or, the communication device can be the second device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0075] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the tenth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the communication method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0076] Eleventhly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, causes the communication device to perform the communication method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0077] In one possible design, the communication device described in the eleventh aspect may further include a transceiver. This transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the eleventh aspect and other communication devices.

[0078] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the eleventh aspect can be the first device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects; or, the communication device can be the second device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0079] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the eleventh aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the communication method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, which will not be repeated here.

[0080] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor being coupled to a memory and, after reading a computer program from the memory, executing a communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects according to the computer program.

[0081] In one possible design, the communication device described in the twelfth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the twelfth aspect and other communication devices.

[0082] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the twelfth aspect may be the first device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects; or, the communication device may be the second device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0083] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the twelfth aspect can be referenced from the technical effects of the communication method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0084] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes the first device described in the first aspect and the second device described in the second aspect.

[0085] Fourteenthly, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes the first device described in the third aspect and the second device described in the fourth aspect.

[0086] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication chip is provided, wherein a computer program or instructions are stored, which, when the chip is operated on a communication device, causes the communication method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects to be implemented.

[0087] In a sixteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising: a computer program or instructions; when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, causing the computer to perform the communication method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0088] In a seventeenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the communication method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0089] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the distribution of various measurement resources;

[0090] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in this application embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0091] Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of an O-RAN system.

[0092] Figure 4 This application provides a schematic diagram of the network element function division and protocol layer structure of an O-RAN device.

[0093] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 ;

[0094] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0095] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a measurement area provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0096] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a measurement area provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0097] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a measurement area provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0098] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 ;

[0099] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a measurement area provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 ;

[0100] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a measurement area provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 ;

[0101] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided for the implementation of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0102] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided for the implementation of this application. Figure 2 . Detailed Implementation

[0103] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0104] 1. Reference signal (RS)

[0105] A reference signal, also known as a "pilot" signal, is a known signal provided by the transmitter to the receiver for channel estimation or channel sounding. Reference signals are divided into uplink reference signals and downlink reference signals. An uplink reference signal can be a signal sent from a terminal device to a network device; that is, the transmitter is the terminal device and the receiver is the network device. A downlink reference signal can be a signal sent from a network device to a terminal device; that is, the transmitter is the network device and the receiver is the terminal device. Uplink reference signals can be used for uplink channel estimation (such as for coherent demodulation and detection in network devices or for calculating precoding) or uplink channel quality measurement. Downlink reference signals can be used for downlink channel estimation (such as for coherent detection and demodulation in terminal devices), downlink channel quality measurement, or cell search.

[0106] The uplink reference signal can include, without limitation, a sounding reference signal (SRS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a phase noise tracking reference signal (PTRS), and so on. The downlink reference signal can include, without limitation, a channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS), a DMRS, a cell reference signal (CRS), a synchronization signal block (SSB), a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), a phase noise tracking reference signal (PT-RS), and a tracking reference signal (TRS), and so on.

[0107] For example, measurements such as radio resource management (RRM), radio link monitoring (RLM), or beam failure recovery (BFR) can be performed using SSB or CSI-RS; measurements such as time-domain synchronization or time-frequency offset estimation can be performed using SSB or TRS; beam measurements can be performed using SSB or CSI-RS; initial access measurements can be performed using SSB; phase tracking measurements can be performed using PTRS, etc., without limitation.

[0108] 2. Resources

[0109] In communication protocols, reference signals are typically configured as resources. A reference signal can occupy a resource, and a resource is called a reference signal resource. Network devices configure various reference signals to terminal devices as resources. A resource is a configuration information unit, usually including parameters related to the reference signal, such as the time-frequency resource location, number of ports, and time-domain type (periodic / semi-static / aperiodic), etc. Resources can be uplink or downlink signal resources.

[0110] Resources can be configured via radio resource control (RRC) messages. Structurally, a resource is a data structure that includes relevant parameters of its corresponding uplink / downlink signal. These parameters include the type of uplink / downlink signal, the resource granularity carrying the uplink / downlink signal, the transmission time and period of the uplink / downlink signal, and the number of ports used to transmit the uplink / downlink signal. Each uplink / downlink signal resource has a unique identifier. It is understood that the resource identifier can also be called the signal identifier, and this embodiment does not impose any limitation on this.

[0111] 3. Semi-static scheduling (SPS)

[0112] SPS scheduling, also known as semi-persistent transmission, refers to a network device using a scrambled physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) to specify the radio resources (referred to as SPS resources) to be used by a terminal device within a certain transmission time interval (TTI). After each cycle, the terminal device can use these SPS resources to send or receive data. The network device does not need to issue a PDCCH to specify the allocated resources in every scheduling time slot. Compared to dynamic scheduling, the scheduling parameters are relatively fixed and not dynamically adjusted, reducing the number of blind detections of downlink control information (DCI), which can reduce the latency and power consumption of the terminal device.

[0113] SPS scheduling can include downlink semi-persistent scheduling (DLSPS), uplink configured grant type 1, and uplink configured grant type 2.

[0114] Among them, (1) DL SPS: The network device configures periodic downlink resources for the terminal device; it is activated (the resource becomes a valid resource) / deactivated (the resource becomes an invalid resource) through a DCI; the terminal device can only perform downlink transmission when the resource is valid. (2) Uplink configuration license type 1: The network device configures uplink periodic resources for the terminal device; once configured, the resource is valid, and the validity and invalidity of the resource do not require activation / deactivation by DCI, but can only be changed through RRC reconfiguration, for example, the resource can be released through RRC reconfiguration. (3) Uplink configuration license type 2: The network device configures uplink periodic resources for the terminal device; it is activated / deactivated through a DCI; the terminal device can only perform uplink transmission when the resource is valid.

[0115] In 5G communication networks, terminal devices in their initial protocol versions consume three times the power of those in 4G networks, resulting in severe heat dissipation and a poor user experience. With the evolution of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) releases 16 through 19, each release standardized many energy-saving features for terminal devices. Combined with joint product and network optimization, this has led to improved power consumption in current terminal devices. However, these energy-saving features are optimization features, and due to various reasons such as increased operator costs, declining key performance indicators (KPIs), and uncertain market prospects, most of these features have not been commercially deployed. Therefore, 5G communication networks have not effectively solved the power consumption problem.

[0116] Meanwhile, 5G communication networks define numerous measurement characteristics (or functions), which may result in measurement or reporting resources being distributed or spread across different dimensions of resources (such as time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, code domain, and power domain). Furthermore, various measurement methods exist, including periodic measurement (measurement and / or reporting), aperiodic measurement, and semi-persistent scheduling. The measurement and reporting resources depend on the configuration and instructions of the network equipment. However, due to the flexibility of network equipment, its configuration and instructions may lead to different measurement or reporting resources being distributed across different resources. In this situation, the terminal device may be constantly awakened for measurement and / or reporting, unable to enter sleep or hibernation mode, resulting in high power consumption.

[0117] For example, taking the distribution of measurement resources or reporting resources in the time domain as an example, Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the distribution of various measurement resources, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the horizontal axis represents time (time, t). Taking SSB, TRS, and CRS-RS (resources periodically distributed) as reference signals, and downlink SPS transmission as the transmission method, the reference signal resources are periodically distributed in the time domain as an example. The period of the SSB resource is 20 milliseconds (ms), the period of the TRS resource is 10 ms, the period of the CRS-RS is 25 ms, and the period of the downlink SPS is 30 ms. Furthermore, the SSB, TRS, CRS-RS, and SPS resources are distributed at different times, causing the terminal device to be constantly awakened and unable to enter sleep or hibernation mode, resulting in high power consumption of the terminal device.

[0118] Furthermore, the scenarios and demands in future communication networks are more complex than those of 5G, with higher requirements for performance indicators. Facing more scenarios and greater demands in future communication networks, network equipment and terminal devices will face challenges such as greater bandwidth, faster processing speeds, and more antennas. The primary challenge is power consumption. For network equipment, high power consumption will increase operating costs; for terminal devices, with limited growth in size, area, and battery capacity, high power consumption and heat dissipation issues present even greater challenges. In response to the problems faced in 5G communication networks, and considering current and future energy shortages and environmental issues, sustainability can be considered one of the inherent requirements for future communication networks.

[0119] Therefore, how to reduce the power consumption of terminal devices is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0120] In summary, in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, the embodiments of this application propose the following technical solutions to reduce the power consumption of terminal devices.

[0121] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0122] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, 4G such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5G such as new radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems, etc.

[0123] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches may also be used.

[0124] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary," "for example," etc., are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being better or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the term "exemplary" is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner.

[0125] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "information," "signal," "message," "channel," and "signaling" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing their distinction, their intended meanings are consistent. Similarly, "of," "corresponding (relevant)," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing their distinction, their intended meanings are consistent. Furthermore, the " / " mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be used to represent an "or" relationship. It can be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information for instructing A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly instructs A, or indirectly instructs A.

[0126] In this embodiment, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index; or indirectly indicating the information to be instructed by indicating other information, wherein there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed. Alternatively, only a part of the information to be instructed may be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent.

[0127] The information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application embodiment. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0128] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems. In the embodiments of this application, "of", "corresponding (relevant)" and "corresponding" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their distinction is not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0129] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, let's first take... Figure 2 The communication system illustrated herein is used as an example to illustrate a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. For example, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable. Figure 1 .

[0130] like Figure 2 As shown, the communication system mainly includes network equipment and terminal equipment.

[0131] There can be multiple network devices, such as a first network device, a second network device, a third network device, etc. A network device can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, or it can be a chip or chip system located in the access network (AN) of the communication system, used to provide access services to the terminal. For example, a network device can be called a radio access network (RAN) device, specifically an access network device in a future communication system. In future mobile communication systems, network devices may also have other naming conventions, all of which are covered within the protection scope of this application's embodiments, and this application's embodiments do not impose any limitations on them. Alternatively, network equipment can also include 5G, such as a gNB in ​​a New Radio (NR) system, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a 5G base station. It can also be network nodes constituting a gNB, transmission and reception point (TRP) or transmission point (TP), or transmission measurement function (TMF), such as a central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), CU-control plane (CP), CU-user plane (UP), or radio unit (RU), RSU with base station functionality, or wired access gateway, or 5G core network elements, etc. Alternatively, network equipment can also include: access points (APs) in Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small cells), relay stations, access points, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted equipment, etc.

[0132] CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that network equipment can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or a combination of both. Furthermore, CUs can be classified as network equipment in the access network (RAN) or the core network (CN); there are no restrictions on this classification.

[0133] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called 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 and hardware modules.

[0134] In this embodiment, the form of the network device is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device that supports the network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0135] The terminal equipment can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. There can be one or more terminal equipment, such as a first terminal equipment, a second terminal equipment, a third terminal equipment, etc. The terminal equipment can be a terminal equipment with transceiver functions, or it can be a chip or chip system installed in the terminal equipment. This terminal equipment can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal equipment, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, remote station, remote terminal equipment, mobile device, user terminal equipment, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. The terminal devices in the embodiments of this application may be mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, wireless data cards, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless modems, handsets, laptop computers, machine-type communication (MTC) terminal devices, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminal devices in autonomous driving, wireless terminal devices in industrial control, wireless terminal devices in self-driving, wireless terminal devices in remote medical care, wireless terminal devices in smart grids, wireless terminal devices in transportation safety, wireless terminal devices in smart cities, and smart homes. The terminal equipment in this application can be a wireless terminal device (e.g., a vehicle-mounted terminal device), a roadside unit (RSU) with terminal device functionality, or flying equipment (e.g., intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes). The terminal equipment in this application can also be a vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted component, vehicle-mounted chip, or vehicle-mounted unit integrated into a vehicle as one or more components or units, a transportation vehicle with wireless communication functionality, or a communication module. The terminal equipment can also be other devices with terminal device functionality; for example, it can be a device that functions as a terminal device in D2D communication.

[0136] The embodiments of this application do not limit the form of the terminal device. The device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself; it can also be a device that supports the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. The terminal device typically has a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication functions. The terminal device can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication functions.

[0137] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the first device can be the aforementioned network device or terminal device; the second device can be a network device or terminal device, without limitation.

[0138] In this communication system, the first device can measure at least one reference signal and / or measure at least one measurement function (measurement and / or reporting) only within the measurement area, and not measure at least one reference signal and / or measure at least one measurement function outside the measurement area. In this way, centralized or converged measurement of at least one reference signal or at least one measurement function can be achieved within the measurement area, so as to avoid the problem that the at least one reference signal or at least one measurement function needs to be measured on different resources, which would cause the first device to be constantly awakened for measurement, thereby reducing the power consumption of the first device (which may be a terminal device).

[0139] Figure 2 The communication system shown can be used in different communication system architectures; for example, it can be applied to... Figure 3 The example shown is an open-radio access network (O-RAN) system. Figure 3 As shown, the network equipment mentioned above can be a RAN (e.g., an eNB, gNB, or future access network equipment). The RAN can communicate with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link and with the UE via an air interface.

[0140] In this system, the baseband unit (BBU) in the access network equipment communicates with the core network via a backhaul link, and the radio unit (RU) in the access network equipment communicates with at least one UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. The BBU includes at least one CU and at least one DU, which can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0141] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the network element function division and protocol layer structure of an O-RAN device, such as... Figure 4 As shown, this includes: access network equipment and management system. In some examples, the CU is a logical node carrying the radio resource control (RRC) layer, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which may be interfaces such as E2 interfaces. Optionally, the CU may have some core network functions. The CU (e.g., PDCP layer and higher layers) connects to the DU (e.g., RLC layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which may be interfaces such as F1 interfaces. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., F1 interfaces) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface, and in some examples, it defines the signaling procedures of F1. The F1 interface supports the control plane F1-C and the user plane F1-U.

[0142] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and the control plane part of PDCP (PDCP-C) layer, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) in a 5G system. The AMF network element is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and the user plane part of PDCP (PDCP-U) layer, used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements in the core network, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, are responsible for data forwarding and receiving in terminal devices.

[0143] The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0144] In some examples, a DU is a logical node that carries the radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0145] In some examples, the RU is a logical node carrying both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP TRP (Telematics Resource Planning) or a remote radio head (RRH) or other similar entity. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes portions of the PHY processing, such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0146] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through the Lower-Layer Split CUS-Plane (LLS-CUS) interface. LLS-CUS may include LLS-C and LLS-U interfaces providing the control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane), respectively. In some examples, the control plane (C-Plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via an LLS-M interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0147] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0148] For example, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable. Figure 2 .like Figure 5 As shown, the communication between the network device and the terminal device in this communication system can also be represented in another form. Terminal device 10 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, and a transceiver 103. Transceiver 103 includes a transmitter 1031, a receiver 1032, and multiple antennas 1033 (antenna panels). Network device 20 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, and a transceiver 203. Transceiver 203 includes a transmitter 2031, a receiver 2032, and at least one antenna 2033 (antenna panel). Receiver 1032 can be used to receive transmission control information through antenna 1033, and transmitter 1031 can be used to send transmission feedback information to network device 20 through antenna 1033. Transmitter 2031 can be used to send transmission control information to terminal device 10 through antenna 2033, and receiver 2032 can be used to receive transmission feedback information sent by terminal device 10 through antenna 2033.

[0149] Understandable. Figure 2 and Figure 5 This is a simplified diagram for ease of understanding only. The communication system may also include other network devices and / or other terminal devices. Figure 2 and Figure 5 It was not drawn in the middle.

[0150] For ease of understanding, the following will combine... Figures 6-12 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0151] For example, Figure 6 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 This communication method is applicable to communication between the first device and the second device in the aforementioned communication system.

[0152] Specifically, such as Figure 6As shown, the flow of this communication method is as follows:

[0153] S601, the first device acquires the measurement area.

[0154] S602, the second device acquires (or determines) the measurement area.

[0155] S603, the second device sends a first reference signal to the first device within the measurement area. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first reference signal from the second device within the measurement area.

[0156] S604, the first device performs measurements within the measurement area.

[0157] The relevant content in steps S601-S604 above will be described in detail below.

[0158] Regarding step S601 above:

[0159] The measurement area can be used by the first device to measure at least one reference signal and / or measure at least one measurement function only within the measurement area.

[0160] The reference signal can be a known signal, and can include uplink reference signals and downlink reference signals. Uplink reference signals can be used for uplink channel estimation (e.g., for coherent demodulation and detection in network devices or for calculating precoding) or uplink channel quality measurement. Downlink reference signals can be used for downlink channel estimation (e.g., for coherent detection and demodulation in terminal devices), downlink channel quality measurement, or cell search. The at least one reference signal may include at least one of the following: CSI-RS, SSB, PSS, SSS, TRS, PTRS, DMRS, CRS, PSS, SRS, on-off keying (OOK) signal, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), OFDM derivation channel, orthogonal time-frequency space (OTFS), sensing signal, artificial intelligence (AI) signal, pseudo-random sequence, ZC (zadoffchu) sequence, m sequence, M sequence, discrete cosine transform (DCT) sequence, discrete fourier transform (DFT) sequence, gold sequence, wake-up signal, low-power wake-up signal (e.g., power consumption less than a preset value), etc. That is, existing reference signals can be reused to reduce implementation difficulty, or new reference signals can be used to improve implementation flexibility, without limitation.

[0161] At least one reference signal can be used for measurement of one or more measurement functions, which can be used to characterize the purpose of the measurement. Multiple measurement functions can correspond to multiple different types of measurements or multiple different measurement characteristics. The at least one measurement function (at least one type of measurement or at least one measurement characteristic) can include at least one of the following: cell measurement, channel measurement, time-frequency measurement, phase measurement, beam measurement, (total) transmitted / radiated power (TRP) measurement, sensing measurement, AI measurement, timing advance measurement, or any other possible measurement function, without limitation. Furthermore, multiple measurement functions can also have different measured parameters, such as periodic measurement, semi-continuous measurement, aperiodic measurement, etc., and can also be considered as multiple measurement functions. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0162] For example, taking any one of the at least one reference signal as an SSB, the SSB can be used for cell measurement, beam measurement, initial access measurement, etc.; taking any one of the at least one reference signal as a CSI-RS, the CSI-RS can be used for channel measurement, beam measurement, etc.; taking any one of the at least one reference signal as a PTRS, the PTRS can be used for phase measurement, etc.

[0163] It is understood that any one of the at least one reference signal can be associated with any physical channel (i.e., the carrying reference signal). Examples include the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), physical uplink share channel (PUSCH), physical downlink share channel (PDSCH), and physical random access channel (PRACH). It is also understood that the first device can directly measure the physical channel only within the measurement area, and not measure the physical channel outside the measurement area, without limitation.

[0164] Based on the above description, the measurement area can be a region composed of wireless resources (i.e., measurement resource units), and may include one or more regions without limitation. The measurement area can be a region composed of resources in at least one of the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, code domain, or power domain. The first device measures at least one reference signal and / or performs centralized or converged measurements of at least one measurement function only within the measurement area, and does not measure the at least one reference signal and / or the at least one measurement function outside the measurement area. The first device measuring at least one reference signal only within the measurement area may include: the first device measuring at least one reference signal only within the measurement area and / or reporting the measurement results corresponding to at least one reference signal; the first device measuring at least one measurement function may include: the first device measuring and / or reporting at least one measurement function. That is, the above-mentioned measurement area can also be understood as a reporting area, without limitation.

[0165] For example, if the first device measures at least one reference signal only within the measurement area, the at least one reference signal may include SSB, TRS, and CSI-RS. Figure 7As shown, the first device can perform centralized measurements of SSB, TRS, and CSI-RS on resources within the measurement area (within the dashed box), while not measuring SSB, TRS, and CSI-RS on other resources outside the measurement area (outside the dashed box).

[0166] In one possible design, at least one reference signal corresponds to a configuration resource within the measurement area.

[0167] The configured resources may include measurement resources and / or reporting resources. Measurement resources can be used to receive and / or measure at least one reference signal, and reporting resources can be used to report the measurement results of at least one reference signal. It is understood that the network side can pre-configure the resources occupied by each of the at least one reference signal within the measurement resource unit corresponding to the measurement area, thereby ensuring that the first device only measures at least one reference signal and / or centrally measures at least one measurement function within the measurement area.

[0168] For example, as described above Figure 7 For example, for SSB, TRS and CSI-RS, the network side (as described in the second device below) can adjust the resource period of SSB, TRS and CSI-RS, or predefine or preconfigure the resource period of SSB, TRS and CSI-RS, so that the configuration resources corresponding to SSB, TRS and CSI-RS can be within the measurement area (within the dashed box). This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0169] It should be noted that if there are at least two reference signals, such as SSB and TRS, occupying the same resources within the measurement area, the network side (as described in the second device below) can send an instruction message, such as instruction message #a, to the first device to instruct the first device to move the resources occupied by SSB or TRS by one resource unit (the moved resources still belong to the measurement area). Alternatively, it can pre-configure or pre-define rules such as when there are at least two reference signals (such as SSB and TRS) occupying the same resources within the measurement area, the first device will move the resources occupied by SSB or TRS by one resource unit (the moved resources still belong to the measurement area). This ensures that the resources occupied by SSB and TRS within the measurement area do not overlap, thereby improving the measurement accuracy and precision of each reference signal.

[0170] In one possible design, the measurement area may include a first measurement area and a second measurement area.

[0171] The first measurement area can be used for routine measurements, while the second measurement area can be used for emergency measurements. The first and second measurement areas are described in detail below.

[0172] The first measurement region can be at least one of the following: a periodic region, a semi-continuous region, a region with a bandwidth less than or equal to a first bandwidth, a region with a number of ports less than or equal to a first number of ports, a region with power consumption less than or equal to a first power consumption, or a region with power less than or equal to a first power.

[0173] The periodic region can be a region composed of time-domain dimensions, such as the region between the first and second moments, which can be used by the first device to measure periodic reference signals (resources); the semi-continuous region can be used by the first device to measure semi-continuous reference signals (resources); the region with a bandwidth less than or equal to the first bandwidth can be used by the first device to measure reference signals with a bandwidth less than or equal to the first bandwidth; the region with a number of ports less than or equal to the first number of ports can be used by the first device to measure reference signals with a transmit antenna port number less than or equal to the first number of ports; the region with power consumption less than or equal to the first power consumption can be used by the first device to measure reference signals with power consumption less than or equal to the first power consumption; the region with power less than or equal to the first power can be used by the first device to measure reference signals with transmit power less than or equal to the first power. It is understood that the first measurement region can also be used for other measurements, for example, the first device can measure reference signals using a number of codes less than or equal to the first number of codes, etc., without limitation.

[0174] The second measurement region can be at least one of the following: a non-periodic region, a region with bandwidth greater than or equal to the second bandwidth, a region with the number of ports greater than or equal to the second number of ports, a region with power consumption greater than or equal to the second power consumption, or a region with power equal to or greater than the second power.

[0175] The aperiodic region can be used by the first device to measure aperiodic reference signals (resources); the region with a bandwidth greater than or equal to a second bandwidth can be used by the first device to measure reference signals with a bandwidth greater than or equal to a second bandwidth; the region with a number of ports greater than or equal to a second number of ports can be used by the first device to measure reference signals with a transmit antenna port number greater than or equal to a second number of ports; the region with power consumption greater than or equal to a second power consumption can be used by the first device to measure reference signals with power consumption greater than or equal to a second power consumption; the region with power greater than or equal to a second power can be used by the first device to measure reference signals with transmit power greater than or equal to a second power. It is understood that the second measurement region can also be used for other measurements, for example, the first device can measure reference signals using a code number greater than a second code number, measure high-speed moving objects, etc., without limitation.

[0176] The second bandwidth can be greater than the first bandwidth, the second number of ports can be greater than the first number of ports, the second power consumption can be greater than the first power consumption, the second power can be greater than the first power, and the second number of codes can be greater than the first number of codes. This application does not limit the specific values ​​of the first bandwidth, second bandwidth, first number of ports, second number of ports, first power consumption, second power consumption, first power, second power, first number of codes, and second number of codes. It is understood that the first measurement area and the second measurement area may partially overlap; for example, the first bandwidth may be greater than the second bandwidth, the first number of ports may be greater than the second number of ports, the first power consumption may be greater than the second power consumption, the first power may be greater than the second power, and the first number of codes may be greater than the second number of codes, etc., without limitation.

[0177] It should be noted that the above constraints are merely examples. The first bandwidth, the second bandwidth, the first number of ports, the second number of ports, the first power consumption, the second power consumption, the first power, the second power, the first number of codes, and the second number of codes can also be valid without these constraints, and are not limited thereto.

[0178] It is understood that the aforementioned first and second measurement areas can be a set of areas, which may include one or more areas without limitation. For example, taking a measurement area as a region composed of time-frequency resources as an example, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the horizontal axis represents time (t), and the vertical axis represents frequency (f). Measurement areas #1, #2, #3, and #4 can be the aforementioned measurement areas. Measurement areas #1 and #2 can be the first measurement areas used for routine measurements; measurement areas #3 and #4 can be the second measurement areas used for sudden measurements. Thus, the first device can meet most routine measurement needs through the first measurement area and sudden measurement needs through the second measurement area, maintaining sufficient measurement flexibility.

[0179] Based on the above introduction, the following example will be used to specifically describe the process of the first device acquiring the measurement area.

[0180] Scenario 1: The first device can determine this by receiving configuration information.

[0181] In scenario 1, the first device can determine the measurement area by receiving configuration information (including measurement area information) from another device, such as the second device described below, and thus display an indication. For example, taking the first device as a terminal device and the second device as a network device, the first measurement area can be configured by the second device. For instance, the second device can send configuration information #1 to the first device, and configuration information #1 can include the first measurement area, as described above. Figure 8The measurement areas #1 and #2 shown are for meeting routine measurement needs; alternatively, the first device may request the second device to perform configuration, for example, the second device may send configuration information #2 to the first device, which may include the second measurement area as described above. Figure 8 The measurement areas #3 and #4 are shown in the diagram; subsequently, the second device can dynamically activate measurement areas #3 and / or measurement area #4 through indication information, such as indication information #b, to meet sudden measurement needs.

[0182] Scenario 2: The measurement area can be predefined or preconfigured.

[0183] Case 3: The configuration parameters of the measurement area are determined based on at least one reference signal or at least one measurement function.

[0184] In scenario 3, the first device can determine the configuration parameters of the measurement area based on at least one reference signal or at least one measurement function, i.e., implicit indication. In this case, there is no need to issue configuration-related signaling for the measurement area, thus saving overhead. Different reference signals or different measurement functions correspond to different configuration parameters of the measurement area. In this way, the measurement area can dynamically change with different reference signals or measurement functions to meet the needs of different scenarios.

[0185] For example, as described above, any one of the at least one reference signal can be associated with a physical channel. In this case, the first device can determine the configuration parameters of the measurement area based on the physical channel associated with each reference signal. For instance, the first device can determine the configuration parameters of the measurement area corresponding to reference signal #1 based on the configuration parameters of channel #1 associated with reference signal #1. Alternatively, as described above, any one of the at least one reference signal can also be used for measurement of one or more measurement functions. In this case, the first device can determine the configuration parameters of the measurement area corresponding to reference signal #1 based on the measurement function or measurement purpose corresponding to reference signal #1, such as cell measurement, channel measurement, or beam measurement. Or, the first device can directly determine the configuration parameters of the measurement area based on at least one measurement function.

[0186] The following section uses the frequency domain parameters of the measurement area as an example for introduction.

[0187] Optionally, the bandwidth of the measurement area may be determined based on at least one of the bandwidth of the first device, the bandwidth of the physical channel, or the bandwidth of the reference signal.

[0188] It is understandable that the bandwidth of the first device can change dynamically. For example, when the first device establishes a connection using the network, its available bandwidth can be adjusted in real time according to the network environment, data traffic requirements, quality of service settings, and network management policies to meet the needs of different services and scenarios. In this case, the bandwidth of the measurement area can change dynamically through the changes in the bandwidth of the first device.

[0189] The bandwidth of the measurement area can also be determined based on the bandwidth of the physical channel. For example, taking reference signal #1 as an example, reference signal #1 can be carried on channels such as PDSCH, PDCCH, PUCCH, PUSCH, or PRACH. In this case, the first device can determine the bandwidth corresponding to the channels such as PDSCH, PDCCH, PUCCH, PUSCH, or PRACH as the bandwidth of the measurement area corresponding to reference signal #1.

[0190] The bandwidth of the measurement region can also be determined directly based on the bandwidth of the reference signal. For example, taking reference signal #1 and reference signal #2 as examples, the bandwidth of reference signal #1 can be bandwidth #a, and the bandwidth of reference signal #2 can be bandwidth #b. In this case, the first device can determine bandwidth #a as the bandwidth of the measurement region corresponding to reference signal #1, and determine bandwidth #b as the bandwidth of the measurement region corresponding to reference signal #2.

[0191] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, taking the first device as UE and the second device as gNB as an example, assume that the bandwidth of gNB is B1, the bandwidth of UE at time T1 is B2, the bandwidth at time T2 is B3, the bandwidth at time T3 is B4, the bandwidth at time T4 is B5, the bandwidth at time T5 is B6, and the bandwidth at time T6 is B7; at time T1, the bandwidth of PDSCH is B8.

[0192] At time T1, assuming CSI-RS is associated with PDSCH, the UE can determine that the bandwidth of the measurement area corresponding to CSI-RS is equal to the bandwidth B8 of PDSCH. At time T2, cell measurement can be associated with the UE's bandwidth, and the UE can determine that the bandwidth of the measurement area corresponding to the cell measurement is equal to the UE's current bandwidth B3, etc. It can be understood that B1 = B2 + B3 + B4 + B5 + B6 + B7, meaning the UE can perform frequency hopping from time T1 to T6 to improve communication security. Furthermore, taking cell measurement as an example, the UE can use B2 for cell measurement at time T1, B3 at time T2, B4 at time T3, B5 at time T4, B6 at time T5, and B7 at time T6. In this way, the UE can combine the cell measurement results from time T1 to T6 to obtain the cell measurement results for the entire bandwidth.

[0193] Assuming the first device operates in power-saving mode, such that it is only active (measuring and communicating) within the measurement area and in sleep mode outside this area, the first device can further reduce its power consumption and improve energy efficiency by determining the minimum value between the physical channel bandwidth and the UE bandwidth as the bandwidth of the measurement area. For example, if... Figure 9 As shown, at time T1, the bandwidth of the measurement area corresponding to CSI-RS can be min(B2, B8).

[0194] It is understandable that the determination methods for other configuration parameters of the measurement area, such as time-domain configuration parameters, spatial-domain configuration parameters, code-domain configuration parameters, and power-domain configuration parameters, are similar to the determination methods for the bandwidth of the measurement area mentioned above. These methods can be used as a reference and will not be elaborated upon further. The following section uses cell measurement and channel measurement as examples to introduce the determination of time-domain, frequency-domain, and spatial-domain configuration parameters of the measurement area.

[0195] For example, for channel measurements, the configuration parameters of the measurement area can be determined based on reference signals or physical channels, such as rank index (RI), precoding matrix index (PMI), and channel quality indicator (CQI) measurements. The time domain of the measurement area can be determined by the service frequency carried by the data channel, the frequency domain bandwidth can be the same as the data channel, and the spatial domain can be determined by the data rate. As another example, for cell measurements, the configuration parameters of the measurement area can be determined by the number of associated cells and service area configuration, such as RRM measurements. The time domain of the measurement area can be determined by the moving speed of the first device and the number of neighboring cells, the frequency domain bandwidth can be the same as the SSB, and the spatial domain can be single-port or determined based on low-complexity precoding, etc., without limitation.

[0196] It is understood that the above situation 3 is introduced as an example where the configuration parameters of the measurement area are determined based on at least one reference signal or at least one measurement function. The configuration parameters of the measurement area can also be pre-configured, pre-defined, or displayed and indicated. For example, the second device can send the configuration parameters of the measurement area to the first device through indication information or configuration information, etc., without limitation.

[0197] It is understood that the naming of the measurement area above is only an example, and the measurement area can be replaced with any other possible name, such as measurement basic unit, etc., without limitation; the naming of the reference signal above is only an example, and the reference signal can be replaced with any other possible name, such as measurement signal, signal #1, etc., without limitation.

[0198] Regarding step S602 above:

[0199] The measurement area can be used by a first device to measure at least one reference signal and / or measure at least one measurement function only within the measurement area, wherein any one of the at least one reference signal is used for the measurement of one or more measurement functions. The measurement area can also be used by a second device to transmit at least one reference signal and / or receive the measurement result of the at least one reference signal only within the measurement area, etc., without limitation.

[0200] It is understood that the second device can obtain the measurement area through predefined or preconfigured methods, or from other network functions, without limitation. After obtaining the measurement area, the second device can notify the first device of the measurement area. For example, the second device can send configuration information to the first device, which may include information about the measurement area, corresponding to situation 1 above. It is understood that step S602 is an optional step, meaning that the second device may not need to obtain the measurement area, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0201] Regarding step S603 above:

[0202] After the second device acquires the measurement area, it can send a first reference signal to the first device within the measurement area. The first device can receive the first reference signal from the second device within the measurement area (i.e., step S604 below). At least one reference signal may include the first reference signal. The first reference signal can be any of the following: CSI-RS, SSB, PSS, SSS, TRS, PTRS, DMRS, CRS, PSS, or SRS, etc., without limitation. For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the first reference signal can be any one of SSB, TRS, or CSI-RS. For ease of understanding, this embodiment will use CSI-RS as an example for subsequent description. The second device can send CSI-RS to the first device within the measurement area, and the first device can receive CSI-RS from the second device within the measurement area.

[0203] Regarding step S604 above:

[0204] In one possible design, the first device receives a first reference signal from the second device within the measurement area, and / or transmits a measurement result corresponding to the first reference signal to the second device within the measurement area. Correspondingly, the second device receives the measurement result corresponding to the first reference signal from the first device within the measurement area.

[0205] The measurement results corresponding to the first reference signal may include at least one of the following: CSI, PMI, CQI, RI, layer indicator (LI), reference signal receiver power (RSRP), reference signal receiver quality (RSRQ), reference signal receiver indicator (RSSI), signal-to-interference-noise ratio (SINR), beam quality, cell quality, CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI), L1-RSRP, L1-RSRQ, etc., without limitation. After obtaining the measurement results corresponding to the first reference signal, the first device can transmit the measurement results corresponding to the first reference signal to the second device within the measurement area.

[0206] The measurement result corresponding to the first reference signal can be carried in at least one of the following: PUCCH, PUSCH, RRC signaling, medium access control-control element (MAC-CE) signaling, or DCI, that is, carried in an existing information element to reduce implementation difficulty, or it can be carried in a new information element to improve implementation flexibility, without limitation. It is understood that the specific implementation of the first device receiving and measuring the first reference signal, and the reporting of the measurement result corresponding to the first reference signal, in the embodiments of this application is not limited.

[0207] In summary, the first device can measure at least one reference signal and / or at least one measurement function only within the measurement area, and not measure the at least one reference signal and / or at least one measurement function outside the measurement area. In this way, centralized or converged measurement of the at least one reference signal or at least one measurement function can be achieved within the measurement area, so as to avoid the problem that the at least one reference signal or at least one measurement function needs to be measured on different resources, which would cause the first device to be constantly awake for measurement, thereby reducing the power consumption of the first device (which may be a terminal device).

[0208] In conjunction with the above embodiments, in one possible design scheme, the method may further include:

[0209] The first device communicates within the measurement area.

[0210] In other words, the first device can measure at least one reference signal and / or perform at least one measurement function within the measurement area, and can also communicate, such as transmitting control information and data, without limitation. This allows for resource reuse, improving resource utilization. Furthermore, the first device can enter a sleep or hibernation state outside the measurement area, ensuring that measurement and communication are limited to the measurement area. This measurement area can then be defined as a region restricting communication activities, and can have other names, such as "first area," etc. This allows for a trade-off between performance and power saving, enabling more sleep modes and effectively improving energy efficiency and conserving power.

[0211] It is understood that the same features in steps S601-S604 above, such as measurement area, at least one reference signal, at least one measurement function, etc., have the same meaning and can be understood by reference, without further explanation.

[0212] It is understood that the above example illustrates how a second device sends a first reference signal to a first device within a measurement area, and the first device receives the first reference signal from the second device within the measurement area. Assuming the second device is a network device and the first device is a terminal device, the first reference signal can be a downlink reference signal. Alternatively, the first device can also send a second reference signal (e.g., at least one reference signal includes a second reference signal) to the second device within the measurement area, and the second device can receive the second reference signal from the first device within the measurement area. Assuming the second device is a network device and the first device is a terminal device, the second reference signal can be an uplink reference signal. Or, the second device can send a first reference signal to the first device within the measurement area, and the first device can receive the first reference signal from the second device within the measurement area. Simultaneously, the first device can also send a second reference signal (e.g., at least one reference signal includes a second reference signal) to the second device within the measurement area, and the second device can receive the second reference signal from the first device within the measurement area (i.e., full-duplex). Assuming the second device is a network device and the first device is a terminal device, the first reference signal can be a downlink reference signal, and the second reference signal can be an uplink reference signal. The implementation principle is similar to the above example and can be understood by reference; further details are omitted.

[0213] For example, Figure 10 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 This communication method is applicable to communication between the first device and the second device in the aforementioned communication system.

[0214] Specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown, the flow of this communication method is as follows:

[0215] S1001, The second device sends the configuration information of the first reference signal to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device obtains the configuration information of the first reference signal.

[0216] S1002, The second device sends the first reference signal to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device obtains the first reference signal.

[0217] S1003, The second device performs measurements based on the first reference signal.

[0218] The relevant content in the above steps S1001 - S1003 will be described in detail below.

[0219] Regarding the above step S1001:

[0220] Among them, the configuration information may include a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration can be used to indicate a first part, and the second configuration can be used to indicate a second part. The first part of the first reference signal can be used for a first measurement function, and the second part of the second reference signal can be used for a second measurement function. The first measurement function and the second measurement function may include at least one of the following: cell measurement, channel measurement, time - frequency measurement, phase measurement, beam measurement, TRP measurement, sensing measurement, AI measurement, timing advance measurement, or any other possible measurement function, which is not limited.

[0221] The first part of the first reference signal can be the part of the first reference signal corresponding to the first resource, and the second part of the first reference signal can be the part of the first reference signal corresponding to the second resource. It can be understood that the first reference signal can occupy resources, such as resource #1 for measurement. This resource #1 can be a resource composed of at least one of time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, code domain, or power domain, which is not limited. Different resource parts of this resource #1 can be used for different measurement functions. For example, the part of the first resource in resource #1 can be used for the first measurement function, and the part of the second resource in resource #1 can be used for the second measurement function. That is, the first device can multiplex different resource parts of the first reference signal for multiple measurement functions.

[0222] Exemplarily, taking resource #1 as a time - frequency resource (the full bandwidth is B1) and the first reference signal as RS#a, as Figure 11 shown, at time t1, the bandwidth B2 (B2 < B1) can be used for cell measurement, beam measurement, etc.; combining time t1 and time t2, the bandwidth B2 can be used for time - frequency offset measurement, phase measurement, etc.; at time t1 or time t2, the bandwidth B^1 can be used for full - band channel measurement, etc., which is not limited.

[0223] It should be noted that the first reference signal can reuse an existing reference signal to reduce implementation difficulty, or it can be used in a new reference signal to improve implementation flexibility; there is no limitation. This configuration information can be carried in at least one of the following: PUCCH, PUSCH, RRC signaling, medium access control-control element (MAC-CE) signaling, or DCI, that is, carried in an existing information element to reduce implementation difficulty, or it can be carried in a new information element to improve implementation flexibility; there is no limitation.

[0224] It is understood that the first device can also obtain the configuration information of the first reference signal through other means, such as pre-configuration or pre-definition, without limitation. The naming of the above configuration information is only an example, and the measurement area can also be replaced with any other possible name, such as resource configuration information, information #1, etc., without limitation; the naming of the above first reference signal is only an example, and the first reference signal can also be replaced with any other possible name, such as measurement signal, signal #2, etc., without limitation.

[0225] Regarding step S1002 above:

[0226] The second device can send a first reference signal to the first device, and correspondingly, the first device can receive a first reference signal from the second device, such as RS#a above. The implementation process of this application embodiment is not limited.

[0227] Regarding step S1003 above:

[0228] In one possible design, the second device sends instruction information to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device receives the instruction information from the second device.

[0229] The first device measures the first reference signal using a first portion of the first reference signal according to the instruction information.

[0230] The indication information can be used to instruct the measurement of the first measurement function. That is, when the second device needs to obtain the measurement result corresponding to the first measurement function, the second device can activate the first configuration corresponding to the first measurement function through the indication information, that is, the part of the first reference signal corresponding to the first resource. The first device can trigger the measurement of the first reference signal using the first part of the first reference signal according to the indication information and the configuration information, so as to obtain the measurement result corresponding to the first measurement function, realizing on-demand instruction and achieving flexibility.

[0231] It is understood that the first device can also perform corresponding measurement functions (such as the second measurement function) on the first reference signal using the corresponding part (such as the second part) based on the received instruction information (such as an instruction to perform the second measurement function) and configuration information. The implementation principle is similar and can be understood by reference, so it will not be elaborated further. Based on the above introduction, it can be seen that different measurement functions of the first reference signal can be activated semi-statically, or activated and deactivated dynamically. The implementation process can be referred to existing implementations, so it will not be elaborated further.

[0232] For example, continuing with the above example, such as Figure 12 As shown in (a), the gNB can activate configuration #a, i.e., (t1, B2), through indication information #a1, so that the UE can use bandwidth B2 for cell measurement, beam measurement, etc. at time t1; Figure 12 As shown in (b), the gNB can activate configuration #2, i.e., (t1-t2, B2), through indication information #a2, so that the UE can use bandwidth B2 to perform time-frequency offset measurement, phase measurement, etc. at times t1 and t2; Figure 12 As shown in (c), the gNB can activate configuration #3 via indication information #a3, i.e., (t1, B1) or (t2, B1), so that the UE can use bandwidth B2 to perform full-band channel measurements at time t1 or t2, without limitation. When the gNB determines that the UE no longer needs to use the first reference signal for measurement, the gNB can also deactivate via deactivation information. The implementation principle is similar and can be understood by referring to it, without further explanation.

[0233] After the first device measures the first reference signal using a first portion of the first reference signal according to the instruction information and obtains a first measurement result (which can be used to characterize the first measurement function), the first device can also send the first measurement result to the second device. Similarly, the first device can also report a second measurement result (which can be used to characterize the second measurement function) obtained by measuring the first reference signal using a second portion of the first reference signal to the second device. This allows the second device to perform subsequent operations based on the measurement result, without limitation. It is understood that the specific implementation of the first device receiving and measuring the first reference signal, and the reporting of the measurement result corresponding to the first reference signal, in the embodiments of this application is not limited.

[0234] In summary, different parts of the first reference signal can be used for different measurement functions. In other words, the first device can perform different measurement functions by reusing different parts of the first reference signal, such as different resources. In this way, resource consumption and power consumption of the first device can be reduced, thus saving resource costs.

[0235] It is understood that the same features in the above steps S1001-S1003, such as the first reference signal, the configuration information of the first reference signal, the first configuration, the second configuration, the first part, the second part, the first measurement function, the second measurement function, etc., have the same meaning and can be understood by reference, without further explanation.

[0236] It is understood that the above embodiments are introduced using the measurement area as an example. The measurement area can also be replaced with any other custom area to perform the corresponding function. The implementation principle is similar and can be understood by reference, without further explanation. For example, the measurement area can also be replaced with a sensing area (such as sensing resources), that is, the first device can only perform centralized sensing within the sensing area. For another example, the measurement area can also be replaced with an AI area (such as AI resources), that is, the first device can only perform centralized AI measurement within the AI ​​area, etc., without limitation. For example, the implementation principle of the measurement area can also be applied to the measurement window. For example, (1) the (device) only communicates within the measurement window and does not communicate outside the measurement window; (2) the (device) is only activated within the measurement window and sleeps outside the measurement window; (3) the measurement window can be activated by a wake-up signal or a low-power wake-up signal (such as power consumption less than a preset value), etc., without limitation.

[0237] The above combination Figures 6-12 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail below. Figures 13-14 This document describes in detail the communication apparatus used to perform the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0238] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 1300 includes a transceiver module 1301 and a processing module 1302. For ease of explanation, Figure 13 Only the main components of the communication device 1300 are shown.

[0239] The transceiver module 1301 is used to perform the above. Figure 6 or Figure 10 The sending and receiving functions of the method shown are executed by the processing module 1302. Figure 6 or Figure 10 The method shown includes functions other than sending and receiving.

[0240] Optionally, the transceiver module 1301 may include a transmitting module. Figure 13 (not shown in the image) and receiving module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image). The transmitting module is used to implement the transmitting function of the communication device 1300, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function of the communication device 1300.

[0241] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may also include a storage module. Figure 13 (Not shown in the image), the storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1302 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 1300 can perform the above-described method. Figure 6 or Figure 10 The function of the first and / or second devices in the method shown.

[0242] It is understood that the communication device 1300 may be a terminal device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in a terminal device, or a device that includes a terminal device; or, the communication device 1300 may be a network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in a network device, or a device that includes a network device. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0243] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device 1300 can be referenced. Figure 6 or Figure 10 The technical effects of the communication method shown will not be elaborated here.

[0244] For example, Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 The communication device can be a terminal device or a network device, or it can be a chip (system) or other component or assembly of the terminal device or network device. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the communication device 1400 may include a processor 1401. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may also include a memory 1402 and / or a transceiver 1403. The processor 1401 is coupled to the memory 1402 and the transceiver 1403, for example, they may be connected via a communication bus.

[0245] The following is combined with Figure 14 A detailed description of each component of the communication device 1400 is provided below:

[0246] The processor 1401 is the control center of the communication device 1400. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 1401 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0247] Optionally, the processor 1401 can perform various functions of the communication device 1400, such as the functions described above, by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 1402 and calling data stored in the memory 1402. Figure 6 or Figure 10 The communication method shown.

[0248] In a specific implementation, as one example, the processor 1401 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 14 CPU0 and CPU1 are shown in the diagram.

[0249] In a specific implementation, as one example, the communication device 1400 may also include multiple processors, for example... Figure 14 The processors 1401 and 1404 are shown. Each of these processors can be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. A processor here can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0250] The memory 1402 is used to store the software program that executes the solution of this application, and is controlled by the processor 1401 to execute it. The specific implementation method can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0251] Optionally, the memory 1402 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory 1402 may be integrated with the processor 1401 or may exist independently, and may be connected via the interface circuit of the communication device 1400. Figure 14 (Not shown in the image) is coupled to processor 1401, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0252] Transceiver 1403 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, if communication device 1400 is a terminal device, transceiver 1403 can be used to communicate with a network device or with another terminal device. As another example, if communication device 1400 is a network device, transceiver 1403 can be used to communicate with a terminal device or with another network device.

[0253] Alternatively, transceiver 1403 may include a receiver and a transmitter. Figure 14 (Not shown separately). The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the sending function.

[0254] Alternatively, the transceiver 1403 can be integrated with the processor 1401, or it can exist independently and be connected via the interface circuit of the communication device 1400. Figure 14 (Not shown in the image) is coupled to processor 1401, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0255] It should be noted that, Figure 14 The structure of the communication device 1400 shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. Actual communication devices may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0256] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 1400 can be referred to the technical effects of the communication method described in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0257] This application provides a communication system. The communication system may include the terminal device and network device described in the above method embodiments.

[0258] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0259] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous linked DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0260] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0261] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0262] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0263] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0264] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0265] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0266] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0267] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0268] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0269] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0270] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first device, and includes: obtaining a measurement region; wherein the measurement region is used for the first device to measure at least one reference signal and / or at least one measurement function only in the measurement region, any one of the at least one reference signal being used for measurement of one or more measurement functions; performing measurement in the measurement region.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The measurement region includes a first measurement region and a second measurement region; wherein the first measurement region is at least one of a periodic region, a semi-persistent region, a region with a bandwidth less than or equal to a first bandwidth, a region with a port number less than or equal to a first port number, a region with power consumption less than or equal to a first power consumption, or a region with power less than or equal to a first power; and the second measurement region is at least one of a non-periodic region, a region with a bandwidth greater than or equal to a second bandwidth, a region with a port number greater than or equal to a second port number, a region with power consumption greater than or equal to a second power consumption, or a region with power greater than or equal to a second power; the second bandwidth is greater than the first bandwidth, the second port number is greater than the first port number, the second power consumption is greater than the first power consumption, and the second power is greater than the first power.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The measurement in the measurement region includes: receiving a first reference signal in the measurement region; wherein the at least one reference signal includes the first reference signal; and / or, sending a measurement result corresponding to the first reference signal in the measurement region.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, A configuration resource corresponding to the at least one reference signal is in the measurement region.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: communicating in the measurement region.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, A configuration parameter of the measurement region is determined according to the at least one reference signal or the at least one measurement function.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, A bandwidth of the measurement region is determined according to at least one of a bandwidth of the first device, a bandwidth of a physical channel, or a bandwidth of a reference signal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The at least one reference signal includes at least one of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a synchronization signal block (SSB), a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a phase noise tracking reference signal (PT-RS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a cell reference signal (CRS), or a sounding reference signal (SRS).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The at least one measurement function includes at least one of cell measurement, channel measurement, time-frequency measurement, phase measurement, beam measurement, transmit power (TRP) measurement, sensing measurement, artificial intelligence (AI) measurement, or timing advance measurement.

10. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a second device, and includes: obtaining a measurement region; wherein the measurement region is used for a first device to measure at least one reference signal and / or at least one measurement function only in the measurement region, any one of the at least one reference signal being used for measurement of one or more measurement functions; sending a first reference signal in the measurement region; wherein the at least one reference signal includes the first reference signal.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method further includes: receiving a measurement result corresponding to the first reference signal in the measurement region.

12. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus comprises means for performing the method of any of claims 1-11.

13. A communications device, characterized by comprising: a processor configured to execute a computer program to cause the communication apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 1-11.

14. A communication chip, comprising: a chip having stored therein computer programs or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the method of any of claims 1-11 to be implemented.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium comprises computer programs or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the communication method of any of claims 1-11.

16. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises computer programs or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the communication method of any of claims 1-11.

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