Relay selection method and device, computer readable storage medium and computer program product

Abstract

The invention discloses a relay selection method and device, a computer readable storage medium and a computer program product, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method comprises: a candidate relay sends first information, correspondingly, UE receives at least one piece of first information sent by at least one candidate relay, the at least one piece of first information and the at least one candidate relay are in one-to-one correspondence, and each piece of first information is associated with the mobility of the corresponding candidate relay in a first time period; and the UE selects a target relay from the at least one candidate relay at least according to the at least one piece of first information. According to the scheme of the invention, the UE can accurately select the relay with higher stability, and the reliability of the relay service is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a relay selection method and apparatus, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] Relay technology involves adding one or more relay nodes (relays) between network devices and user equipment (UEs). These relays forward wireless signals one or more times, meaning the wireless signal emitted by the network device must travel through multiple hops to reach the UE, and vice versa. Taking single-hop relay as an example, the original single communication link between the network device and the UE (link 1) is split into two communication links: one between the network device and the relay, and the other between the relay and the UE (link 2). Communication services conducted via relays (relay services) can potentially replace a lower-quality link 1 with two higher-quality links 2, resulting in higher link capacity and better coverage.

[0003] In 3GPP Release 17 (R17) and Release 18, the UE considers the signal strength of the communication link between the UE and the relay when selecting a relay. Network devices configure a signal strength threshold; only relays whose signal strength detected by the UE exceeds the threshold can be considered as candidate relays. When multiple candidate relays meet the signal strength threshold, the UE randomly selects one as the final relay.

[0004] The relay role is typically played by other UEs located near the UE requiring relay services, and UEs are generally mobile. This leads to poor stability of the existing relay selection scheme based on signal strength, affecting the reliability of relay services. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem addressed by this application is how to ensure that the UE can select a relay with better stability in order to improve the reliability of relay services.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a relay selection method, comprising: receiving at least one first piece of information, wherein the at least one first piece of information corresponds one-to-one with at least one candidate relay, wherein each piece of first information is associated with the mobility of the corresponding candidate relay within a first time period; and selecting a target relay from the at least one candidate relay based at least on the at least one first piece of information.

[0007] Optionally, each of the first pieces of information includes at least one of the following: first indication information, used to indicate the mobility prediction information of the corresponding candidate relay in the first time period; second indication information, used to indicate whether a relay reselection event will be triggered in the first time period in response to the candidate relay corresponding to the first information being selected as the target relay.

[0008] Optionally, the mobility prediction information is selected from at least one of the following: stationary state, mobile state, performing cell reselection operation, and performing cell handover operation.

[0009] Optionally, selecting a target relay from the at least one candidate relay based on at least one first piece of information includes: selecting a candidate relay that meets preset conditions from the at least one candidate relay as the target relay; wherein, the preset conditions include at least: the first information corresponding to the candidate relay indicates that the candidate relay has no mobility change or the highest priority during the target time period, the target time period belongs to the first time period, and the priority of candidate relays with mobility change during the target time period is lower than the priority of candidate relays with no mobility change.

[0010] Optionally, the preset condition further includes: the signal quality of the candidate relay is higher than a first preset threshold.

[0011] Optionally, selecting a candidate relay that meets a preset condition from the at least one candidate relay as the target relay includes: in response to multiple candidate relays all meeting the preset condition, randomly selecting the target relay from the multiple candidate relays; wherein the multiple candidate relays belong to the at least one candidate relay.

[0012] Optionally, the first time period includes multiple sub-time periods, each of the first information is associated with the mobility of the corresponding candidate relay in each sub-time period, and the target time period is one or more sub-time periods in the first time period that overlap with the service duration.

[0013] Optionally, the relay selection method further includes: sending connection establishment request information, the connection establishment request information being used to request the establishment of a communication link via the target relay.

[0014] Optionally, the relay selection method further includes: receiving connection establishment response information, the connection establishment response information being used to respond to or refuse to respond to the connection establishment request information, the connection establishment response information being associated with the mobility of the target relay within a target time period, the target time period belonging to the first time period.

[0015] Optionally, the connection establishment request information includes information indicating the duration of the service, wherein the target time period is a time period in the first time period that overlaps with the duration of the service.

[0016] Optionally, the relay selection method further includes: sending second information, the second information being used to indicate the service duration, the first time period being associated with the service duration.

[0017] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application also provides a relay selection method, comprising: sending first information, wherein the first information is associated with mobility within a first time period.

[0018] Optionally, the relay selection method further includes: receiving connection establishment request information for requesting the establishment of a communication link; sending connection establishment response information for responding to or rejecting the connection establishment request information, wherein the connection establishment response information is associated with mobility within a target time period, and the target time period belongs to the first time period.

[0019] Optionally, the connection establishment response information is associated with mobility within a target time period, including: responding to the connection establishment request information in response to no change in mobility within the target time period; and refusing to respond to the connection establishment request information in response to a change in mobility within the target time period.

[0020] Optionally, the connection establishment request information includes information indicating the duration of the service, wherein the target time period is a time period in the first time period that overlaps with the duration of the service.

[0021] Optionally, the relay selection method further includes: receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate the service duration, the first time period being associated with the service duration.

[0022] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating mobility prediction information within the first time period; and second indication information for indicating whether a relay reselection event will be triggered within the first time period in response to being selected as a target relay.

[0023] Optionally, the mobility prediction information is selected from at least one of the following: stationary state, mobile state, performing cell reselection operation, and performing cell handover operation.

[0024] Optionally, the first time period includes multiple sub-time periods, and the first information is associated with mobility within each of the sub-time periods.

[0025] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application also provides a relay selection method, comprising: receiving connection establishment request information, wherein the connection establishment request information is used to request the establishment of a communication link; and sending connection establishment response information, wherein the connection establishment response information is used to respond to or refuse to respond to the connection establishment request information, and the connection establishment response information is associated with mobility within a first time period.

[0026] Optionally, the connection establishment response information being associated with mobility within a first time period includes: responding to the connection establishment request information in response to no change in mobility within the first time period; and refusing to respond to the connection establishment request information in response to a change in mobility within the first time period.

[0027] Optionally, the relay selection method further includes: receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate the service duration, the first time period being associated with the service duration.

[0028] Optionally, the connection establishment request information includes information indicating the duration of the service, wherein the first time period is associated with the duration of the service.

[0029] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application also provides a relay selection device, comprising: a receiving module for receiving at least one first piece of information, wherein the at least one first piece of information corresponds one-to-one with at least one candidate relay, wherein each piece of first information is associated with the mobility of the corresponding candidate relay within a first time period; and a selection module for selecting a target relay from the at least one candidate relay based at least on the at least one first piece of information.

[0030] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application also provides a relay selection device, comprising: a transmitting module for transmitting first information, wherein the first information is associated with mobility within a first time period.

[0031] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application also provides a relay selection device, comprising: a receiving module for receiving connection establishment request information, the connection establishment request information being used to request the establishment of a communication link; and a sending module for sending connection establishment response information, used to respond to or refuse to respond to the connection establishment request information, the connection establishment response information being associated with mobility within a first time period.

[0032] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium, which is a non-volatile or non-transient storage medium storing a computer program thereon. When the computer program is run by a computer, it executes the steps of the above-described method.

[0033] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application also provides a relay selection device, including a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program that can run on the processor, and the processor executes the steps of the above-described method when running the computer program.

[0034] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program / instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the steps of the above-described method.

[0035] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, including a relay and a UE for performing the above-described methods.

[0036] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application also provides a chip (or relay selection device) that stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by the chip, the steps of the above method are implemented.

[0037] This application also provides a chip system, which includes at least one processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit and the at least one processor are interconnected via a line. The at least one processor is used to execute instructions to perform the above-described method.

[0038] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this application embodiment has the following beneficial effects:

[0039] Existing technologies only consider the instantaneous mobility of relays. The relay selected by the UE may become unavailable after a period of time due to mobility changes, requiring the UE to reselect a relay path. Therefore, existing technologies cannot guarantee that the UE will select a relay with good stability. In contrast, the candidate relays in this application's implementation scheme indicate the predicted mobility over a future period through first information. Based on this, the UE prioritizes candidate relays whose mobility is unlikely to change in the near future as the target relay. When the service duration is long, or when the UE has no data to transmit at the time of target relay selection but will actually need to use the relay for data transmission in the future, the already selected target relay has a high probability of still being available (i.e., the already selected target relay has not experienced mobility changes and can continue to provide relay services). In this case, the UE does not need to reselect a relay or reconfigure the relay path, but can quickly transmit data using the previously selected target relay. Thus, the UE can accurately select a more stable relay, improving the reliability of relay services.

[0040] For latency-sensitive and uninterrupted services, this implementation scheme proactively informs candidate relays of mobility prediction information, ensuring that the UE prioritizes selecting a target relay with more stable mobility (i.e., a high probability of being stationary) in the future. This ensures that the communication link between the UE, the target relay, and the network equipment remains uninterrupted and effective for a period of time, allowing the UE to complete its services efficiently and reliably. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a relay selection method according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a relay selection method according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a relay selection method according to the third embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a relay selection method according to the fourth embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a relay selection device according to the fifth embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a relay selection device according to the sixth embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a relay selection device according to the seventh embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another relay selection device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The method provided in this application involves a network device, a relay, and a UE. The network device and the UE can transmit uplink and downlink signals via a relay; in other words, the relay relays signals between the network device and the UE.

[0050] The network devices in this embodiment include a base station and a base station controller of the access network, and may also include a UE (User Equipment). Specifically, the roles of network devices and UEs can be relative. For example, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) terminal (UAV UE) can be configured as a mobile network device. For UEs (e.g., mobile phones) accessing the wireless access network through a UAV UE, the UAV UE is a network device; however, for the base station, the UAV UE is a UE, meaning the base station and UAV UE communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, the base station and UAV UE can also communicate via an interface protocol between network devices. In this case, the UAV UE is also a network device relative to the base station. Therefore, both network devices and UEs can be collectively referred to as communication devices. A base station can be called a communication device with network device functions, and mobile phones, UAV UEs, etc., can be called communication devices with UE functions.

[0051] The base station (BS) in this application embodiment, also known as a base station device, is a device deployed in a Radio Access Network (RAN) to provide wireless communication functions. For example, in a 2G network, devices providing base station functions include a Base Transceiver Station (BTS); in a 3G network, devices providing base station functions include a Node B; in a 4G network, devices providing base station functions include an evolved Node B (eNB); in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), devices providing base station functions are Access Points (APs); in 5G NR, devices providing base station functions include gNBs and further evolved Node Bs (ng-eNBs). The gNB and UE communicate using NR technology, while the ng-eNB and UE communicate using Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) technology. Both the gNB and ng-eNB can connect to the 5G core network. The base station in this application embodiment also includes equipment that provides base station functions in future new communication systems.

[0052] The base station controller in this application embodiment can also be called a base station controller device, which is a device for managing base stations, such as the base station controller (BSC) in 2G networks, the radio network controller (RNC) in 3G networks, and can also refer to the device for controlling and managing base stations in future new communication systems.

[0053] The UE in this application embodiment can also be referred to as a terminal device, which can refer to various forms of access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment. The terminal device can also be a cellular phone, cordless phone, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication function, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, terminal device in future 5G networks, or terminal device in future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0054] In this application's embodiments, a relay refers to a device with signal relay capabilities. Relays typically possess mobility, which may be due to changes in the relay's geographical location. For example, a relay can be a UE (User Equipment), although it's possible that network devices could also act as relays between other network devices and UEs in the future. For ease of description, this application refers to relays that can provide relay services as candidate relays. A UE can select a target relay from one or more candidate relays for communication, and the UE communicates with network devices via the target relay. In some embodiments, a relay capable of broadcasting communication or establishing a connection with the UE can serve as a candidate relay for the UE.

[0055] The mobility in this embodiment is related to actions such as relay handover and cell reselection, but is independent of the relay's speed or current location. Specifically, mobility can include a stationary state and a moving state. A stationary state indicates that the relay's mobility has not changed (i.e., no mobility change), while a moving state indicates that the relay's mobility has changed. For example, the relay could be user A's mobile phone. If user A is driving, the relay is continuously moving, but as long as the relay remains within the signal coverage area of ​​cell A, it is considered to be in a stationary state. Suppose that the relay moves away from the signal coverage area of ​​cell A along with user A, then the relay needs to perform a cell reselection action. At this time, the relay is considered to be in a moving state, i.e., a mobility change has occurred.

[0056] In some embodiments, a handover action refers to a relay in a connected state performing a cell handover action triggered by a network device. For example, a handover from cell A to cell B. Another example is a handover from network device A to network device B; network device A and network device B can belong to the same cell or different cells.

[0057] In some embodiments, cell reselection refers to the action of reselecting a cell to camp on, spontaneously triggered by a relay in an idle state. For example, reselecting to cell B.

[0058] The technical solution of this application can be applied to the fourth generation (4G) system, also known as the long term evolution (LTE) system; or it can be applied to the 5G system, also known as the NR system; or it can be applied to the sixth generation (6G) system, or the seventh generation (7G) system, or other future communication systems. The embodiments of this application are not limited in this respect.

[0059] The technical solution of this application is also applicable to different network architectures, including but not limited to relay network architecture, dual-link architecture, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) architecture, device-to-device (D2D) architecture, etc.

[0060] As mentioned in the background section, when UEs select relays according to existing protocols, they do not consider the mobility of the relays, resulting in poor stability of the selected relays and affecting the reliability of relay services.

[0061] One possible implementation is to select a relay based on its mobility: the candidate relay announces its status to the surrounding UEs, including two states: stationary and mobile; the UE selects the relay based on the status of the candidate relay, for example, the UE preferentially selects the candidate relay in the stationary state as the target relay.

[0062] However, in this implementation, the relay only indicates its current mobility status, i.e., whether it is moving or stationary. Since the indication lacks advance notice, the UE cannot know the mobility status of the candidate relay at a specific future time. For example, at time t0, the UE selects a relay path according to the configuration of cell A (including the "UE-Relay B" link and the "Relay B-Network Device C" link). If cell reselection or handover occurs at time t1, the UE must reselect a relay path. Reselecting a relay path includes two scenarios: Scenario 1, the UE reselects relay D and establishes the "UE-Relay D-Network Device C" link; Scenario 2, the relay is not changed, but the configuration is changed, such as changing to determine the "UE-Relay B-Network Device C" link according to the configuration of cell B. Regardless of scenario 1 or Scenario 2, the relay path originally selected by the UE will become unavailable, causing ongoing services to be interrupted or services that need to be performed at time t1 to be delayed due to reselecting a relay or reselecting a relay path, or changing the configuration. This is unfriendly to latency-sensitive services and services that cannot be interrupted.

[0063] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a relay selection method, wherein each of at least one candidate relay transmits first information, and correspondingly, the UE receives at least one first information transmitted by at least one candidate relay, wherein at least one first information corresponds one-to-one with at least one candidate relay, and each first information is associated with the mobility of the corresponding candidate relay in a first time period; the UE selects a target relay from at least one candidate relay based on at least one first information.

[0064] The implementation scheme of this application provides mobility prediction information to assist the UE in selecting a relay, thereby improving the reliability of relay selection. Specifically, the candidate relay indicates the mobility prediction situation over a future period through first information. Based on this, the UE prioritizes candidate relays that are unlikely to experience mobility changes in the future as target relays. When the service duration is long, or when the UE has no data to transmit at the time of selecting the target relay but actually needs to use the relay for data transmission in the future, the already selected target relay is likely still available (i.e., the already selected target relay has not experienced mobility changes in the future and can continue to provide relay services). In this case, the UE does not need to perform relay reselection or relay path reconfiguration, but can quickly use the previously selected target relay for data transmission. Thus, the UE can accurately select relays with higher stability, improving the reliability of relay services.

[0065] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and beneficial effects of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Figure 1 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a relay selection method according to the first embodiment of this application.

[0067] The embodiments of this application can be applied to enhanced relay selection scenarios.

[0068] In specific implementation, in the relay selection method provided in steps (S) 101 to S102 below, the actions performed by the UE can be performed by a chip in the UE with relay selection function or by a baseband chip in the UE. The actions performed by the relay (e.g., candidate relay) can be performed by a chip in the relay with relay selection function or by a baseband chip in the relay.

[0069] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 The relay selection method described in this implementation scheme may include the following steps:

[0070] S101, at least one candidate relay transmits first information respectively. Correspondingly, the UE receives at least one first information from at least one candidate relay. Each first information corresponds one-to-one with at least one candidate relay, and each first information is associated with the mobility of the corresponding candidate relay within a first time period.

[0071] Figure 1 The following example demonstrates the process using candidate relay A and candidate relay B. In step S101, candidate relay A and candidate relay B each send their first information. Consequently, the UE receives two sets of first information, one from candidate relay A and the other from candidate relay B.

[0072] For each of at least one candidate relay, the candidate relay indicates its predicted mobility changes within a future first time period by sending a first message.

[0073] Specifically, the first time period can be a time segment starting from the time when the candidate relay sends the first information, and the time when the UE receives the first information can fall within the first time period. The first time period can be an absolute time segment; for example, the candidate relay sends the first information at time t0 to indicate mobility during the time segment from time t0 to time t1.

[0074] Alternatively, the first time period can also be a time period starting from the moment the UE receives the first information. The first time period can be a relative time period; for example, the time period elapsed since the UE received the first information for a preset duration is the first time period. The first information can indicate the length of the preset duration.

[0075] Furthermore, the length of the first time period can be configured according to the protocol, pre-configured by the network device, or customized by the relay. The unit of the first time period length can be milliseconds (ms), paging cycles, radio frames, etc. Considering that the candidate relay may not know the duration of the UE's service, the length of the first time period can be as long as possible to cover the duration of the UE's service. Of course, in practical applications, the specific value of the first time period length can also be reasonably designed based on the power consumption and computational complexity of the candidate relay.

[0076] In some embodiments, the length of the first time period can be the same or different in the first information transmitted by different candidate relays. For example, the first information transmitted by candidate relay A is associated with the mobility of candidate relay A from time t0 to t1, and time t0 to t1 is the first time period corresponding to candidate relay A. As another example, the first information transmitted by candidate relay B is associated with the mobility of candidate relay B from time t0 to t2, and time t0 to t2 is the first time period corresponding to candidate relay B.

[0077] In some embodiments, the start and / or end times of the first time period can be the same or different in the first information transmitted by different candidate relays. For example, the first information transmitted by candidate relay A is associated with the mobility of candidate relay A from time t0 to t2, and time t0 to t2 is the first time period corresponding to candidate relay A. As another example, the first information transmitted by candidate relay B is associated with the mobility of candidate relay B from time t1 to t2, and time t1 to t2 is the first time period corresponding to candidate relay B.

[0078] In one specific embodiment, the first information may include the identifier of the corresponding candidate relay, and may also indicate the predicted mobility of the corresponding candidate relay within a first time period. For example, the mobility changes of the candidate relay within the first time period can be predicted based on the historical mobility changes of the candidate relay within the same time period, combined with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. This embodiment does not limit the method of mobility prediction.

[0079] Furthermore, the first information may also include at least one of the start time, end time, and length of the first time period. Alternatively, the candidate relay may pre-agree with the UE on the time domain location of the first time period, in which case the start time, end time, and length of the first time period can be omitted from the first information, which helps to reduce signaling overhead.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first information may include first indication information, used to indicate the mobility prediction information of the corresponding candidate relay within a first time period. Specifically, the mobility prediction information may be selected from at least one of the following: stationary state, mobile state, performing a cell reselection operation, and performing a cell handover operation.

[0081] For example, a single bit in the first indication information can indicate whether a candidate relay is stationary or mobile during a first time period. Assuming this bit value is 0 for stationary and 1 for mobile, if candidate relay A predicts a mobility change during the time period from t to t+Δt, then the corresponding bit in the first indication information for candidate relay A will be 1, and the first indication information will also indicate that the start time of the first time period is t and its length is Δt. Upon receiving the first indication information, the UE can determine that candidate relay A will be mobile during the time period from t to t+Δt.

[0082] For example, the first indication information can specify the details of the mobility changes that will occur for the candidate relay within the first time period. For instance, candidate relay B can indicate in the first indication information that it will perform a cell reselection operation within the time period from t to Δt.

[0083] Therefore, the candidate relay actively provides its own mobility prediction information to the UEs located around it, in order to indicate whether a mobility change will occur or not in the first time period in the future.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first information may include second indication information, used to indicate whether a relay reselection event will be triggered within the first time period in response to the candidate relay corresponding to the first information being selected as the target relay. The relay reselection event may include reselection of the relay path or reselection of the relay itself. In response to receiving the second indication information, and the second indication information indicating that a relay reselection event will be triggered within the first time period, the UE can determine that if the candidate relay corresponding to the second indication information is selected as the target relay, there is a high probability that a relay reselection event will be triggered within the first time period.

[0085] For example, the second indication information can be indicated by 1 bit. A value of 0 indicates that if the target relay is selected, no relay reselection event will be triggered within the first time period; a value of 1 indicates that if the target relay is selected, a relay reselection event will be triggered within the first time period. Assuming candidate relay A predicts no mobility change in the future, the corresponding 1-bit indication value for candidate relay A in the second indication information is 0. Candidate relay A has pre-interacted with the UE and indicated the method for determining the first time period. For example, the start time of the first time period is by default the time the UE receives the second indication information, and the duration of the first time period is 5 milliseconds (ms). In response to the UE receiving the second indication information at time t, the UE can determine that candidate relay A will not experience a mobility change during the period from t to t+5ms.

[0086] Compared to the first indication information in the above embodiments, which directly indicates that the candidate relay is predicted to have a high probability of mobility changes in the future, the second indication information in this embodiment starts from the result, indicating that if the UE selects itself as the target relay, there is a high probability that a relay path reselection will be triggered in the future (e.g., a relay reselection event). The reason for triggering the relay path reselection (i.e., the candidate relay is predicted to send a mobility change within the first time period) is not directly indicated to the UE. Therefore, in addition to relay reselection events triggered by mobility changes, if the candidate relay is predicted to trigger a relay reselection event on the UE side due to other factors within the first time period, the second indication information can provide an early warning to the UE, allowing the UE to comprehensively consider and decide whether to select the candidate relay as the target relay.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first information may include first indication information and second indication information. For example, candidate relay B may send second indication information to indicate that if candidate relay B is selected as the target relay, a relay reselection event will be triggered within a first time period. Furthermore, candidate relay B may also send first indication information to indicate that candidate relay B may perform a cell handover operation within the first time period. Thus, in response to receiving the first and second indication information, the UE can determine that candidate relay B will experience a mobility change within the first time period and the specific reason for the mobility change.

[0088] For example, candidate relay B can send a first indication message to indicate that no mobility change will occur during the time period t1 to t2, and a second indication message to indicate that if the UE selects candidate relay B as the target relay, a relay reselection event will be triggered during the time period t2 to t3. Thus, the candidate relay can flexibly use multiple indication methods to indicate the mobility prediction results for multiple future time periods to the UE.

[0089] Furthermore, for the same candidate relay, the first indication information and the second indication information can be sent simultaneously or sequentially.

[0090] In one specific embodiment, in S101, the candidate relay can transmit first information via broadcast. Correspondingly, the UE can receive the first information broadcast by any nearby candidate relay. For example, a candidate relay can periodically predict mobility changes over a given period and broadcast the prediction results (i.e., the first information) for reference by nearby UEs. Thus, the transmission of the first information can be a pair of unspecified transmissions, allowing any number of UEs near the candidate relay to obtain the candidate relay's mobility prediction information.

[0091] In one variation, in a sidelink scenario, the UE and the candidate relay can pre-establish a sidelink for interaction. The sidelink is dedicated to UE-to-UE communication. Accordingly, in S101, the candidate relay can send first information to the UE via the sidelink. In this variation, the first information is sent one-to-one to ensure the UE can reliably receive the mobility prediction information from the candidate relay. The sidelink can be a connection transmitted through a direct communication interface (PC5 connection). It should be noted that establishing a sidelink does not mean the UE has selected the candidate relay as the target relay.

[0092] Further reference Figure 1 The relay selection method described in this embodiment may further include the following steps:

[0093] S102, the UE selects a target relay from at least one candidate relay based on at least one first piece of information.

[0094] Specifically, the UE can prioritize candidate relays that are unlikely to experience mobility changes in the near future as the target relay based on the first piece of information. Furthermore, the UE can also comprehensively select and determine the target relay by considering factors such as whether the currently ongoing (or expected to be ongoing within the first time period) service can tolerate interruption and the duration of the service.

[0095] For example, assuming the UE is currently performing a sensing service, and the service duration covers a first time period, the UE can prioritize selecting a candidate relay that is stationary during the first time period as the target relay. If the sensing service can be completed before the first time period, the UE can also consider selecting a candidate relay that is mobile during the first time period as the target relay.

[0096] For example, suppose the UE will be making a call between time t0 and t2. The first information sent by candidate relay A indicates that a cell reselection will occur between time t0 and t1, while the first information sent by candidate relay B remains stationary between time t0 and t2. Since call services typically cannot tolerate interruptions, the UE will preferentially select candidate relay B as the target relay.

[0097] Furthermore, the tolerance for service interruption can be determined based on factors such as service type and its sensitivity to latency. For example, voice services and call services are highly sensitive to latency and cannot tolerate interruptions. On the other hand, location services are less sensitive to latency and can tolerate interruptions.

[0098] In one specific embodiment, S102 may include: the UE selecting a candidate relay that meets preset conditions from at least one candidate relay as the target relay. The preset conditions may include at least: a first information indication corresponding to the candidate relay; the candidate relay having no mobility changes or the highest priority during a target time period; the target time period belonging to a first time period; and the priority of candidate relays with mobility changes during the target time period being lower than the priority of candidate relays without mobility changes.

[0099] Specifically, the target time period can be the time period during which the UE needs to transmit services via the target relay. That is, the target time period can be the time period that overlaps with the first time period and the service duration. Furthermore, in the case where the first time period and the service duration partially overlap, the overlapping time period is the target time period. In some embodiments, the first time period may include multiple sub-time periods, where each sub-time period that overlaps with the service duration (including complete overlap and partial overlap) can be determined to belong to the target time period.

[0100] Furthermore, when there is at least one candidate relay that includes both candidate relays whose mobility will change during the target time period and candidate relays that will not change during the target time period, the UE shall preferentially select the candidate relay that will not change mobility during the target time period as the target relay.

[0101] For example, assuming candidate relay A indicates no mobility change during the time period t0-t2, and candidate relay B indicates mobility change during the same time period, and the UE's service will continue until time t1, then the UE will preferentially select candidate relay A as the target relay. The target time period is the time period t0-t1.

[0102] For example, suppose candidate relay A indicates no mobility change during the time period t0-t1, and candidate relay B indicates mobility change during the time period t0-t2. The UE's service will continue until time t1. The UE can then prioritize candidate relay A and candidate relay B, meaning candidate relay A has a higher priority than (>) candidate relay B. Accordingly, the UE will preferentially select the higher-priority candidate relay A as the target relay. The target time period is t0-t1.

[0103] In some embodiments, based on the specific content included in the mobility prediction information, the following priority ranking logic can be further refined: Priority of candidate relays that will undergo cell reselection within the target time period < Priority of candidate relays that will undergo handover within the target time period < Priority of candidate relays with no mobility changes, where "<" indicates lower than. Considering the candidate relays in the idle state corresponding to cell reselection, if the UE selects this candidate relay as the target relay, the target relay will have to switch to the connected state before it can use relay services in the future, which is more detrimental to latency. Therefore, the candidate relays that will undergo cell reselection within the target time period have the lowest priority. This helps the UE to more accurately select the candidate relay with better stability as the target relay. Furthermore, even if there are no candidate relays with no mobility changes available, the UE can at least prioritize eliminating the lowest priority and most unstable candidate relays.

[0104] Therefore, the UE can consider its own service situation. If the UE currently has data to be transmitted or is expected to need to transmit data in the first time period, it can give priority to the relay that will not cause mobility changes in the future.

[0105] In some embodiments, if at least one candidate relay undergoes mobility changes or has the same priority within a target time period, the UE may randomly select one candidate relay as the target relay.

[0106] In some embodiments, the UE may not have any service activity during the first time period, i.e., no data transmission requirement. In S102, the UE may also consider selecting a candidate relay with mobility changes or lower priority during the target time period as the target relay. In this example, the target time period can be part or all of the time period within the first time period. Therefore, considering that if the UE only wants to find a target relay to camp on and does not immediately need to transmit data, mobility changes of the target relay can be tolerated.

[0107] UE selection of a target relay camp means that an idle UE can first find a target relay to establish a connection or exchange information (or, the UE simply selects a target relay unilaterally), without subsequent end-to-end Radio Resource Control (RRC) connections. An end-to-end RRC connection means that the UE sends an RRC connection establishment request, which is then transparently passed to the network device by the target relay, to establish an end-to-end connection between the UE and the network device via the target relay.

[0108] In one specific embodiment, the preset condition may further include: the signal quality of the candidate relay is higher than a first preset threshold. In S102, in response to the signal quality of the communication link between the UE and the candidate relay being higher than the first preset threshold, and the first information sent by the candidate relay indicating no mobility change (or the highest priority) within the target time period, the UE preferentially selects the candidate relay as the target relay.

[0109] Specifically, the signal quality of a candidate relay refers to the signal quality of the communication link between the candidate relay and the UE. For example, signal quality can be measured by signal strength. Signal strength can be characterized based on parameters such as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ).

[0110] Furthermore, the first preset threshold can be determined through a protocol, for example, it can be a signal strength threshold.

[0111] In some embodiments, in response to multiple candidate relays meeting preset conditions in at least one candidate relay, in S102, the UE can randomly select a target relay from the multiple candidate relays.

[0112] Continue with Figure 1Taking candidate relay A and candidate relay B as examples, assume that the first information sent by candidate relay A indicates no change in mobility during the time period t0-t1, and the first information sent by candidate relay B indicates no change in mobility during the time period t0-t2. The UE needs to transmit data during the time period t0-t1. Furthermore, the signal strength of the communication link between candidate relay A and the UE is greater than a signal strength threshold, and the signal strength of the communication link between candidate relay B and the UE is also greater than a signal strength threshold. Then, the UE randomly selects either candidate relay A or candidate relay B as the target relay.

[0113] Therefore, when multiple candidate relays that meet the preset conditions are available, the target relay can be randomly selected according to the provisions of existing protocols. This helps to distribute the communication load of a single candidate relay and avoids communication congestion caused by a large number of UEs selecting the same candidate relay.

[0114] In one specific embodiment, the first time period may include multiple sub-time periods, and each piece of first information is associated with the mobility of the corresponding candidate relay within each sub-time period. Specifically, the first time period can be subdivided into multiple sub-time periods, and the candidate relay indicates mobility prediction information for each sub-time period. For example, the first information may indicate that the candidate relay is stationary during the time period t0-t1, and is mobile during the time periods t1-t2 and t2-t3.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first information can use n bits to indicate whether the candidate relay is stationary or mobile within the n sub-time periods included in the first time period. Here, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the n bits and the n sub-time periods, and the correspondence can be predefined. For example, by default, the n bits, numbered from smallest to largest, correspond to the n sub-time periods ordered chronologically. Alternatively, the correspondence between the n bits and the n sub-time periods can be indicated in the first information. For example, the first information includes at least one parameter among the start time, end time, and length of each sub-time period, as well as the corresponding mobility prediction information.

[0116] Considering that candidate relays may indicate mobility prediction information over a relatively long initial time period to cover the UE's service duration, and that the mobility of candidate relays may fluctuate within this extended initial time period, this embodiment provides more granular mobility prediction indications for candidate relays in different time periods. This helps the UE more accurately select candidate relays that are more stable during the service duration.

[0117] Furthermore, the target time period can be one or more sub-time periods that overlap with the service duration within the first time period. For example, suppose the first information sent by candidate relay A indicates that it is in a static state during the time period t0-t1 and will perform a cell reselection action during the time period t1-t2. The first information sent by candidate relay B indicates that a handover action will be performed during the time period t0-t2 and that it is in a static state during the time period t2-t3. If the UE's service duration is t0-t1, then the UE can preferentially select candidate relay A as the target relay.

[0118] In one specific embodiment, in response to the UE selecting a target relay in S102, the UE can further establish a PC5 connection with the target relay. Specifically, the PC5 connection is a communication link between the UE and the target relay. For example, continuing to refer to... Figure 1 In response to the UE selecting candidate relay A as the target relay in S102, the UE can further establish a PC5 connection with candidate relay A.

[0119] Therefore, an idle UE (without data to be transmitted) can camp on a target relay (e.g., to establish a sidelink connection or exchange information). At this time, the subsequent end-to-end RRC connection has not yet been established, but when the UE needs to transmit services later, it can quickly establish an end-to-end RRC connection with the network device via the camped target relay.

[0120] Therefore, using the scheme of the first embodiment, the candidate relay indicates the mobility prediction situation within a future period through first information. Based on this, the UE preferentially selects the candidate relay that is unlikely to experience mobility changes in the future as the target relay. When the service duration is long, or when the UE has no data to transmit at the time of selecting the target relay but actually needs to use the relay for data transmission in the future, the already selected target relay has a high probability of still being available (i.e., the already selected target relay has not experienced mobility changes during the service duration or when the UE actually needs to use it in the future, and can continue to provide relay services). In this case, the UE does not need to perform relay reselection or relay path reconfiguration, but can quickly use the previously selected target relay for data transmission. Thus, the UE can accurately select a relay with higher stability, improving the reliability of the relay service.

[0121] For latency-sensitive and uninterrupted services, this implementation scheme proactively informs candidate relays of mobility prediction information, ensuring that the UE prioritizes selecting a target relay with more stable mobility (i.e., a high probability of being stationary) in the future. This ensures that the communication link between the UE, the target relay, and the network equipment remains uninterrupted and effective for a period of time, allowing the UE to complete its services efficiently and reliably.

[0122] Figure 2This is a signaling interaction diagram of a relay selection method according to the second embodiment of this application.

[0123] With the above Figure 1 The difference in the first embodiment shown is that, Figure 2 In the second embodiment shown, in addition to S101 and S102, S103 and S104 (or S104') may be further included. In specific implementations, in the relay selection method provided by steps (S) 101 to S104 (or S104') below, the actions performed by the UE can be performed by a chip in the UE with relay selection functionality or by a baseband chip in the UE. The actions performed by the relay (e.g., candidate relay, target relay) can be performed by a chip in the relay with relay selection functionality or by a baseband chip in the relay. The actions performed by the network device can be performed by a chip in the network device with communication functionality or by a baseband chip in the network device.

[0124] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 After executing S101 and S102, the relay selection method described in this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0125] S103, the UE sends a connection establishment request message to the target relay. Correspondingly, the target relay receives the connection establishment request message. The connection establishment request message is used to request the establishment of a communication link via the target relay.

[0126] Figure 2 The example shown uses candidate relay B as the target relay. Accordingly, the connection establishment request information can be sent by the UE to candidate relay B. For example, the UE establishes a PC5 connection with candidate relay B, and then sends the connection establishment request information to candidate relay B via the PC5 link.

[0127] In a sidelink scenario, the UE and the target relay can establish a sidelink. The UE can send a connection establishment request to the target relay via the sidelink, or it can send other sidelink service requests to the target relay. Upon receiving a connection establishment request, the target relay determines that it needs to provide relay services; otherwise, upon receiving other sidelink service requests, the target relay determines that the UE's current request is not for requesting relay services.

[0128] Furthermore, the communication link established in response to the connection establishment request information can be an end-to-end RRC connection, that is, a link between "UE-target relay-network device". This communication link is used for data transmission.

[0129] In this embodiment, the UE sends a connection establishment request to request the target relay to provide relay services. In response to receiving the connection establishment request, the target relay can determine whether to respond to the UE's connection establishment request based on its own mobility prediction information for a future period of time.

[0130] In one specific embodiment, in response to no change in mobility during a target time period, the target relay can determine the connection establishment request information in response to the UE. Further, the target relay can execute S104 to establish a communication link between the UE and the network device through interaction with the network device. Specifically, referring further... Figure 2 S104 may include the following steps:

[0131] S1041, the target relay (e.g., candidate relay B) sends a connection establishment response message to the UE, and the UE receives the connection establishment response message accordingly. The connection establishment response message is used to respond to the connection establishment request message.

[0132] Furthermore, the connection establishment response information is associated with the mobility of the target relay within a target time period. The connection establishment request information may include the UE's service duration, and the target time period is the time period overlapping with the service duration within the first time period.

[0133] For example, suppose candidate relay A indicates a mobility change during the time period t0-t1 via first information, and candidate relay B indicates no mobility change during the same time period via first information. The UE executes S102 to select candidate relay B as the target relay, and then executes S103 to send a connection establishment request to candidate relay B. The connection establishment request indicates that the service duration is the time period t0-t1. In response to receiving the connection establishment request, candidate relay B preferably first determines whether a mobility change will occur during the time period t0-t1. In response to the determination result indicating no mobility change during the time period t0-t1, candidate relay B sends a connection establishment response to the UE to indicate that it is responding to the UE's connection establishment request.

[0134] Further reference Figure 2 S104 may further include the step: S1042, whereby the target relay (e.g., candidate relay B) sends a connection establishment request to the network device to establish a communication link between the network device and the UE. For example, establishing an end-to-end RRC connection.

[0135] Therefore, before forwarding the connection establishment request to the network device after receiving it, the target relay adds a judgment logic. Preferably, it only responds to the UE's connection establishment request when it is certain that it will not move within the target time period. This helps ensure that the target relay can continuously, stably, and reliably provide relay services to the UE and network device for a period of time in the future.

[0136] In one variation example, in response to a change in mobility during a target time period, the target relay can determine that it rejects the UE's connection establishment request. The target relay can then execute S104' to reject the UE's connection establishment request. For details, please refer to... Figure 2 S104 can be replaced by step S104', whereby the target relay (e.g., candidate relay B) sends a connection establishment response message to the UE, and the UE receives the connection establishment response message accordingly. The connection establishment response message is used to reject the connection establishment request.

[0137] For example, assuming that the first information of at least one candidate relay indicates that a mobility change will occur within the target time period, the UE preferably randomly selects a candidate relay to camp on when executing S102, even if the candidate relay experiences a mobility change within the target time period. Further, the UE sends a connection establishment request to the selected target relay, the connection establishment request information including the service duration. If the target relay determines that a cell reselection will occur during the service duration, the target relay has the right to reject the UE's connection establishment request. That is, the target relay may not forward the UE's connection establishment request information to the network device.

[0138] In response to receiving a connection establishment response message that rejects the connection establishment request, the UE can continue to receive first information from at least one nearby candidate relay to re-execute S101 to S103 until it receives a connection establishment response message that accepts the connection establishment request. Thus, the target relay can proactively reject the UE's connection establishment request, giving the UE a greater chance of selecting a more stable relay.

[0139] Figure 3 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a relay selection method according to the third embodiment of this application.

[0140] With the above Figure 1 The difference in the first embodiment shown is that, Figure 3 In the third embodiment shown, S100 may be further included before S101. In specific implementations, in the relay selection method provided by steps (S) 100 to S102 below, the actions performed by the UE can be performed by a chip in the UE with relay selection functionality, or by a baseband chip in the UE. The actions performed by the relay (e.g., candidate relay, target relay) can be performed by a chip in the relay with relay selection functionality, or by a baseband chip in the relay.

[0141] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 Prior to S101, the relay selection method described in this embodiment may further include the following steps:

[0142] S100, the UE sends the second information. Correspondingly, at least one candidate relay receives the second information. The second information is used to indicate the service duration.

[0143] Figure 3 The example shown is that candidate relay A and candidate relay B each receive the second information. In practical applications, only a portion of the candidate relays at least once may receive the second information, while the remaining candidate relays do not receive the second information and directly execute S101.

[0144] Furthermore, the UE can broadcast a second message to enable nearby candidate relays to acquire the UE's service duration.

[0145] Alternatively, in a sidelink scenario, the UE can establish a sidelink with at least one candidate relay, and in S100, the UE can indicate the service duration to each candidate relay through the sidelink.

[0146] Furthermore, the first time period is associated with the duration of the business. For example, the first time period can at least cover the duration of the business.

[0147] Therefore, the UE can inform itself of its service status in advance for a period of time, and the candidate relay will provide targeted feedback on mobility prediction information for that period.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second information may indicate at least one of the start time, end time, and duration of the service duration. The unit of service duration may be milliseconds (ms), paging cycles, radio frames, etc.

[0149] Figure 4 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a relay selection method according to the fourth embodiment of this application.

[0150] With the above Figure 2 The difference in the second embodiment shown is that, in Figure 4 In the fourth embodiment shown, steps S101 and S102 can be omitted. That is, in this embodiment, the UE does not know in advance the mobility prediction of the candidate relay in the first time period, but selects the target relay based on the signal quality of the communication link with the candidate relay.

[0151] In specific implementations, in the relay selection method provided in steps (S) 400 to S402 (or S402') below, the actions performed by the UE can be performed by a chip in the UE with relay selection functionality or by a baseband chip in the UE. The actions performed by the relay (e.g., the target relay) can be performed by a chip in the relay with relay selection functionality or by a baseband chip in the relay. The actions performed by the network device can be performed by a chip in the network device with communication functionality or by a baseband chip in the network device.

[0152] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 The relay selection method described in this implementation scheme may include the following steps:

[0153] S401, the UE sends a connection establishment request message to the target relay. Correspondingly, the target relay receives the connection establishment request message. The connection establishment request message is used to request the establishment of a communication link via the target relay.

[0154] For details regarding S401, please refer to the above. Figure 2 The description of S103 in the second embodiment shown is as follows. The difference between S401 and S103 is that in S103, the UE selects the target relay at least based on the mobility prediction of the candidate relay in the first time period (and may further combine the signal quality of the candidate relay), while in S401, the UE selects the target relay based on the signal quality of the candidate relay.

[0155] Furthermore, in response to receiving a connection establishment request, the target relay can determine whether to respond to the UE's connection establishment request based on its own mobility prediction information for a future period (e.g., a first time period). In this embodiment, the start time of the first time period can be the moment when the target relay receives the connection establishment request.

[0156] In one specific embodiment, in response to no change in mobility during a first time period, the target relay can determine the connection establishment request information in response to the UE. Further, the target relay can execute S402 to establish a communication link between the UE and the network device through interaction with the network device. Specifically, referring further... Figure 4 S402 may include the following steps:

[0157] S4021, the target relay sends a connection establishment response message to the UE, and the UE receives the connection establishment response message accordingly. The connection establishment response message is used to respond to the connection establishment request message.

[0158] Further reference Figure 4S402 may also include the step: S4022, the target relay sends a connection establishment request message to the network device to establish a communication link between the network device and the UE. For example, establishing an end-to-end RRC connection.

[0159] For details regarding S4021, please refer to the above. Figure 2 The description of S1041 in the second embodiment shown above, and the specific details of S4022 can be found in the above description. Figure 2 The relevant description of S1042 in the second embodiment shown.

[0160] In one variation example, in response to a predicted change in mobility during a first time period, the target relay can determine to reject the UE's connection establishment request. Accordingly, the target relay can execute S402' to reject the UE's connection establishment request. For details, please refer to... Figure 4 S402 can be replaced by step S402', whereby the target relay sends a connection establishment response message to the UE, and the UE receives the connection establishment response message accordingly. The connection establishment response message is used to reject the connection establishment request.

[0161] For details regarding S402', please refer to the above. Figure 2 The relevant description of S104' in the second embodiment shown.

[0162] Therefore, by adopting this implementation scheme, the UE can use existing technology for relay selection, allowing the target relay to determine whether to respond to the UE's connection establishment request based on mobility predictions over a future period. For example, if the UE selects a target relay based on signal quality, and the target relay predicts a mobility change within a first future time period, the target relay can proactively reject the UE's connection establishment request. In response to being rejected by the target relay, the UE can then select other candidate relays for relay services. Thus, the UE has a greater chance and can select a more stable relay more promptly.

[0163] In a specific implementation, continue to refer to Figure 4 Prior to S401, the relay selection method described in this embodiment may also include the following steps:

[0164] In step S400, the UE sends second information to the target relay. Correspondingly, the target relay receives the second information. This second information indicates the duration of the service.

[0165] For details regarding the S400, please refer to the above. Figure 3 The relevant description of S100 in the third embodiment shown.

[0166] More specifically, the action of S400 can be executed after the UE selects a target relay, and correspondingly, the second information is sent by the UE to the target relay separately. For example, the UE sends the second information to the target relay via a sidelink link with the target relay. In this example, the execution order of S400 and S401 can be interchanged.

[0167] In one variation, the UE can broadcast a second message to actively indicate the service duration. Accordingly, any candidate relay can receive the second message and store the UE's service duration for later use.

[0168] In response to receiving the second information and the connection establishment request information, the target relay can accept or reject the UE's connection establishment request based on the UE's service duration and its own mobility prediction.

[0169] In some embodiments, the target relay can determine a first time period that needs to be predicted based on the service duration, the first time period covering at least the service duration. For example, if the second information indicates that the service duration is from time t0 to t1, then the target relay can predict at least whether a change in mobility will occur from time t0 to t1.

[0170] Therefore, when a UE proactively informs the user of service information (e.g., service duration), and the UE selects any candidate relay that receives this information as the target relay, the UE can determine whether to provide relay service to the UE based on the service information and its own mobility prediction. This helps the UE connect to a target relay with better stability whenever possible.

[0171] In a variation, S400 can be omitted, and the UE can include indications of service duration in the connection establishment request information. Upon receiving the connection establishment request information, the target relay can determine a first time period based on the service duration, and then predict mobility changes within that first time period. Thus, after selecting a target relay based on factors such as signal quality, the UE proactively informs the target relay of the service information (e.g., service duration) when requesting a PC5 connection. The target relay then determines whether to provide relay service to the UE based on the service information and its own mobility predictions. This helps ensure the UE connects to a target relay with better stability whenever possible.

[0172] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a relay selection device (denoted as relay selection device 5) according to the fifth embodiment of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that the relay selection device 5 described in this embodiment can be used to implement the above-mentioned... Figures 1 to 3 The method described in the embodiment. The relay selection device 5 can be the UE mentioned above.

[0173] Specifically, refer to Figure 5 The relay selection device 5 may include: a receiving module 51, configured to receive at least one first piece of information, wherein the at least one first piece of information corresponds one-to-one with at least one candidate relay, wherein each piece of first information is associated with the mobility of the corresponding candidate relay in a first time period; and a selection module 52, configured to select a target relay from the at least one candidate relay based at least on the at least one first piece of information.

[0174] In a non-limiting embodiment, each of the first pieces of information may include at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the mobility prediction information of the corresponding candidate relay within the first time period; and second indication information for indicating whether a relay reselection event will be triggered within the first time period in response to the candidate relay corresponding to the first information being selected as the target relay.

[0175] Furthermore, the mobility prediction information may be selected from at least one of the following: stationary state, mobile state, performing cell reselection operation, and performing cell handover operation.

[0176] In a non-limiting embodiment, the selection module 52 may include: a selection submodule, configured to select a candidate relay that meets preset conditions from the at least one candidate relay as the target relay; wherein the preset conditions include at least: the first information indication corresponding to the candidate relay, the candidate relay having no mobility change or the highest priority during the target time period, the target time period belonging to the first time period, and the priority of candidate relays with mobility change during the target time period being lower than the priority of candidate relays with no mobility change.

[0177] In a non-limiting embodiment, the preset condition may further include: the signal quality of the candidate relay is higher than a first preset threshold.

[0178] In a non-limiting embodiment, in response to multiple candidate relays all satisfying the preset conditions, the selection submodule can randomly select the target relay from the multiple candidate relays.

[0179] Furthermore, the first time period includes multiple sub-time periods, and each piece of the first information is associated with the mobility of the corresponding candidate relay in each sub-time period. The target time period is one or more sub-time periods in the first time period that overlap with the service duration.

[0180] In a non-limiting embodiment, the relay selection device 5 may further include: a first sending module, configured to send connection establishment request information, the connection establishment request information being used to request the establishment of a communication link via the target relay.

[0181] In a non-limiting embodiment, the relay selection device 5 may further perform the step of: receiving connection establishment response information, the connection establishment response information being used to respond to or refuse to respond to the connection establishment request information, the connection establishment response information being associated with the mobility of the target relay within a target time period, the target time period belonging to the first time period.

[0182] Furthermore, the connection establishment request information includes the service duration, and the target time period is the time period in the first time period that overlaps with the service duration.

[0183] In a non-limiting embodiment, the relay selection device 5 may further include: a second transmission module for transmitting second information, the second information being used to indicate a service duration, the first time period being associated with the service duration.

[0184] For more information on the working principle and operation mode of the relay selection device 5, please refer to the above. Figures 1 to 3 The relevant descriptions in the text will not be repeated here.

[0185] In specific implementation, the aforementioned relay selection device 5 may correspond to a chip in the UE that has relay selection function, or to a chip that has data processing function, such as a system-on-a-chip (SOC), baseband chip, etc.; or to a chip module in the UE that includes a chip with relay selection function; or to a chip module that has a chip with relay selection function, or to the UE.

[0186] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a relay selection device (denoted as relay selection device 6) according to the sixth embodiment of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that the relay selection device 6 described in this embodiment can be used to implement the above-mentioned... Figures 1 to 3 The method described in the embodiments. The relay selection device 6 can be any of the relays mentioned above, including candidate relays and target relays.

[0187] Specifically, refer to Figure 6 The relay selection device 6 may include: a transmitting module 61, used to transmit first information, the first information being associated with mobility within a first time period.

[0188] In a non-limiting embodiment, the relay selection device 6 may further include: a first receiving module for receiving connection establishment request information for requesting the establishment of a communication link.

[0189] In a non-limiting embodiment, the relay selection device 6 may further perform the step of: sending connection establishment response information to respond to or refuse to respond to the connection establishment request information, the connection establishment response information being associated with mobility within a target time period, the target time period belonging to the first time period.

[0190] Furthermore, the connection establishment response information associated with mobility within the target time period may include: responding to the connection establishment request information in response to no change in mobility within the target time period; and refusing to respond to the connection establishment request information in response to a change in mobility within the target time period.

[0191] Furthermore, the connection establishment request information includes the service duration, and the target time period is the time period in the first time period that overlaps with the service duration.

[0192] In a non-limiting embodiment, the relay selection device 6 may further include: a second receiving module for receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate the duration of a service, the first time period being associated with the duration of the service.

[0193] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating mobility prediction information within the first time period; and second indication information for indicating whether a relay reselection event will be triggered within the first time period in response to being selected as a target relay.

[0194] Furthermore, the mobility prediction information is selected from at least one of the following: stationary state, mobile state, performing cell reselection operation, and performing cell handover operation.

[0195] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first time period includes multiple sub-time periods, and the first information is associated with mobility within each of the sub-time periods.

[0196] For more information on the working principle and operation mode of the relay selection device 6, please refer to the above. Figures 1 to 3 The relevant descriptions in the text will not be repeated here.

[0197] In specific implementation, the aforementioned relay selection device 6 may correspond to a chip in the relay that has relay selection function, or to a chip that has data processing function, such as a system-on-a-chip (SOC), a baseband chip, etc.; or to a chip module in the relay that includes a chip with relay selection function; or to a chip module that has a chip with relay selection function, or to a relay.

[0198] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a relay selection device (denoted as relay selection device 7) according to the seventh embodiment of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that the relay selection device 7 described in this embodiment can be used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 4 The method described in the embodiment. The relay selection device 7 can be the relay mentioned above, such as the target relay.

[0199] Specifically, refer to Figure 7 The relay selection device 7 may include: a receiving module 71, used to receive connection establishment request information, the connection establishment request information being used to request the establishment of a communication link; and a sending module 72, used to send connection establishment response information, used to respond to or refuse to respond to the connection establishment request information, the connection establishment response information being associated with mobility within a first time period.

[0200] Furthermore, the connection establishment response information associated with mobility within the target time period may include: responding to the connection establishment request information in response to no change in mobility within the target time period; and refusing to respond to the connection establishment request information in response to a change in mobility within the target time period.

[0201] In a non-limiting embodiment, the relay selection device 7 may further perform the step of: receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate the duration of a service, the first time period being associated with the duration of the service.

[0202] In a non-limiting embodiment, the connection establishment request information includes information indicating the duration of the service, wherein the first time period is associated with the duration of the service.

[0203] For more information on the working principle and operation mode of the relay selection device 7, please refer to the above. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions in the text will not be repeated here.

[0204] In specific implementation, the aforementioned relay selection device 7 may correspond to a chip in the relay that has relay selection function, or to a chip that has data processing function, such as a system-on-a-chip (SOC), a baseband chip, etc.; or to a chip module in the relay that includes a chip with relay selection function; or to a chip module that has a chip with relay selection function, or to a relay.

[0205] In specific implementation, the modules / units included in the various devices and products described in the above embodiments can be software modules / units, hardware modules / units, or a combination of both.

[0206] For example, for various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip, each module / unit can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on a processor integrated within the chip, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits; for various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip module, each module / unit can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, and different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. The components can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the chip module. The remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. For various devices and products applied to or integrated into the terminal, each of its components / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or in different components within the terminal. Alternatively, at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the terminal, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0207] This application embodiment also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is a non-volatile storage medium or a non-transient storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the above-mentioned... Figures 1 to 4 The steps of the relay selection method provided in the illustrated embodiment are performed.

[0208] In the embodiments of this application, the storage medium may include non-volatile memory or non-transitory memory, and may also include optical disks, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, etc.

[0209] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program / instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described functionality. Figures 1 to 4 The steps of the relay selection method described in the illustrated embodiment.

[0210] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another relay selection device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0211] Specifically, refer to Figure 8 The relay selection device may include a processor 81, coupled to a memory 82, which may be located within or outside the device. Optionally, a transceiver 83 may also be included. The memory 82, processor 81, and transceiver 83 can be connected via a communication bus. The memory 82 stores a computer program that can run on the processor 81, and the processor 81 executes the aforementioned... Figures 1 to 4 In the relay selection method provided in the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver 83 can perform the sending and / or receiving actions described above under the control of the processor 81. This relay selection device can be a relay as described above, or it can be a UE (User Equipment).

[0212] In this embodiment of the application, the memory 82 includes non-volatile memory or non-transitory memory, and may also include optical disk, hard disk, solid-state drive, etc.

[0213] In this embodiment, the processor 81 can be a central processing unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0214] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the above embodiments can be performed by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which may include ROM, RAM, disk, or optical disk, etc.

[0215] In this embodiment, the larger the value of i at time ti, the later time ti is in the time sequence, where i is an integer. For example, time t0 is before time t1. Or, for example, time t2 is after time t1.

[0216] The embodiments described in this application are described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (devices), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0217] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0218] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0219] It should also be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the existence of A alone, the simultaneous existence of A and B, or the existence of B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" and similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of singular or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and 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.

[0220] In this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0221] This application can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, that are executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. This application can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected via a communication network. In distributed computing environments, program modules can reside in local and remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0222] The various embodiments in this application are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the device embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0223] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0224] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the devices, apparatuses, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0225] While this application discloses the above information, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application; therefore, the scope of protection of this application shall be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A relay selection method, characterized in that, include: Receive at least one first piece of information, wherein the at least one first piece of information corresponds one-to-one with at least one candidate relay, wherein each piece of first information is associated with the mobility of the corresponding candidate relay within a first time period; The target relay is selected from the at least one candidate relay based on at least one first piece of information.

2. The relay selection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first pieces of information includes at least one of the following: The first indication information is used to indicate the mobility prediction information of the corresponding candidate relay within the first time period; The second indication information is used to indicate whether a relay reselection event will be triggered within the first time period in response to the candidate relay corresponding to the first information being selected as the target relay.

3. The relay selection method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mobility prediction information is selected from at least one of the following: stationary state, mobile state, performing cell reselection operation, and performing cell handover operation.

4. The relay selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The step of selecting a target relay from the at least one candidate relay based on at least one first piece of information includes: Select a candidate relay that meets the preset conditions from the at least one candidate relay as the target relay; The preset conditions include at least the following: The first information indication corresponding to the candidate relay indicates that the candidate relay has no mobility change or the highest priority during the target time period, the target time period belongs to the first time period, and the priority of the candidate relay with mobility change during the target time period is lower than the priority of the candidate relay with no mobility change.

5. The relay selection method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The preset conditions also include: the signal quality of the candidate relay is higher than a first preset threshold.

6. The relay selection method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The step of selecting a candidate relay that meets preset conditions from the at least one candidate relay as the target relay includes: In response to multiple candidate relays satisfying the preset conditions, the target relay is randomly selected from the multiple candidate relays; wherein the multiple candidate relays belong to the at least one candidate relay.

7. The relay selection method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The first time period includes multiple sub-time periods, and each piece of first information is associated with the mobility of the corresponding candidate relay in each sub-time period. The target time period is one or more sub-time periods in the first time period that overlap with the service duration.

8. The relay selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Send a connection establishment request message, which is used to request the establishment of a communication link via the target relay.

9. The relay selection method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive connection establishment response information, which is used to respond to or refuse to respond to the connection establishment request information. The connection establishment response information is associated with the mobility of the target relay within a target time period, which belongs to the first time period.

10. The relay selection method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The connection establishment request information includes information indicating the duration of the service, and the target time period is a time period in the first time period that overlaps with the duration of the service.

11. The relay selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, Also includes: Send a second message, which indicates the duration of the service, and the first time period is associated with the duration of the service.

12. A relay selection method, characterized in that, include: Send a first message, which is associated with mobility within a first time period.

13. The relay selection method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive connection establishment request information, which is used to request the establishment of a communication link; Send connection establishment response information to respond to or refuse the connection establishment request information. The connection establishment response information is associated with mobility within a target time period, which belongs to the first time period.

14. The relay selection method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The connection establishment response information is associated with mobility within the target time period, including: In response to no change in mobility during the target time period, the connection establishment request response information responds to the connection establishment request information; In response to a change in mobility during the target time period, the connection establishment request response information refuses to respond to the connection establishment request information.

15. The relay selection method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The connection establishment request information includes information indicating the duration of the service, and the target time period is a time period in the first time period that overlaps with the duration of the service.

16. The relay selection method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive second information, the second information being used to indicate the duration of the service, the first time period being associated with the duration of the service.

17. The relay selection method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The first indication information is used to indicate mobility prediction information within the first time period; The second indication information is used to indicate whether a relay reselection event will be triggered within the first time period in response to being selected as the target relay.

18. The relay selection method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The mobility prediction information is selected from at least one of the following: stationary state, mobile state, performing cell reselection operation, and performing cell handover operation.

19. The relay selection method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that, The first time period includes multiple sub-time periods, and the first information is associated with mobility within each of the sub-time periods.

20. A relay selection method, characterized in that, include: Receive connection establishment request information, which is used to request the establishment of a communication link; Send connection establishment response information, which is used to respond to or refuse to respond to the connection establishment request information, and the connection establishment response information is associated with mobility within a first time period.

21. The relay selection method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The connection establishment response information associated with mobility during the first time period includes: In response to no change in mobility during the first time period, the connection establishment request response information responds to the connection establishment request information; In response to a change in mobility during the first time period, the connection establishment request response information refuses to respond to the connection establishment request information.

22. The relay selection method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive second information, the second information being used to indicate the duration of the service, the first time period being associated with the duration of the service.

23. The relay selection method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The connection establishment request information includes information indicating the duration of the service, wherein the first time period is associated with the duration of the service.

24. A relay selection device, characterized in that, include: A receiving module is configured to receive at least one first piece of information, wherein the at least one first piece of information corresponds one-to-one with at least one candidate relay, wherein each piece of first information is associated with the mobility of the corresponding candidate relay within a first time period; The selection module is configured to select a target relay from the at least one candidate relay based on at least one first piece of information.

25. A relay selection device, characterized in that, include: The sending module is used to send first information, which is associated with mobility within a first time period.

26. A relay selection device, characterized in that, include: The receiving module is used to receive connection establishment request information, which is used to request the establishment of a communication link; The sending module is used to send connection establishment response information, which is used to respond to or refuse to respond to the connection establishment request information. The connection establishment response information is associated with mobility within a first time period.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium is a non-volatile storage medium or a non-transient storage medium, and a computer program is stored thereon, characterized in that, The computer program is executed by a computer to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

28. A relay selection device, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor runs the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

29. A computer program product comprising a computer program / instructions, characterized in that, When executed by a computer, the computer program / instructions implement the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

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