Information indication method and device, network equipment, user equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to an information indication method and device, network equipment, user equipment and a storage medium. The information indication method comprises the following steps: sending indication information to UE; the indication information is used for indicating that the UE does not perform cell search under a given time condition. According to the invention, the paging message interception mode is determined according to the network equipment, paging message interception does not need to be carried out in the indicated time period, and a better power-saving effect is realized.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure is a divisional application of a Chinese application with the application date of April 1, 2021, the application number of 202180001082.X, and the invention name of "Information indication method and device, network equipment, user equipment, and storage medium". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an information indication method and device, network equipment, user equipment (UE), and storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0003] In order to save power for the terminal, the network configures parameters such as discontinuous reception (DRX), eDRX, and power saving mode (PSM) for the UE, so as to achieve the purpose of saving power for the UE.

[0004] For a non-terrestrial network (NTN) network, if the satellite moves (for example, a non-synchronous satellite), the service time of the satellite to each UE is limited. When the orbital height of the satellite is 600 km, according to different cell coverage radii and UE moving speeds, the service time provided by one NTN cell for the terminal is limited. This means that the UE needs to perform handover and cell reselection after a certain time.

[0005] For an NTN-IOT (Internet of Thing) network, there is a scenario of discontinuous coverage, so for the UE in the IoT-NTN, there is a scenario of no network coverage. Due to the movement of the satellite in the NTN, even if the UE does not move, due to the change of the satellite cell coverage, the UE needs to search for a target cell to complete synchronization. In order to save the power consumption of the terminal, the network equipment configures a corresponding power saving mode for the UE, such as listening to a paging message when the UE wakes up from DRX / eDRX, or performing TAU when the UE wakes up from PSM. Due to the discontinuous coverage of the network and the fast movement of the satellite, the UE needs to search for the network in each frequency band supported by the UE, which undoubtedly increases the power consumption of the UE. At present, there is no related technical solution for this scenario. SUMMARY

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an information indication method and device, network equipment, user equipment, and storage medium.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an information indication method is provided, comprising:

[0008] sending indication information to the UE; the indication information is used to indicate that the UE does not perform cell search under a given time condition.

[0009] In one embodiment, the indication that the UE does not perform cell search under a given time condition comprises at least one of the following:

[0010] indicating that the UE does not listen to a paging message under a given time condition;

[0011] indicating that the UE does not perform Tracking Area Update (TAU) under a given time condition;

[0012] indicating that the UE does not perform cell search under a given time condition, in a sleep state.

[0013] In one embodiment, the given time condition comprises a set time period or a set time point.

[0014] The set time period or the set time point is determined by a core network device and / or an access network device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the indication that the UE does not listen to a paging message under a given time condition comprises:

[0016] if the UE is configured with DRX, indicating that the UE does not listen to a paging message in one or more Paging Occasions (POs) of a DRX cycle;

[0017] if the UE is configured with eDRX, indicating that the UE does not listen to a paging message in one or more Paging Time Windows (PTWs), or indicating that the UE does not listen to a paging message in one or more POs in at least one eDRX cycle within at least one PTW.

[0018] In one embodiment, the indication that the UE does not listen to a paging message under a given time condition comprises:

[0019] if the UE is configured with PSM, indicating that the UE does not listen to a paging message during running of an active timer, or indicating that the UE does not listen to a paging message in one or more POs in at least one eDRX cycle during running of the active timer.

[0020] In one embodiment, the indication that the UE does not perform TAU under a given time condition comprises:

[0021] not performing TAU after a TAU timer expires.

[0022] In one embodiment, the sending of the indication information to the UE comprises:

[0023] The indication information is sent through a radio resource control (RRC) message in a process in which the UE switches from an RRC connected state to an RRC non-connected state.

[0024] In one embodiment, the sending of the indication information to the UE comprises:

[0025] The indication information is sent when the eDRX parameter and / or the PSM parameter is configured for the UE.

[0026] In one embodiment, the sending of the indication information when the eDRX parameter and / or the PSM parameter is configured for the UE comprises:

[0027] The indication information is sent in a process in which the UE performs a tracking area update (TAU) and / or an attach.

[0028] In one embodiment, when the time period or the time point is determined by an access network device, the access network device indicates the UE not to perform a cell search within the time period or before the time point.

[0029] In one embodiment, the indication of the UE not to perform a cell search within the time period or before the time point by the access network device comprises:

[0030] The access network device predicts that a current network cannot provide coverage for the UE at T1 and can provide network coverage for the UE at T2, and indicates the UE not to perform a cell search within a time period of T2-T1.

[0031] In one embodiment, when the time period or the time point is determined by a core network device, the core network device indicates the UE not to perform a cell search within the time period or before the time point if the UE enters an RRC non-connected state.

[0032] In one embodiment, the indication of the UE not to perform a cell search within the time period or before the time point if the UE enters an RRC non-connected state by the core network device comprises:

[0033] The core network device sends the indication information at T3, provides network coverage for the UE at T4, and provides network coverage for the UE at T5, and indicates the UE not to perform a cell search within a time period of T5-T4 if the UE enters an RRC non-connected state at T4.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for information indication comprises:

[0035] receive indication information sent by a network device, and determine not to perform cell search under a given time condition based on the indication information.

[0036] In one embodiment, the not performing cell search under the given time condition comprises at least one of the following:

[0037] not listening to a paging message under the given time condition;

[0038] not performing TAU under the given time condition;

[0039] not performing cell search under the given time condition, and being in a dormant state.

[0040] In one embodiment, the given time condition comprises a set time period or a set time point.

[0041] The set time period or the set time point is determined by a core network device and / or an access network device.

[0042] In one embodiment, the not listening to a paging message under the given time condition comprises:

[0043] the UE determines to be configured with DRX, and does not listen to the paging message in one or more POs in a DRX cycle;

[0044] the UE determines to be configured with eDRX, and does not listen to the paging message in one or more PTWs, or in one or more POs in at least one eDRX cycle in at least one PTW.

[0045] In one embodiment, the not listening to a paging message under the given time condition comprises:

[0046] the UE determines to be configured with PSM, and does not listen to the paging message during running of an activation timer, or is instructed by the UE to not listen to the paging message in one or more POs in at least one eDRX cycle during running of the activation timer.

[0047] In one embodiment, the instructing the UE not to perform TAU under the given time condition comprises:

[0048] not performing TAU after a TAU timer expires.

[0049] In one embodiment, the receiving indication information sent by the network device comprises:

[0050] the UE receives the indication information sent by the access network device through an RRC message in a process of switching from an RRC connected state to an RRC non-connected state.

[0051] In an embodiment, the indication information received by the network device comprises:

[0052] The UE receives the indication information sent by the core network device in the process of TAU and / or attach.

[0053] In an embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0054] According to the indication information, it is determined that the UE does not perform cell search in the given time condition and enters RRC non-connected state.

[0055] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an energy saving indication apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0056] The sending unit is configured to send indication information to the UE; the indication information is used to indicate that the UE does not perform cell search in a given time condition.

[0057] In an embodiment, the indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0058] The UE does not listen to a paging message in a given time condition;

[0059] The UE does not perform TAU in a given time condition;

[0060] The UE does not perform cell search in a given time condition and is in a dormant state.

[0061] In an embodiment, the indication information is further used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0062] If the UE is configured with DRX, the UE does not listen to a paging message in one or more POs of a DRX cycle;

[0063] If the UE is configured with eDRX, the UE does not listen to a paging message in one or more paging time windows (PTWs) or does not listen to a paging message in one or more POs in at least one eDRX cycle in at least one PTW.

[0064] In an embodiment, the indication information is further used to indicate:

[0065] If the UE is configured with PSM, the UE does not listen to a paging message during the running of an activation timer or does not listen to a paging message in one or more POs in at least one eDRX cycle during the running of the activation timer.

[0066] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, an information indication apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0067] The receiving unit is configured to receive indication information sent by a network device.

[0068] The determining unit is configured to determine, based on the indication information, that cell search is not to be performed under a given time condition.

[0069] In one embodiment, the not performing cell search under the given time condition comprises at least one of the following:

[0070] The UE does not listen to a paging message under the given time condition;

[0071] The UE does not perform tracking area update (TAU) under the given time condition;

[0072] The UE does not perform cell search under the given time condition, and is in a dormant state.

[0073] In one embodiment, the determining unit is further configured to:

[0074] According to the indication information, it is determined that the UE enters an unconnected state and does not perform cell search under the given time condition.

[0075] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising a processor, a transceiver, a memory, and an executable program stored on the memory and capable of being executed by the processor, wherein the processor executes the executable program to perform the steps of the information indication method of the first aspect.

[0076] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a user equipment is provided, comprising a processor, a transceiver, a memory, and an executable program stored on the memory and capable of being executed by the processor, wherein the processor executes the executable program to perform the steps of the information indication method of the second aspect.

[0077] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, which stores an executable program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the information indication method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0078] The information indication method and device, network equipment, user equipment and storage medium provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can set indication information for the UE to indicate the UE not to perform cell search under a given time condition, so as to achieve the purpose of power saving. The network equipment provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can determine a more accurate power saving mode for the UE based on the cell coverage rule and the power saving mode supported by the UE, and instruct the UE to perform paging message listening based on the determined mode. The UE provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure does not need to perform paging message listening in the indicated time period according to the paging message listening mode determined by the network equipment, so that a better power saving effect is achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0079] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0081] Figure 2 is a flowchart of an information indication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0082] Figure 3 is a flowchart of an information indication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0083] Figure 4 is a DRX schematic diagram according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0084] Figure 5 is an eDRX schematic diagram according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0085] Figure 6 is a PSM schematic diagram according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0086] Figure 7 is a PSM schematic diagram according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0087] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of an information indication device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0088] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of an information indication device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0089] Figure 10is a constituent structure diagram of a user equipment according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] The exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same drawings refer to the same or similar elements. The following exemplary embodiments described in the exemplary embodiments do not represent all the embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0091] The terminology used in the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0092] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various information, the information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to differentiate one piece of information from another piece of information. For example, a first information can also be referred to as a second information, and similarly, a second information can also be referred to as a first information without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Depending on the context, the word "if' as used herein can be interpreted as meaning "when" or "upon determination" or "in response to determining".

[0093] Reference is made to Figure 1 which shows a structure diagram of a wireless communication system provided by the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1 , the wireless communication system is a communication system based on cellular mobile communication technology, and the wireless communication system can include a plurality of terminals 11 and a plurality of base stations 12.

[0094] The terminal 11 can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. The terminal 11 can communicate with one or more core networks via a Radio Access Network (RAN), and the terminal 11 can be an Internet of Things terminal, such as a sensor device, a mobile phone (or called "cellular" phone), and a computer with an Internet of Things terminal, for example, which can be fixed, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, built-in a computer, or vehicle-mounted. For example, a Station (STA), a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user device, a user agent, a terminal, or a user equipment (UE). Alternatively, the terminal 11 can also be a device of an unmanned aerial vehicle. Alternatively, the terminal 11 can also be a vehicle-mounted device, for example, a vehicle-mounted computer with wireless communication function or a wireless communication device externally connected to the vehicle-mounted computer. Alternatively, the terminal 11 can also be a roadside device, for example, a street lamp, a signal lamp, or other roadside devices with wireless communication function, etc.

[0095] The base station 12 can be a network-side device in a wireless communication system. The wireless communication system can be a 4th generation mobile communication (4G) system, also known as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or the wireless communication system can also be a 5G system, also known as a new radio (NR) system or a 5G NR system. Alternatively, the wireless communication system can also be any generation system. In the 5G system, the access network can be referred to as an NG-RAN (New Generation-Radio Access Network). Alternatively, the MTC system.

[0096] The base station 12 can be an evolved NodeB (eNB) used in a 4G system. Alternatively, the base station 12 can be a base station (gNB) using a centralized and distributed architecture used in a 5G system. When the base station 12 uses a centralized and distributed architecture, it usually includes a central unit (CU) and at least two distributed units (DUs). The central unit is provided with a protocol stack of a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, and a media access control (MAC) layer; and the distributed unit is provided with a protocol stack of a physical (PHY) layer. The specific implementation of the base station 12 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0097] The base station 12 and the terminal 11 can establish a wireless connection through a wireless air interface. In different embodiments, the wireless air interface is a wireless air interface based on a fourth generation mobile communication network technology (4G) standard; or the wireless air interface is a wireless air interface based on a fifth generation mobile communication network technology (5G) standard, such as a new radio interface; or the wireless air interface can also be a wireless air interface based on a more next generation mobile communication network technology standard of 5G.

[0098] In some embodiments, the terminals 11 can also establish an E2E (End to End) connection. For example, V2V (vehicle to vehicle) communication, V2I (vehicle to infrastructure) communication, and V2P (vehicle to pedestrian) communication in vehicle to everything (V2X) communication scenarios.

[0099] In some embodiments, the wireless communication system can also include a network management device 13.

[0100] A plurality of base stations 12 are connected to a network management device 13. The network management device 13 can be a core network device in a wireless communication system, for example, the network management device 13 can be a Mobility Management Entity (MME) in an Evolved Packet Core (EPC). Alternatively, the network management device can also be other core network devices, such as a Serving GateWay (SGW), a Public Data Network GateWay (PGW), a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), etc. The implementation form of the network management device 13 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0101] The execution subject involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure includes but is not limited to a terminal (UE, User Equipment) in a cellular mobile communication system, and a base station of cellular mobile communication, etc.

[0102] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an information indication method according to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the information indication method of the embodiments of the present disclosure is applied to a network device side, the network device includes a core network, a base station, a relay station, a radio frequency remote unit, etc., the information indication method of the embodiments of the present disclosure includes the following processing steps: Figure 2

[0103] Step 201, sending indication information to the UE.

[0104] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the indication information is used to indicate that the UE does not perform cell search under a given time condition.

[0105] The indication information indicates that the UE does not perform cell search under a given time condition, including at least one of the following:

[0106] Indicating that the UE does not listen to a paging message under a given time condition;

[0107] Indicating that the UE does not perform TAU under a given time condition; wherein the TAU under the given time condition can be that after the TAU timer expires, the UE does not perform TAU;

[0108] Indicating that the UE does not perform cell search under a given time condition, in a sleep state.

[0109] ​In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the given time condition comprises a set time period or a set time point, wherein the set time period or the set time point is determined by the core network device and / or the access network device. The access network device comprises a base station, a relay station, a radio frequency remote unit, and the like.

[0110] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the not listening to the paging message under the given time condition comprises at least one of the following cases:

[0111] If the UE is configured with DRX, the UE is instructed to not listen to the paging message in one or more POs of a DRX cycle;

[0112] If the UE is configured with eDRX, the UE is instructed to not listen to the paging message in one or more PTWs, or the UE is instructed to not listen to the paging message in one or more POs of at least one eDRX cycle within at least one PTW;

[0113] If the UE is configured with PSM, the UE is instructed to not listen to the paging message during the running of an activation timer, or the UE is instructed to not listen to the paging message in one or more POs of at least one eDRX cycle during the running of the activation timer.

[0114] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the indication information is sent to the UE, comprising: sending the indication information through an RRC message in the process that the UE is transferred from an RRC connected state to an RRC non-connected state. For example, the base station can send the indication information through an RRC release-NB message or through an RRC EarlyDataComplete-NB message in the process that the UE is transferred from the connected state to the non-connected state.

[0115] The indication information is also sent to the UE, which can comprise: sending the indication information when the UE is configured with eDRX parameters and / or PSM parameters. For example, the core network device can also send the indication information to the UE. The core network device can send the indication information to the UE when the UE is configured with eDRX parameters and / or PSM parameters. For example, the core network device can send the indication information to the UE in the process that the UE performs TAU and / or attach.

[0116] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the set time period or the set time point is determined by the access network device, the UE is instructed by the access network device to not perform cell search in the set time period or before the set time point. For example, the access network device predicts that the current network cannot provide coverage for the UE for a time T1, and the next time that the network can provide coverage for the UE is T2, and the UE is instructed to not perform cell search in the time period T2-T1.

[0117] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the core network device determines the set time period or set time point, and instructs the UE not to perform cell search in the set time period or before the set time point if entering the RRC non-connected state. For example, the core network device sends the indication information at T3, provides the UE with a network coverage deadline at T4, and a next network coverage time at T5. If the core network device instructs the UE to enter the RRC non-connected state before T4, the UE is instructed not to perform cell search in the time period T5-T4.

[0118] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an information indication method according to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the information indication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the user equipment side, and the information indication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes the following processing steps: Figure 3

[0119] Step 301, receiving indication information sent by a network device.

[0120] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the given time condition under which the UE does not perform cell search includes at least one of the following:

[0121] The UE does not listen to a paging message under the given time condition;

[0122] The UE does not perform TAU under the given time condition; wherein the UE does not perform TAU under the given time condition can be that the UE does not perform TAU after a TAU timer expires;

[0123] The UE does not perform cell search under the given time condition and is in a sleep state.

[0124] The given time condition includes a set time period or before a set time point; the set time period or set time point is determined by the core network device and / or the access network device.

[0125] Step 302, determining not to perform cell search under the given time condition based on the indication information.

[0126] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the UE does not listen to a paging message under the given time condition includes at least one of the following:

[0127] The UE determines to be configured with DRX, and does not listen to a paging message in one or more POs of a DRX cycle;

[0128] The UE determines to be configured with eDRX, and does not listen to a paging message in one or more PTWs, or in one or more POs of at least one eDRX cycle in at least one PTW;

[0129] ​The UE determines that PSM is configured, does not listen to a paging message during running of the active timer, or indicates that the UE does not listen to a paging message in one or more POs in at least one eDRX cycle during running of the active timer.

[0130] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the receiving of the indication information sent by the network device comprises: receiving, by the UE in the process of switching from the RRC connected state to the RRC idle state, the indication information sent by the access network device through an RRC message.

[0131] Alternatively, the indication information sent by the core network device is received in the process of TAU and / or attach of the UE.

[0132] On the basis of the processing flow of the foregoing embodiments, the information indication method of the embodiments of the present disclosure further comprises:

[0133] The UE determines, according to the indication information, that the UE enters the RRC idle state under the time condition and does not perform cell search.

[0134] For example, according to the received indication information sent by the network, the UE does not listen to a paging message; or the UE does not perform TAU, or the UE does not perform cell search, and is in a sleep state.

[0135] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE can include an NB-IoT terminal and an eMTC terminal, and in order to save power of the terminal, the network device can configure the UE with DRX, eDRX, PSM and the like, so as to achieve the purpose of saving power of the UE.

[0136] Figure 4 is a DRX schematic diagram according to an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown in the figure, for DRX related parameters, the UE is configured by the gNB, and the DRX related parameters mainly include parameters such as the period of DRX, and the UE determines to listen to a network paging message according to the DRX parameters.

[0137] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, to make the UE more power saving, the base station further sends indication information to the UE through an RRC message, the indication information indicating that the UE does not listen to a paging message in one or more POs of a DRX cycle. For example, the base station predicts that the current network cannot provide coverage for the UE for T1, and the next network can provide coverage for the UE for T2, and then the base station indicates the UE not to listen to a paging message and / or not to perform cell search in the T2-T1 time. The indication information includes time period information T2-T1 of not performing cell search, and indicates the UE not to listen to a paging message and / or not to perform cell search from the T1 starting moment. The base station can send the indication information through an RRC release-NB message in the process of the UE switching from a connected state to a non-connected state, or send the indication information through an RRC EarlyDataComplete-NB message. After the UE receives the indication information, the UE no longer listens to paging information in the DRX mode.

[0138] Figure 5 is an eDRX schematic diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 5 , in each eDRX cycle, the UE can only receive downlink data in a set paging time window (PTW), and the UE is in a sleep state in the remaining time and does not receive downlink data, and the cycle range of eDRX is between 20.48s and 2.92h. In each eDRX cycle, there is a PTW. The terminal listens to a paging channel according to a DRX cycle (the DRX cycle time is short, and it can be considered that the UE does not sleep and can reach) in the PTW, so as to receive downlink data, and the terminal is in a sleep state in the remaining time.

[0139] In the eDRX parameter, the core network device and the UE negotiate the following parameters: eDRX cycle (T eDRX,H ) and PTW window length.

[0140] During the UE attaching to the network or TAU process, the core network device configures the eDRX parameters for the UE. Alternatively, the core network device can also send the eDRX parameters to the gNB via a paging message on the S1 interface; that is, when the core network device initiates a paging of the UE, it will also send the eDRX parameters to the gNB. In this embodiment, when the core network device needs to send the indication information to the UE, it determines that the time for sending the indication information is T3, the deadline for network coverage to the UE is T4, and the time when the next network can provide coverage is T5. The core network device then instructs that if the UE enters the RRC disconnected state before time T4, no cell search will be performed during the time T5-T4. The indication information includes the instruction not to perform cell search, and this indication information is sent to the UE when configuring the eDRX parameters. After receiving the eDRX parameters and the indication information, the UE parses the time period information T5-T4 from the indication information. Under eDRX, if the UE enters the RRC disconnected state before time T4, it will not perform cell search or listen for paging messages and will enter a sleep state starting from time T4. That is, the UE will not listen for paging messages within one or more PTWs.

[0141] Figure 6 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a PSM according to an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, to further save power, PSM (Power Segmentation Mode) is introduced. In PSM mode, downlink data is unreachable, and the UE is in a sleep state. The UE can be woken up in two ways: first, when the UE needs to send uplink data; second, when the TAU (Timeout Alternate Access) timer expires. When entering PSM, the UE no longer receives paging messages or downlink data. The two timers, T3321 and T3412, are configured by the core network equipment for the UE. Typically, when the UE attaches to the network and performs TAU, the core network equipment configures the PSM parameters and / or eDRX parameters, as well as the duration parameters of T3321 and T3412, for the UE.

[0142] For eDRX, when the UE is outside PTW, it will be in a dormant state. At this time, the UE will not receive downlink data and will not perform any measurements on the serving cell and neighboring cells. If the UE enters PSM state, it will also not receive downlink data and will not perform any measurements on the serving cell and neighboring cells.

[0143] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the core network device configures the PSM parameter and the indication information to the UE in the process of UE attaching to the network or the process of TAU. When the core network device needs to send the indication information to the UE, the time of sending the indication information is T3, the deadline of the network providing coverage to the UE is T4, and the next network coverage time is T5. If the UE enters the RRC non-connected state before T4, the core network device indicates that the UE does not perform cell search in the time T5-T4, and the indication of not performing cell search is included in the indication information. When the UE is configured with the PSM parameter, the indication information is sent to the UE. After the UE receives the eDRX parameter and the indication information, the time period information T5-T4 is parsed from the indication information. In the PSM, if the UE enters the RRC non-connected state before T4, the UE does not perform cell search and does not listen to the paging message from T4, and enters the sleep state. In the eDRX mode, the UE is instructed to not listen to the paging message in one or more POs in at least one eDRX cycle during the running of the activation timer.

[0144] Figure 8 The information indication device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown in the component structure diagram of the information indication device, as shown in Figure 8 The information indication device of the embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to a network side device. The information indication device of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0145] The sending unit 80 is configured to send the indication information to the UE. The indication information is used to indicate that the UE does not perform cell search under a given time condition.

[0146] The indication information is used to indicate that the UE does not listen to the paging message under the given time condition.

[0147] The indication information is used to indicate that the UE does not perform TAU under the given time condition. Specifically, after the TAU timer expires, the UE does not perform TAU.

[0148] The indication information is used to indicate that the UE does not perform cell search under the given time condition, and is in a sleep state.

[0149] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the given time condition includes a set time period or before a set time. The set time period or the set time is determined by the core network device and / or the access network device. The access network device includes a base station, a relay station, a radio frequency remote unit, and the like.

[0150] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, if the UE is configured with the DRX, the indication information is used to indicate that the UE does not listen to the paging message in one or more POs of the DRX cycle.

[0151] If the UE is configured with eDRX, the UE is instructed to not monitor for paging messages within one or more PTWs, or to not monitor for paging messages within one or more POs within at least one eDRX cycle during the active timer.

[0152] Alternatively, if the UE is configured with PSM, the UE is instructed to not monitor for paging messages during the active timer, or to not monitor for paging messages within one or more POs within at least one eDRX cycle during the active timer.

[0153] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the sending unit 80 is further configured to send the indication information through an RRC message in the process that the UE switches from the RRC connected state to the RRC non-connected state. For example, the base station can send the indication information through an RRC release-NB message or through an RRC EarlyDataComplete-NB message in the process that the UE switches from the connected state to the non-connected state.

[0154] The sending unit 80 is further configured to send the indication information when the UE is configured with eDRX parameters and / or PSM parameters. For example, the core network device can also send the indication information to the UE. The core network device can send the indication information to the UE when the UE is configured with eDRX parameters and / or PSM parameters. For example, the core network device can send the indication information to the UE in the process that the UE performs TAU and / or attach.

[0155] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the set time period or set time point is determined by the access network device, the access network device instructs the UE not to perform cell search within the set time period or before the set time point. For example, the access network device predicts that the current network cannot provide coverage for the UE at time T1, and the next time when the network can provide coverage for the UE is T2, and instructs the UE not to perform cell search within the time period T2-T1.

[0156] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the set time period or set time point is determined by the core network device, the core network device instructs the UE not to perform cell search within the set time period or before the set time point if the UE enters the RRC non-connected state. For example, the core network device sends the indication information at time T3, the deadline for providing network coverage for the UE is T4, and the next time of network coverage is T5. If the core network device instructs the UE to enter the RRC non-connected state before time T4, the UE is instructed not to perform cell search within the time period T5-T4.

[0157] In the example embodiment, the sending unit 80 and the like can be implemented by one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), base processors (BPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, micro controllers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic elements, and can be combined with one or more radio frequency (RF) antennas to perform the steps of the information indication method of the foregoing embodiments.

[0158] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 8 The specific manners in which the various units of the information indication apparatus perform operations have been described in detail in the embodiments of the method, and will not be described in detail here.

[0159] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structural components of an information indication apparatus according to an example embodiment, as shown in Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1, the information indication apparatus of the embodiments of the present disclosure is applied to a UE, and the information indication apparatus includes:

[0160] The receiving unit 90 is configured to receive indication information sent by a network device.

[0161] The determining unit 91 is configured to determine, based on the indication information, that no cell search is to be performed under a given time condition.

[0162] In one embodiment, the no cell search to be performed under the given time condition includes at least one of the following:

[0163] The UE does not listen to a paging message under the given time condition.

[0164] The UE does not perform a TAU under the given time condition; wherein the no TAU to be performed under the given time condition specifically means that the UE does not perform a TAU after a TAU timer expires.

[0165] The UE does not perform cell search under the given time condition, and is in a dormant state.

[0166] In an embodiment, the determining unit 91 is further configured to:

[0167] According to the indication information, it is determined that the UE enters an RRC idle state under the given time condition and does not perform cell search.

[0168] The given time condition includes a set time period or a set time point before the set time period; the set time period or the set time point is determined by the core network device and / or the access network device.

[0169] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the determining unit 91 is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0170] It is determined that the UE is configured with DRX, and does not listen to a paging message in one or more POs in a DRX cycle.

[0171] It is determined that the UE is configured with eDRX, and does not listen to a paging message in one or more PTWs, or does not listen to a paging message in one or more POs in at least one eDRX cycle in at least one PTW.

[0172] It is determined that the UE is configured with PSM, and does not listen to a paging message during the running of an activation timer, or does not listen to a paging message in one or more POs in at least one eDRX cycle during the running of the activation timer.

[0173] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the receiving unit 90 is further configured to: receive the indication information sent by the access network device through an RRC message in the process of the UE switching from an RRC connected state to an RRC idle state.

[0174] Or, receive the indication information sent by the core network device in the process of the UE performing TAU and / or attach.

[0175] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE determines, according to the indication information, that the UE enters an RRC idle state under the given time condition and does not perform cell search.

[0176] For example, according to the received indication information sent by the network, it is indicated that the UE does not listen to a paging message, or the UE does not perform TAU, or the UE does not perform cell search, and is in a dormant state.

[0177] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 90, determining unit 91, etc., may be implemented by one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), baseband processors (BPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components. They may also be implemented in conjunction with one or more radio frequency (RF) antennas to perform the steps of the information indication method of the foregoing embodiments.

[0178] In this embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 9 The specific manner in which each unit in the information indication device performs its operation has been described in detail in the embodiments of the method, and will not be elaborated here.

[0179] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating a user equipment 8000 according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the user equipment 8000 may be a mobile phone, computer, digital broadcasting terminal, messaging device, game console, tablet device, medical device, fitness equipment, personal digital assistant, etc.

[0180] Reference Figure 10 User equipment 8000 may include one or more of the following components: processing component 8002, memory 8004, power supply component 8006, multimedia component 8008, audio component 8010, input / output (I / O) interface 8012, sensor component 8014, and communication component 8016.

[0181] Processing component 8002 typically controls the overall operation of user equipment 8000, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, data communication, camera operation, and recording operations. Processing component 8002 may include one or more processors 8020 to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the methods described above. Furthermore, processing component 8002 may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between processing component 8002 and other components. For example, processing component 8002 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between multimedia component 8008 and processing component 8002.

[0182] Memory 8004 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of user equipment 8000. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method operating on user equipment 8000, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Memory 8004 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0183] The power supply component 8006 provides power to various components of the user equipment 8000. The power supply component 8006 may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to the user equipment 8000.

[0184] Multimedia component 8008 includes a screen that provides an output interface between user equipment 8000 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touchscreen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, swipes, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensors may sense not only the boundaries of touch or swipe actions but also the duration and pressure associated with the touch or swipe operation. In some embodiments, multimedia component 8008 includes a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera. When user equipment 8000 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front-facing camera and / or rear-facing camera may receive external multimedia data. Each front-facing camera and rear-facing camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0185] Audio component 8010 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, audio component 8010 includes a microphone (MIC) configured to receive external audio signals when user equipment 8000 is in an operating mode, such as call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode. The received audio signals may be further stored in memory 8004 or transmitted via communication component 8016. In some embodiments, audio component 8010 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0186] I / O interface 8012 provides an interface between processing component 8002 and peripheral interface modules, such as keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, home buttons, volume buttons, power buttons, and lock buttons.

[0187] Sensor assembly 8014 includes one or more sensors for providing status assessments of various aspects of user equipment 8000. For example, sensor assembly 8014 may detect the on / off state of user equipment 8000, the relative positioning of components such as the display and keypad of user equipment 8000, changes in position of user equipment 8000 or a component of user equipment 8000, the presence or absence of user contact with user equipment 8000, orientation or acceleration / deceleration of user equipment 8000, and temperature changes of user equipment 8000. Sensor assembly 8014 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. Sensor assembly 8014 may also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, sensor assembly 8014 may also include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0188] Communication component 8016 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between user equipment 8000 and other devices. User equipment 8000 can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as Wi-Fi, 2G, or 3G, or combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 8016 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 8016 also includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0189] In an exemplary embodiment, the user equipment 8000 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the steps of the above-described information indication method.

[0190] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory 8004 including instructions, which can be executed by a processor 8020 of a user equipment 8000 to complete the steps of the information indication method described above. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0191] This disclosure also describes a network device including a processor, a transceiver, a memory, and an executable program stored in the memory and executable by the processor, wherein the processor executes the steps of the information indication method of the foregoing embodiments when running the executable program.

[0192] This disclosure also describes a user equipment including a processor, a transceiver, a memory, and an executable program stored in the memory and executable by the processor, wherein the processor executes the steps of the information indication method of the foregoing embodiments when running the executable program.

[0193] This disclosure also describes a storage medium storing an executable program that is executed by a processor to perform the steps of the information indication method of the foregoing embodiments.

[0194] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the embodiments of the invention that follow the general principles of the embodiments of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed in this disclosure. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the embodiments of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0195] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from their scope. The scope of the embodiments disclosed herein is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: It is determined that the UE will not perform cell search within a set time period, wherein the set time period is the time period corresponding to T2-T1, where T1 is the time when the current network cannot provide network coverage for the UE, and T2 is the next time when the network can provide coverage for the UE; T1 is indicated by the access network device, and T2 is indicated by the access network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, No cell search is performed, including at least one of the following: TAU is not updated in the tracking area; Do not listen for paging messages; It does not perform cell searches and is in a dormant state.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The set time period is determined by the access network device.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The statement that paging messages are not being monitored includes: The UE is determined to be configured with DRX, and one or more POs in the DRX cycle do not listen for paging messages; The UE is determined to be configured with eDRX, and not listen to paging messages in one or more PTWs, or not listen to paging messages in one or more POs in at least one eDRX cycle within at least one PTW.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The statement that paging messages are not being monitored includes: The UE is determined to be configured with PSM, which means it does not listen for paging messages during the active timer operation, or one or more POs do not listen for paging messages during at least one eDRX cycle during the active timer operation.

6. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Not performing TAU includes: TAU will not be performed after the TAU timer expires.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: The device receives indication information sent by the access network device, wherein the indication information is used to instruct the UE not to perform cell search within the set time period, and the indication information includes T1 and T2.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The receipt of the indication information sent by the access network device includes: During the transition from RRC connected state to RRC disconnected state, the UE receives the indication information sent by the access network device via RRC message.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The determination that the UE will not perform cell search within a set time period includes: Based on the indicated information, it is determined that the cell will enter the RRC disconnected state during the set time period and will not perform cell search.

10. A communication method, performed by an access network device, the method comprising: The system sends T1 and T2 to the User Equipment (UE). T1 is the time when the current network cannot provide network coverage for the UE, and T2 is the next time when the network can provide coverage for the UE. T1 and T2 are used by the UE to determine that the UE will not perform cell search within a set time period, which is the time period corresponding to T2-T1.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, No cell search is performed, including at least one of the following: TAU is not updated in the tracking area; Do not listen for paging messages; It does not perform cell searches and is in a dormant state.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The set time period is determined by the access network device.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The statement that paging messages are not being monitored includes: If DRX is configured for the UE, the UE will not listen for paging messages in one or more POs during the DRX cycle; If eDRX is configured for the UE, the UE does not listen for paging messages in one or more PTWs, or does not listen for paging messages in one or more POs in at least one eDRX cycle within at least one PTW.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The statement that paging messages are not being monitored includes: If PSM is configured for the UE, the UE does not listen for paging messages during the active timer operation, or the UE does not listen for paging messages in one or more POs during at least one eDRX cycle during the active timer operation.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Not performing TAU includes: TAU will not be performed after the TAU timer expires.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein, Sending T1 and T2 to the UE includes: Send indication information to the UE, wherein the indication information is used to instruct the UE not to perform cell search within the set time period, and the indication information includes T1 and T2.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Sending indication information to the UE includes: During the process of the UE transitioning from RRC connected state to RRC disconnected state, the indication information is sent via RRC message.

18. A communication method performed by a communication system, the communication system including a user equipment (UE) and an access network device, the method comprising: The access network device sends T1 to the UE and then sends T2; The UE determines that it will not perform cell search within a set time period, wherein the set time period is the time period corresponding to T2-T1, where T1 is the time when the current network cannot provide network coverage for the UE, and T2 is the next time when the network can provide coverage for the UE.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, No cell search is performed, including at least one of the following: TAU is not updated in the tracking area; Do not listen for paging messages; It does not perform cell searches and is in a dormant state.

20. A communication device disposed in a user equipment (UE), the device comprising: The determining unit is configured to determine that the UE will not perform cell search within a set time period, wherein the set time period is the time period corresponding to T2-T1, where T1 is the time when the current network cannot provide network coverage for the UE, and T2 is the next time when the network can provide coverage for the UE; T1 is indicated by the access network device, and T2 is indicated by the access network device.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, No cell search is performed, including at least one of the following: TAU is not updated in the tracking area; Do not listen for paging messages; It does not perform cell searches and is in a dormant state.

22. A communication device, disposed in an access network device, the device comprising: The transmitting unit is configured to send T1 and T2 to the user equipment (UE), where T1 is the time when the current network cannot provide network coverage for the UE, and T2 is the next time when the network can provide coverage for the UE. T1 and T2 are used by the UE to determine that the UE will not perform cell search within a set time period, where the set time period is the time period corresponding to T2-T1.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, No cell search is performed, including at least one of the following: TAU is not updated in the tracking area; Do not listen for paging messages; It does not perform cell searches and is in a dormant state.

24. A communication device, wherein, The communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 17.

25. A communication system, comprising a user equipment (UE) and an access network device; in, The UE is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and the access network device is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 17.

26. A storage medium, wherein, The storage medium stores instructions; when the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 17.

27. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by the communication device, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 17.

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