A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses a communication method and device, the method comprises: receiving configuration information, the configuration information comprises at least three measurement time configurations;According to the at least three measurement time configurations, determine the first measurement window, the first measurement window is used to measure reference signal.For example, in the NTN scene, for a certain cell, even if it has different SSB periods and different SSB transmission occasions from other cells, the first measurement window is determined by at least three measurement time configurations, so that the first measurement window can cover the SSB of the cell, and the SSB is measured through the first measurement window, which can avoid the terminal device to establish invalid measurement window, and can also guarantee the accuracy of measurement, so as to avoid producing false measurement results to mislead the mobility decision of the network side and affect the service continuity of the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Measurement refers to the process by which user equipment (UE) monitors the communication quality of its serving cell and / or neighboring cells (i.e., non-serving cells) so that, when necessary, the UE's serving cell can be changed through handover or cell selection / reselection operations based on the measurement results, thereby maintaining the communication link between the network and the UE.

[0003] The Reference Signal Measurement Timing Configuration (SS / PBCH block measurement timing configuration, SMTC) is used to determine the periodic measurement window, within which the UE can perform synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB) measurements. In scenarios where reference signals in different cells may have different periods or transmission timings, although multiple SMTCs can be configured for the same cell, the measurement window actually used by the UE may still not match the SSB transmission situation of the cell, affecting the measurement accuracy of the UE. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can improve the measurement accuracy of reference signals.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal device or a communication module in the terminal device, or a circuit or chip in the terminal device responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip). Taking the application of this method to a terminal device as an example, the method includes:

[0006] Receive configuration information, which includes at least three measurement time configurations; determine a first measurement window based on the at least three measurement time configurations, the first measurement window being used to measure a reference signal.

[0007] For a given cell, even if the reference signal has a different period and is transmitted at a different time than the reference signals of other cells, a first measurement window is determined by jointly configuring at least three measurement times. This ensures that the first measurement window covers the transmission of the reference signal within the cell. Measuring the reference signal through the first measurement window can prevent the terminal device from establishing an invalid measurement window and ensure the accuracy of the reference signal measurement. This avoids generating incorrect measurement results that could mislead the network side's mobility decision and affect the service continuity of the terminal device.

[0008] In one possible design, at least two of the at least three measurement time configurations differ in at least one parameter. "At least one parameter differing" can be understood as: at least one parameter having a different type, for example, one measurement time configuration includes a period while another does not. "At least one parameter differing" can also be understood as: parameters of the same type having different values, for example, one measurement time configuration having a period of T1 while another has a period of T2, where T1 is not equal to T2.

[0009] In one possible design, the at least three measurement time configurations include a first measurement time configuration, a second measurement time configuration, and a third measurement time configuration. The first measurement time configuration includes a first period, a first offset, and a measurement window length. The second measurement time configuration includes a second period. The third measurement time configuration includes a second offset. The first period is greater than the second period.

[0010] In one possible design, the first measurement window is determined based on the second period in the second measurement time configuration, the second offset in the third measurement time configuration, and the measurement window length in the first measurement time configuration. By combining the second period in the second measurement time configuration, the second offset in the third measurement time configuration, and the measurement window length in the first measurement time configuration, the first measurement window is determined so that it can cover the transmission status of the reference signal within the cell. Measuring the reference signal through the first measurement window can avoid the terminal device establishing an invalid measurement window, thus avoiding wasting the measurement power consumption of the terminal device. It can also ensure the accuracy of the reference signal measurement, thereby avoiding erroneous measurement results that mislead the network side's mobility decision and affect the service continuity of the terminal device.

[0011] In one possible design, the second measurement timing configuration further includes a first cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells; the third measurement timing configuration further includes a second cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells; the first measurement window is used to measure the reference signal of the first cell, and both the first and second cell lists include the identifier of the first cell. If the first and second cell lists include the identifier of the same cell, the terminal device can jointly determine the first measurement window based on the second and second measurement timing configurations, and measure the cell through the first measurement window.

[0012] In one possible design, a second measurement time configuration is used to determine a second measurement window for measuring reference signals of cells in a first cell list. And / or, a third measurement time configuration is used to determine a third measurement window for measuring reference signals of cells in a second cell list.

[0013] In one possible design, the first measurement time is configured as SMTC1 (Synchronization Signal and Physical Broadcast Channel Block Measurement Time Configuration), the second measurement time is configured as SMTC2, and the third measurement time is configured as SMTC4. A first measurement window is determined by combining the second period in SMTC2, the second offset in SMTC4, and the measurement window length in SMTC1. This ensures that the first measurement window covers the transmission status of the reference signal within the cell. Measuring the reference signal through the first measurement window avoids the terminal device establishing invalid measurement windows, thus preventing wasted measurement power consumption. It also ensures the accuracy of the reference signal measurement, preventing erroneous measurement results that could mislead network-side mobility decisions and affect the service continuity of the terminal device.

[0014] In one possible design, a first indication is sent, indicating support for determining the first measurement window based on the at least three measurement time configurations. This first indication enables the network device to configure more measurement time configurations for the terminal device, allowing the terminal device to determine the first measurement window based on at least three measurement time configurations, ensuring that the first measurement window covers the transmission of reference signals within the cell.

[0015] In one possible design, the first indication information includes identifiers corresponding to the at least three measurement time configurations. This enables the network device to configure at least three measurement time configurations for the terminal device based on the identifiers corresponding to the at least three measurement time configurations.

[0016] In one possible design, the reference signal includes at least one of the following: a synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB) or a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to the network side, such as a network device or a communication module in a network device, or a circuit or chip in a network device responsible for communication functions. Taking the application of this method to a network device as an example, the method includes:

[0018] Send configuration information, which includes at least three measurement time configurations; wherein the at least three measurement time configurations are used to determine a first measurement window, which is used to measure a reference signal.

[0019] For a given cell, even if the reference signal has a different period and is transmitted at a different time than the reference signals of other cells, a first measurement window is determined by jointly configuring at least three measurement times. This ensures that the first measurement window covers the transmission of the reference signal within the cell. Measuring the reference signal through the first measurement window can prevent the terminal device from establishing an invalid measurement window and ensure the accuracy of the reference signal measurement. This avoids generating incorrect measurement results that could mislead the network side's mobility decision and affect the service continuity of the terminal device.

[0020] In one possible design, at least two of the at least three measurement time configurations differ in at least one parameter. This can be understood as: at least one parameter has a different type; for example, one measurement time configuration includes a period, while another does not. Alternatively, it can be understood as: parameters of the same type have different values; for example, one measurement time configuration has a period of T1, while another has a period of T2, where T1 is not equal to T2.

[0021] In one possible design, the at least three measurement time configurations include a first measurement time configuration, a second measurement time configuration, and a third measurement time configuration. The first measurement time configuration includes a first period, a first offset, and a measurement window length. The second measurement time configuration includes a second period. The third measurement time configuration includes a second offset. The first period is greater than the second period.

[0022] In one possible design, the second period in the second measurement time configuration, the second offset in the third measurement time configuration, and the measurement window length in the first measurement time configuration are used to determine the first measurement window. By combining the second period in the second measurement time configuration, the second offset in the third measurement time configuration, and the measurement window length in the first measurement time configuration, the first measurement window is determined so that it can cover the transmission status of the reference signal within the cell. Measuring the reference signal through the first measurement window can avoid the terminal device establishing an invalid measurement window, thus avoiding wasting the measurement power consumption of the terminal device. It can also ensure the accuracy of the reference signal measurement, thereby avoiding erroneous measurement results that mislead the network side's mobility decision and affect the service continuity of the terminal device.

[0023] In one possible design, the second measurement timing configuration further includes a first cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells; the third measurement timing configuration further includes a second cell list, which also includes identifiers of one or more cells. The first measurement window is used to measure the reference signal of the first cell, and both the first and second cell lists include the identifier of the first cell. If the first and second cell lists include the identifier of the same cell, the terminal device can jointly determine the first measurement window based on the second and second measurement timing configurations, and measure the cell through the first measurement window.

[0024] In one possible design, a second measurement time configuration is used to determine a second measurement window for measuring reference signals of cells in a first cell list. And / or, a third measurement time configuration is used to determine a third measurement window for measuring reference signals of cells in a second cell list.

[0025] In one possible design, the first measurement time is configured as SMTC1 (Synchronization Signal and Physical Broadcast Channel Block Measurement Time Configuration), the second measurement time is configured as SMTC2, and the third measurement time is configured as SMTC4. A first measurement window is determined by combining the second period in SMTC2, the second offset in SMTC4, and the measurement window length in SMTC1. This ensures that the first measurement window covers the transmission status of the reference signal within the cell. Measuring the reference signal through the first measurement window avoids the terminal device establishing invalid measurement windows, thus preventing wasted measurement power consumption. It also ensures the accuracy of the reference signal measurement, preventing erroneous measurement results that could mislead network-side mobility decisions and affect the service continuity of the terminal device.

[0026] In one possible design, a first indication is received, which indicates support for determining the first measurement window based on the at least three measurement time configurations. This first indication enables the network device to configure more measurement time configurations for the terminal device, allowing the terminal device to determine the first measurement window based on at least three measurement time configurations, ensuring that the first measurement window covers the transmission of reference signals within the cell.

[0027] In one possible design, the first indication information includes identifiers corresponding to the at least three measurement time configurations. This enables the network device to configure at least three measurement time configurations for the terminal device based on the identifiers corresponding to the at least three measurement time configurations.

[0028] In one possible design, the reference signal includes at least one of the following: a synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB) or a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

[0029] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that performs the functions described in the first aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both. The communication device may be, for example, a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal device, or a circuit or chip in a terminal device responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip). The device includes:

[0030] A receiving module is used to receive configuration information, which includes at least three measurement time configurations.

[0031] The processing module is configured to determine a first measurement window based on the at least three measurement time configurations, wherein the first measurement window is used to measure a reference signal.

[0032] In one possible design, at least two of the at least three measurement time configurations are different.

[0033] In one possible design, the at least three measurement time configurations include a first measurement time configuration, a second measurement time configuration, and a third measurement time configuration. The first measurement time configuration includes a first period, a first offset, and a measurement window length. The second measurement time configuration includes a second period. The third measurement time configuration includes a second offset. The first period is greater than the second period.

[0034] In one possible design, the processing module is configured to determine the first measurement window based on the second period in the second measurement time configuration, the second offset in the third measurement time configuration, and the measurement window length in the first measurement time configuration.

[0035] In one possible design, the second measurement time configuration further includes a first cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells; the third measurement time configuration further includes a second cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells.

[0036] The first measurement window is used to measure the reference signal of the first cell. The first cell list includes the identifier of the first cell, and the second cell list includes the identifier of the first cell.

[0037] In one possible design, the first measurement time is configured as SMTC1 (synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block measurement time configuration), the second measurement time is configured as SMTC2, and the third measurement time is configured as SMTC4.

[0038] In one possible design, a sending module is configured to send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate support for determining the first measurement window based on the at least three measurement time configurations.

[0039] In one possible design, the first indication information includes identifiers corresponding to the at least three measurement time configurations.

[0040] In one possible design, the reference signal includes at least one of the following: a synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB) or a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

[0041] The operation and beneficial effects of this communication device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0042] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that performs the functions described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both. The communication device may be, for example, a network device or a communication module within a network device, or a circuit or chip within a network device responsible for communication functions. The device includes:

[0043] A sending module is used to send configuration information, the configuration information including at least three measurement time configurations; wherein, the at least three measurement time configurations are used to determine a first measurement window, the first measurement window being used to measure a reference signal.

[0044] In one possible design, at least two of the at least three measurement time configurations are different.

[0045] In one possible design, the at least three measurement time configurations include a first measurement time configuration, a second measurement time configuration, and a third measurement time configuration. The first measurement time configuration includes a first period, a first offset, and a measurement window length. The second measurement time configuration includes a second period. The third measurement time configuration includes a second offset. The first period is greater than the second period.

[0046] In one possible design, the second period in the second measurement time configuration, the second offset in the third measurement time configuration, and the measurement window length in the first measurement time configuration are used to determine the first measurement window.

[0047] In one possible design, the second measurement time configuration further includes a first cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells, and the third measurement time configuration further includes a second cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells.

[0048] The first measurement window is used to measure the reference signal of the first cell. The first cell list includes the identifier of the first cell, and the second cell list includes the identifier of the first cell.

[0049] In one possible design, the first measurement time is configured as SMTC1 (synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block measurement time configuration), the second measurement time is configured as SMTC2, and the third measurement time is configured as SMTC4.

[0050] In one possible design, a receiving module is configured to receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate support for determining the first measurement window based on the configuration of the at least three measurement times.

[0051] In one possible design, the first indication information includes identifiers corresponding to the at least three measurement time configurations.

[0052] In one possible design, the reference signal includes at least one of the following: a synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB) or a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

[0053] The operation and beneficial effects of this communication device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the second aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0054] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes one or more processors. Optionally, it also includes a memory for storing part or all of the computer programs or instructions necessary for implementing the functions involved in the first aspect above. The one or more processors can execute the computer programs or instructions, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect above.

[0055] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, through which the processor communicates with other devices or components.

[0056] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0057] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal device, a communication module in a terminal device, or a chip in a terminal device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip that contains a modem module.

[0058] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes one or more processors. Optionally, it also includes a memory for storing part or all of the computer programs or instructions necessary for implementing the functions involved in the second aspect above. The one or more processors can execute the computer programs or instructions, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the second aspect above.

[0059] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, through which the processor communicates with other devices or components.

[0060] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0061] The aforementioned communication device may be a network device, a communication module in a network device, or a chip in a network device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip that contains a modem module.

[0062] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when executed, causes the method described in any one of the first to second aspects to be implemented.

[0063] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when executed, causes the method described in any one of the first to second aspects to be implemented.

[0064] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system including a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device is used to perform the steps in the first aspect described above, and the network device is used to perform the steps in the second aspect described above.

[0065] In a tenth aspect, a chip or chip system is provided, the chip or chip system including at least one processor and a communication interface for communicating with external or internal devices, the processor for implementing the methods of the above aspects.

[0066] In one possible design, the chip may further include a memory storing computer programs or instructions, which the processor executes, either from the stored computer programs or instructions or derived from other programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor implements the methods described above.

[0067] In one possible design, the chip can be integrated into a terminal device or a network device. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system;

[0069] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system;

[0070] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a transparent transmission architecture;

[0071] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a regenerative architecture;

[0072] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a quasi-stationary NTN cell.

[0073] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a ground-based mobile NTN cell;

[0074] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of beamforming;

[0075] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of SSB measurement based on SMTC;

[0076] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a measurement window defined by multiple SMTCs;

[0077] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a measurement based on multiple SMTCs;

[0078] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 11 This is another schematic diagram based on multiple SMTCs;

[0080] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0084] like Figure 1A As shown, Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture. The system comprises two parts: a Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) and a 5th Generation Core Network (5GC). NG-RAN is used to implement radio access-related functions. NG-RAN mainly includes RAN equipment, while the core network mainly includes access and mobility management function (AMF) entities, user plane function (UPF) entities, etc. Among them:

[0085] RAN equipment provides radio access for terminal devices. RAN equipment includes 5G base stations (next generation node B, gNB) or LTE base stations (not next generation evolved node B, ng-eNB). For gNB, it provides the endpoints for the new radio (NR) user plane and control plane protocols. For ng-eNB, it provides the endpoints for the evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) user plane and control plane protocol stacks. gNBs connect to each other, gNBs connect to ng-eNBs, and ng-eNBs connect to each other via the Xn interface. gNBs and ng-eNBs connect to the 5GC via the next generation (NG) interface. Specifically, they connect to AMF entities via the NG-C interface and to UPF entities via the NR-U interface.

[0086] The AMF entity is primarily responsible for mobility management in mobile networks, such as user location updates, user network registration, and user handover. The UPF entity is primarily responsible for processing user packets, such as forwarding and accounting.

[0087] like Figure 1B As shown, Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of another communication system architecture. This communication system may include network device 110 and terminal devices 101 to 106. It should be understood that a communication system to which the methods of the embodiments of this application can be applied may include more or fewer network devices or terminal devices. In this communication system, network device 110 and terminal devices 101 to 106 form a communication system. Terminal devices 101 to 106 can send uplink data to network device 110, and network device 110 needs to receive the uplink data sent by terminal devices 101 to 106. Furthermore, terminal devices 104 to 106 can also form a communication system. In this communication system, the network device can send downlink information to terminal devices 101, 102, and 105, etc.; terminal device 105 can also send downlink information to terminal devices 104 and 106.

[0088] Network devices can be devices or modules located on the network side of the aforementioned communication system and possessing corresponding communication functions. Network devices typically contain communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions. They also contain program instructions for performing these functions, as well as corresponding program instructions. A network device is a device deployed in a radio access network to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. Network devices can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), relay stations, access points, etc. In systems employing different radio access technologies, the name of the network device may differ, such as a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, an NB (NodeB) in Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), or an eNB or eNodeB (evolutionary nodeB) in Long Term Evolution (LTE). Network devices can also be radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios. Network equipment can also be base station equipment in future 5G networks or network equipment in future evolved PLMN networks. Network equipment can also be wearable devices or vehicle-mounted devices. Network equipment can also be transmission and reception points (TRPs).

[0089] Terminal devices can be devices or modules that access the aforementioned communication systems and possess corresponding communication functions. Terminal devices typically contain communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions. They may also be configured with program instructions for performing these functions. Terminal devices can include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem that have wireless communication capabilities. Terminals can be mobile stations (MS), subscriber units, cellular phones, smartphones, wireless data cards, personal digital assistant (PDA) computers, tablet computers, wireless modems, handsets, laptop computers, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, etc.

[0090] The technical solutions in this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, such as New Radio (NR) system, and future evolution communication systems, etc.

[0091] In particular, this invention considers NTN scenarios, where the aforementioned network devices (e.g., base stations) can be located on the ground and connected to the satellite via a gateway (transparent architecture), or they can be located directly on the satellite (regenerative architecture).

[0092] (1) Non-terrestrial network (NTN)

[0093] NTN is a general term for networks involving flying objects, including satellite communication networks, high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), and air-to-ground networks. Key value scenarios mainly include areas with poor land coverage, maritime communication, public safety needs, inter-aircraft communication, and railways, aiming to provide users with mobile broadband services.

[0094] HAPS is carried on airborne platforms, mainly including airplanes, balloons, and airships. It uses high-altitude platform stations as mobile communication base stations and provides mobile services using the same frequency bands as terrestrial mobile networks.

[0095] Satellite communication networks rely on onboard platforms, primarily including low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary earthbiting (GEO) satellites. Based on the relationship between satellites and base stations, they can be categorized into two architectures:

[0096] First, transparent payload architecture. For example... Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a transparent transmission architecture, where the satellite is only responsible for signal relay and has no data processing capabilities. The base station (gNB) is located on the ground, and the satellite is connected to the base station through a ground gateway. The signal between the UE and the base station is transmitted through the satellite, while the data processing function still resides at the base station. The diagram illustrates the scenarios and protocol stack of the transparent transmission architecture. The link between the satellite and the UE is called the service link, and the link between the satellite and the base station is called the feeder link.

[0097] Second, regenerative payload architecture. For example... Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a regenerative architecture where the satellite possesses all or part of the functions of a base station, meaning it can perform data processing. Specifically, it can be categorized into various forms, such as a complete base station located on a satellite, a distributed unit (DU) located on a satellite while a centralized unit (CU) is located on the ground, and so on, along with different scenarios and protocol stacks. The link between the satellite / base station and the UE is called a service link.

[0098] Based on the movement of NTN cells within the ground coverage area, NTN cells can be divided into the following three categories:

[0099] Earth-fixed: The coverage area of ​​this type of NTN cell is fixed to a specific area on the ground, i.e., continuous fixed-point coverage. The NTN cells provided by GEO satellites are of this type.

[0100] Quasi-earth-fixed: The coverage area of ​​this type of NTN cell is fixed to a specific area on the ground for a period of time, and then changes to another area on the ground after that period, providing fixed-point coverage for a specific time period. LEO and MEO satellites can provide this type of NTN cell. Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a quasi-stationary NTN cell. During the time period T2-T1, the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell is region 1; at time T3, the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell is region 2.

[0101] Earth-moving: The coverage area of ​​this type of NTN cell slides across the ground. LEO and MEO satellites can provide coverage for this type of NTN cell. Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a ground-based mobile NTN cell. At times T1, T2, and T3, the coverage area (area 1) of the NTN cell moves as the satellite moves.

[0102] (2) NR system beam

[0103] 5G NR introduces beamforming technology, where base stations use several beams to sequentially and time-divisionally scan different areas within a cell to achieve complete cell coverage. Each beam has a corresponding beamindex to uniquely identify it. For example... Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of beamforming. There are 8 beams in a cell. At time t1, the base station transmits beam 0 in direction 1, at time t2, the base station transmits beam 1 in direction 2, and so on, forming complete cell coverage from these 8 beams.

[0104] The reference signal forming a beam can be a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block, SSB) or a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS). For example, taking SSB as an example, then... Figure 6 There are 8 SSBs (SSB0 to SSB7) in the cell, and the base station will periodically transmit these 8 SSBs in different directions at different times.

[0105] (3) Measurement

[0106] Measurement refers to the process by which the UE monitors the communication quality of its serving cell and / or neighboring cells (i.e., non-serving cells) in real time. This allows the UE to change its serving cell based on the measurement results when needed, through handover or cell selection / reselection operations, thus maintaining the communication link between the network and the UE. Measurements in NR can be divided into cell-level measurements and beam-level measurements.

[0107] Beam-level measurement: The UE measures and reports information related to one or more beams (SSB or CSI-RS) of the cell. Specifically, the reported information includes the beam index and the measurement results of optional beams (based on network configuration).

[0108] Cell-level measurement: The UE averages the measurement results of one or more beams (SSB or CSI-RS) of a cell to obtain and report the measurement results of that cell (essentially, it also measures several beams of the cell to obtain the cell quality). For example, the UE measures the quality of each beam from beam0 to beam7 and averages the quality of these beams to obtain a result as the cell-level quality of the cell.

[0109] (4) Reference signal measurement timing configuration (SS / PBCH block measurement timing configuration, SMTC)

[0110] The reference signal measurement time configuration, also known as the SSB measurement time configuration, is used to define when the UE measures the SSB.

[0111] SMTC can be used to determine a measurement window (also known as a time window or SMTC occasion). This measurement window is periodic, and its length and periodicity are configured by the network device. The UE performs SSB measurements within the configured measurement window; SSB measurements are not required outside the window. Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 A schematic diagram of SSB measurement based on SMTC. Assuming that for SSBs within three cycles, SMTC covers SSBs within two cycles (the first and second cycles), then the UE can measure the SSBs within the first and third cycles only within the SMTC, without needing to measure the SSBs within the second cycle.

[0112] SMTC can include the following parameters:

[0113] Periodicity: The period of SMTC, which is the time interval between two adjacent SMTC measurement windows;

[0114] Offset: Used to control the start time position of the SMTC window;

[0115] Measurement window length (duration): The duration of a single SMTC measurement window.

[0116] In the existing SMTC configuration method, for the measurement object (MO), one or more SMTC configurations are provided for the SSB frequency point of the measurement object to measure each cell on that frequency point. Among them, one is a mandatory SMTC configuration, which can also be called SMTC1 or the main SMTC. In addition, there are several optional SMTC configurations, such as SMTC2, SMTC3, SMTC4, etc.

[0117] SMTC1: 1 unit, applicable to all cells on this frequency point except those with additional configurations, its parameters include period, offset, and measurement window length.

[0118] SMTC2: One SMTC2 is used for cells with shorter SSB periods on this frequency. Parameters include period and a cell list. The period of SMTC2 must be strictly shorter than the period of SMTC1. The cell list indicates the cells to which SMTC2 applies. Other parameters (offset, measurement window length) are the same as those of SMTC1. Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of multiple measurement windows defined by SMTC. Within the same time range, SMTC2 has more measurement windows than SMTC1, meaning the period of SMTC2 is shorter than the period of SMTC1.

[0119] SMTC4: One or more, applicable to cells with different SSB transmission times on this frequency point in NTN scenarios. Parameters include offset and cell list. The offset can differ between different SMTC4s. The cell list indicates the cells to which this SMTC4 applies. Other parameters (period, measurement window length) are the same as those for SMTC1. For example... Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 It includes two SMTC4s, with different offsets between them and SMTC1.

[0120] In the existing measurement mechanism, SMTC2 and SMTC4 can be configured simultaneously for the SSB frequency point of a measurement object. When both are configured, the UE processes SMTC2 and SMTC4 independently, establishing measurement windows for cells in the cell list corresponding to that SMTC based on the parameters of SMTC2 or SMTC4 respectively.

[0121] SMTC2: For cells in the cell list within this configuration, a measurement window is established using the period of SMTC2 plus the offset and duration of SMTC1.

[0122] SMTC4: For cells in the cell list within this configuration, a measurement window is established using the offset of SMTC4 + the period and duration of SMTC1.

[0123] When a network device configures both SMTC2 and SMTC4 for the same SSB frequency point of a measurement object, the cell lists of SMTC2 and SMTC4 can contain the same cells. That is, SMTC2 and SMTC4 can be configured simultaneously for the same cell on that frequency point. For example, in an NTN scenario, if a cell is an NTN cell with a shorter SSB period, the network device may configure SMTC2 with an even shorter period for measurement of that cell. Furthermore, since the SSB transmission timing of that cell may differ from that of other cells, the network device may also configure SMTC4 with a different offset for measurement of that cell.

[0124] like Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating measurements based on multiple SMTCs. In this scenario, the UE independently opens two measurement windows, SMTC2 and SMTC4, for the cell; that is, SMTC2 has a denser measurement window, and SMTC4 has a different time-domain offset (different measurement window start positions). However, the following problem exists:

[0125] (1) Although the SMTC2 cycle is consistent with the SSB of the cell under test, the starting position of the measurement window does not match the actual transmission position of the SSB of the cell, which makes it impossible for the UE to measure the SSB of the cell within the measurement window, thus wasting the UE's measurement power consumption.

[0126] (2) Although the starting position of the measurement window of SMTC4 is consistent with the SSB of the cell to be measured, the period is relatively sparse, which makes it impossible to measure some SSBs of the cell, thus failing to improve the measurement accuracy of the cell.

[0127] (3) If the UE can measure the SSB of the cell in one measurement window but cannot measure the SSB of the cell in another measurement window, it may make the UE unclear about the processing behavior of the cell or misleading, ultimately affecting the accuracy of the UE's evaluation of the measurement results of the cell, and the reported measurement results may mislead the network side to make inappropriate mobility decisions.

[0128] For example, if the SSB of a cell cannot be measured in SMTC2, the UE may mistakenly believe that the cell quality is very poor. By averaging the poor quality value with the normal quality value of the cell measured in SMTC4, the average quality of the cell is incorrectly evaluated.

[0129] In summary, because different SMTCs have their own parameter configuration rules, and the UE establishes its own measurement window according to each SMTC, the measurement window actually used by the UE cannot match the SSB transmission situation of the cell, thus affecting the UE's power consumption and measurement accuracy. To solve the above technical problems, the embodiments of this application provide the following solutions.

[0130] like Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method mainly includes the following steps:

[0131] S1001, the terminal device receives configuration information from the network device, which includes at least three measurement time configurations.

[0132] In this configuration, at least two of the three measurement time configurations differ in at least one parameter. A measurement time configuration defines a measurement window. At least one parameter may include a period, an offset, and a measurement window length. The period may represent the time interval between two adjacent measurement windows, the offset may represent the start time position of the measurement window, and the measurement window length may represent the duration of a single measurement window. Difference in at least one parameter between any two measurement time configurations can be understood as: at least one parameter has a different type; for example, one measurement time configuration includes a period, while the other does not. Difference in at least one parameter between any two measurement time configurations can also be understood as: parameters of the same type have different values; for example, the period in one measurement time configuration is T1, while the period in another measurement time configuration is T2, and T1 is not equal to T2.

[0133] It should be noted that network devices can send at least three measurement time configurations to terminal devices through the same signaling or information, or they can send at least three measurement time configurations to terminal devices through different signaling or information.

[0134] The system includes at least three measurement time configurations: a first measurement time configuration, a second measurement time configuration, and a third measurement time configuration. The first measurement time configuration includes a first period, a first offset, and a measurement window length. The second measurement time configuration includes a second period, and the third measurement time configuration includes a second offset. The parameters in the first and second measurement time configurations differ; for example, the first period may be longer than the second period. Similarly, the parameters in the first and third measurement time configurations differ; for example, the first offset may be longer than the second offset, or vice versa. Each of the three measurement time configurations can be used to define a measurement window. Of course, the first, second, or third measurement time configuration may also include other parameters.

[0135] It should be noted that the number of first, second, or third measurement time configurations included in the at least three measurement time configurations can be one or more. For example, the at least three measurement time configurations can include multiple third measurement time configurations, with different offsets in each. The at least three measurement time configurations can also include other types of measurement time configurations besides the first, second, and third measurement time configurations. These other types of measurement time configurations have different parameter types than the first, second, and third measurement time configurations. Alternatively, the parameter values ​​of these other types of measurement time configurations may differ from those of the first, second, and third measurement time configurations.

[0136] Optionally, the second measurement time configuration further includes a first cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells; the third measurement time configuration further includes a second cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells. That is, the second measurement time configuration may include a second period and a first cell list; the third measurement time configuration may include a second offset and a second cell list.

[0137] For example, the first measurement time is configured as SMTC1, the second measurement time is configured as SMTC2, and the third measurement time is configured as SMTC4. SMTC1 includes a first period, a first offset, and a measurement window length. SMTC2 includes a second period and a first cell list, and SMTC4 includes a second offset and a second cell list.

[0138] S1002, the terminal device determines a first measurement window based on at least three measurement time configurations. The first measurement window is used to measure the reference signal.

[0139] The reference signal may include at least one of the following: SSB or CSI-RS.

[0140] Specifically, the terminal device can determine the first measurement window based on the second period in the second measurement time configuration, the second offset in the third measurement time configuration, and the measurement window length in the first measurement time configuration. For example, the terminal device can determine the first measurement window based on the second period in SMTC2, the second offset in SMTC4, and the measurement window length in SMTC1. Determining the first measurement window can also be understood as establishing the first measurement window. The measurement window length of the first measurement window is the measurement window length in SMTC1, the period of the first measurement window is the period in SMTC2, and the offset of the first measurement window is the offset in SMTC4.

[0141] Furthermore, the second measurement time configuration is used to determine the second measurement window, which is used to measure the reference signal of a cell in the first cell list. The third measurement time configuration is used to determine the third measurement window, which is used to measure the reference signal of a cell in the second cell list. The first measurement window is used to measure the reference signal of the first cell. The first cell list includes the identifier of the first cell, and the second cell list also includes the identifier of the first cell. The first cell is the cell indicated in both the first and second cell lists. That is, when the first and second cell lists include the identifier of the same cell, the terminal device can jointly determine the first measurement window based on the second and third measurement time configurations, and measure the cell through the first measurement window.

[0142] Furthermore, the terminal device can determine the second measurement window based on the second measurement time configuration (and the first measurement time configuration). It can also determine the third measurement window based on the third measurement time configuration (and the first measurement time configuration). The second measurement window is used to measure the reference signal of the second cell, where the first cell list includes the identifier of the second cell, but the second cell list does not. Similarly, the third measurement window is used to measure the reference signal of the third cell, where the second cell list includes the identifier of the third cell, but the first cell list does not.

[0143] It should be noted that the terminal device can determine one or more of the first measurement window, the second measurement window, and the third measurement window, and perform measurements through one or more of the first measurement window, the second measurement window, and the third measurement window.

[0144] For example, the network device sends SMTC1, SMTC2, and SMTC4 to the terminal device. SMTC2 contains cell lists including the identifiers of cell 1, cell 2, and cell 3; SMTC4 contains cell lists including the identifiers of cell 3, cell 4, and cell 5. Cell 3 is included in both the cell lists of SMTC2 and SMTC4. The terminal device can determine a measurement window based on SMTC2 (and SMTC1) to measure the SSB of cells 1 and 2, or determine another measurement window based on SMTC4 (and SMTC1) to measure the SSB of cells 4 and 5. Furthermore, the terminal device can also jointly determine a measurement window based on SMTC1, SMTC2, and SMTC4 to measure cell 3.

[0145] Thus, in an NTN scenario, even if a cell has a short SSB period and its SSB transmission timing differs from that of other cells, the first measurement window can still match the SSB transmission status of that cell. For example... Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 This is another schematic diagram based on multiple SMTCs for measurement. Because the period of the SSB to be measured in a certain cell is relatively short, and the transmission timing of the SSB differs from that of SSBs in other cells, the measurement windows determined by SMTC1, SMTC2, or SMTC4 alone cannot cover the transmission status of the SSBs in that cell. Specifically, the measurement window period corresponding to SMTC1 is too large and cannot match the transmission timing of the SSBs; the measurement window corresponding to SMTC2 cannot match the transmission timing of the SSBs; and the measurement window corresponding to SMTC4 has a too large period. By jointly determining a measurement window using SMTC1, SMTC2, and SMTC4, it can be seen that this measurement window can cover the transmission status of the SSBs in that cell. Therefore, the SSBs in that cell can be accurately measured through this measurement window.

[0146] Optionally, before the network device sends configuration information to the terminal device, the embodiments of this application may also include the following steps:

[0147] S1003, the network device receives first indication information from the terminal device, the first indication information being used to indicate whether it supports determining a first measurement window based on at least three measurement times.

[0148] Specifically, the network device can send configuration information to the terminal device based on the first indication information. Furthermore, if the terminal device supports determining the first measurement window based on at least three measurement time configurations, the network device can simultaneously configure at least three measurement time configurations for the terminal device, such as simultaneously configuring SMTC1, SMTC2, and SMTC4. If the terminal device does not support determining the first measurement window based on at least three measurement time configurations, the network device does not need to simultaneously configure at least three measurement time configurations for the terminal device. The first indication information can include the following forms:

[0149] In one implementation, the first indication information may include a bit. When the bit is set to 1, it indicates that the terminal device supports determining the first measurement window based on at least three measurement time configurations. When the bit is set to 0, it indicates that the terminal device does not support determining the first measurement window based on at least three measurement time configurations. 0 or 1 can also indicate the opposite, and this application is not limited to that.

[0150] In another implementation, if the terminal device sends a first indication message to the network device, the indication supports determining the first measurement window based on at least three measurement time configurations; if the terminal device does not send the first indication message to the network device, the implicit indication does not support determining the first measurement window based on at least three measurement time configurations.

[0151] Furthermore, the first indication information may include identifiers for at least three measurement time configurations. After receiving the first indication information, the network device can determine that the terminal device supports determining the first measurement window based on at least three measurement time configurations. The network device can send configuration information to the terminal device based on the identifiers for at least three measurement time configurations. The configuration information may include at least three measurement time configurations. For example, the first indication information may include identifier 1 for SMTC1, identifier 2 for SMTC2, and identifier 4 for SMTC4. After receiving the first indication information, the network device can send SMTC1, SMTC2, and SMTC4 to the terminal device.

[0152] The measurement window for the reference signal in this embodiment is described using SMTC as an example, but it is not limited to this type of measurement window. Any measurement window used for measuring the reference signal can be similar to SMTC and the solution of this application can be applied. For example, CSI-RS can also have a measurement window. If the same scenario problem exists for the measurement window of the reference signal as in this application, the solution of jointly determining the measurement window in this application is also applicable.

[0153] This application describes a scheme using three measurement time configurations (SMTC1, SMTC2, and SMTC4) as an example, but it is not limited to these three types of SMTCs. Other types of SMTCs can also be combined to determine the measurement window; or, the number of measurement time configurations is not limited to three, and more combinations of SMTCs can be used to determine the measurement window.

[0154] In this embodiment of the application, in the NTN scenario, for a certain cell, even if the reference signal has a different period and the transmission timing is different from that of the reference signal of other cells, the first measurement window is determined by jointly configuring at least three measurement times. This allows the first measurement window to cover the transmission status of the reference signal in the cell. Measuring the reference signal through the first measurement window can avoid the terminal device establishing an invalid measurement window and wasting the measurement power consumption of the terminal device. It can also ensure the accuracy of the reference signal measurement, thereby avoiding the generation of incorrect measurement results that mislead the network side's mobility decision and affect the service continuity of the terminal device.

[0155] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the terminal device and / or network device may execute some or all of the steps in each embodiment. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments, and it is not necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application. Moreover, the sequence number of each step does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0156] It is understood that, in the above-described method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the terminal device can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) that can be used in the terminal device, and the methods and operations implemented by the network device can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) that can be used in the network device.

[0157] This application embodiment can divide terminal devices or network devices into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0158] The above, combined with Figure 10 The methods provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Figures 12 to 13This application provides a detailed description of the communication device provided in its embodiments. It should be understood that the descriptions of the device embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, any content not described in detail here will be referred to the method embodiments above, and for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated here.

[0159] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device can implement the steps or processes executed by the terminal device corresponding to the method embodiments described above. In one possible design, the communication device may include a receiving module 1201, a processing module 1202, and a sending module 1203. Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage module for storing device program code and / or data.

[0160] The communication device can be the terminal-side device in the above embodiments, such as a terminal device or a communication module in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip in a terminal device that is responsible for communication functions.

[0161] The receiving module 1201 is used to receive configuration information, which includes at least three measurement time configurations;

[0162] The processing module 1202 is configured to determine a first measurement window based on the configuration of the at least three measurement times, wherein the first measurement window is used to measure the reference signal.

[0163] Optionally, at least two of the at least three measurement time configurations may have different parameters.

[0164] Optionally, the at least three measurement time configurations include a first measurement time configuration, a second measurement time configuration, and a third measurement time configuration. The first measurement time configuration includes a first period, a first offset, and a measurement window length. The second measurement time configuration includes a second period. The third measurement time configuration includes a second offset. The first period is greater than the second period.

[0165] Optionally, the processing module 1202 is configured to determine the first measurement window based on the second period in the second measurement time configuration, the second offset in the third measurement time configuration, and the measurement window length in the first measurement time configuration.

[0166] Optionally, the second measurement time configuration further includes a first cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells; the third measurement time configuration further includes a second cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells.

[0167] The first measurement window is used to measure the reference signal of the first cell. The first cell list includes the identifier of the first cell, and the second cell list includes the identifier of the first cell.

[0168] Optionally, the first measurement time configuration is SMTC1 (Synchronization Signal and Physical Broadcast Channel Block Measurement Time Configuration), the second measurement time configuration is SMTC2, and the third measurement time configuration is SMTC4.

[0169] Optionally, the sending module 1203 is used to send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate support for determining the first measurement window based on the configuration of the at least three measurement times.

[0170] Optionally, the first indication information includes identifiers corresponding to the at least three measurement time configurations.

[0171] Optionally, the reference signal includes at least one of the following: a synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB) or a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

[0172] In one possible design, when the communication device is a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal device, the functions of the receiving module 1201 and the transmitting module 1203 can be implemented by a transceiver circuit. The functions of the processing module 1202 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core.

[0173] In one possible design, when the communication device is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the functions of the receiving module 1201 and the transmitting module 1203 can be implemented by the interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip. The function of the processing module 1202 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores.

[0174] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also be referenced accordingly. Figure 10 The corresponding description of the method embodiments shown indicates that the methods and functions performed by the terminal device in the above embodiments are executed.

[0175] Please see Figure 13 , Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can implement the steps or processes executed by the network device corresponding to those described in the method embodiments above. In one possible design, the communication device may include a sending module 1301 and a receiving module 1302. Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage module for storing device program code and / or data.

[0176] The communication device can be a network-side device as described in the above embodiments, such as a network device or a communication module in a network device, or a circuit or chip in a network device that is responsible for communication functions.

[0177] The transmitting module 1301 is used to transmit configuration information, the configuration information including at least three measurement time configurations; wherein, the at least three measurement time configurations are used to determine a first measurement window, the first measurement window being used to measure a reference signal.

[0178] Optionally, at least two of the at least three measurement time configurations may have different parameters.

[0179] Optionally, the at least three measurement time configurations include a first measurement time configuration, a second measurement time configuration, and a third measurement time configuration. The first measurement time configuration includes a first period, a first offset, and a measurement window length. The second measurement time configuration includes a second period. The third measurement time configuration includes a second offset. The first period is greater than the second period.

[0180] Optionally, the second period in the second measurement time configuration, the second offset in the third measurement time configuration, and the measurement window length in the first measurement time configuration are used to determine the first measurement window.

[0181] Optionally, the second measurement time configuration further includes a first cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells, and the third measurement time configuration further includes a second cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells.

[0182] The first measurement window is used to measure the reference signal of the first cell. The first cell list includes the identifier of the first cell, and the second cell list includes the identifier of the first cell.

[0183] Optionally, the first measurement time configuration is SMTC1 (Synchronization Signal and Physical Broadcast Channel Block Measurement Time Configuration), the second measurement time configuration is SMTC2, and the third measurement time configuration is SMTC4.

[0184] Optionally, the receiving module 1302 is configured to receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate support for determining the first measurement window based on the configuration of the at least three measurement times.

[0185] Optionally, the first indication information includes identifiers corresponding to the at least three measurement time configurations.

[0186] Optionally, the reference signal includes at least one of the following: a synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB) or a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

[0187] In one possible design, when the communication device is a network device or a communication module within a network device, the functions of the transmitting module 1301 and the receiving module 1302 can be implemented by a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the device may further include a processing module, the functions of which can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core.

[0188] In one possible design, when the communication device is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a network device, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the functions of the transmitting module 1301 and the receiving module 1302 can be implemented by the interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip. Optionally, the device may further include a processing module, the functions of which can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores.

[0189] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also be referenced accordingly. Figure 10 The corresponding description of the method embodiments shown indicates that the methods and functions performed by the network device in the above embodiments are executed.

[0190] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application. This terminal device can be applied to, for example... Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the system shown, the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments are executed, or the steps or processes executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0191] like Figure 14As shown, the terminal device includes a processor 1401 and a transceiver 1402. The transceiver 1402 includes a transmitter 1421, a receiver 1422, and an antenna 1423. The receiver 1422 can be used to receive transmission control information through the antenna 1423, and the transmitter 1421 can be used to send transmission feedback information to network devices through the antenna 1423. Optionally, the terminal device also includes a memory 1403. The processor 1401, transceiver 1402, and memory 1403 can communicate with each other through internal connection paths to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 1403 stores computer programs, and the processor 1401 calls and runs the computer programs from the memory 1403 to control the transceiver 1402 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the terminal device may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1402 via wireless signals.

[0192] The aforementioned processor 1401 can be with Figure 12 The processing module corresponds to this. The processor 1401 and the memory 1403 can be integrated into a single processing device. The processor 1401 executes the program code stored in the memory 1403 to achieve the above functions. In specific implementations, the memory 1403 can be integrated into the processor 1401 or independent of the processor 1401.

[0193] The transceiver 1402 described above can be used with Figure 12 The receiving module and transmitting module in the transceiver unit correspond to each other and can also be called a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 1402 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0194] It should be understood that Figure 14 The terminal device shown can achieve Figure 10 The methods illustrated in the embodiments involve various processes of the terminal device. The operations and / or functions of each module in the terminal device are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0195] The processor 1401 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the terminal device as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 1402 can be used to execute the actions described in the preceding method embodiments of sending data to or receiving data from the network device by the terminal device. Please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0196] The processor 1401 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor 1401 can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. The terminal device may also include a communication bus, which can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. The communication bus is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 1402 is used for signaling or data communication with other node devices. The memory 1403 may include volatile memory, such as nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), phase change RAM (PRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), etc., and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory devices, such as NOR flash memory or NAND flash memory, semiconductor devices, such as solid-state disks (SSDs), etc. Optionally, the memory 1403 may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 1401. Optionally, the memory 1403 may also store a set of computer program code or configuration information. Optionally, the processor 1401 may also execute the program stored in the memory 1403. The processor can cooperate with the memory and transceiver to execute any of the methods and functions of the terminal device in the above-described embodiments.

[0197] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application. This network device can be applied to, for example... Figure 1A and Figure 1BIn the system shown, the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments are executed, or the steps or processes executed by the network device in the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0198] like Figure 15 As shown, the network device includes a processor 1501 and a transceiver 1502. The transceiver 1502 includes a transmitter 1521, a receiver 1522, and an antenna 1523. The transmitter 1521 can be used to send transmission control information to a terminal device via the antenna 1523, and the receiver 1522 can be used to receive transmission feedback information sent by the terminal device via the antenna 1523. Optionally, the network device also includes a memory 1503. The processor 1501, transceiver 1502, and memory 1503 can communicate with each other through internal connections to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 1503 stores computer programs, and the processor 1501 calls and runs the computer programs from the memory 1503 to control the transceiver 1502 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the network device may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1502 via wireless signals.

[0199] The processor 1501 and the memory 1503 can be integrated into a single processing device. The processor 1501 executes the program code stored in the memory 1503 to achieve the aforementioned functions. In specific implementations, the memory 1503 can be integrated into the processor 1501 or be independent of the processor 1501.

[0200] The transceiver 1502 described above can be used with Figure 13 The transmitting and receiving modules in the transceiver unit correspond to each other and can also be called a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 1502 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0201] It should be understood that Figure 15 The network device shown can achieve Figure 10 The methods illustrated in the embodiments involve various processes of the network device. The operations and / or functions of each module in the network device are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0202] The processor 1501 described above can be used to perform the actions implemented internally by the network device as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 1502 can be used to perform the actions described in the preceding method embodiments of sending data from the network device to the terminal device or receiving data from the terminal device. Please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0203] The processor 1501 can be any of the processors mentioned above. The network device may also include a communication bus, which can be a PCI bus (Peripheral Component Interconnect Standard) or an EISA bus (Extended Industry Standard Architecture). The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. The communication bus is used to enable communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 1502 is used for signaling or data communication with other devices. The memory 1503 can be any of the memory types mentioned above. Optionally, the memory 1503 can also be at least one storage device located remotely from the processor 1501. The memory 1503 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and the processor 1501 executes the program in the memory 1503. The processor can cooperate with the memory and transceiver to execute any of the methods and functions of the network device in the above embodiments.

[0204] This application also provides a chip system including a processor for supporting network devices or terminal devices to implement the functions involved in any of the above embodiments, such as generating or processing at least three measurement time configurations involved in the above methods.

[0205] In one possible design, the chip system may further include a memory for storing necessary computer programs and data for the network device or terminal device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components. The inputs and outputs of the chip system correspond to the receiving and transmitting operations of the network device or terminal device in the method embodiment, respectively.

[0206] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform... Figure 10 The method of any one of the embodiments shown.

[0207] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer-readable medium storing a computer program, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform... Figure 10 The method of any one of the embodiments shown.

[0208] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0209] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive configuration information, which includes at least three measurement time configurations; Based on the at least three measurement time configurations, a first measurement window is determined, which is used to measure the reference signal.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, At least two parameters of the at least three measurement time configurations are different.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least three measurement time configurations include a first measurement time configuration, a second measurement time configuration, and a third measurement time configuration. The first measurement time configuration includes a first period, a first offset, and a measurement window length. The second measurement time configuration includes a second period. The third measurement time configuration includes a second offset. The first period is greater than the second period.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the first measurement window based on the configuration of the at least three measurement times includes: The first measurement window is determined based on the second period in the second measurement time configuration, the second offset in the third measurement time configuration, and the measurement window length in the first measurement time configuration.

5. The method as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The second measurement time configuration further includes a first cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells; the third measurement time configuration further includes a second cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells. The first measurement window is used to measure the reference signal of the first cell. The first cell list includes the identifier of the first cell, and the second cell list includes the identifier of the first cell.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The first measurement time configuration is SMTC1, the second measurement time configuration is SMTC2, and the third measurement time configuration is SMTC4.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first indication message, which indicates support for determining the first measurement window based on the configuration of the at least three measurement times.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first indication information includes identifiers corresponding to the at least three measurement time configurations.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The reference signal includes at least one of the following: a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB) or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send configuration information, which includes at least three measurement time configurations; wherein the at least three measurement time configurations are used to determine a first measurement window, which is used to measure a reference signal.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, At least two parameters of the at least three measurement time configurations are different.

12. The method as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The at least three measurement time configurations include a first measurement time configuration, a second measurement time configuration, and a third measurement time configuration. The first measurement time configuration includes a first period, a first offset, and a measurement window length. The second measurement time configuration includes a second period. The third measurement time configuration includes a second offset. The first period is greater than the second period.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The second period in the second measurement time configuration, the second offset in the third measurement time configuration, and the measurement window length in the first measurement time configuration are used to determine the first measurement window.

14. The method as described in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The second measurement time configuration further includes a first cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells; the third measurement time configuration further includes a second cell list, which includes identifiers of one or more cells. The first measurement window is used to measure the reference signal of the first cell. The first cell list includes the identifier of the first cell, and the second cell list includes the identifier of the first cell.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The first measurement time configuration is SMTC1, the second measurement time configuration is SMTC2, and the third measurement time configuration is SMTC4.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10-15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate support for determining the first measurement window based on the configuration of the at least three measurement times.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The first indication information includes identifiers corresponding to the at least three measurement time configurations.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10-17, characterized in that, The reference signal includes at least one of the following: a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB) or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

19. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units or modules for performing the method according to any one of claims 1-9.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units or modules for performing the method according to any one of claims 10-18.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, causes the method of any one of claims 1-9 or any one of claims 10-18 to be implemented.

22. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being used to communicate with external or internal devices, and the processor being used to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-9 or any one of claims 10-18.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed, the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-9 or any one of claims 10-18 is implemented.

24. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-9, and the network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10-18.

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