Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, and the method comprises the steps: transmitting a first request message which is used for requesting the configuration information of at least one application, and the at least one application comprises a first application; a first response message is received, the first response message comprises configuration information of the first application, the configuration information of the first application comprises first information and / or second information, the first information is used for indicating whether the first application will collect user information or not, and the second information is used for indicating whether the first application will collect user information or not; the second information is used for indicating the address of the protocol for the first application to collect the user information. By adopting the application, whether the application collects the user information can be confirmed, the right to know of the user is ensured, the safety of the user information is ensured, and the user experience is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The new call based on IP multimedia subsystem data channel (IMSDC) refers to establishing one or more data channels parallel to audio and video in an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) session, and any type of data can be transmitted in the data channel, such as pictures, audio, video, menus, actions, positions, expressions, etc., so as to realize real-time interaction, screen sharing, augmented reality (AR) superposition, and even full immersive experience of hearing, vision, and touch synchronization in the audio and video call.

[0003] In the new call establishment process, an application list will be downloaded first, and an application with an Autoload attribute will be downloaded. After the call is established, the user clicks the service icon to trigger the download of an application without the Autoload attribute. These are all carried through the bootstrap data channel (BDC). After the application is downloaded, the terminal device and the IMS network establish an application data channel (ADC) through the session initialization protocol (SIP) and the session description protocol (SDP), and the ADC is used to carry application-related services.

[0004] In various scenarios, how to protect user information is an important issue. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and device, which can confirm whether an application collects user information, guarantee the right to know of the user, guarantee the security of the user information, and improve the user experience.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applicable to a terminal device. This method can be executed by the terminal device itself, by components within the terminal device (e.g., processors, chips, circuits, or chip systems), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The method includes: sending a first request message, the first request message being used to request configuration information for at least one application, the at least one application including a first application; and receiving a first response message, the first response message including configuration information for the first application, the configuration information for the first application including first information and / or second information, the first information being used to indicate whether the first application will collect user information, and the second information being used to indicate the address of the protocol by which the first application collects user information.

[0007] For example, the configuration information of the first application may include first information and / or second information, or may be alternatively described as including one or more of the following: first information or second information.

[0008] Optionally, before the terminal device sends the first request message, a bootstrap data channel is established between the terminal device and the first network element. The terminal device sends the first request message in the bootstrap data channel, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first response message in the bootstrap data channel.

[0009] In the above method, the terminal device can determine whether the first application will collect user information based on the first information. Therefore, before downloading the first application, the user can determine whether the first application will collect user information, meaning the user is informed whether the first application collects user information, ensuring the user's right to know, guaranteeing the security of user information, and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the terminal device can obtain specific information on how the first application collects user information based on the second information. Correspondingly, the user is informed of the specific methods used by the first application to collect user information, further enhancing the user experience and protecting the user's legitimate rights.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second request message, the second request message including the second information; and receiving a second response message, the second response message including the protocol for the first application to collect user information.

[0011] In the above method, the terminal device can determine how the first application collects user information based on the protocol for collecting user information. Accordingly, the user can be informed of how the first application collects user information, which improves the user experience and further protects the user's legitimate rights and interests.

[0012] In another possible implementation, before sending the second request message, the method further includes: establishing a bootstrap data channel (BDC) with a first network element based on first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to request a query of the protocol by which the first application collects user information; sending the second request message includes: sending the second request message in the BDC; receiving the second response message includes: receiving the second response message in the BDC.

[0013] Optionally, before establishing a bootstrap data channel (BDC) with the first network element based on the first instruction information, the first instruction information from the user is received.

[0014] Optionally, the first instruction information used to request query the protocol for the first application to collect user information can be alternatively described as the first instruction information referring to the instruction information used by the user to request query the protocol for the first application to collect user information.

[0015] In the above method, point-to-point data transmission can be achieved by establishing a BDC, sending a second request message in the BDC, and receiving a second response message in the BDC.

[0016] In another possible implementation, the first response message further includes configuration information of the second application, the configuration information of the second application including third information and / or fourth information, the third information being used to indicate whether the second application will collect user information, the fourth information being used to indicate the address of the protocol by which the second application collects user information, and the method further including: displaying whether the first application and the second application will collect user information.

[0017] The above methods provide a more intuitive way to inform users whether the first and second applications will collect user information, which helps users choose which applications to download, improves user experience, and further protects users' legitimate rights and interests.

[0018] In another possible implementation, the configuration information of the second application further includes fifth information, which is used to instruct the download of the second application. The method further includes: receiving second instruction information, which is used to instruct consent to download the second application; and downloading the second application.

[0019] Optionally, the fifth information used to indicate the download of the second application can be replaced by describing the fifth information as indicating the automatic download of the second application, or the fifth information as indicating the second application to start automatically.

[0020] The above method ensures users' right to know and protects their legitimate rights and personal information security by obtaining their consent or authorization before downloading the second application.

[0021] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applicable to a first network element. This method can be executed by the first network element, by components within the first network element (e.g., processors, chips, circuits, or chip systems), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element. The method includes: receiving a first request message, the first request message being used to request configuration information of at least one application, the at least one application including a first application; and sending a first response message, the first response message including configuration information of the first application, the configuration information of the first application including first information and / or second information, the first information being used to indicate whether the first application will collect user information, and the second information being used to indicate the address of the protocol by which the first application collects user information.

[0022] Optionally, before the first network element receives the first request message, a bootstrapping data channel is established between the terminal device and the first network element. The first network element receives the first request message in the bootstrapping data channel, and correspondingly, the first network element sends a first response message in the bootstrapping data channel.

[0023] In the above method, the terminal device can determine whether the first application will collect user information based on the first information. Therefore, before downloading the first application, the user can determine whether the first application will collect user information, meaning the user is informed whether the first application collects user information, ensuring the user's right to know, guaranteeing the security of user information, and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the terminal device can obtain specific information on how the first application collects user information based on the second information. Correspondingly, the user is informed of the specific methods used by the first application to collect user information, further enhancing the user experience and protecting the user's legitimate rights.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a second request message, the second request message including the second information; and sending a second response message, the second response message including the protocol for the first application to collect user information.

[0025] In the above method, the first network element sends a protocol for the first application to collect user information to the terminal device. The terminal device can determine how the first application collects user information based on the protocol. Accordingly, the user can be informed of how the first application collects user information, which improves the user experience and further protects the user's legitimate rights and interests.

[0026] In another possible implementation, before receiving the second request message, the method further includes: establishing a bootstrap data channel (BDC) with the terminal device; receiving the second request message includes: receiving the second request message in the BDC; sending the second response message includes: sending the second response message in the BDC.

[0027] The above method enables point-to-point data transmission.

[0028] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which can be a terminal device, a component in the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, circuit, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include modules, units, or means that correspond one-to-one with the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit being configured to send a first request message, the first request message being configured to request configuration information of at least one application, the at least one application including a first application; the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a first response message, the first response message including configuration information of the first application, the configuration information of the first application including first information and / or second information, the first information being configured to indicate whether the first application will collect user information, and the second information being configured to indicate the address of the protocol by which the first application collects user information.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a second request message, the second request message including the second information; the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second response message, the second response message including the protocol for the first application to collect user information.

[0032] In another possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to establish a bootstrap data channel (BDC) with the first network element based on the first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to request a query of the protocol for the first application to collect user information; the transceiver unit is configured to send the second request message in the BDC; and the transceiver unit is configured to receive the second response message in the BDC.

[0033] In another possible implementation, the first response message further includes configuration information of the second application, which includes third and / or fourth information. The third information is used to indicate whether the second application will collect user information, and the fourth information is used to indicate the address of the protocol by which the second application collects user information. The processing unit is also used to display whether the first application and the second application will collect user information.

[0034] In another possible implementation, the configuration information of the second application further includes fifth information, which is used to instruct the download of the second application. The transceiver unit is also used to receive second instruction information, which is used to instruct consent to download the second application. The processing unit is also used to download the second application. For the technical effects of the third aspect or possible implementation, please refer to the description of the technical effects of the first aspect or corresponding implementation.

[0035] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which may be a first network element, a component within the first network element (e.g., a processor, chip, circuit, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include modules, units, or means that correspond one-to-one with the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect. These modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit being configured to receive a first request message, the first request message being configured to request configuration information of at least one application, the at least one application including a first application; the transceiver unit is further configured to send a first response message, the first response message including configuration information of the first application, the configuration information of the first application including first information and / or second information, the first information being configured to indicate whether the first application will collect user information, and the second information being configured to indicate the address of the protocol by which the first application collects user information.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second request message, the second request message including the second information; the transceiver unit is further configured to send a second response message, the second response message including the protocol for the first application to collect user information.

[0039] In another possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to establish a bootstrap data channel (BDC) with the terminal device; the transceiver unit is configured to receive the second request message in the BDC; and the transceiver unit is configured to send a second response message in the BDC.

[0040] For the technical effects of the fourth aspect or possible implementation, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the second aspect or corresponding implementation.

[0041] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including at least one processor, which invokes a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to execute the method described in the first aspect or a possible implementation thereof.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes the memory and the communication interface. Alternatively, the memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0044] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including at least one processor, which invokes a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to execute the method described in the second aspect or a possible implementation thereof.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes the memory and the communication interface. Alternatively, the memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0047] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip device including at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute computer programs or instructions to implement any of the above aspects or possible implementations of any of the above aspects.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any of the above-mentioned aspects or possible implementations, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the transmitting operation in any of the above-mentioned aspects or possible implementations.

[0049] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0050] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory storing computer program instructions.

[0051] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a processor, implement the methods described above.

[0052] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product that includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a processor, implement the method described in any of the above aspects.

[0053] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system comprising: the apparatus as described in the fifth aspect and the apparatus as described in the sixth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an IMSDC;

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a BDC call flow;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the download of DC applications via BDC;

[0058] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram provided in an embodiment of the present application, showing whether a first application and a second application collect user information;

[0060] Figures 7-9 This is a schematic diagram of yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0064] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0065] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document 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 alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" 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 represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0066] It is understood that in this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0067] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index; indirectly instructing the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed; or instructing only a part of the information to be instructed, 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.

[0068] 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. This application does not limit the specific sending method. 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.

[0069] It is understood that "send" and "receive" in this application refer to the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which can include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which can include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0070] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0071] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0072] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to cellular communication systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4th generation (4G) communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication systems, and also to 5th generation (5G) communication systems, such as 5G New Radio (NR) communication systems, or to various future communication systems and future communication networks. The method provided in this application can also be applied to Bluetooth systems, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, LoRa systems, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, communication systems supporting the integration of multiple wireless technologies, and device-to-device (D2D) systems. The method provided in this application can also be applied to satellite communication systems, wherein the satellite communication system can be integrated with the above-mentioned communication systems. The wireless communication systems involved in this application also include, but are not limited to: narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), or Time Division-Synchronization Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA).

[0073] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application, to Figure 1The application scenario used in this application is illustrated using the communication system architecture shown. The communication system includes terminal equipment and a data channel signaling function (DCSF) network element. The terminal equipment can be a data channel capable multimedia telephony service for IMS (DCMTSI) terminal that supports both IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) multimedia telephony services and data channel (DC) functionality. Optionally, the communication system may also include a media function (MF) network element, a data channel application server (DCapplication server), a data channel application repository (DCAR), and a network exposure function (NEF) network element. Optionally, the MF network element can also be called a data channel media function (DCMF) network element. For example, the MF network element is a collection of media plane functions, and the DCMF network element is one of the media plane functions. Optionally, the communication system may also include an IP multimedia subsystem home subscriber server (IMSHSS), an IP multimedia subsystem application server (IMS AS), an interrogation call session control function (I-CSCF), a serving call session control function (S-CSCF), a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF), an IP multimedia subsystem access gateway (IMS-AGW), and a remote IP multimedia subsystem (remote IMS).The main functions of each network element are as follows:

[0074] DCSF network elements are mainly used for the distribution of DC applications, the establishment and dismantling of DCs, and policy control.

[0075] MF network element: mainly used for the control and forwarding of DC media.

[0076] DCapplication server: For example, it can be a world wide area network server (Web Server), mainly used to send necessary information to users when they use DC applications.

[0077] DCAR: Primarily used to store databases for DC applications, it connects to DCSF network elements via the DC5 interface.

[0078] NEF network elements are primarily responsible for exposing network capabilities to the outside world and providing standard interfaces.

[0079] HSS: This is the user database in the IMS network, primarily used to store user configuration information, service permissions, and user location. It can interact with other components to provide necessary user information.

[0080] IMS AS: Primarily used to provide various multimedia applications and services, such as voice calls, video calls, and instant messaging. It can provide personalized services based on user needs and operator policies.

[0081] I-CSCF: This is a signaling node in the IMS core network, primarily responsible for handling user registration and session establishment requests. It can request user configuration information from the HSS and select the appropriate S-CSCF to handle the session request.

[0082] S-CSCF: This is a service node in the IMS core network, primarily responsible for handling user session requests and session control. It establishes sessions with terminal devices and provides multimedia communication services.

[0083] P-CSCF: This is the access point of the IMS core network, primarily responsible for handling communication between terminal devices and the IMS network. It provides functions such as user authentication, address forwarding, and session control.

[0084] IMS-AGW: This is the access gateway for the IMS core network media, primarily responsible for handling communication between the IMS network and terminals. It provides functions such as gateway control, network address translation (NAT) traversal, and flow control.

[0085] UnderstandableFigure 1 This application only illustrates one possible communication system architecture to which this embodiment can be applied. In other possible scenarios, the communication system architecture may also include other devices. It should be noted that the aforementioned terminal device can be any of the following terminal devices. The method proposed in this application embodiment can be applied to... Figure 1 The communication system shown.

[0086] (1) Terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., is a device that provides voice or data connectivity to a user. Specifically, it includes devices that provide voice connectivity to a user, devices that provide data connectivity to a user, or devices that provide both voice and data connectivity to a user. For example, it may include handheld devices with wireless connectivity or processing devices connected to a wireless modem. This terminal equipment can communicate with the core network via a radio access network (RAN), exchanging voice or data with the RAN, or interacting with the RAN to exchange voice and data. Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.), in-vehicle devices (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in remote surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, and flying equipment (such as intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. Terminal devices can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, a terminal device can also be a device that performs terminal functions in D2D communication.Terminal devices can also include vehicle-to-everything (V2X) terminal devices, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal devices, internet of things (IoT) terminal devices, light UEs, reduced capability UEs (REDCAP UEs), subscriber units, subscriber stations, mobile stations, remote stations, access points (APs), remote terminals, access terminals, user terminals, user agents, or user devices, and drone equipment. For example, this can include mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers with mobile terminal devices, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, and computer-embedded mobile devices, etc. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) telephones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). It also includes limited devices, such as those with low power consumption, limited storage capacity, or limited computing power. Examples include information sensing devices such as barcode scanners, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, global positioning systems (GPS), and laser scanners. In this application, terminal devices with wireless transceiver capabilities and chips that can be installed in the aforementioned terminal devices are collectively referred to as terminal devices.

[0087] It should be noted that the terminal device may be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuitry, or a chip, module or control unit in the device or apparatus shown above. This application does not limit the specific device.

[0088] To better understand the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, some terms, concepts or processes involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0089] DC: A method for transferring data from one point to another.

[0090] Bootstrap data channel (BDC): This is a data channel, typically established between the terminal device and the calling or called network, used to obtain bootloaders, application lists, or specific IP multimedia subsystem data channel (IMSDC) applications. In other words, it is mainly used to download a list of mini-programs or specific mini-programs during a call.

[0091] Application data channel (ADC): This is a data channel that is generally established between terminal devices or between a terminal device and the calling or called network, and is used for data exchange between two points in a specific application.

[0092] IP Multimedia Subsystem Data Channel Application (IMSDCAPP): This can be simply referred to as an APP. It is an application that uses IMSDC for downloading and / or exchanging data.

[0093] I. IMSDC

[0094] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of IMSDC. As shown in the figure, IMSDC refers to establishing one or more data channels in an IMS session that transmit data in parallel with audio and video. Any type of data can be transmitted in this data channel, such as pictures, audio, video, menus, actions, locations, emoticons, etc. This enables real-time interaction, screen sharing, augmented reality (AR) overlay, and even a fully immersive experience with synchronized auditory, visual, and tactile sensations during audio and video calls.

[0095] Terminal devices and the IMS network can negotiate and establish a Data Center (DC) through the Session Description Protocol (SDP) and Media Description Offer and Media Description Answer. The IMS network can then distribute diverse application content to the terminal devices via the DC. For example, this application content can include world wide area network (WAN) pages and JavaScript scripts. Through DC technology, IMS can support rapid innovation, deployment, and launch of new services. At the same time, based on this approach, the burden on terminal devices can be significantly reduced during new service innovation. Page display layout, operation buttons, etc., can be flexibly customized and distributed by the network side, avoiding the need for different terminal devices to develop for each service individually.

[0096] IMSDC is a further extension of IMS to support rich media services. IMS has been well deployed in various operators and has good prospects for future evolution. Mini-programs that use IMSDC for downloading and / or exchanging data are called IMSDC applications, or simply DC applications or DC APPs.

[0097] During the establishment of a new call, the application list and applications with the autoload attribute are downloaded first. After the call is established, clicking the service icon will trigger the download of applications without the autoload attribute. All of these are carried out through BDC. After the applications are downloaded, the terminal device and the IMS network establish ADC through the session initialization protocol (SIP) and SDP. This ADC is used to carry application-related services.

[0098] II. BDC Call Flow

[0099] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a BDC call flow, as shown below:

[0100] Step 1: Terminal device 1 sends an invite message.

[0101] The invite message includes audio media description information, video media description information, and SDP media description information for BDC.

[0102] Step 2: IMS AS performs DC routing decisions and DCSF addressing.

[0103] Step 3: The IMS AS sends an IMS AS session event reporting notification (Nimsas_SesssionEventControl_Notify) message to the DCSF network element.

[0104] This step is optional.

[0105] Step 4: The DCSF network element decides whether to provide DC and determines the DC control strategy.

[0106] Step 5: DCSF network element creates and terminates DC media information.

[0107] Step 6: The DCSF network element sends a media instruction (Nimsas_MediaControl_MediaInstruction) message from the IMS AS media control service to the IMS AS.

[0108] This step is optional.

[0109] Step 7: IMS AS performs MF element addressing.

[0110] Step 8: The IMS AS requests the MF network element to reserve media resources for the initiating and terminating DCs, and the MF network element allocates resources for the initiating and terminating MDC1s.

[0111] Step 9: The IMS AS sends a Media Instruction Response (Nimsas_MediaControl_MediaInstructionresponse) message from the IMS AS Media Control Service to the DCSF network element.

[0112] This step is optional.

[0113] Step 10: The DCSF network element sends an IMS AS session event reporting notification response (Nimsas_SesssionEventControl_Notifyresponse) message to the IMS AS.

[0114] This step is optional.

[0115] Step 11: The IMS AS sends an invite message to the I-CSCF or S-CSCF.

[0116] Step 12: The I-CSCF or S-CSCF sends an invite message to the terminal network or terminal device 2.

[0117] Step 13: Terminal network negotiation.

[0118] Step 14: 18X message and / or reliable provisional response acknowledgement (PRACK) message and / or 200 OK (PRACK) message and / or update (UPDATE) message.

[0119] Step 15: The terminal network or terminal device 2 sends a 200 OK message to the I-CSCF or S-CSCF.

[0120] Step 16: The I-CSCF or S-CSCF sends a 200 OK message to the IMS AS.

[0121] Step 17: IMS AS sends a Nimsas_SesssionEventControl_Notify message to DCSF.

[0122] Step 18: DCSF sends a Nimsas_SesssionEventControl_Notifyresponse message to IMS AS.

[0123] Step 19: IMS AS sends a 200 OK message to I-CSCF or S-CSCF, I-CSCF or S-CSCF sends a 200 OK message to P-CSCF, and P-CSCF sends a 200 OK message to terminal device 1.

[0124] For example, steps 1-19 constitute the process of media negotiation signaling interaction.

[0125] Step 20-1: Data Channel 1 is established.

[0126] In this context, data channel 1 is a BDC (Browser Data Channel). A data channel is a BDC when its stream ID is less than 1000. For example, the stream ID or data map (dcmap) of data channel 1 is 0 or 10.

[0127] Step 20-2: Download the list of DC applications.

[0128] This can be understood as terminal device 1 downloading the corresponding application list, i.e., the DC application list, through the BDC.

[0129] Step 20-3: Dedicated DC application request and download from the initiator of DCSF.

[0130] This can be understood as the terminal device downloading the corresponding application through BDC.

[0131] For example, step 20-1 is the process of establishing a BDC, that is, the process of establishing a BDC between terminal device 1 and the calling DCSF. During the process of establishing a BDC between terminal device 1 and the calling DCSF, the DCMF network element will be used for relay. Steps 20-2 and 20-3 are the processes of using the BDC.

[0132] Step 21-1: Establish data channel 2.

[0133] Here, data channel 2 is a BDC. For example, the streamID or dcmap of data channel 2 is 100,110.

[0134] Step 21-2: Download the list of DC applications.

[0135] Step 21-3: Dedicated DC application request and download from the initiator of DCSF.

[0136] For example, step 21-1 is the process of establishing a BDC between the called and calling networks, that is, the process of establishing a BDC between terminal device 2 and calling DCSF. During the process of establishing a BDC between terminal device 2 and calling DCSF, the DCMF network element will be used for relay. Steps 21-2 and 21-3 are the process of using the BDC.

[0137] Step 22-1: Establish data channel 3.

[0138] Here, data channel 3 is a BDC. For example, the streamID or dcmap of data channel 3 is 100,110.

[0139] Step 22-2: Download the list of DC applications.

[0140] Step 22-3: Dedicated DC application request and download from terminal DCSF.

[0141] For example, step 22-1 is the process of establishing a BDC for the calling and called networks, and steps 22-2 and 22-3 are the process of using the BDC.

[0142] Step 23: Data Channel 4 is established, DC application list is downloaded, and dedicated DC application is downloaded.

[0143] Here, data channel 4 is a BDC. For example, the streamID or dcmap of data channel 4 is 0,10.

[0144] For example, step 23 is the process of establishing a BDC for the called party and the called network.

[0145] Steps 1-23 above illustrate the BDC call flow diagram. For example, BDC establishment includes four steps, as follows: the calling party and its network establish a BDC (e.g., step 20-1); the called party and its network establish a BDC (e.g., step 21-1); the calling party and its network establish a BDC (e.g., step 22-1); and the called party and its network establish a BDC (e.g., step 23). When these four steps are completed, the BDC is successfully established.

[0146] Step 24: Subsequent steps.

[0147] For example, the next step is the ADC setup process.

[0148] The above describes how to create a BDC. The following will explain how to download DC applications using the created BDC. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of downloading DC applications via BDC, as shown below:

[0149] Step 1: Terminal device A and DCSF network element establish BDC.

[0150] For details, please refer to the above. Figure 3 Steps 1-23 in the previous steps will not be repeated here.

[0151] Step 2: Terminal device A sends a request message to the DCSF network element.

[0152] This request message can be a Hypertext Transfer Protocol Get (HTTP GET) message. This request message is used to request a list of applications.

[0153] Step 3: The DCSF network element generates an application list based on the request message.

[0154] For example, the list should include one or more applications, each corresponding to a DCAPP profile.

[0155] For example, DCSF network elements generate an application list based on user subscription data.

[0156] Step 4: The DCSF network element sends a response message to terminal device A.

[0157] For example, the response message includes a list of applications. For instance, the response message could be a 200 OK message, with the application list included in the body of the 200 OK message.

[0158] Step 5: Terminal device A displays the application list.

[0159] This can be understood as terminal device A presenting the application list received from the DCSF to the user. Correspondingly, the user can request any application included in the application list; that is, the user can select any application from the presented application list. If the user requests any application, steps 6-8 are triggered, as detailed below.

[0160] Step 6: Terminal device A sends a request message to the DCSF network element.

[0161] This request message is used to request any application selected by the user. For example, this request message is a Hypertext Transfer Protocol GetApp URL (HTTPGet AppURL).

[0162] Step 7: The DCSF network element sends a response message to terminal device A.

[0163] This response message includes any application selected by the user. For example, this response message is an HTTP 200 OK message.

[0164] Step 8: The DC application runs on terminal device A.

[0165] As can be seen from the above process, when a user selects any application from the application list, they cannot be sure whether the corresponding application will collect user information, which infringes on the user's right to know.

[0166] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0167] S501: The terminal device sends the first request message.

[0168] For example, the terminal device sends a first request message to the first network element, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the first request message from the terminal device. The first request message is used to request configuration information of at least one application, which includes the first application. Optionally, the first request message is used to request at least one application and / or configuration information of at least one application. Optionally, the configuration information of at least one application and / or at least one application may be included in an application list, that is, the application list includes configuration information of at least one application and / or at least one application, and the first request message is used to request the application list.

[0169] For example, the first request message can be an HTTP GET message. The first network element can be... Figure 1 The DCSF network element in the communication system shown.

[0170] In one possible implementation, before the terminal device sends the first request message, a first BDC is established between the terminal device and the first network element. The specific establishment process can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 3 For example, as described in the relevant description, the terminal device sends a first request message in the first BDC, and the first network element sends a first response message to the terminal device in the first BDC.

[0171] S502: The first network element sends the first response message.

[0172] For example, the first network element sends a first response message to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first response message from the first network element.

[0173] The first response message includes configuration information of the first application. Optionally, the first response message may also include the first application. The configuration information of the first application includes first information and / or second information, and may also be described as including one or more of the following: first information or second information. Optionally, the configuration information may also be described as a configuration file (profile).

[0174] The first information indicates whether the first application will collect user information; for example, the first information may occupy 1 bit. When the first information is in a first state, it indicates that the first application will collect user information; when the first information is in a second state, it indicates that the first application will not collect user information. For example, the first state is 1 and the second state is 0; or, the first state is 0 and the second state is 1.

[0175] The second information indicates the address of the protocol used by the first application to collect user information; this address can be a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). For example, the second information can be a string data type. In one example, the first information is a first state; when the first state is 1, the first information indicates that the first application will collect user information, and correspondingly, the second information indicates the address of the protocol used by the first application to collect user information, such as http: / / XXXX. In another example, the first information is a second state; when the second state is 0, the first information indicates that the first application will not collect user information, and correspondingly, the second information is empty.

[0176] Optionally, the first response message may also include configuration information of at least one application other than the first application, and / or configuration information of at least one application other than the first application. That is, the first response message can be understood as including configuration information of at least one application, and / or configuration information of at least one application. In one possible example, the configuration information of at least one application, and / or configuration information of at least one application, may be presented in the form of a list. Optionally, the configuration information of at least one application and / or configuration information of at least one application is included in the application list; that is, the application list includes the configuration information of at least one application, and the first response message includes the application list.

[0177] In one example, the terminal device sends a first request message requesting configuration information for at least one application, including APP1, APP2, and APP3, where APP1 is the first application. A first network element sends a first response message. In one example, the first response message includes the configuration information of the first application, i.e., the configuration information of APP1; optionally, the first response message also includes APP1. In another example, the first response message includes the configuration information of the first application, i.e., the configuration information of APP1, and also includes the configuration information of APP2; optionally, the first response message also includes APP1 and APP2. In yet another example, the first response message includes the configuration information of the first application, i.e., the configuration information of APP1, and also includes the configuration information of APP2 and APP3; optionally, the first response message also includes APP1, APP2, and APP3.

[0178] In one possible implementation, before the first network element sends the first response message, the first network element determines the configuration information of the first application.

[0179] For example, the first response message can be a 200 OK message, and the body of the 200 OK message includes the configuration information of the first application.

[0180] For example, the configuration information of the first application may also include one or more of the following: application identifier, application name, application icon, application loading time, automatic download, automatic startup, if working in the absence of the same data channel, supported scenarios, usage conditions, or 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) quality of service indication. For relevant explanations of the above parameters, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Table 1.

[0181] Table 1

[0182]

[0183]

[0184] In one possible implementation, the first response message further includes configuration information of the second application, which includes third and / or fourth information. The third information is used to indicate whether the second application will collect user information, and the fourth information is used to indicate the address of the protocol by which the second application collects user information. The method further includes displaying whether the first and second applications will collect user information.

[0185] For example, the configuration information of the second application may include third information and / or fourth information, or alternatively, the configuration information of the second application may include one or more of the following: third information or fourth information. It should be noted that the first application and the second application may be the same application or different applications; this application embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0186] The display of whether the first and second applications collect user information can be understood as displaying whether the first application collects user information based on first information, and whether the second application collects user information based on third information. When the first information indicates that the first application collects user information, it displays that the first application collects user information; when the first information indicates that the first application does not collect user information, it displays that the first application does not collect user information. Similarly, when the third information indicates that the second application collects user information, it displays that the second application collects user information; when the third information indicates that the second application does not collect user information, it displays that the second application does not collect user information.

[0187] In one example, see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram provided by an embodiment of the present application, showing whether a first application and a second application will collect user information. For example, the first information is used to indicate that the first application will collect user information, and the third information is used to indicate that the second application will not collect user information. The first application is APP1, and the second application is APP2. As shown in the figure, it shows that APP1 will collect user information and APP2 will not collect user information.

[0188] The above methods provide a more intuitive way to inform users whether the first and second applications will collect user information, which helps users choose which applications to download, improves user experience, and further protects users' legitimate rights and interests.

[0189] The following will explain how, during the process of downloading the first application through the first BDC, when a user wishes to determine in detail how the first application collects user information, they can request the protocol for the first application to collect user information through the terminal device. The specific process is as follows:

[0190] In another possible implementation, after the terminal device receives the first response message, the method further includes: the terminal device sending a second request message, and the terminal device receiving a second response message.

[0191] For example, the terminal device sends a second request message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the second request message from the terminal device. This second request message includes second information, specifically the address of the protocol for the first application to collect user information. For example, this second request message can be an HTTP GET message. Then, the first network element obtains the protocol for the first application to collect user information based on the second information. Then, the first network element sends a second response message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second response message from the first network element. This second response message includes the protocol for the first application to collect user information. The protocol for the first application to collect user information includes one or more of the following: the scope of user information collection or the method used. Optionally, the terminal device can display the protocol for the first application to collect user information. Through the above method, the terminal device can determine how the first application specifically collects user information based on the protocol for the first application to collect user information. Correspondingly, the user can be informed of how the first application specifically collects user information, improving the user experience and further protecting the user's legitimate rights.

[0192] For example, the terminal device sends a second request message to the first network element in the first BDC, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the second request message from the terminal device in the first BDC. The first network element sends a second response message to the terminal device in the first BDC, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second response message from the first network element in the first BDC.

[0193] Optionally, before sending the second request message, the terminal device may receive a first operation from the user, which is used to determine the protocol for obtaining user information collected by the first application.

[0194] Optionally, after receiving the second response message, the terminal device sends a third request message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the third request message from the terminal device. This third request message includes the acquisition address of the first application. For example, the acquisition address can be the URL of the first application. The first network element downloads the first application based on the acquisition address. Then, the first network element sends a third response message to the terminal device, which includes the first application. Alternatively, the terminal device sends the third request message to the first network element in the first BDC. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the third request message from the terminal device in the first BDC. Then, the first network element sends a third response message to the terminal device in the first BDC. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third response message from the first network element in the first BDC.

[0195] After the terminal device receives the first response message, before downloading the second application through the first BDC, if the configuration information of the second application includes the application collecting user information and downloading or automatically starting the second application, the terminal device needs to obtain the user's permission. Only after the user authorizes and agrees can the terminal device download the second application. The specific process is as follows:

[0196] In another possible implementation, the first response message includes configuration information of the first application and configuration information of the second application. The configuration information of the second application includes third information and / or fourth information. The third information is used to indicate that the second application will collect user information, and the fourth information is used to indicate the address of the protocol for the second application to collect user information. The configuration information of the second application also includes fifth information, which is used to indicate that the second application is downloaded. The method further includes: the terminal device receiving second indication information, which indicates consent to download the second application and downloading the second application.

[0197] The explanation of the third information can be found in the explanation of the first information, and the explanation of the fourth information can be found in the explanation of the second information; these will not be repeated here. For example, the terminal device receiving the second instruction information may mean that the terminal device receives second instruction information from the user.

[0198] For example, the fifth information is used to instruct the download of the second application. It can also be understood as the fifth information being used to instruct the automatic download of the second application, or the fifth information being used to instruct the second application to start automatically. For example, the fifth information can be automatic download (Autoload) or automatic startup (Autolaunch).

[0199] In one possible implementation, the process of the terminal device downloading the second application can be as follows: the terminal device sends a fourth request message and receives a fourth response message.

[0200] For example, the terminal device sends a fourth request message to the first network element, and the first network element receives the fourth request message from the terminal device. The fourth request message includes the acquisition address of the second application. For example, the acquisition address can be the URL of the second application. The first network element downloads the second application based on the acquisition address of the second application. Then, the first network element sends a fourth response message to the terminal device. The fourth response message includes the second application.

[0201] For example, the terminal device sends a fourth request message to the first network element in the first BDC, and the first network element receives the fourth request message from the terminal device in the first BDC. Then, the first network element sends a fourth response message to the terminal device in the first BDC, and the terminal device receives the fourth response message from the first network element in the first BDC.

[0202] The above method ensures users' right to know and protects their legitimate rights and personal information security by obtaining their consent or authorization before downloading the second application.

[0203] The above explains how to query the protocol for collecting user information in the first application when downloading the first application through the first BDC, and the process of obtaining user permission before downloading the second application through the first BDC. The following will describe the process of obtaining the protocol for collecting user information in the first application when the terminal device includes the first application and its configuration information (i.e., the terminal device caches the first application and its configuration information). The specific process is as follows:

[0204] In another possible implementation, before the terminal device sends the second request message, the method further includes: the terminal device establishing a BDC with the first network element based on the first indication information, the first indication information being used to request a query of the protocol for the first application to collect user information; the terminal device sending the second request message in the BDC and receiving the second response message in the BDC.

[0205] The relevant descriptions of the second request message and the second response message can be found above and will not be repeated here. Before the terminal device establishes a BDC with the first network element based on the first indication information, the terminal device receives the first indication information; for example, the terminal device receives the first indication information from the user.

[0206] For example, the establishment of a BDC between the terminal device and the first network element based on the first instruction information can be understood as the terminal device triggering the establishment of a BDC between itself and the first network element based on the first instruction information. The specific process of establishing a BDC between the terminal device and the first network element can be referred to Figure 3 The relevant descriptions in the document will not be repeated here.

[0207] Here, the BDC can be a second BDC, meaning the terminal device sends a second request message and receives a first response message in the second BDC, at which point the first BDC has been disconnected. This can be understood as follows: when the terminal device downloads the first application through the first BDC, meaning the terminal device caches the first application and its configuration information, and the first BDC is disconnected, when the user requests to query the protocol for collecting user information by the first application, the terminal device establishes a second BDC with the first network element based on the first instruction information, sends a second request message to the first network element in the second BDC, and receives a second response message from the first network element in the second BDC.

[0208] In the above method, point-to-point data transmission can be achieved by establishing a BDC between the terminal device and the first network element based on the first instruction information, sending a second request message in the BDC, and receiving a second response message in the BDC.

[0209] exist Figure 5 In the described method, the terminal device can determine whether the first application will collect user information based on the first information. Therefore, before downloading the first application, the user can determine whether the first application will collect user information, meaning the user is informed whether the first application collects user information, ensuring the user's right to know, guaranteeing the security of user information, and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the terminal device can obtain information on how the first application specifically collects user information based on the second information. Correspondingly, the user is informed of the specific methods used by the first application to collect user information, further enhancing the user experience and protecting the user's legitimate rights.

[0210] The following section explains how to query the protocol for the first application to collect user information during the download process of the first application via the first BDC. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0211] S701: The terminal equipment establishes the first BDC with the first network element.

[0212] Among them, the first network element can be Figure 1 For details on establishing a BDC between the terminal device and the first network element in the DCSF network element, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 The relevant descriptions in the document will not be repeated here.

[0213] S702: The terminal device sends a first request message to the first network element.

[0214] Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first request message from the terminal device.

[0215] The first request message is used to request configuration information for at least one application, including the first application. Optionally, the first request message is used to request configuration information for at least one application and / or at least one application. Optionally, the configuration information for at least one application and / or at least one application is included in an application list, that is, the application list includes configuration information for at least one application and / or at least one application, and the first request message is used to request the application list. For example, the terminal device sends the first request message to the first network element in the first BDC, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the first request message from the terminal device in the first BDC. For details, please refer to the relevant description in step S501.

[0216] S703: The first network element determines the configuration information of at least one application.

[0217] The first network element determining the configuration information of at least one application can refer to the first network element determining an application list based on the user's subscription data. This can be understood as the first network element determining at least one application and / or the configuration information of at least one application based on the user's subscription data, where the at least one application includes the first application.

[0218] S704: The first network element sends the first response message to the terminal device.

[0219] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first response message from the first network element.

[0220] The first response message includes configuration information of a first application. This configuration information includes first information and / or second information, where the first information indicates whether the first application will collect user information, and the second information indicates the address of the protocol used by the first application to collect user information. The first response message may also include configuration information of a second application, which includes third information and / or fourth information, where the third information indicates whether the second application will collect user information, and the fourth information indicates the address of the protocol used by the second application to collect user information. Optionally, the first response message may also include the first application and / or the second application. Alternatively, the first response message includes a list of applications, which includes at least one application and / or the configuration information of at least one application. The configuration information of each application in the at least one application can refer to the relevant description in the configuration information of the first application, specifically the relevant description in step S502.

[0221] For example, the first network element sends a first response message to the terminal device in the first BDC, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first response message from the first network element in the first BDC.

[0222] S705: The terminal device displays whether the first and second applications will collect user information.

[0223] This step is optional.

[0224] For example, the terminal device may display whether a first application collects user information based on first information, and whether a second application collects user information based on third information. This process can also be understood as the terminal device displaying whether at least one application collects user information.

[0225] S706: The terminal device determines the protocol for obtaining user information collected by the first application.

[0226] This step is optional.

[0227] For example, a terminal device may receive a first operation from a user, the first operation being used to determine an agreement for obtaining user information collected by a first application.

[0228] S707: The terminal device sends a second request message to the first network element.

[0229] Correspondingly, the first network element receives the second request message from the terminal device.

[0230] This step is optional.

[0231] The second request message includes second information, specifically the address of the protocol used by the first application to collect user information. For example, the terminal device sends the second request message to the first network element in the first BDC, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the second request message from the terminal device in the first BDC. See the relevant description in step S502 for details.

[0232] S708: The first network element sends a second response message to the terminal device.

[0233] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives a second response message from the first network element.

[0234] This step is optional.

[0235] The second response message includes the protocol for the first application to collect user information. For example, the first network element sends the second response message to the terminal device in the first BDC, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second response message from the first network element in the first BDC. See the relevant description in step S502 for details.

[0236] S709: The terminal device displays the protocol for the first application to collect user information.

[0237] S710: The terminal device sends a third request message to the first network element.

[0238] Correspondingly, the first network element receives a third request message from the terminal device. This third request message includes the address for obtaining the first application; for example, this address can be the URL of the first application, and the first network element downloads the first application based on this address.

[0239] For example, the terminal device sends a third request message to the first network element in the first BDC, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the third request message from the terminal device in the first BDC.

[0240] S711: The first network element sends a third response message to the terminal device.

[0241] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives a third response message from the first network element. This third response message includes the first application.

[0242] For example, the first network element sends a third response message to the terminal device in the first BDC, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third response message from the first network element in the first BDC.

[0243] S712: The first application runs on the terminal device.

[0244] In the above method, the terminal device can determine whether the first application will collect user information based on the first information. Therefore, before downloading the first application, the user can determine whether the first application will collect user information, meaning the user is informed whether the first application collects user information, ensuring the user's right to know, guaranteeing the security of user information, and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the terminal device can obtain specific information on how the first application collects user information based on the second information. Correspondingly, the user is informed of the specific methods used by the first application to collect user information, further enhancing the user experience and protecting the user's legitimate rights.

[0245] The following explains that before downloading the second application through the first BDC, if the second application's configuration information includes the application collecting user information and downloading or automatically starting the second application, the terminal device needs to obtain the user's permission. Only after the user grants authorization can the terminal device download the second application. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0246] For S801-S804, please refer to the relevant descriptions in S701-S704.

[0247] S805: The terminal device receives the second instruction information.

[0248] In this scenario, when the first response message includes configuration information for a first application and a second application, and the second application's configuration information includes third and / or fourth information (the third information indicating that the second application will collect user information, the fourth information indicating the address of the protocol for the second application to collect user information, and the second application's configuration information also includes fifth information indicating that the second application should be downloaded), the terminal device receives a second instruction message indicating agreement to download the second application, and then the terminal device downloads the second application. In one possible implementation, the process of the terminal device downloading the second application includes steps S806 and S807, which will not be elaborated here.

[0249] S806: The terminal device sends a fourth request message to the first network element.

[0250] The fourth request message includes the address of the second application. For example, the terminal device sends the fourth request message to the first network element in the first BDC, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the fourth request message from the terminal device in the first BDC. See the relevant description in S502 for details.

[0251] S807: The first network element sends the fourth response message to the terminal device.

[0252] The fourth request message includes a second application. For example, the first network element sends a fourth response message to the terminal device in the first BDC, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fourth response message from the first network element in the first BDC.

[0253] S808: The second application runs on the terminal device.

[0254] In the above method, the terminal device can determine whether the first application will collect user information based on the first information. Therefore, before downloading the first application, the user can determine whether the first application will collect user information, meaning the user is informed whether the first application collects user information, ensuring the user's right to know, guaranteeing the security of user information, and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the terminal device can obtain specific information on how the first application collects user information based on the second information. Correspondingly, the user is informed of the specific methods used by the first application to collect user information, further enhancing the user experience and protecting the user's legitimate rights.

[0255] The above Figure 7 This section explains how to query the protocol by which the first application collects user information during the download process of the first application via the first BDC. Figure 8 Before downloading the second application through the first BDC, user permission must be obtained.

[0256] The following will describe the specific process when the terminal device includes the first application and its configuration information, that is, when the terminal device caches the first application and its configuration information, and the first BDC disconnects, and the user requests to query the protocol for the first application to collect user information. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0257] S901: The terminal device has already cached the first application and its configuration information.

[0258] In other words, the terminal device downloaded the first application and obtained the configuration information of the first application through the first BDC.

[0259] S902: The terminal device receives the first instruction information.

[0260] The first instruction information is used to request a query about the protocol by which the first application collects user information. For example, the terminal device receives the first instruction information from the user. See the relevant description in S502 for details.

[0261] S903: The terminal device establishes a BDC with the first network element based on the first instruction information.

[0262] The BDC can be a second BDC. The first network element can be... Figure 1 The process of establishing a BDC for the DCSF network element can be found in the following reference. Figure 3 The relevant descriptions in the document will not be repeated here.

[0263] S904: The terminal device sends a second request message to the first network element in the BDC.

[0264] Accordingly, the first network element receives a second request message from the terminal device in the BDC. This second request message includes the address of the protocol used by the first application to collect user information. This BDC can be a second BDC, as the first BDC has been disconnected. See the relevant description in S502 for details.

[0265] S905: The first network element sends a second response message to the terminal device in the BDC.

[0266] Accordingly, the terminal device receives a second response message from the first network element in the BDC, the second response message including the protocol for the first application to collect user information. This BDC can be a second BDC, as the first BDC has been disconnected. See the relevant description in S502 for details.

[0267] S906: Displays the protocol for the first application to collect user information.

[0268] This step is optional.

[0269] In the above method, the terminal device can determine whether the first application will collect user information based on the first information. Therefore, before downloading the first application, the user can determine whether the first application will collect user information, meaning the user is informed whether the first application collects user information, ensuring the user's right to know, guaranteeing the security of user information, and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the terminal device can obtain specific information on how the first application collects user information based on the second information. Correspondingly, the user is informed of the specific methods used by the first application to collect user information, further enhancing the user experience and protecting the user's legitimate rights.

[0270] It should be noted that the above Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The three embodiments are not independent and can be combined with each other, for example, Figure 7 and Figure 8 They can be combined with each other. Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 These can be combined with each other, but the embodiments in this application are not limited to this.

[0271] The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above, and the apparatus of the embodiments of this application is provided below.

[0272] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1000 may include modules, units, or means that correspond one-to-one with the methods / operations / steps / actions performed by the terminal device or the first network element in the above method embodiments. The modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0273] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1000 may include a processing unit 1001 and a transceiver unit 1002, the specific details of which are as follows:

[0274] The processing unit 1001 is used for data processing. The transceiver unit 1002 can implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 1002 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0275] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1001 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0276] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1002 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0277] It should be noted that the communication device 1000 may include a transmitting unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the communication device 1000 may include a receiving unit but not a transmitting unit. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 1000 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0278] Optionally, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the above. Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well asFigure 9 The actions performed by the terminal device in the illustrated embodiment are shown above. For details, please refer to the above. Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments are not elaborated here. For example, the communication device 1000 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0279] The transceiver unit 1002 is configured to send a first request message, the first request message being used to request configuration information of at least one application, the at least one application including a first application; the transceiver unit 1002 is also configured to receive a first response message, the first response message including configuration information of the first application, the configuration information of the first application including first information and / or second information, the first information being used to indicate whether the first application will collect user information, and the second information being used to indicate the address of the protocol by which the first application collects user information.

[0280] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1002 is further configured to send a second request message, the second request message including the second information; the transceiver unit 1002 is further configured to receive a second response message, the second response message including the protocol for the first application to collect user information.

[0281] In another possible implementation, the processing unit 1001 is further configured to establish a bootstrap data channel (BDC) with the first network element based on the first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to request a query of the protocol for the first application to collect user information; the transceiver unit 1002 is configured to send the second request message in the BDC; and the transceiver unit 1002 is configured to receive the second response message in the BDC.

[0282] In another possible implementation, the first response message further includes configuration information of the second application, which includes third and / or fourth information. The third information is used to indicate whether the second application will collect user information, and the fourth information is used to indicate the address of the protocol by which the second application collects user information. The processing unit 1001 is also used to display whether the first application and the second application will collect user information.

[0283] In another possible implementation, the configuration information of the second application further includes fifth information, which is used to indicate the download of the second application. The transceiver unit 1002 is also used to receive second indication information, which is used to indicate consent to download the second application. The processing unit 1001 is also used to download the second application.

[0284] It should be noted that the implementation and beneficial effects of each module can be found by referring to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The corresponding description of the method embodiments shown.

[0285] Optionally, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the above. Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The actions performed by the first network element in the illustrated embodiment are shown above. For details, please refer to the above. Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments are not elaborated here. For example, the communication device 1000 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0286] The transceiver unit 1002 is configured to receive a first request message, the first request message being used to request configuration information of at least one application, the at least one application including a first application; the transceiver unit 1002 is further configured to send a first response message, the first response message including configuration information of the first application, the configuration information of the first application including first information and / or second information, the first information being used to indicate whether the first application will collect user information, and the second information being used to indicate the address of the protocol by which the first application collects user information.

[0287] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1002 is further configured to receive a second request message, the second request message including the second information; the transceiver unit 1002 is further configured to send a second response message, the second response message including the protocol for the first application to collect user information.

[0288] In another possible implementation, the processing unit 1001 is used to establish a bootstrap data channel (BDC) with the terminal device; the transceiver unit 1002 is used to receive the second request message in the BDC; and the transceiver unit 1002 is used to send a second response message in the BDC.

[0289] It should be noted that the implementation and beneficial effects of each module can be found by referring to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 5 The corresponding description of the method embodiments shown is provided below. The module division in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and is merely a logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0290] The processing unit 1001 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The transceiver unit 1002 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The transceiver unit 1002 can also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0291] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1100 may include modules, units, or means that correspond one-to-one with the methods / operations / steps / actions performed by the terminal device or the first network element in the above method embodiments. The modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0292] The communication device 1100 includes at least one processor 1101. Optionally, it may also include a communication interface 1103, and optionally, a memory 1102. The processor 1101, memory 1102, and communication interface 1103 are interconnected via a bus 1104. Optionally, the processor 1101 and memory 1102 may be integrated together.

[0293] The memory 1102 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and is used for related computer programs and data. The communication interface 1103 is used for receiving and sending data.

[0294] The processor 1101 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs). When the processor 1101 is a CPU, the CPU can be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0295] The processor 1101 in the communication device 1100 is used to read computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1102 to implement the functions of the processing unit. The communication interface 1103 in the communication device 1100 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit.

[0296] This application also provides a chip device including at least one processor, which is used to call a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the processor to execute the method provided in the above embodiments.

[0297] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any of the above embodiments, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in any of the above embodiments.

[0298] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0299] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory storing computer program instructions.

[0300] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a processor, implement the method performed by a terminal device or a first network element in the above method embodiments.

[0301] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a processor, implement the method executed by the terminal device or the first network element in the above method embodiments.

[0302] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a terminal device and a first network element as described in the above embodiments. The terminal device is used to perform some or all of the operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, and the first network element is used to perform some or all of the operations performed by the first network element in the above method embodiments.

[0303] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0304] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. Of course, the processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the base station or terminal.

[0305] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0306] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0307] In the description of this application, terms such as "first", "second", "S501" or "S502" are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and for the convenience of context. Different sequence numbers do not have specific technical meanings themselves and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying the order of execution of operations. The order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to terminal devices, including: Send a first request message, the first request message being used to request configuration information of at least one application, the at least one application including the first application; Receive a first response message, the first response message including the configuration information of the first application, the configuration information of the first application including first information and / or second information, the first information being used to indicate whether the first application will collect user information, and the second information being used to indicate the address of the protocol by which the first application collects user information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second request message, the second request message including the second information; Receive a second response message, the second response message including the protocol for the first application to collect user information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before sending the second request message, the method further includes: A boot data channel (BDC) is established between the first instruction information and the first network element. The first instruction information is used to request a query of the protocol for the first application to collect user information. Sending the second request message includes: The second request message is sent in the BDC; The receiving of the second response message includes: The second response message is received in the BDC.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first response message also includes configuration information for the second application, which includes third and / or fourth information. The third information indicates whether the second application will collect user information, and the fourth information indicates the address of the protocol by which the second application collects user information. The method further includes: This indicates whether the first and second applications collect user information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The configuration information of the second application also includes fifth information, which is used to instruct the download of the second application. The method further includes: Receive a second instruction message, the second instruction message being used to indicate consent to download the second application; Download the second application.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first network element, including: Receive a first request message, the first request message being used to request configuration information of at least one application, the at least one application including the first application; Send a first response message, the first response message including the configuration information of the first application, the configuration information of the first application including first information and / or second information, the first information being used to indicate whether the first application will collect user information, and the second information being used to indicate the address of the protocol by which the first application collects user information.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second request message, the second request message including the second information; Send a second response message, the second response message including the protocol for the first application to collect user information.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before receiving the second request message, the method further includes: Establish a boot data channel (BDC) between the device and the terminal. The receiving of the second request message includes: The second request message is received in the BDC; Sending the second response message includes: A second response message is sent in the BDC.

9. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to send a first request message, the first request message being used to request configuration information of at least one application, the at least one application including the first application; The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a first response message, the first response message including configuration information of the first application, the configuration information of the first application including first information and / or second information, the first information being used to indicate whether the first application will collect user information, and the second information being used to indicate the address of the protocol by which the first application collects user information.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is further configured to send a second request message, the second request message including the second information; The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second response message, the second response message including the protocol for the first application to collect user information.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The processing unit is further configured to establish a bootstrap data channel (BDC) with the first network element based on the first instruction information, wherein the first instruction information is used to request a query of the protocol for the first application to collect user information. The transceiver unit is used to send the second request message in the BDC; The transceiver unit is used to receive the second response message in the BDC.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The first response message also includes configuration information for the second application, which includes third and / or fourth information. The third information indicates whether the second application will collect user information, and the fourth information indicates the address of the protocol used by the second application to collect user information. The processing unit is also configured to display whether the first application and the second application collect user information.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The configuration information of the second application also includes a fifth piece of information, which is used to instruct the download of the second application. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive second indication information, which indicates agreement to download the second application; The processing unit is also used to download the second application.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive a first request message, the first request message being used to request configuration information of at least one application, the at least one application including the first application; The transceiver unit is further configured to send a first response message, the first response message including configuration information of the first application, the configuration information of the first application including first information and / or second information, the first information being used to indicate whether the first application will collect user information, and the second information being used to indicate the address of the protocol by which the first application collects user information.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second request message, the second request message including the second information; The transceiver unit is further configured to send a second response message, the second response message including the protocol for the first application to collect user information.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The processing unit is used to establish a boot data channel (BDC) with the terminal device; The transceiver unit is used to receive the second request message in the BDC; The transceiver unit is used to send a second response message in the BDC.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes at least one processor that invokes a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to perform the method as described in claims 1-5.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes at least one processor that invokes a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to perform the method as described in claims 6-8.

19. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes: the apparatus as described in claim 17 and the apparatus as described in claim 18.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-8.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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