A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus, aiming to save the payload and occupied time-frequency resources of DCI and reduce the power consumption of the terminal. Taking the method executed by the terminal as an example, the method includes: determining a first time-frequency resource set, the first time-frequency resource set including at least one first time-frequency resource, wherein any first time-frequency resource in the first time-frequency resource set is configured in the WUR frequency band; and monitoring short messages according to the first time-frequency resource set.

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] Wake-up radio (WUR), also known as wake-up receiver (WUR), is a mechanism designed to reduce terminal power consumption. Its purpose is to help terminals quickly and reliably wake up and communicate with the network even after prolonged periods of sleep. Under this mechanism, the terminal remains in sleep mode most of the time, only waking up upon receiving a wake-up signal (WUS) in the WUR band. The terminal can use a separate low-power transceiver (or low-power receiver) in the WUR band, significantly reducing power consumption and extending battery life.

[0003] WUS transmitted in the WUR band can also be called a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS). The working mechanism of WUR is that the terminal receives LP-WUS during the low-power wake-up signal occasion (LO) in the WUR band. After obtaining the wake-up indication, it uses the paging radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI) to blindly detect the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) to receive the paging message at the corresponding paging occasion (PO) to confirm whether the terminal has been paged. If paged, the terminal initiates a random access procedure.

[0004] However, paging messages typically use the common P-RNTI to blindly detect downlink control information (DCI) 1_0 on the PDCCH. DCI 1_0 includes not only the time-frequency resources of the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) but also short messages. The inclusion of short messages in the PDCCH can cause the following problems: First, it occupies a large number of bits in the DCI, increasing the PDCCH payload; second, due to the functionality of short messages, the terminal also needs to monitor short messages in the radio resource control (RRC) connected state, increasing power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to save the payload and time-frequency resources occupied by DCI, and reduce the power consumption of the terminal.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a terminal or by a module of the terminal (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system). The following description uses the method executed by a terminal as an example. The method includes: determining a first time-frequency resource set, the first time-frequency resource set including at least one first time-frequency resource, wherein any first time-frequency resource in the first time-frequency resource set is configured in the WUR frequency band; and monitoring short messages according to the first time-frequency resource set.

[0007] Using the above method, the first time-frequency resource used for sending short messages is configured in the WUR band, that is, the frequency domain resource of the first time-frequency resource belongs to the WUR band. This allows short messages to be transmitted in the WUR, which can save the payload and time-frequency resources occupied by DCI, and can take advantage of the low power consumption of WUR to further reduce the power consumption of the terminal.

[0008] In one possible design, determining the first time-frequency resource set includes: determining the first time-frequency resource set based on first information, the first information being used to indicate at least one wake-up signal timing within a wake-up signal period for sending a short message.

[0009] The above design allows for the reuse of wake-up signal timing configurations to send short messages, which helps save signaling overhead.

[0010] In one possible design, the method also includes receiving first information.

[0011] Through the above design, the first information can not only be determined through protocol pre-configuration, but also sent from the network side to the terminal, which helps to improve the flexibility of configuring the first time-frequency resource set.

[0012] In one possible design, the first information can be carried by at least one of the following: low-power synchronization signal, DCI, RRC signaling, media / medium access control-control element (MAC-CE), or system message.

[0013] In one possible design, determining the first time-frequency resource set includes: determining the first time-frequency resource set based on second information, the second information being used to indicate at least one first time-frequency resource. Optionally, the at least one first time-frequency resource does not overlap with the wake-up signal timing.

[0014] The above design also allows for the separate configuration of wake-up signal timing without reusing the original configuration, thus avoiding interference with the transmission of the wake-up signal.

[0015] In one possible design, the method also includes receiving second information.

[0016] Through the above design, the second information can not only be determined through protocol pre-configuration, but also sent from the network side to the terminal, which helps to improve the flexibility of configuring the first time-frequency resource set.

[0017] In one possible design, the second information can be carried by at least one of the following: low-power synchronization signal, DCI, RRC signaling, MAC-CE, or system message.

[0018] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving a trigger signal, the trigger signal being used to indicate monitoring short messages according to a second time-frequency resource set; and monitoring short messages according to the second time-frequency resource set.

[0019] The above design allows the network side to trigger the terminal to monitor SMS messages via a trigger signal. If the terminal does not receive a trigger signal, it can stop monitoring SMS messages to save power.

[0020] In one possible design, the second time-frequency resource set belongs to the first time-frequency resource set.

[0021] The above design enables the terminal to monitor short messages based solely on the second time-frequency resource set located within the first time-frequency resource set, as indicated by the trigger signal, after determining the first time-frequency resource set, which helps save power consumption.

[0022] In one possible design, the trigger signal is also used to indicate the content type of the short message.

[0023] The above design supports trigger signals to indicate the content type of short messages, which helps the terminal quickly learn the content type of short messages and parse the content or function of the short messages.

[0024] In one possible design, the content of the short message includes at least one of the following: system message, system message update, extended access restriction parameter modification, earthquake and tsunami warning system primary notification, earthquake and tsunami warning system secondary notification, commercial mobile warning system notification, WUR indication information, secondary cell indication information, or PDCCH characteristics; wherein, the WUR indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the WUR, the secondary cell indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of at least one secondary cell, and the PDCCH characteristics include at least one of the following: discontinuous reception (DRX) period, time domain location of PDCCH resources, frequency domain location of PDCCH resources, or PDCCH distribution density.

[0025] The above design allows for the transmission of various DCI-carried content via SMS, further reducing the DCI's payload.

[0026] In one possible design, short messages of different content types are associated with different first time-frequency resources in the first time-frequency resource set.

[0027] The above design enables the terminal to determine the content type associated with the first time-frequency resource based on its location, which helps the terminal quickly understand the content of the short message and parse its content or function.

[0028] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving third information, which indicates whether a short message is received (or monitored) in the WUR band or in a non-WUR band; and determining, based on the third information, whether a short message is received in the WUR band.

[0029] The above design allows the network side to group different terminals. Terminals that do not support the WUR band can be excluded from SMS monitoring in the WUR band, and it is compatible with terminals that do not support the WUR band.

[0030] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a network device or by a module of the network device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system). The following description uses the execution of the method by a network device as an example. The method includes: determining a first time-frequency resource set, the first time-frequency resource set including at least one first time-frequency resource, wherein any first time-frequency resource in the first time-frequency resource set is configured in the WUR frequency band; and sending a short message according to the first time-frequency resource set.

[0031] In one possible design, determining the first time-frequency resource set includes: determining the first time-frequency resource set based on first information, the first information being used to indicate at least one wake-up signal timing within a wake-up signal period for sending a short message.

[0032] In one possible design, the method also includes sending a first message.

[0033] In one possible design, the first information can be carried by at least one of the following: low-power synchronization signal, DCI, RRC signaling, MAC-CE, or system message.

[0034] In one possible design, determining the first time-frequency resource set includes: determining the first time-frequency resource set based on second information, the second information being used to indicate at least one first time-frequency resource.

[0035] In one possible design, the method also includes sending a second message.

[0036] In one possible design, the second information can be carried by at least one of the following: low-power synchronization signal, DCI, RRC signaling, MAC-CE, or system message.

[0037] In one possible design, at least one first time-frequency resource does not overlap with the wake-up signal timing.

[0038] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending a trigger signal to indicate monitoring for short messages according to a second time-frequency resource set; and sending short messages according to the second time-frequency resource set.

[0039] In one possible design, the second time-frequency resource set belongs to the first time-frequency resource set.

[0040] In one possible design, the trigger signal is also used to indicate the content type of the short message.

[0041] In one possible design, the content of the short message includes at least one of the following: system message, system message update, extended access restriction parameter modification, earthquake and tsunami warning system primary notification, earthquake and tsunami warning system secondary notification, commercial mobile warning system notification, WUR indication information, secondary cell indication information, or PDCCH characteristics; wherein, the WUR indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the WUR, the secondary cell indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of at least one secondary cell, and the PDCCH characteristics include at least one of the following: DRX period, time domain location of PDCCH resources, frequency domain location of PDCCH resources, or PDCCH distribution density.

[0042] In one possible design, short messages of different content types are associated with different first time-frequency resources in the first time-frequency resource set.

[0043] In one possible design, the method further includes sending a third message indicating whether a short message is received in the WUR band or a non-WUR band.

[0044] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the methods described in the first or second aspect above. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions, such as an interface unit and a processing unit.

[0045] In one possible design, the device can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0046] In one possible design, the device includes a memory and a processor, the memory for storing instructions executed by the processor, and when the instructions are executed by the processor, the device can perform the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0047] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes an interface circuit and a processor, with the processor and the interface circuit coupled to each other. The interface circuit is used for inputting and / or outputting signals, and the processor uses logic circuits or executing instructions to implement the methods described in the first or second aspect. It is understood that the interface circuit can be a transceiver, transceiver device, transceiver unit, input / output interface, or communication port.

[0048] Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory for storing instructions executed by the processor, or storing input data required by the processor to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor executes instructions. The memory may be a physically independent unit, or it may be coupled to the processor, or the processor may include the memory (i.e., the processor and the memory are integrated together).

[0049] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip.

[0050] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, which includes a terminal and a network device. The terminal is used to implement the method described in the first aspect, and the network device is used to implement the method described in the second aspect.

[0051] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, can implement the methods described in the first or second aspect.

[0052] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, can implement the methods described in the first or second aspect.

[0053] Eighthly, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system including a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store programs or instructions, and when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the methods of the first or second aspect described above can be implemented.

[0054] The technical effects achievable by aspects two through eight above are similar to those achievable by aspect one above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication network provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of WUS functionality provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the process of initiating a paging based on WUS, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the time-frequency resource configuration for the wake-up signal timing provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the timing of sending a short message when the wake-up signal is reused, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0062] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the first time-frequency resource distribution provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the trigger signal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the association between the content of a short message and a first time-frequency resource provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0066] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a possible communication system 1000 provided by an embodiment of this application. Figure 1As shown, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one network device (such as...). Figure 1 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal (such as...). Figure 1 RAN100, denoted as RAN100, comprises 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN100. RAN100 may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is connected to network device 110 wirelessly. Terminals and network devices can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Communication system 1000 may also include core network 200. Network device 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired means. The core network device in core network 200 and network device 110 in RAN 100 can be independent physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of core network device and network device. Communication system 1000 may also include Internet 300.

[0067] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a fourth-generation (4G) communication system, a fifth-generation (5G) communication system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future communication system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different communication systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0068] Network equipment, also known as radio access network equipment, RAN nodes, access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, is used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G communication system, or a base station in a future communication system. Network equipment can also be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 1110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 110b in the middle can also be a relay node or a donor node.

[0069] In another application scenario, multiple network devices can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different network devices each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, these network devices can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), or radio units (RUs). The CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RANC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For detailed descriptions of each protocol layer, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent network devices or integrated into the same network device, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as remote radio units (RRUs) or active antenna units (AAUs). CUs can be further divided into two types of network equipment: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0070] In different systems, network devices may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The network devices in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, a network device can be a server loaded with corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network devices. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a network device in the following description.

[0071] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0072] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0073] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1 The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0074] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0075] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0076] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. To communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also susceptible to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0077] In the embodiments of this application, the time-domain symbol can be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol or a discrete Fourier transform-spread-OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbol. Unless otherwise specified, the symbols in the embodiments of this application refer to time-domain symbols.

[0078] In the description of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. For example, "first time-frequency resource" and "second time-frequency resource" do not indicate a difference in priority or importance between the two time-frequency resources.

[0079] The communication systems and service scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0080] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, some terms used in this application are explained below.

[0081] 1) The process of initiating paging based on WUS.

[0082] The traditional paging process involves the terminal using P-RNTI to blindly detect DCI 1_0 on a pre-configured time-frequency resource segment (referred to as PO) on the PDCCH, and then obtaining the corresponding PDSCH time-frequency resource. Based on this PDSCH time-frequency resource, the terminal retrieves the paging content. If the paging content contains the terminal's own identifier (ID), a random access procedure is initiated (before this, the terminal may need to receive a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB) to obtain synchronization and system messages).

[0083] 5G Release 16 (R16) introduced the concept of WUS, a new DCI format, DCI2_6. It uses a power-saving RNTI (PS-RNTI) for blind detection of the PDCCH. This includes 1 bit indicating whether the user will monitor the PDCCH during the corresponding discontinuous reception (DRX) period, and up to 5 bits indicating whether the secondary cell (Scell) function is enabled. If the former indicates no monitoring, the terminal will not receive paging during the DRX period, thus achieving energy savings.

[0084] For WUS's functions, please refer to... Figure 2 The diagram shows the WUS function. During the DRX cycle, the terminal only monitors the PDCCH during the on-duration period and remains in sleep mode for the rest of the time. This process is initiated by WUS. If WUS indicates that monitoring is detected, the terminal will monitor the PDCCH during the on-duration period. If WUS indicates that monitoring is not detected, the terminal will also remain in sleep mode during the originally scheduled on-duration period and will not monitor the PDCCH.

[0085] Figure 3 This document provides a possible flowchart for initiating paging based on WUS, as illustrated in an embodiment of this application. Paging can be initiated by the RAN or the 5G core network (5G core, 5GC). Before initiating paging, the RAN (such as a base station within the RAN) or 5G core network can send WUS to the terminal. The terminal can blindly detect DCI 1_0 via P-RNTI and obtain the corresponding PDSCH time-frequency resources. Based on the PDSCH time-frequency resources, the terminal can then obtain the paging content from the RAN or 5GC. If the paging content contains the terminal's own ID, a random access procedure will be initiated. Before this, the terminal may need to receive SSB to achieve synchronization and obtain the system information block (SIB).

[0086] 2) WUR.

[0087] 5G Releases 18 and 19 discussed the introduction of WUR (Wake-Up Receiver) to achieve Low-Power WUS (LP-WUS). The WUR mechanism involves the terminal receiving LP-WUS at the wake-up signal timing (e.g., LO) in the WUR band. After receiving the wake-up indication, the terminal uses P-RNTI (Plan-Redirect Identifier) ​​blind detection PDCCH at the corresponding PO (Point of Purchase) to receive paging messages and confirm whether it has been paged. If paged, the terminal initiates a random access procedure. Under this mechanism, the terminal is in sleep mode most of the time, only waking up after receiving LP-WUS in the WUR band. The terminal can use a separate low-power transceiver (or low-power receiver) in the WUR band, significantly reducing device power consumption and extending battery life.

[0088] Understandably, in addition to a low-power transceiver (also known as a secondary transceiver) corresponding to the WUR band, the terminal may also include a primary transceiver corresponding to the main radio (MR). The primary transceiver is used for normal data / service transmission reception, while the secondary transceiver serves as the transceiver used for wake-up signals, detecting and processing these signals. When there is no ongoing data / service transmission on the primary transceiver, it can enter a shutdown or sleep state to significantly reduce power consumption when the terminal is in "standby," while the secondary transceiver is activated to monitor for wake-up signals. Upon receiving a wake-up instruction, the primary transceiver is awakened to resume data / service transmission. The primary transceiver is only awakened when the secondary transceiver receives a wake-up signal from the network. This mechanism allows for the primary transceiver to be switched off when not in use, improving the terminal's energy efficiency. This technology can be used in small devices and wearable devices in IoT scenarios, as well as in other scenarios such as extended reality (XR) and smartphones.

[0089] It is understood that, on the network device side, the secondary transceiver corresponding to the WUR band and the primary transceiver corresponding to the MR band can be deployed on the same network device or on different network devices; this application does not impose any restrictions on this. Taking a network device as a TRP and a multi-TRP paging scenario as an example, refer to... Figure 4 The application scenario diagram shows that the secondary transceiver corresponding to the WUR band and the primary transceiver corresponding to the MR band can be deployed on different TRPs. That is, LP-WUS and paging messages can be deployed on different TRPs on different frequency bands. The TRP to which LP-WUS belongs (the TRP with the secondary transceiver deployed) can send LP-WUS to the terminal to indicate whether the terminal should receive the paging message. If yes, the TRP to which paging belongs (the TRP with the primary transceiver deployed) then sends a paging message to the terminal, requesting the terminal to initiate random access and enter the RRC connection state.

[0090] 3) Message content of DCI 1_0.

[0091] DCI 1_0, or DCI format 1_0, is a paging message that uses the common P-RNTI for blind detection of DCI 1_0 on the PDCCH. DCI 1_0 includes not only the time and frequency resources of the PDSCH but also short messages. A specific example of the message content of DCI 1_0 is shown in Table 1 below.

[0092] Table 1

[0093]

[0094] Table 1 shows that DCI 1_0 contains 10 bits of information for short messages, of which 2 bits indicate the message type and 8 bits are the message content. This content may include system information changes, Commercial Mobile Alert Service (CMAS) notifications, Extended Access Barring (EAB) parameter modifications, Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) primary notifications, and ETWS secondary notifications. System information changes may include SIB6, SIB7, or SIB8, etc. When the terminal is in RRC connected state, RRC will still monitor short messages to obtain these updates.

[0095] 4) Sending messages.

[0096] In this application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or as one logic module within a device sending information to another logic module. For example, "device A sending information" can be understood as device A sending information to another device (device B), or as logic module 1 in device A sending information to logic module 2 in device A. In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or as one logic module within a device receiving information from another logic module. For example, "device A receiving information" can be understood as device A receiving information from another device (such as device B), or as logic module 1 in device A receiving information from logic module 2 in device A. In this application, "sending information to… (e.g., device B)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the destination of the information being device B. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to device B. The phrases "receiving information from... (e.g., device A)," "receiving information from... (e.g., device A)," or "receiving information sent by (e.g., device A)," or the relevant illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as indicating that the source of the information is device A, which may include receiving information directly or indirectly from device A. The information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly and will not be repeated here.

[0097] As can be seen from the above, the current configuration of short messages in PDCCH may cause the following problems: First, it occupies a large number of DCI bits, increasing the effective payload of PDCCH; second, due to the function of short messages, the terminal also needs to monitor short messages in RRC connection state, which increases power consumption.

[0098] Based on this, this application provides a communication method and apparatus that can utilize a WUR to transmit short messages, aiming to solve the problem of short message configuration on the PDCCH, thereby saving the DCI payload and occupied time and frequency resources, and conserving energy. Simultaneously, the always-on characteristic of the WUR can be utilized to place updates of important system information such as terminal RRC connection state on the low-power WUR, further reducing the DCI payload and saving energy. The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0099] The communication method provided in this application can be executed by a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device can refer to the terminal itself, or a component of the terminal (e.g., a processor, module, chip, or chip system), or a device used in conjunction with the terminal. The second communication device can refer to a network device (e.g., a base station), or a component of the network device (e.g., a processor, module, chip, or chip system), or a device used in conjunction with the network device. The following description uses the example of a terminal and a network device, respectively, to illustrate the communication method provided in this application.

[0100] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The method includes:

[0101] S501: The network device determines the first time-frequency resource set, and correspondingly, the terminal determines the first time-frequency resource set.

[0102] The first time-frequency resource set includes at least one first time-frequency resource. Any first time-frequency resource in the first time-frequency resource set is configured in the WUR frequency band. In other words, the frequency domain resources of any first time-frequency resource in the first time-frequency resource set belong to the WUR frequency band.

[0103] S502: The network device sends a short message according to the first time-frequency resource set, and the terminal receives the short message according to the first time-frequency resource set.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the wake-up timing (such as LO) configuration of the wake-up signal can be reused to send short messages via the wake-up timing.

[0105] Reference Figure 6 The diagram shows the time-frequency resource configuration for the wake-up signal timing. Figure 6 The horizontal axis represents the time domain, the vertical axis represents the frequency domain, and LO represents the wake-up timing. The wake-up signal is typically transmitted periodically (usually a DRX period or an extended DRX (e-DRX) period) on the LO in the WUR band. Within one period, there may be one or more synchronization signals (which could be a low-power synchronization signal (LP-SS), or LP-SSB, etc.). Figure 6 (Taking LP-SS as an example) To ensure downlink synchronization, the terminal receives a wake-up signal on the configured LO. The configuration information for the LO may include, but is not limited to, the time-domain offset and frequency-domain offset of all possible LOs relative to the reference point (such as the center frequency and start time of LP-SS), and the time-domain offset and frequency-domain offset of the LO used by the terminal relative to the reference point. Figure 6Taking a wake-up signal cycle that includes 4 LOs (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4) as an example.

[0106] In some embodiments, first information can be statically configured. The first information can be used to indicate at least one wake-up signal timing within a wake-up signal period for sending a short message. The network device or terminal device can determine a first time-frequency resource set based on the first information.

[0107] Taking LP-WUS as the wake-up signal, LP-WUS as the wake-up signal period, and LO as the wake-up signal timing as the wake-up signal timing as an example, static configuration can be configured using protocols. For example, the first information can be configured through protocols. The first information can specify one or more LOs used for transmitting short messages within one LP-WUS period. For example, it can be specified that the Nth LO within one LP-WUS period is used for transmitting short messages.

[0108] Taking N=3 as an example, refer to Figure 7 As shown, the third LO in a period of LP-WUS can be designated for sending short messages (SM) through the first information configured in the protocol. The network device or terminal can use the time-frequency resource of the third LO in a period of LP-WUS as the first time-frequency resource. One or more first time-frequency resources determined based on the first information can constitute the first time-frequency resource set.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first information can also be dynamically configured. The first information can be used to indicate at least one wake-up signal timing (such as LO) within the wake-up signal cycle for sending a short message. The network device or terminal device can determine the first time-frequency resource set based on the first information.

[0110] Taking LP-WUS as the wake-up signal, the LP-WUS period as the wake-up signal period, and LO as the wake-up signal timing as an example, the network device can send first information to the terminal. The first information can indicate the index of the LO used to transmit short messages. After receiving the first information, the terminal can determine that the time-frequency resource of the LO corresponding to the index within one LP-WUS period is the first time-frequency resource. One or more first time-frequency resources determined based on the first information can constitute the first time-frequency resource set.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the first information can be carried by a low-power synchronization signal (such as LP-SS), DCI, RRC signaling, MAC-CE, or system message. The field in the first information used to indicate at least one wake-up signal timing within the wake-up signal cycle can be a short message timing (SM-occasion integer) or a low-power short message timing (LP-SM-occasion Integer). This application does not limit the method by which the network device sends the first message or the field in the first information used to indicate at least one wake-up signal timing within the wake-up signal cycle.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the wake-up timing (such as LO) configuration of the wake-up signal can be disregarded, and a first time-frequency resource set can be configured separately. The first time-frequency resource set may not overlap with the wake-up signal timing.

[0113] In some embodiments, second information can be statically configured. The second information can be used to indicate at least one first time-frequency resource. The network device or terminal device can determine the first time-frequency resource set based on the second information.

[0114] As an example: Reference Figure 8 The first time-frequency resource distribution diagram shown can be used to agree on second information through a protocol. The second information can include at least one set of frequency domain offsets and time domain offsets relative to a reference point (such as the center frequency point and start time of LP-SS). Based on the at least one set of frequency domain offsets and time domain offsets relative to the reference point in the second information, the network device or terminal can determine at least one first time-frequency resource constituting the first time-frequency resource set.

[0115] Understandably, the frequency domain width and time domain length of the first time-frequency resource can be configured by the second information. For example, the second information can also include information on the frequency domain width (such as the number of redox roots) and the time domain length (such as the number of symbols). In this way, the terminal or network device can determine the first time-frequency resource based on the frequency domain offset and time domain offset relative to the reference point, as well as the information on the frequency domain width and time domain length included in the second information. Taking the LP-SS center frequency and start time as an example, the center frequency of the determined first time-frequency resource can satisfy the frequency domain offset with the reference point, and the start time of the determined first time-frequency resource can satisfy the time domain offset with the start time of the LP-SS.

[0116] Of course, the second information may not include the information on frequency domain width and time domain length. The frequency domain width and time domain length of the first time-frequency resource can be agreed upon by the protocol. Alternatively, if the second information does not include the information on frequency domain width and time domain length, the wake-up signal timing (such as LO) configuration can be reused, that is, the frequency domain width and time domain length of the wake-up signal timing (such as LO) can be reused to determine the first time-frequency resource.

[0117] It should be noted that the above is only an example of the second information indicating at least one first time-frequency resource. The second information can also indicate at least one first time-frequency resource by including the frequency domain start position, frequency domain end position, time domain start position, time domain end position, etc. of any of the at least one first time-frequency resources. This application does not limit the way the second information indicates at least one first time-frequency resource.

[0118] In some embodiments, the second information may also be dynamically configured, for example, it may be determined by the network device to indicate at least one first time-frequency resource and sent to the terminal.

[0119] As an example: A network device may send second information to a terminal, which may include at least one set of frequency domain offsets and time domain offsets relative to a reference point (such as the center frequency and start time of the LP-SS) to indicate at least one first time-frequency resource. The network device or the terminal may determine at least one first time-frequency resource constituting the first time-frequency resource set based on the second information.

[0120] For example, the second information may include a Short Message Frequency Offset (SM-frequency-offset Integer) or Low Power Short Message Frequency Offset (LP-SM-frequency-offset Integer) field to indicate at least one frequency offset relative to a reference point; and a Short Message Time Offset (SM-time-offset Integer) or Low Power Short Message Time Offset (LP-SM-time-offset Integer) field to indicate at least one time offset relative to a reference point (e.g., the LP-SS start time), wherein at least one time offset relative to the reference point corresponds one-to-one with at least one frequency offset relative to the reference point. Thus, the terminal or network device can determine at least one first time-frequency resource constituting the first time-frequency resource set based on the second information.

[0121] In one possible implementation, the second information can be carried by low-power synchronization signals, DCI, RRC signaling, MAC-CE, or system messages, etc. This application does not limit the signaling that carries the second information.

[0122] For short messages, network devices can send them separately or together with a wake-up signal; this application does not limit this.

[0123] In some embodiments, the network device can also trigger the terminal to monitor short messages via a trigger signal. For example, the trigger signal can be used to instruct the terminal to monitor short messages according to a second time-frequency resource set. When the terminal receives the trigger information from the network device, it can monitor short messages according to the second time-frequency resource set.

[0124] The trigger information can be a preamble, binary on-off keying (OOK), frequency-shift keying (FSK) modulation signal, etc., and the trigger signal can include one or more of the following:

[0125] The first indication information is used to indicate whether there is a short signal. For example, the trigger signal includes a 1-bit field to indicate whether there is a short message. The field is 0 to indicate no short message and 1 to indicate a short message.

[0126] At least one set of frequency domain offsets and time domain offsets relative to a reference point (such as the center frequency and start time of the LP-SS, or the center frequency and start time of the trigger signal), frequency domain width and time domain length of the second time-frequency resource (if the frequency domain width and time domain length of the second time-frequency resource are not included, the frequency domain width and time domain length of the second time-frequency resource can reuse the frequency domain width and time domain length of the wake-up signal timing (such as LO), or be determined according to the protocol agreement), etc., are used to determine the second time-frequency resource set;

[0127] The second instruction information is used to indicate one or more first time-frequency resources in the first time-frequency resource set, and the one or more first time-frequency resources in the first time-frequency resource set indicated by the second instruction information constitute the second time-frequency resource set.

[0128] It is understandable that the second time-frequency resource set can also be configured using static configuration. The configuration implementation can refer to the implementation of static configuration of the first time-frequency resource set, and will not be elaborated further.

[0129] The time-frequency resources for sending trigger signals can be predefined by the protocol or configured by signaling from network devices; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0130] Reference Figure 9 The diagram shown illustrates the trigger signal. The time-frequency resources occupied by the trigger signal can be configured within a wake-up signal cycle to be after the synchronization signal (such as LP-SS) and before the timing of the first wake-up signal (such as LO1).

[0131] In some embodiments, the second time-frequency resource set belongs to the first time-frequency resource set. After the network device determines the first time-frequency resource set, it may temporarily not send short messages according to the first time-frequency resource set. Similarly, after the terminal determines the first time-frequency resource set, it may temporarily not monitor short messages according to the first time-frequency resource set. When there is a short message that needs to be sent to the terminal, the network device may send a trigger signal to the terminal and send the short message according to the second time-frequency resource set after sending the trigger signal. Similarly, when the terminal receives the trigger signal, it may monitor short messages according to the second time-frequency resource set to save energy.

[0132] In this application embodiment, the short message may include at least one of the following: system message, system message update, extended access restriction parameter modification, earthquake and tsunami warning system main notification, earthquake and tsunami warning system secondary notification, commercial mobile warning system notification, WUR indication information, secondary cell indication information, or PDCCH characteristics.

[0133] Example A: The content of the short message includes system message updates (such as SIB6, SIB7, or SIB8), modifications to extended access restriction parameters, broadcast control channel (BCCH) modification indications, primary notifications from earthquake and tsunami warning systems, secondary notifications from earthquake and tsunami warning systems, or notifications from commercial mobile warning systems, etc.

[0134] It should be understood that when the content of the short message includes the aforementioned system message content, the short message content may not include the 2-bit short message indication. This is because the 2-bit short message indication is used to indicate that the PDCCH content is a short message, while the embodiments of this application focus on short messages, that is, the transmission between the network device and the terminal is itself a short message.

[0135] Example B: The short message content includes WUR indication information and / or secondary cell indication information. The WUR indication information can be used to indicate whether the WUR is turned on or off, and the secondary cell indication information can be used to indicate whether at least one secondary cell is turned on or off.

[0136] For example, a 1-bit field (e.g., on-off-WUR 1-bit) can be set in the short message to indicate whether WUR is on or off. If the field is 0, it indicates that the function of the WUR band is stopped and the terminal is switched to the MR band. After receiving the message, the terminal will no longer receive wake-up signals in the WUR band and will resume receiving paging signals in the MR band. If the bit is 1, it indicates that the function of the WUR band is on. The terminal can monitor the wake-up signal in the WUR band and will only receive paging signals in the MR band after receiving the wake-up instruction.

[0137] The activation or deactivation of secondary cells is usually configured in DCI2_7, but can also be migrated to SMS. Currently, DCI2_7 uses a maximum of 5 bits to indicate up to 5 possible secondary cells. This indication can be reused in SMS, or the number of bits used can be increased or decreased to indicate more or fewer secondary cells. The configuration principle can be that each possible secondary cell is indicated by 1 bit to indicate activation or deactivation. For example, if the bit is 0, it indicates that the corresponding secondary cell is deactivated, and if it is 1, it indicates that the corresponding secondary cell is activated.

[0138] Example C: The content of the short message includes PDCCH characteristics (also known as PDCCH patterns), where PDCCH characteristics may include at least one of the following: DRX period, time-domain location of PDCCH resource, frequency-domain location of PDCCH resource, or distribution density of PDCCH.

[0139] Taking the DRX period as an example, the mapping relationship between the DRX period and the indicator can be agreed upon through the protocol as shown in Table 2. A 2-bit DRX indicator field (DRX-indicator2bits) can be set in the short message. Different values ​​of this DRX field can indicate different DRX periods to the terminal.

[0140] Table 2

[0141]

[0142]

[0143] It should be understood that Table 2 is only an example of a mapping relationship between DRX period and indication. This application does not limit the number of bits in the DRX indication field. In practical applications, it may include more or fewer DRX period and indication mapping relationships than those shown in Table 2, or it may be a different DRX period and indication mapping relationship than those shown in Table 2. This application does not limit this.

[0144] In some embodiments, short messages of different content types can be associated with different first time-frequency resources. That is, fixed time-frequency resources can be used to indicate short messages of fixed content types through protocol agreement or signaling instructions of network devices.

[0145] Table 3 shows an example of the association between short messages of different content types and the first time-frequency resource provided in the embodiments of this application. As can be seen from Table 3, for short messages of content type SIB6, it can be agreed that the time-domain offset of the first time-frequency resource used to transmit the short message relative to the reference point is 2 symbols and the frequency-domain offset is 2RB; for short messages of content type WUR indication information, it can be agreed that the time-domain offset of the first time-frequency resource used to transmit the short message relative to the reference point is 2 symbols and the frequency-domain offset is 4RB; for short messages of content type PDCCH feature, it can be agreed that the time-domain offset of the first time-frequency resource used to transmit the short message relative to the reference point is 4 symbols and the time-domain offset is 2RB.

[0146] Table 3

[0147] SMS content types Temporal offset relative to the reference point Frequency domain offset relative to the reference point SIB6 2 symbols 2RB WUR Instruction Information 2 symbols 4RB PDCCH characteristics (or modes) 4 symbols 2RB

[0148] It should be understood that Table 3 is only an example of the association between short messages of different content types and the first time-frequency resource. This application does not limit the association between short messages of different content types and the first time-frequency resource.

[0149] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates a possible association between the content of a short message and a first time-frequency resource, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Based on the association relationships between different content types of short messages and the first time-frequency resource in Table 3 above, a framework can be developed as follows: Figure 10 The first time-frequency resource allocation scheme is shown below. Specifically, the first time-frequency resource associated with a short message of content type SIB6 has a time-domain offset of 2 symbols and a frequency-domain offset of 2RB relative to the reference point; the first time-frequency resource associated with a short message of content type WUR indication has a time-domain offset of 2 symbols and a frequency-domain offset of 4RB relative to the reference point; and the first time-frequency resource associated with a short message of content type PDCCH characteristic has a time-domain offset of 4 symbols and a frequency-domain offset of 2RB relative to the reference point.

[0150] In some embodiments, if a terminal is triggered to monitor short messages via a trigger signal, the trigger signal can also be used to indicate the content type of the short message. For example, the trigger signal can include a field with at least one bit, which can be used to indicate the content type of the short message.

[0151] For example, the mapping relationship between content type and indicator can be agreed upon through the protocol as shown in Table 4 below. The trigger signal can include a 2-bit content type indicator field (LP-SM indicator 2 bits). Different values ​​of this content indicator field can indicate different content types to the terminal.

[0152] Table 4

[0153] Indicator Content type 00 SIB 6 01 WUR Instruction Information 10 PDCCH characteristics (or modes) … …

[0154] It should be understood that Table 4 is only an example of a mapping relationship between content type and indication. This application does not limit the number of bits in the content type indication field. In practical applications, it may include more or fewer content type and indication mapping relationships than those shown in Table 4, or it may be a different content type and indication mapping relationship than those shown in Table 4. This application does not limit this.

[0155] In some embodiments, considering that not all terminals have or have enabled the WUR function, it is supported to receive messages (or signals) in the WUR band. For non-cross-band terminals (such as terminals that do not have or have not enabled the WUR function) and terminals with a strong need to receive paging, short messages may not be received in the WUR band. This function may be associated with whether or not to receive wake-up signals in the WUR band, or it may be separate.

[0156] In the case of separation, whether the terminal receives SMS messages in the WUR band is unrelated to whether it receives wake-up signals in the WUR band. For example, in the case of separation, the terminal may not receive SMS messages in the WUR band, but it may receive wake-up signals in the WUR band.

[0157] Whether a terminal receives SMS messages in the WUR band under associated conditions is related to whether it receives a wake-up signal in the WUR band. For example, under associated conditions, if the terminal receives SMS messages in the WUR band, it will also receive a wake-up signal in the WUR band.

[0158] Network devices can categorize terminals on access network devices into user groups that receive SMS messages in the WUS band and user groups that receive SMS messages in non-WUS bands, based on information such as whether the terminal has WUR functionality enabled or whether it has a strong need to receive paging messages. The user group receiving SMS messages in non-WUS bands can also be replaced with the user group receiving SMS messages in the MR band.

[0159] In addition, network equipment can also instruct terminals to receive short messages in the WUR band or a non-WUR band based on the grouping of users receiving short messages in the WUS band and the grouping of users receiving short messages in non-WUS bands, using third information (the third information can be RRC signaling or higher-layer signaling, etc.). Terminals can determine whether to receive short messages in the WUR band or a non-WUR band based on the network's instructions.

[0160] As an example, the third message sent by a network device may include a 1-bit short message group indication field (e.g., SM-Group 1bit). A value of 1 indicates receiving short messages in the WUR band, while a value of 0 indicates receiving short messages in a non-WUR band (or MR band). The network device can configure the content of short messages in either the WUR band or non-WUR band based on the terminal's packet settings. After receiving the third message, if it instructs the terminal to receive short messages in the WUR band, the terminal can then monitor (or receive) short messages according to the time-frequency resource set configured for the WUR band (e.g., the first time-frequency resource set).

[0161] In some implementations, when the terminal is in RRC connected state, it can also report the change of its user group to the terminal through RRC signaling, etc.

[0162] As an example, the RRC signaling sent by the terminal may include a 1-bit Short Message Group Change Indication field (e.g., SM-Group-change 1bit). A value of 1 in this field indicates a request to change user groups. For instance, if the terminal was originally in a user group receiving short messages in a non-WUS band, and the network device receives RRC signaling from the terminal with a Short Message Group Change Indication field of 1, it can reassign the terminal to a user group receiving short messages in the WUS band, and subsequently send short messages to the terminal via the WUS band.

[0163] Additionally, it is understandable that, similar to how the wake-up signal (WUS) transmitted in the WUR band can be called a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS), short messages transmitted in the WUR band can also be called low-power short messages (LP-SM).

[0164] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, network devices (such as base stations) and terminals include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0165] Figure 11 and Figure 12 The diagram illustrates the possible structures of communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of terminals or network devices in the above method embodiments, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device may be as follows: Figure 1 The terminal 120 shown can also be as follows: Figure 1 The network device 110 shown can also be a module (such as a chip) applied to a terminal or network device.

[0166] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device may include units or modules corresponding to all or part of the steps in the above method embodiments, and can be used to execute the steps executed by the terminal or network device in the above embodiments. Please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments for details.

[0167] like Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 1100 includes a processing unit 1110 and an interface unit 1120, wherein the processing unit 1110 may be a processor or a processing circuit, and the interface unit 1120 may be a transceiver unit or an input / output interface. The communication device 1100 can be used to implement the steps performed by the terminal or network device in the above embodiments.

[0168] When the communication device 1100 is used to implement the steps performed by the terminal in the above embodiments:

[0169] Processing unit 1110 is used to determine a first time-frequency resource set, the first time-frequency resource set including at least one first time-frequency resource, wherein any first time-frequency resource in the first time-frequency resource set is configured in the WUR frequency band; and to monitor short messages through interface unit 1120 according to the first time-frequency resource set.

[0170] In one possible design, when the processing unit 1110 determines the first time-frequency resource set, it is specifically used to determine the first time-frequency resource set based on first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one wake-up signal timing within the wake-up signal period for sending a short message.

[0171] In one possible design, interface unit 1120 is used to receive first information.

[0172] In one possible design, the first information is carried in any of the following ways: low-power synchronization signal, DCI, Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, MAC-CE, or system message.

[0173] In one possible design, when the processing unit 1110 determines the first time-frequency resource set, it is specifically used to determine the first time-frequency resource set based on second information, the second information being used to indicate at least one first time-frequency resource.

[0174] In one possible design, the interface unit 1120 is also used to receive second information.

[0175] In one possible design, the second information is carried in any of the following ways: low-power synchronization signal, DCI, RRC signaling, MAC-CE, or system message.

[0176] In one possible design, at least one first time-frequency resource does not overlap with the wake-up signal timing.

[0177] In one possible design, the interface unit 1120 is also used to receive a trigger signal, which is used to indicate monitoring of short messages according to the second time-frequency resource set; the processing unit 1110 is also used to monitor short messages through the interface unit 1120 according to the second time-frequency resource set.

[0178] In one possible design, the second time-frequency resource set belongs to the first time-frequency resource set.

[0179] In one possible design, the trigger signal is also used to indicate the content type of the short message.

[0180] In one possible design, the short message includes at least one of the following: system message, system message update, extended access restriction parameter modification, earthquake and tsunami warning system primary notification, earthquake and tsunami warning system secondary notification, commercial mobile warning system notification, WUR indication information, secondary cell indication information, or PDCCH characteristics; wherein, the WUR indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the WUR, the secondary cell indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of at least one secondary cell, and the PDCCH characteristics include at least one of the following: DRX period, time-domain location of PDCCH resources, frequency-domain location of PDCCH resources, or PDCCH distribution density.

[0181] In one possible design, short messages of different content types are associated with different first time-frequency resources in the first time-frequency resource set.

[0182] In one possible design, the interface unit 1120 is also used to receive third information, which indicates whether a short message is received in the WUR band or a non-WUR band; and based on the third information, determines whether a short message is received in the WUR band.

[0183] When the communication device 1100 is used to implement the steps performed by the network device in the above embodiments:

[0184] Processing unit 1110 is configured to determine a first time-frequency resource set, the first time-frequency resource set including at least one first time-frequency resource, wherein any first time-frequency resource in the first time-frequency resource set is configured in the WUR frequency band; and to send a short message through interface unit 1120 according to the first time-frequency resource set.

[0185] In one possible design, when the processing unit 1110 determines the first time-frequency resource set, it is specifically used to determine the first time-frequency resource set based on first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate that at least one wake-up signal timing within the wake-up signal period is used to send a short message.

[0186] In one possible design, interface unit 1120 is also used to send first information.

[0187] In one possible design, the first information is carried in any of the following ways: low-power synchronization signal, DCI, RRC signaling, MAC-CE, or system message.

[0188] In one possible design, when the processing unit 1110 determines the first time-frequency resource set, it is specifically used to determine the first time-frequency resource set based on second information, the second information being used to indicate at least one first time-frequency resource.

[0189] In one possible design, interface unit 1120 is also used to send a second message.

[0190] In one possible design, the second information is carried in any of the following ways: low-power synchronization signal, DCI, RRC signaling, MAC-CE, or system message.

[0191] In one possible design, at least one first time-frequency resource does not overlap with the wake-up signal timing.

[0192] In one possible design, the interface unit 1120 is also used to send a trigger signal, which indicates that short messages are monitored according to the second time-frequency resource set and that short messages are sent according to the second time-frequency resource set.

[0193] In one possible design, the second time-frequency resource set belongs to the first time-frequency resource set.

[0194] In one possible design, the trigger signal is also used to indicate the content type of the short message.

[0195] In one possible design, the short message includes at least one of the following: system message, system message update, extended access restriction parameter modification, earthquake and tsunami warning system primary notification, earthquake and tsunami warning system secondary notification, commercial mobile warning system notification, WUR indication information, secondary cell indication information, or PDCCH characteristics; wherein, the WUR indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the WUR, the secondary cell indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of at least one secondary cell, and the PDCCH characteristics include at least one of the following: DRX period, time-domain location of PDCCH resources, frequency-domain location of PDCCH resources, or PDCCH distribution density.

[0196] In one possible design, different types of content in a short message are associated with different first time-frequency resources in the first time-frequency resource set.

[0197] In one possible design, the interface unit 1120 is also used to send third information, which indicates whether a short message is received in the WUR band or a non-WUR band.

[0198] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 1110 and the interface unit 1120, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown.

[0199] like Figure 12 As shown, this application also provides a communication device 1200, including a processor 1210 and a communication interface 1220. The processor 1210 and the communication interface 1220 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the communication interface 1220 can be a transceiver, input / output interface, input interface, output interface, interface circuit, communication port, etc. Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include a memory 1230 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1210, or storing input data required by the processor 1210 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1210 executes instructions. The memory 1230 can be a physically independent unit, or it can be coupled to the processor 1210, or the processor 1210 may include the memory 1230.

[0200] When the communication device 1200 is used to implement the steps executed by the terminal or network device in the above embodiments, the processor 1210 can be used to implement the function of the processing unit 1110, and the communication interface 1220 can be used to implement the function of the interface unit 1120.

[0201] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from a network device, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the terminal chip by these modules. The terminal chip sends information to a network device, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the network device by these modules.

[0202] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip used in network equipment (such as a base station), the network equipment chip implements the functions of the network equipment in the above method embodiments. The network equipment chip receives information from the terminal, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network equipment, and then sent to the network equipment chip by these modules. The network equipment chip sends information to the terminal, which can be understood as the information being sent down to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network equipment, and then sent to the terminal by these modules.

[0203] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be network devices or terminals, or modules within those devices or terminals. The sending and receiving of information can be between a network device and a terminal; it can also be between two network devices, such as a CU and DU; or it can be between different modules within a single device, such as a terminal chip and other modules within the terminal, or a network device chip and other modules within the network device.

[0204] In this application embodiment, the processor (e.g., processor 1210) can be one or more central processing units (CPUs). If the processor is a CPU, it can be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU. The processor can also be one or a combination of several of the following: CPU, general-purpose processor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor, microprocessor, microcontroller, graphics processor, field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, artificial intelligence processor, or neural network processor. The processor can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in this application embodiment. The steps of the methods disclosed in this application embodiment can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0205] In this embodiment, the memory (e.g., memory 1230) may include, but is not limited to, cache, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory, synchronous dynamic random access memory, hard disk or solid-state drive, erasable programmable read-only memory, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in this embodiment may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions for storing computer programs or instructions, and / or data.

[0206] It is understood that the method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC can reside in a network device or terminal. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in the network device or terminal.

[0207] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one network device, terminal, computer, server, or data center to another network device, terminal, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0208] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0209] Additionally, it should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the term "exemplary" is used to indicate that it is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the term "exemplary" is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner.

[0210] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: include: A first time-frequency resource set is determined, the first time-frequency resource set including at least one first time-frequency resource, wherein any first time-frequency resource in the first time-frequency resource set is configured in the wake-up radio WUR band; Based on the first time-frequency resource set, monitor short messages.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Determining the first time-frequency resource set includes: Based on the first information, the first time-frequency resource set is determined, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one wake-up signal timing within the wake-up signal period for sending a short message.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The method further includes: Receive the first information.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first information is carried in any of the following ways: Low-power synchronization signal, downlink control information (DCI), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, media access control (MAC-CE) element, or system message.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, Determining the first time-frequency resource set includes: The first time-frequency resource set is determined based on the second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the at least one first time-frequency resource.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The method further includes: Receive the second information.

7. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein, The at least one first time-frequency resource and the wake-up signal timing do not overlap.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The method further includes: Receive a trigger signal, the trigger signal being used to indicate monitoring of short messages according to a second time-frequency resource set; Based on the second time-frequency resource set, monitor short messages.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The second time-frequency resource set belongs to the first time-frequency resource set.

10. The method as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The trigger signal is also used to indicate the content type of the short message.

11. The method of any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The content of the short message includes at least one of the following: System messages, system message updates, extended access restriction parameter modifications, primary notifications from earthquake and tsunami warning systems, secondary notifications from earthquake and tsunami warning systems, notifications from commercial mobile warning systems, WUR indication information, secondary cell indication information, or physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) characteristics; Wherein, the WUR indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the WUR, the secondary cell indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of at least one secondary cell, and the PDCCH characteristics include at least one of the following: discontinuous reception DRX period, time domain location of PDCCH resources, frequency domain location of PDCCH resources, or distribution density of PDCCH.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, Short messages of different content types are associated with different first time-frequency resources in the first time-frequency resource set.

13. The method of any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The method further includes: Receive third information, which indicates whether to receive short messages in the WUR band or a non-WUR band; Based on the third piece of information, it was determined that a short message was received in WUR.

14. A communication method, comprising: include: A first time-frequency resource set is determined, the first time-frequency resource set including at least one first time-frequency resource, wherein any first time-frequency resource in the first time-frequency resource set is configured in the wake-up radio WUR band; Send a short message based on the first time-frequency resource set.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, Determining the first time-frequency resource set includes: Based on the first information, the first time-frequency resource set is determined, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one wake-up signal timing within the wake-up signal period for sending a short message.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The method further includes: Send the first message.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The first information is carried in any of the following ways: Low-power synchronization signal, downlink control information (DCI), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, media access control (MAC-CE) element, or system message.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein, Determining the first time-frequency resource set includes: The first time-frequency resource set is determined based on the second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the at least one first time-frequency resource.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The method further includes: Send the second message.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein, The at least one first time-frequency resource and the wake-up signal timing do not overlap.

21. The method of any one of claims 14-20, wherein, The method further includes: Send a trigger signal, the trigger signal being used to indicate monitoring of short messages according to a second time-frequency resource set; Send a short message according to the second time-frequency resource set.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The second time-frequency resource set belongs to the first time-frequency resource set.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein, The trigger signal is also used to indicate the content type of the short message.

24. The method of any one of claims 14-23, wherein, The content of the short message includes at least one of the following: System messages, system message updates, extended access restriction parameter modifications, primary notifications from earthquake and tsunami warning systems, secondary notifications from earthquake and tsunami warning systems, notifications from commercial mobile warning systems, WUR indication information, secondary cell indication information, or physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) characteristics; Wherein, the WUR indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of the WUR, the secondary cell indication information is used to indicate the activation or deactivation of at least one secondary cell, and the PDCCH characteristics include at least one of the following: discontinuous reception DRX period, time domain location of PDCCH resources, frequency domain location of PDCCH resources, or distribution density of PDCCH.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, Short messages of different content types are associated with different first time-frequency resources in the first time-frequency resource set.

26. The method of any one of claims 14-25, wherein, The method further includes: Send a third message, which is used to indicate whether to receive a short message in the WUR band or a non-WUR band.

27. A communications device, characterized by It includes a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used for inputting and / or outputting signals, and the processor being used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-26 through logic circuits or executing instructions.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-26.

29. A computer program product, characterised in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-26.

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