Information acquisition method and apparatus

Abstract

The application provides an information acquisition method and device, relates to the field of wireless communication, and can save energy for a first communication device. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring a first system information block (SIB), the first SIB comprising information of at least one area, the information of the area comprising at least one of an area identifier or area definition information; a first communication device acquires first information; and according to the first SIB and the first information, it is determined whether to acquire second information or whether to monitor first indication information. The first information indicates multicast / broadcast service (MBS) control channel (MCCH) information, the MCCH information indicates information of at least one service area associated with one or more MBS sessions, the at least one service area is contained in the at least one area, the second information comprises changed MCCH information, and the first indication information indicates that the MCCH information is changed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically, to an information acquisition method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Compared to terrestrial communications, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communications offer advantages such as large coverage areas and flexible network deployment. NTN communications utilize unrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), high-altitude platforms, and satellites to form networks, providing data transmission, voice communication, and other services to user equipment (UE).

[0003] NTN supports broadcast services such as multicast / broadcast service (MBS) and public warning system (PWS). These services are distributed to all terminal devices within the NTN cell via system information blocks (SIBs).

[0004] Compared to terrestrial networks (TN), NTN cells cover a larger geographical area, and the broadcast service requirements of terminal devices in different areas vary significantly. Some broadcast services may be applicable to specific areas. However, terminal devices not located in those specific areas still need to receive these broadcast services, leading to increased power consumption. Therefore, how to efficiently save power on terminal devices in NTN is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an information acquisition method and apparatus that can efficiently achieve energy saving in a first communication device (such as a terminal device).

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an information acquisition method, which can be executed by a first communication device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first communication device" in this application can be a terminal device, a component applicable to a terminal device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The method includes: acquiring a first system message block (SIB), the first SIB including information about at least one region, the region information including at least one of region identifier or region definition information; acquiring first information, the first information indicating Multicast / Broadcast Service (MBS) Control Channel (MCCH) information, the MCCH information indicating information about at least one serving region associated with one or more MBS sessions, the at least one serving region being contained within the at least one region; and determining, based on the first SIB and the first information, whether to acquire second information or whether to monitor first indication information, the second information including modified MCCH information, the first indication information indicating a change in the MCCH information.

[0007] Based on this scheme, after obtaining MCCH information (i.e., first information, wherein the first information indicates MCCH information, and the MCCH information indicates information of at least one service area associated with one or more MBS sessions), the first communication device can determine whether to obtain the changed MCCH information (i.e., second information) or whether to monitor whether the MCCH information has changed (i.e., first indication information).

[0008] For example, the first communication device can determine whether to obtain the modified MCCH information based on the relationship between the service area associated with the MBS session it is interested in (i.e., the MBS service area) and the location of the first communication device. For example, if it is not located in the service area associated with the MBS session it is interested in (i.e., outside the service area), it may not obtain the modified MCCH information, thereby reducing the unnecessary MCCH information acquisition process performed by the first communication device and efficiently achieving energy saving of the first communication device.

[0009] Alternatively, the first communication device can determine whether to acquire and monitor changes in MCCH information based on the relationship between the service area associated with the MBS session it is interested in (i.e., the MBS service area) and the location of the first communication device. For example, if it is not located in the service area associated with the MBS session it is interested in (i.e., outside the service area), it can choose not to monitor changes in MCCH information, thereby reducing unnecessary MCCH information acquisition processes performed by the first communication device and efficiently achieving energy saving for the first communication device.

[0010] In one possible design, first indication information is monitored based on a first SIB and first information; the first indication information is monitored when the first communication device is located within at least one service area associated with the MBS session of interest.

[0011] Based on this possible design, typically when the first communication device is located within the service area associated with the MBS session of interest, the first communication device can monitor the MTCH based on the first SIB and the first information. That is, the first communication device obtains the service data corresponding to the MBS session of interest on the MTCH. Furthermore, when the MCCH information changes, the second communication device can broadcast first indication information. After receiving the first indication information, the first communication device can obtain the changed MCCH information (i.e., the second information) and then determine whether to monitor the MTCH based on the changed MCCH information. Thus, when it is determined to monitor the MTCH, the monitoring of the MTCH allows for timely acquisition of the service data corresponding to the MBS session of interest.

[0012] In one possible design, monitoring first indication information based on a first SIB and first information includes: receiving a first time threshold; and periodically monitoring the first indication information at time intervals of the first time threshold when the first communication device is located outside at least one service area associated with the MBS session of interest.

[0013] Based on this possible design, when the first communication device is located outside at least one service area associated with the MBS session of interest, it can periodically monitor the first indication information at a first time threshold interval. For example, the first time threshold may be provided to the first communication device by the second communication device, allowing the second communication device to flexibly set the first time threshold. For instance, the first time threshold may be set to a larger value, thereby enabling the first communication device to monitor the first indication information over a longer period, thus reducing the power consumption of the first communication device and efficiently achieving energy saving.

[0014] In one possible design, the first indication information also indicates that the change in MCCH information is due to a change in the mapping relationship between the MBS session and the associated service area.

[0015] Based on this possible design, after the initial judgment (i.e., the result of the first communication device judging whether it is located within the service area associated with its interested MBS session based on the first SIB and the first information), unless the change in MCCH information is due to a change in the mapping relationship between the MBS session and the associated service area, a new service area may appear, thus affecting the initial judgment result; otherwise, no matter how many times the MCCH information is updated, no new service area is added, and the judgment result remains the same as the initial judgment result, leading to increased power consumption of the first communication device due to obtaining unnecessary MCCH information multiple times. Therefore, if the first indication information indicates that the change in MCCH information is due to a change in the mapping relationship between the MBS session and the associated service area, the changed MCCH information is then obtained, and the judgment is re-performed to increase the probability of a change in the judgment result, reduce the number of times the first communication device obtains unnecessary MCCH information, and efficiently achieve energy saving of the first communication device.

[0016] In one possible design, acquiring the second information includes: acquiring a second SIB, the second SIB including information about at least one first region, the at least one first region not being included in at least one region; and acquiring the second information while the first communication device is located within at least one first region.

[0017] Based on this possible design, the second SIB includes the newly added service area in the MCCH information (i.e., the change in the MCCH information includes the addition of the service area). Thus, the first communication device can determine whether it is located within the newly added area. If it is located within the newly added area, it can obtain the changed MCCH information (i.e., the second information). If it is not located within the newly added area (or, in other words, if it is located outside the newly added area), it does not need to obtain the changed MCCH information (i.e., it does not need to obtain the second information), thus efficiently achieving energy saving for the first communication device.

[0018] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an information acquisition method, which can be executed by a first communication device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first communication device" in this application can be a terminal device, a component applicable to a terminal device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The method includes: receiving first indication information, indicating that at least one of an Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) warning notification or a Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) warning notification is being or is about to be broadcast; receiving a first SIB, the first SIB including indication information for at least one area of ​​a Public Warning System (PWS) or a Commercial Mobile Alert System (MBS), each area of ​​the at least one area being indicated by an area identifier or at least one area definition information, the indication information for PWS including at least one of ETWS indication information or CMAS indication information; and, if the first communication device is located within the area of ​​the at least one area used for PWS, acquiring a second SIB, the second SIB including at least one of an ETWS warning notification or a CMAS warning notification.

[0019] Based on this scheme, the first communication device can associate indication information for indicating PWS or MBS with each area indicated by the second communication device. Each area is for PWS or MBS. Therefore, after receiving at least one indication (i.e., the first indication information) that is being or is about to be broadcast in either ETWS warning notification or CMAS warning notification, the first communication device can determine whether it is located in the area for PWS. If it is located in the area for PWS, it means that the second SIB is applicable to the first communication device, and therefore, the first communication device can obtain the second SIB, thus avoiding the first communication device missing the second SIB. If it is not located in the area for PWS, it means that the second SIB is not applicable to the first communication device, and therefore, the first communication device does not need to obtain the second SIB, thereby efficiently achieving energy saving of the first communication device.

[0020] In one possible design, the indication information for PWS includes indication information for ETWS; receiving a second SIB when the first communication device is located in at least one area for PWS includes: acquiring a second SIB, the second SIB including an ETWS alarm notification, when the first communication device is located in at least one area for ETWS.

[0021] Based on this possible design, the first communication device can determine the area for ETWS within the area for PWS; then determine whether the first communication device is located within the area for ETWS. If it is located within the area for ETWS, it means that the second SIB is applicable to the first communication device, and therefore, the first communication device can acquire the second SIB; if it is not located within the area for ETWS, it means that the second SIB is not applicable to the first communication device, and therefore, the first communication device does not need to acquire the second SIB, thereby efficiently achieving energy saving of the first communication device.

[0022] In one possible design, the second SIB includes any one of SIB10, SIB11, SIB6, or SIB7.

[0023] In one possible design, the indication information for PWS includes indication information for CMAS; acquiring a second SIB when the first communication device is located in at least one area for PWS includes: acquiring a second SIB when the first communication device is located in at least one area for CMAS; the second SIB includes a CMAS alarm notification.

[0024] The first communication device can determine the area for CMAS within the area for PWS; then determine whether the first communication device is located within the area for CMAS. If it is located within the area for CMAS, it means that the second SIB is applicable to the first communication device, and therefore, the first communication device can acquire the second SIB; if it is not located within the area for CMAS, it means that the second SIB is not applicable to the first communication device, and therefore, the first communication device does not need to acquire the second SIB, thereby efficiently achieving energy saving of the first communication device.

[0025] In one possible design, the second SIB includes any one of SIB12, SIB6, or SIB8.

[0026] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an information transmission method, which can be executed by a second communication device. Unless otherwise specified, the "second communication device" in this application can be a wireless access network (WLAN) device, a component applicable to WLAN devices (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the WLAN device's functions. The method includes: transmitting first indication information, which indicates that at least one of an ETWS warning notification or a CMAS warning notification is being or is about to be broadcast; transmitting a first SIB, which includes indication information for at least one area for PWS or MBS, each area of ​​the at least one area being indicated by at least one of area identifier or area definition information, the indication information for PWS including at least one of ETWS indication information or CMAS indication information; and transmitting a second SIB, which includes at least one of an ETWS warning notification or a CMAS warning notification.

[0027] Based on this scheme, the second communication device can associate each indicated area with indication information for indicating PWS or MBS, so that the first communication device can know whether each area is for PWS or MBS. Therefore, after receiving at least one of the ETWS warning notifications or CMAS warning notifications that is being or is about to be broadcast (i.e., the first indication information), it can determine whether it is located within an area for PWS. If it is located within a PWS area, it means that the second SIB is applicable to the first communication device, and therefore, the first communication device can acquire the second SIB, avoiding the first communication device missing the second SIB. If it is not located within a PWS area, it means that the second SIB is not applicable to the first communication device, and therefore, the first communication device does not need to acquire the second SIB, thereby efficiently achieving energy saving for the first communication device.

[0028] In one possible design, the indication information for PWS includes the indication information for ETWS; correspondingly, the second SIB includes ETWS alarm notifications.

[0029] In one possible design, the second SIB includes any one of SIB10, SIB11, SIB6, or SIB7.

[0030] In one possible design, the indication information for PWS includes the indication information for CMAS; correspondingly, the second SIB includes CMAS alarm notifications.

[0031] In one possible design, the second SIB includes any one of SIB12, SIB6, or SIB8.

[0032] The technical effects of any design in the third aspect can be referenced from the technical effects of the corresponding design in the second aspect mentioned above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0033] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide an information acquisition method, which can be executed by a first communication device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first communication device" in this application can be a terminal device, a component applicable to a terminal device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The method includes: acquiring first information, the first information indicating a first area, the first area including at least one area in the serving cell of the first communication device; and monitoring the MCCH when the first communication device is located within the first area.

[0034] Based on this scheme, the first communication device can determine whether to monitor the MCCH based on at least one area (i.e., the first area) in the serving cell transmitted by the second communication device and its own location. For example, if the first communication device is located within the at least one area, it indicates that the MBS session broadcast by the second communication device is related to the first communication device. Therefore, the first communication device can monitor the MCCH to receive MCCH information and then receive MBS service data based on the MCCH information. If the first communication device is not located within the at least one area, it indicates that the MBS session broadcast by the second communication device is unrelated to the first communication device. Therefore, the first communication device does not need to monitor the MCCH, thus efficiently achieving energy saving for the first communication device.

[0035] In one possible design, the first information also indicates that one of the areas is the serving cell.

[0036] In one possible design, the first information also indicates the identifier of at least one MBS session, which is associated with the serving cell.

[0037] Based on this possible design, the first information can indirectly indicate that one of the areas in at least one region is the serving cell by indicating at least one MBS session associated with the serving cell, providing a possible implementation method for the first information.

[0038] In one possible design, the first information also indicates whether the first region is used for MBS; monitoring MCCH includes: monitoring MCCH if the first region is used for MBS.

[0039] Based on this possible design, after receiving the first information, the first communication device can determine whether it is located within the first area indicated by the first information and whether the first area is used for MBS. If it is located within the first area and the first area is used for MBS, then the MCCH is monitored. If it is not located within the first area or the first area is not used for any of the MBS, then there is no need to monitor the MCCH, so as to efficiently achieve energy saving of the first communication device.

[0040] In one possible design, obtaining the first information includes: obtaining a first SIB, the first SIB including the first information, the first SIB being used to indicate information required to receive the MCCH.

[0041] In one possible design, obtaining the first information includes: obtaining a second SIB, the second SIB including cell identification information corresponding to at least one of the area identifier or area definition information.

[0042] Based on the two possible designs mentioned above, the first information can be sent via either the first SIB or the second SIB, providing different implementation methods for sending the first information.

[0043] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide an information transmission method, which can be executed by a second communication device. Unless otherwise specified, the "second communication device" in this application can be a wireless access network device, a component applicable to a wireless access network device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the wireless access network device. The method includes: transmitting first information, the first information indicating a first area, the first area including at least one area in the serving cell of the first communication device; and transmitting an MCCH.

[0044] Based on this scheme, the second communication device can transmit at least one area (i.e., the first area) within the serving cell. Thus, the first communication device can determine whether to monitor the MCCH based on the location of the at least one area and its own position. For example, if the first communication device is located within the at least one area, it indicates that the MBS session broadcast by the second communication device is related to the first communication device. Therefore, the first communication device can monitor the MCCH to receive MCCH information and then receive MBS service data based on the MCCH information. If the first communication device is not located within the at least one area, it indicates that the MBS session broadcast by the second communication device is unrelated to the first communication device. Therefore, the first communication device does not need to monitor the MCCH, thus efficiently achieving energy saving for the first communication device.

[0045] In one possible design, the first information also indicates that one of the areas is the serving cell.

[0046] In one possible design, the first information also indicates the identifier of at least one MBS session, which is associated with the serving cell.

[0047] In one possible design, the first information also indicates whether the first area is used for MBS.

[0048] In one possible design, sending the first information includes: sending a first SIB, the first SIB including the first information, the first SIB being used to indicate information required to receive the MCCH.

[0049] In one possible design, sending the first information includes sending a second SIB, the second SIB including cell identification information corresponding to at least one of the area identifier or area definition information.

[0050] The technical effects of any design in the fifth aspect can be referenced from the technical effects of the corresponding design in the fourth aspect above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0051] Sixthly, a communication device is provided for implementing various methods. This communication device can be a first communication device as described in the first, second, or fourth aspects, or a second communication device as described in the third or fifth aspects, such as a device, chip, or chip system. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the methods, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0052] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module may include a receiving module and a transmitting module, respectively used to implement the receiving function and the transmitting function in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof.

[0053] In some possible designs, the transceiver module can consist of transceiver circuits, transceivers, transceivers, or communication interfaces.

[0054] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory being used to store computer instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any aspect. The communication device may be a first communication device according to the first, second, or fourth aspect, or a second communication device according to the third or fifth aspect, such as a device, chip, or chip system. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the method, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the function.

[0055] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the aspects. The communication device may be a first communication device of the first, second, or fourth aspect, or a second communication device of the third or fifth aspect, such as a device, chip, or chip system. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the method, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0056] A ninth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: at least one processor; the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any aspect. The communication device may be a first communication device as described in the first, second, or fourth aspect, or a second communication device as described in the third or fifth aspect, or a device included in the first or second communication device, such as a chip or chip system. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the method, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described.

[0057] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a memory for storing at least one of necessary programs, instructions, or data. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or it may be independent of the processor.

[0058] In some possible designs, when the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or contain chips and other discrete components.

[0059] It is understandable that when the communication device provided in any of the sixth to ninth aspects is a chip, the sending action / function of the communication device can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as inputting information.

[0060] The aforementioned first communication device may be a terminal device, or 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 system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-a-package (SIP) chip that includes a modem module.

[0061] And / or, the aforementioned second communication device may be an NG-RAN node, or a communication module in an NG-RAN node, or a circuit or chip in an NG-RAN node responsible for communication functions, or a functional module in a network device capable of calling and executing programs.

[0062] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the method described in any aspect.

[0063] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to perform the method described in any one aspect.

[0064] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a first communication device (e.g., a terminal device, a chip or chip system applied to the terminal device) as described in the first, second or fourth aspect, and a second communication device (e.g., a wireless access network device, a chip or chip system applied to the wireless access network device) as described in the second or fifth aspect.

[0065] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects six through twelfth can be found in the technical effects of the different design methods in aspects one through five above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the transmission flow of an MBS session provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0067] Figure 2 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of a modification cycle for an MBS session provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another MBS session transmission flow provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0069] Figure 4 This paper illustrates a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applied in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system applied in the embodiments of this application is shown;

[0071] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a possible application framework in a RAN communication system is shown.

[0072] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a possible application framework in an NTN communication system is shown.

[0073] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an information acquisition method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0074] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating another information acquisition method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0075] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating another information acquisition method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0076] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating another information acquisition method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0077] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application;

[0078] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application;

[0079] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0080] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0081] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0082] Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0083] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0084] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process 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.

[0085] It is understood that the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0086] It is understood that in this application, "...when" and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require a judgment action to be performed during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0087] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0088] It is understood that in this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. When describing "a certain instruction information instructs A" or "instruction information of A," it can include whether the instruction information directly or indirectly instructs A, but does not necessarily mean that the instruction information carries A. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also instruct only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, the common parts of various information can be identified and uniformly indicated to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information. Furthermore, the specific instruction method can also be any existing instruction method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned instruction methods and their various combinations. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the indication methods for different pieces of information may differ. In specific implementation, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected indication method; therefore, the indication methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces and sent separately. Furthermore, the sending period or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period or timing of these sub-information pieces can be predefined, for example, predefined according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0089] In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which can include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which can include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between RAN nodes and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, traces, or interfaces.

[0090] In this application, "predefined" can refer to a standard protocol predefined, or it can refer to something agreed upon or negotiated in advance between devices. In this application, "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, such as the 5G protocol, the NR protocol, and related protocols applied in future communication systems; this application does not limit this. "Predefined" can include predefined terms, such as protocol definitions. "Preconfiguration" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device; this application does not limit the implementation method, for example.

[0091] In this application, the terms "exemplarily," "for example," etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0092] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, at least one of the terms or descriptions in the various embodiments of this application is consistent and can be referenced mutually. Different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0093] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies of this application is given below.

[0094] 1. NTN:

[0095] Fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR) technology is evolving from release 18 (R18 / R18) to R19. Simultaneously, NR technology has moved from the standardization phase to commercial deployment. The initial research on the NR standard protocol was for wireless communication technologies designed for terrestrial cellular network scenarios, capable of providing users with low latency, ultra-reliability, ultra-high speed, and massive connectivity wireless communication services. However, cellular networks cannot achieve seamless global coverage. For example, in areas without terrestrial base stations, such as ocean areas, polar regions, and rainforests, voice and data services cannot be provided to areas covered by cellular networks.

[0096] Compared to terrestrial communications, NTN communications offer significant advantages such as global coverage, long-distance transmission, flexible networking, convenient deployment, and freedom from geographical limitations. It has been widely applied in various fields including maritime communications, positioning and navigation, disaster relief, scientific experiments, video broadcasting, and Earth observation. NTN networks can be integrated with terrestrial networks, leveraging their respective strengths to create a seamless, globally integrated sea, land, air, space, and ground communications network, meeting the diverse and ubiquitous service needs of users.

[0097] Depending on the altitude of the flight platform above the ground, the NTN can include a low altitude platform (LAP) subnetwork, a high altitude platform (HAP) subnetwork, and a satellite communication subnetwork.

[0098] For example, in a LAP subnetwork, base stations or base station functions are deployed on low-altitude flight platforms (e.g., drones) at an altitude of 0.1km to 1km above the ground to provide coverage for terminals; in a HAP subnetwork, base stations or base station functions are deployed on high-altitude flight platforms (e.g., aircraft) at an altitude of 8km to 50km above the ground to provide coverage for terminals; and in a SATCOM subnetwork, base stations or base station functions are deployed on satellites at an altitude of more than 50km above the ground to provide coverage for terminals. Satellite communication has significant advantages such as global coverage, long-distance transmission, flexible networking, convenient deployment, and no geographical limitations, and has been widely used in various fields such as maritime communication, positioning and navigation, disaster relief, scientific experiments, video broadcasting, and Earth observation. Furthermore, satellites in satellite communication systems typically transmit information via inter-satellite links (ISL) or satellite-to-ground links.

[0099] Furthermore, based on the satellite's orbital altitude, satellite communication systems can be divided into high-Earth orbit (GEO) satellite communication systems and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems. In GEO satellite communication systems, the satellite's motion speed is the same as the Earth's rotation system; that is, the satellite remains stationary relative to the ground. Therefore, the satellite can also be called a geostationary satellite, and correspondingly, the GEO satellite communication system can also be called a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite communication system. In addition, GEO satellite communication systems can provide larger cell coverage, typically with a cell diameter of 500 km.

[0100] Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite communication systems include Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems. In MEO systems, satellites move relatively quickly relative to the ground; therefore, the cell coverage provided by the satellites shifts with the satellite's movement. The cells providing coverage can be categorized as quasi-earth-fixed cells and earth-moving cells. For quasi-earth-fixed cells, the satellite adjusts its beam direction during movement to maintain a stationary coverage area on the ground for a period. For earth-moving cells, the satellite does not adjust its beam direction during movement, causing the coverage area to change as the satellite moves.

[0101] 2. MBS:

[0102] The 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) introduced the MBS feature in release 17 (Rle17 / R17). MBS is a new data distribution / transmission method that can simultaneously distribute / transmit the same service content to multiple terminal devices; for example, live streaming services, public safety services, batch software updates, etc., achieving efficient utilization of NR resources.

[0103] For broadcast services, the same service and specific content data can be simultaneously provided to all terminal devices within the broadcast service area (i.e., all terminal devices within the broadcast service area are authorized to receive the data). Specifically, broadcast services are sent to terminal devices through broadcast sessions. Terminal devices in any of the following radio resource control (RRC) states—RRC IDLE, RRC INACTIVE, or RRC CONNECTED—can receive broadcast services. Furthermore, broadcast services support point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission mechanisms and do not support hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ).

[0104] For multicast services, the same service and the same rated content data can be provided simultaneously to a dedicated group of terminal devices (i.e., not all terminal devices within the MBS service area are necessarily received by the service). Specifically, multicast services are sent to terminal devices through multicast sessions, and terminal devices in RRCINACTIVE or RRC CONNECTED states can receive multicast services. Furthermore, multicast services support at least one of point-to-point (PTP) or PTM transmission mechanisms, and multicast services support the application of HARQ to at least one of the PTP or PTM transmission mechanisms. Both broadcast and multicast sessions can be referred to as MBS sessions.

[0105] In the NG application protocol (NGAP) broadcast session resource establishment process triggered by the access and mobility management function (AMF), the AMF can forward the MBS session resource establishment request message to all next-generation RAN (NG-RAN) nodes supporting MBS within the MBS service area. This MBS session resource establishment request message may contain the MBS session identifier (ID), a 5G quality of service (QoS) profile, or one or more of the MBS service area information. Furthermore, the NG-RAN node can establish the MBS session context and store the temporary mobile group identity (TMGI) and QoS profile within the MBS session context. When the NG-RAN node successfully establishes the corresponding MBS session in at least one cell, it can send the MBS session identifier and the NG user plane interface (NG-U) tunnel information associated with the MBS session to the AMF to inform the AMF of the successful MBS session resource establishment. Furthermore, NG-RAN nodes can transmit MBS service-related configurations in the MBS control channel (MCCH) information (therefore, MCCH information can also be called MBS broadcast configuration information), allowing terminal devices to receive MBS service data (or MBS broadcast data) based on this configuration. During the establishment of MBS session resources by the NG-RAN node, the NG-RAN node can configure the MBS radio bearer (MRB) corresponding to the MBS session for the terminal device, enabling the transmission of MBS service data between the terminal device and the NG-RAN node. Additionally, the terminal device can receive MBS service data while in any of the following states: RRC IDLE, RRC INACTIVE, or RRC CONNECTED.

[0106] Therefore, after the MBS session resources are established, such as Figure 1As shown, NG-RAN nodes can broadcast parameters required for receiving the MCCH via System Information Block Type 20 (SIB 20), allowing terminal devices to obtain these parameters. Furthermore, terminal devices can monitor the MCCH to receive MCCH information. This MCCH information includes a list of broadcast services for ongoing sessions transmitted on the MBS traffic channel (MTCH). This list includes the MBS session identifier, MTCH scheduling information related to the Group Radio Network Temporary Identity (G-RNTI), MRB configuration information, and neighbor cell information for certain MBS sessions. Finally, terminal devices can monitor the MTCH based on the G-RNTI, MTCH scheduling information, and MRB configuration information to receive MBS service data on the MTCH.

[0107] Specifically, when the MCCH information contains MBS sessions that the terminal device is interested in, the terminal device can monitor the MTCH. The MBS sessions that the terminal device is interested in can also be understood as: MBS sessions configured for the terminal device (or MBS broadcast services), or MBS sessions (or MBS broadcast services) that the terminal device is interested in receiving.

[0108] 3. PWS:

[0109] The evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) and the radio access network (RAN) in NR support PWS through the broadcast capability of system messages. Specifically, RAN nodes schedule and broadcast the content of alarm messages and provide terminal devices with an indication that an alarm message is being or will be broadcast via short messages (for ease of description, this indication can be simply referred to as the PWS indication, and will not be elaborated further here).

[0110] PWS includes the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) and the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS). Among them,

[0111] ETWS is used for real-time monitoring, early warning, and information transmission (such as alarm messages) of earthquakes and tsunamis. Alarm messages in ETWS are called ETWS alarm notifications. ETWS alarm notifications can be primary notifications (i.e., short notifications sent within a preset threshold time) or secondary notifications (i.e., notifications containing detailed alarm content). In E-UTRAN, if an ETWS alarm notification is a primary notification, it can be broadcast in System Information Block Type 10 (SIB 10). If an ETWS alarm notification is a secondary notification, it can be broadcast in System Information Block Type 11 (SIB 11). In NR, if an ETWS alarm notification is a primary notification, it can be broadcast in System Information Block Type 5 (SIB 5). If the ETWS alarm notification is a secondary notification, then the ETWS alarm notification can be broadcast in system information block type 6 (SIB 6).

[0112] CMAS is used to send multiple concurrent alarm messages. Alarm messages within CMAS are called CMAS alarm notifications. CMAS alarm notifications are broadcast to end devices via system information blocks (SIBs). For example, a RAN node can send multiple concurrent CMAS alarm notifications to end devices and is responsible for processing updates within these notifications. Specifically, in E-UTRAN, CMAS alarm notifications can be broadcast in system information block type 12 (SIB 12). In NR, CMAS alarm notifications can be broadcast in system information block type 7 (SIB 7).

[0113] 4. Validity and change notification of MCCH information:

[0114] When a terminal device has an MBS broadcast service of interest, it can monitor the MCCH (i.e., acquire MCCH information). Specifically, for a terminal device having an MBS broadcast service of interest, it can monitor the MCCH (i.e., acquire MCCH information) when entering a cell providing SIB 20 (e.g., upon power-on, or after moving), when receiving SIB 20 from a secondary cell (Scell) via dedicated signaling, or when it receives an MCCH information change notification indicating the start of a new MBS service. For a terminal device receiving MBS service data, it can monitor the MCCH (i.e., acquire MCCH information) when it receives an MCCH information change notification indicating changes to other information in the MCCH information.

[0115] The MCCH information change notification may include 2 bits. One bit indicates the start of a new MBS service, and the other bit indicates other information changes in the MCCH information. For example, other information changes in the MCCH information may include: configuration changes to the current MBS session, MBS session termination, changes to neighbor cell information of the MBS session, etc. Typically, the MCCH information change notification can be transmitted on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) via an MCCH change notification message scrambled with the MCCH-radio network temporary identity (MCCH-RNTI).

[0116] Changes to MCCH information typically occur within a specific radio frame. Within an MCCH modification period, the same MCCH information can be transmitted multiple times according to a schedule. When the MCCH information changes, the terminal device must be notified of the change at the beginning of the MCCH modification period, so that the terminal device can use the changed MCCH from that modification period onwards. Figure 2 As shown, during modification cycle #1, the terminal device uses MCCH information #1. At the start of modification cycle #2, the terminal device receives a notification that the MCCH information has changed. From modification cycle #2 onwards, the terminal device uses MCCH information #2 until it receives a notification that the new MCCH information has changed. Here, MCCH information #2 is the modified MCCH information #1. It should be understood that the terminal device needs to monitor the PDCCH in each MCCH modification cycle to receive notifications of MCCH information changes.

[0117] 5. MBS and PWS in NTN:

[0118] When NTN supports MBS services, the geographical range of cells in NTN is larger than that of TN. The demand for MBS services from terminal devices in different areas varies greatly. MBS services may only be applicable to specific areas, such as one or more geographical areas in a cell, or they may span one or more geographical areas across multiple cells.

[0119] Therefore, a new SIB (new SIB) is introduced. The identifier for this new SIB is currently undetermined, and it will be referred to as SIBx or new SIB. This new SIB includes at least one region definition and its corresponding index information (such as a region identifier). In the MCCH information, each MBS session is associated with one or more region identifiers. Thus, through the MCCH information and this new SIB, each MBS session can be associated with region definition information, ensuring that each MBS session corresponds to at least one MBS service region. In other words, as... Figure 3 As shown, before sending MCCH information via MCCH, NG-RAN nodes also need to send at least one area definition information and its corresponding index information via this new SIB.

[0120] In this context, region definition information, also known as region representation information, is used to characterize the shape and size of a region. For example, the region represented by region definition information can be a circular region, thus the region definition information can include a reference point and radius information. Alternatively, the region represented by region definition information can also be a polygonal region. Taking a quadrilateral region as an example, the region definition information can contain four geographic coordinates. Alternatively, the region represented by region definition information can also be the coverage area of ​​a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB (or SS / PBCH block)), thus the region definition information can include an SSB index.

[0121] Therefore, the terminal device can determine whether the MBS session indicated in the MCCH information includes an MBS session of interest based on the MCCH information. Furthermore, it can determine whether it is located within the MBS service area associated with the MBS session of interest. If the terminal device is within the MBS service area associated with the MBS session of interest, it can monitor the MTCH. In other words, the terminal device needs to determine whether it needs to monitor the MTCH based on the MCCH information. Even if the terminal device is not located within the MBS service area associated with the MBS session of interest, it still needs to monitor the MCCH to obtain MCCH information, thus increasing the power consumption of the terminal device and failing to achieve power saving for the first communication device.

[0122] When an NTN supports PWS services, all terminal devices within the cell can typically receive PWS instructions and alarm messages (such as ETWS alarm notifications and CMAS alarm notifications). However, alarm messages may be applicable to specific areas. For example, if a natural disaster occurs in a certain area of ​​the NTN, the alarm message is intended to inform terminal devices within that area to take timely action to protect life and property. Therefore, terminal devices not located in that area do not need to receive the warning message, leading to increased power consumption and preventing the first communication device from achieving power saving.

[0123] In conclusion, how to efficiently achieve energy saving and power saving in terminal devices within NTN is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0124] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide an information acquisition method. After acquiring MCCH information (i.e., first information, wherein the first information indicates MCCH information, and the MCCH information indicates information of at least one service area associated with one or more MBS sessions), the method can determine whether to acquire the changed MCCH information (i.e., second information) or whether to monitor whether the MCCH information has changed (i.e., first indication information).

[0125] For example, the first communication device can determine whether to obtain the modified MCCH information based on the relationship between the service area associated with the MBS session it is interested in (i.e., the MBS service area) and the location of the first communication device. For example, if it is not located in the service area associated with the MBS session it is interested in (i.e., outside the service area), it may not obtain the modified MCCH information, thereby reducing the unnecessary MCCH information acquisition process performed by the first communication device and efficiently achieving energy saving of the first communication device.

[0126] Alternatively, the first communication device can determine whether to acquire and monitor changes in MCCH information based on the relationship between the service area associated with the MBS session it is interested in (i.e., the MBS service area) and the location of the first communication device. For example, if it is not located in the service area associated with the MBS session it is interested in (i.e., outside the service area), it can choose not to monitor changes in MCCH information, thereby reducing unnecessary MCCH information acquisition processes performed by the first communication device and efficiently achieving energy saving for the first communication device.

[0127] The technical solution provided in this application can be used in various communication systems, including high altitude platform station (HAPS) satellite communication systems, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and other NTN systems, such as integrated communication and navigation (ICAN) systems, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), and ultra-dense low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems. Satellite communication systems can be integrated with traditional mobile communication systems. For example, the mobile communication system can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as the 4th generation (4G) long term evolution (LTE) system, the worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, the evolved LTE system (LTE-Advanced, LTE-A) system, the 5G NR system, the vehicle to everything (V2X) system, the LTE and NR hybrid networking system, or the device-to-device (D2D) system, the machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other future communication systems.

[0128] Alternatively, the communication system may be a non-3GPP communication system, such as an open radioaccess network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a communication system that integrates multiple of the above communication systems. This application does not impose any restrictions.

[0129] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a possible, non-limiting system architecture is shown. (e.g.) Figure 4 As shown, the communication system 10 includes a RAN 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 4 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (such as Figure 4RAN 100, denoted as RAN 120a-120j, is collectively referred to as RAN 120. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices or wireless backhaul devices. Figure 4 At least one of the following (not shown in the image). Terminal device 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0130] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, an NTN system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN), CRAN, or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0131] The above Figure 4 The terminal equipment shown can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. Terminal equipment can also be called user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminal equipment 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. Terminal equipment can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, transportation vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, communication modules, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the form of the terminal equipment. Terminal equipment typically contains communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. Terminal equipment can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions.

[0132] The above Figure 4The RAN node 110 shown, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and assists terminal equipment in achieving wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal equipment 120 are relative, for example... Figure 4 Network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j that access RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal device. RAN node 110 and terminal device 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 4 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal equipment functions.

[0133] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. Figure 4 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 4 The RAN node can be a relay node or donor node (as described in section 110b), or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the RAN node can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0134] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0135] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0136] In some embodiments, the CU and DU can be divided according to the protocol layer of the wireless network: for example, the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (such as the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer) are set in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, or the Physical (PHY) layer) are set in the DU; or, for example, the functions of the protocol layers above the PDCP layer are set in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer are set in the DU, without restriction.

[0137] See Figure 5 In (a), the functional settings of CU and DU in the embodiments of this application are shown. Figure 5 In (a) of the diagram, the RAN node consists of a CU-CP, a CU-UP, and a DU. The CU-CP implements the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. The CU-UP implements the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer. The DU implements the functions of the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the PHY layer. The CU-CP and CU-UP are connected via an E1 interface, the CU-CP and DU are connected via an F1-C interface, and the CU-UP and DU are connected via an F1-U interface.

[0138] See Figure 5 In (b), the functional settings of CU and DU in the embodiments of this application are shown. Figure 5 In (b) of the diagram, the RAN node consists of a CU and two DUs. The CU implements the functions of the RRC layer, SDAP layer, and PDCP layer, while the DUs implement the functions of the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer. The CU and DUs are connected via an F1 interface.

[0139] The above division of CU and DU processing functions according to protocol layers is merely an example; other methods can also be used. For instance, CUs or DUs can be divided into those with more protocol layer functions, or they can be divided into those with partial protocol layer processing functions. For example, some functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of CUs or DUs can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions that need to meet latency requirements can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not need to meet this latency requirement can be placed in the CU.

[0140] In some embodiments, the RU may be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0141] In some embodiments, when the RAN node is an access network device or a module of an access network device in an open ORAN system, in the ORAN system, CU can also be called open (O)-CU, DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0142] For example, the network elements and their functions included in the ORAN system can be shown in Table 1 below:

[0143] Table 1

[0144]

[0145] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an O-RAN system architecture is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the O-RAN system includes a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Non-RT RIC), a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Near-RT RIC), an O-eNB, an O-CU-CP, an O-CU-UP, an O-DU, an O-RU, and an O-RAN Cloud (O-cloud).

[0146] The Non-RT RIC is used for non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions. It enables artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) workflows, including model training and updates, and guides applications / functions within the Near-RT RIC based on policies. The Non-RT RIC resides within the Service Management and Orchestration framework (SMO) module. The Near-RT RIC is used for near real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, it achieves near real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources. The O-CU implements the RRC, PDCP, and SDAP layers and other control functions in the 3GPP standard. The O-CU-CP, similar to the CU-CP in the NR system, implements the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. It is part of the O-CU. The O-CU-UP, similar to the CU-UP in the NR system, implements the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer. It is part of the O-CU.

[0147] O-DU is based on low-layer function segmentation and is used to implement the RLC layer, MAC layer, and higher physical layer (Higher PHY) functions in the 3GPP standard. The higher physical layer functions include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation. O-RU is also based on low-layer function segmentation and is used to implement the lower physical layer (Lower PHY) functions and radio frequency (RF) functions in the 3GPP standard. The lower physical layer functions include one or more of the following: fast fourier transform (FFT) / inverse fast fourier transform (iFFT), digital beamforming, or physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering. Similar to TRP or RRH in 3GPP, but it includes lower physical layer functions such as FFT / iFFT or PRACH extraction. O-Cloud, as a cloud computing platform, includes physical infrastructure nodes for hosting O-RAN functions such as RAN intelligent controllers (RICs) and O-DUs; it also supports software components (such as operating systems, virtual machine monitoring, and container runtimes), management, and orchestration functions.

[0148] also, Figure 6The A1 interface serves as the communication interface between the Non-RT RIC and the Near-RT RIC, enabling intelligent and dynamic control of radio resources within the O-RAN. The Non-RT RIC provides policies, rich information, and ML model updates to the Near-RT RIC via the A1 interface, while the Near-RT RIC provides policy feedback to the Non-RT RIC via the A1 interface. The E2 interface is an open interface between two endpoints used to connect the Near-RT RIC and the RAN node. The RAN node can include: CU and DU in 5G, O-RAN compatible eNB in ​​4G, O-CU in O-RAN (such as at least one of O-CU-CP or O-CU-UP), or at least one of O-DU, etc. The RIC can obtain data collection and feedback from the RAN node through the E2 interface, and the RAN node can obtain control feedback from the Near-RT RIC through the E2 interface. The O1 interface is the interface between the management entity in the SMO and the O-RAN module; it is used for operation management, and through this interface, fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security (FCAPS) management, software management, and file management are implemented. The O2 interface is the interface between the SMO and the infrastructure management framework that supports O-RAN virtual network functions. The E1 interface is the interface between CU-CP and CU-UP. The F1-C interface is the interface between CU-CP and DU. The F1-U interface is the interface between CU-UP and DU.

[0149] In the O-RAN architecture, a network element with positioning capabilities may be a real-time RAN intelligent controller (RT RIC). The O-DU performs multipath measurement and reports the measurement results to the RT RIC. A network element with positioning capabilities may also be an O-CU. The O-CU receives the multipath measurement results reported by the O-DU and performs position calculation.

[0150] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples.

[0151] This application uses the NTN system as an example, namely the one described above. Figures 4-6The communication system described in any of these examples is an NTN system. In this NTN system, the RAN nodes (such as base stations) operate in two modes: transparent transmission mode and regenerative mode. The communication system also includes non-terrestrial platforms, such as low-altitude platforms (e.g., drones), high-altitude platforms (e.g., aircraft), or satellites. For ease of description, the following example uses a satellite as an example; this will be discussed further without further elaboration. The satellite can communicate with the base station through an NTN gateway (or gateway station), meaning the communication system also includes an NTN gateway. Typically, the NTN gateway is deployed on the ground. The link between the satellite and the NTN gateway can be called a feeder link.

[0152] Taking the RAN node as a base station as an example, such as Figure 7 As shown in (a) above, this is one possible implementation of a communication system based on transparent transmission mode. Figure 7 In (a) of the diagram, the satellite acts as a wireless relay node (or, in other words, the satellite has relay forwarding capabilities). In this case, the satellite can perform operations such as radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification. That is, the satellite primarily acts as a Layer 1 (L1) relay, regenerating physical layer signals, and does not involve other higher protocol layers. Furthermore, in... Figure 7 In (a) of the above, the NTN gateway has some or all of the functions of a base station. In this case, the NTN gateway can act as a base station, or the NTN gateway and the base station can be deployed separately. NG-RAN has... Figure 7 The functions of satellite, NTN gateway, and base station in (a) mean that satellite, NTN gateway, and base station can be merged into NG-RAN.

[0153] like Figure 7 As shown in (b) above, this is one possible implementation of a communication system based on regeneration mode. Figure 7 In (b) of this example, the satellite can perform some or all of the functions of a base station; that is, the satellite has data processing capabilities. In other words, the satellite can be used as a base station. In this case, the NTN gateway and the satellite can transmit user plane data of the terminal equipment through the satellite radio interface (SRI). NG-RAN has... Figure 7 The functions of the base station and NTN gateway in (b) of the document, that is, Figure 7 The base station and NTN gateway in (b) can be merged into NG-RAN.

[0154] Furthermore, in cases where satellites can perform some or all of the functions of a base station, such as... Figure 7 As shown in (c), there is an ISL between different satellites, and satellites can communicate with each other via ISL. NG-RAN has... Figure 7 The functionality of multiple base stations and multiple NTN gateways in (c) means that... Figure 7 Multiple base stations and multiple NTN gateways in (c) can be merged into NG-RAN.

[0155] Or, such as Figure 7 As shown in (d), the satellite can have the DU processing function of a base station, or in other words, the satellite can act as a DU. In this scenario, the CU processing function of the base station can be deployed on the ground, and the CU and DU communicate via the F1 interface through the NTN gateway. NG-RAN has... Figure 7 The functions of DU, NTN gateway, and CU in (d) of the document, that is, Figure 7 In (d), the DU, NTN gateway, and CU can be merged into NG-RAN.

[0156] exist Figure 7 (like Figure 7 (a) in Figure 7 In the architecture shown in (d)), NG refers to the interface between the base station and the core network. Uu refers to the interface between the base station and the terminal equipment. Xn refers to the interface between base stations. It is understood that as the communication system evolves, the interface names between the base station and the core network, the interface names between the base station and the terminal equipment, and the interface names between base stations may also change, and this application does not specifically limit them.

[0157] Optionally, when a satellite acts as a wireless relay node with relay forwarding capabilities, it can be considered to be operating in transparent mode. When a satellite has data processing capabilities and can perform some or all of the functions of a base station, it can be considered to be operating in regenerative mode. For a given satellite, it may support only transparent mode, only regenerative mode, or both transparent and regenerative modes, and it may be able to switch between transparent and regenerative modes.

[0158] The information acquisition method and apparatus will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that this application uses a first communication device and a second communication device as examples to illustrate the interaction. The first communication device can be... Figure 7 For any terminal device in any of the communication systems shown, the corresponding second communication device can be or Figure 7 The NG-RAN node in the communication system shown.

[0159] This application does not limit the execution entity of the interactive illustration. For example, the method executed by the NG-RAN node in this application can also be implemented by a module (e.g., circuit, chip, or chip system) in the NG-RAN node, or a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the NG-RAN node. Alternatively, it can be implemented by at least one module in the communication or computing of the NG-RAN node, or a circuit or chip (e.g., a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip / system-in-a-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core, or a graphics processing unit (GPU) / AI processor / application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) in the NG-RAN node responsible for at least one function in communication or computing. Similarly, the method executed by the terminal device in this application can also be implemented by at least one module in the communication or computing of the terminal device, or a circuit or chip (e.g., a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip / SIP chip containing a modem core, or a GPU / AI processor / ASIC) in the terminal device responsible for at least one function in communication or computing.

[0160] See Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of an information acquisition method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 As shown, taking the interaction between the first communication device and the second communication device as an example, the method may include:

[0161] S801, The first communication device acquires the first SIB.

[0162] The first SIB includes information about at least one region, which includes at least one of a region identifier or a region definition. In other words, the first SIB contains a region identifier and / or region definition information corresponding to each of the at least one region.

[0163] For example, the region identifier can be a region ID. The implementation of region definition information can be found in the relevant descriptions in the foregoing related technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0164] For example, SIBs are typically broadcast by NG-RAN nodes, so step S801 can be replaced by: the second communication device broadcasting the first SIB, and correspondingly, the first communication device receiving the first SIB.

[0165] Optionally, the first SIB can be a new SIB. For details on the implementation of the new SIB, please refer to the description of the new SIB above; it will not be repeated here.

[0166] Optionally, the first communication device may be a communication device that is interested in a specific MBS service, or it may be a communication device that is monitoring the MTCH (i.e., receiving MBS service data on the MTCH), and this application does not limit it.

[0167] Optionally, before step S801, such as Figure 9 As shown, the method further includes step S800:

[0168] S800, the first communication device acquires SIB 20.

[0169] For example, the method of obtaining SIB 20 is the same as described above. Figure 2 The method of obtaining SIB 20 is the same, that is, SIB 20 is broadcast by the second communication device. In other words, step S800 can be replaced by: the second communication device broadcasting SIB 20; correspondingly, the first communication device receiving SIB 20.

[0170] SIB 20 is used to indicate the parameters required to obtain the first information. For example, SIB 20 contains scheduling information corresponding to the first information.

[0171] S802, The first communication device acquires the first information.

[0172] The first piece of information indicates MCCH information. MCCH information indicates information about at least one service area associated with one or more MBS sessions. This at least one service area is contained within at least one region.

[0173] It is understood that in this application, at least one service area refers to all areas associated with an MBS session; therefore, a service area can also be directly referred to as a region. For example, the information of at least one service area associated with one or more MBS sessions can be understood as: each MBS session in one or more MBS sessions is associated with one or more service areas. Further, the service area information may include the region's identifier; thus, the MCCH information indicates the association between the identifiers of one or more MBS sessions and the identifiers of at least one region, such that the identifier of each MBS session is associated with the identifiers of one or more regions. Further, the first communication device can determine the region corresponding to the identifier of the region based on the region's identifier and the information of at least one region indicated by the first SIB, thereby determining the service area associated with each MBS session.

[0174] For example, the service area associated with an MBS session can also be understood as the area associated with the MBS session, that is, the area broadcast by the MBS session. Or, the area where the MBS service of the MBS session can be transmitted.

[0175] Optionally, the one or more MBS sessions indicated by the MCCH information are ongoing MBS sessions transmitted on the MTCH. These ongoing MBS sessions include MBS sessions currently being broadcast, and may also include MBS sessions that are about to be broadcast. "About to be broadcast" should be understood as within a very short timeframe, which is determined by the network implementation and is not limited in this scheme.

[0176] Optionally, the MCCH information may also indicate MTCH scheduling information related to G-RNTI, MRB configuration information, and neighbor cell information for certain MBS sessions. For example, the MCCH information may include a list of broadcast services transmitted on the MTCH for ongoing sessions, wherein the broadcast service list information includes the identifiers of one or more MBS sessions, MTCH scheduling information related to G-RNTI, MRB configuration information, and neighbor cell information for certain MBS sessions. The identifiers of the one or more MBS sessions correspond to information about at least one serving area.

[0177] Normally, MCCH information is broadcast on the MCCH by NG-RAN nodes. Therefore, step S802 can also be replaced by: the second communication device broadcasting the first information on the MCCH; correspondingly, the first communication device receiving the first information on the MCCH.

[0178] S803. The first communication device determines whether to acquire the second information or whether to monitor the first indication information based on the first SIB and the first information.

[0179] The second information includes the modified MCCH information, and the first indication information indicates that the MCCH information has been modified.

[0180] Optionally, the first communication device determines whether to acquire the second information or whether to monitor the first indication information based on the first SIB and the first information, including: the first communication device determines whether its own location is within the service area associated with the MBS session of interest based on the first SIB and the first information, and then determines whether to acquire the second information or whether to monitor the first indication information.

[0181] For example, the first communication device may determine whether it is located within the service area associated with the MBS session of interest based on whether one or more MBS sessions indicated by the first SIB and the first information contain the MBS session of interest, and then determine whether to obtain the second information or to monitor the first indication information based on the determination result.

[0182] Specifically, step S803 may include the following two possible implementations:

[0183] In one possible implementation, the first communication device determines whether to monitor the first indication information based on the first SIB and the first information.

[0184] For example, in this possible implementation, the first communication device may determine whether to monitor the first indication information based on a judgment result of whether it is located within the service area associated with the MBS session of interest.

[0185] (i) The case where the first communication device is located within the service area associated with the MBS session of interest (which may include at least one area):

[0186] Optionally, when the first communication device is located within the service area associated with the MBS session of interest, the first communication device may determine to monitor the first indication information. In other words, when the first communication device is not located outside the service area associated with the MBS session of interest, the first communication device may determine to monitor the first indication information.

[0187] For example, when the first communication device is located within the service area associated with the MBS session of interest, the first communication device can monitor the MTCH based on the first SIB and the first information. That is, the first communication device obtains the service data corresponding to the MBS session of interest on the MTCH. Further, when the MCCH information changes, the second communication device can broadcast the first indication information. After obtaining the first indication information, the first communication device can obtain the changed MCCH information (i.e., the second information) and then determine whether to monitor the MTCH based on the changed MCCH information. Thus, when it is determined to monitor the MTCH, the MTCH is monitored to obtain the service data corresponding to the MBS session of interest in a timely manner.

[0188] Optionally, the first indication information can be an MCCH information change notification. As mentioned above, when MCCH information changes, an MCCH information change notification is usually sent at the beginning of a certain MCCH modification cycle. Thus, the first communication device can monitor the first indication information based on the MCCH modification cycle. For example, the first communication device monitors the first indication information once in each MCCH modification cycle, or in other words, monitors the first indication information at the beginning of each MCCH modification cycle.

[0189] (ii) The case where the first communication device is located outside the service area associated with the MBS session of interest:

[0190] In one example, when the first communication device is not located within the service area associated with the MBS session of interest (which may include at least one area), the first communication device may determine not to monitor the first indication information. In other words, when the first communication device is located outside the service area associated with the MBS session of interest, the first communication device may determine not to monitor the first indication information.

[0191] For example, the first communication device can assume that the service area associated with each MBS session is fixed. Therefore, even if the MCCH information changes, the service area associated with the MBS session that the first communication device is interested in remains unchanged. Thus, the first communication device is always outside the service area associated with the MBS session that it is interested in. Therefore, the first communication device does not need to detect whether the MCCH information has changed (i.e., monitor the first indication information). In other words, when the first communication device is outside the service area associated with the MBS session that it is interested in, the first communication device can skip the step of monitoring the first indication information, thereby efficiently achieving energy saving of the first communication device.

[0192] In another example, when the first communication device is not located within the service area associated with the MBS session of interest (which may include at least one area), the first communication device may periodically monitor the first indication information at time intervals with a first time threshold.

[0193] Optionally, the first time threshold may be informed to the first communication device by the second communication device. That is, before step S802, the method further includes: the second communication device sending the first time threshold, and correspondingly, the first communication device receiving the first time threshold from the first communication device.

[0194] For example, the second communication device may send the first time threshold via broadcast or RRC dedicated signaling.

[0195] For example, the first time threshold can be any value greater than 0; further, the first time threshold can be any value greater than or equal to one MCCH modification cycle. Alternatively, the first time threshold can be the number of MCCH modification cycles, that is, the first time threshold can be an integer multiple of the MCCH modification cycle; for example, if the time interval of one cycle in the modification cycle is 5 milliseconds, the first time threshold may include, but is not limited to, 5 milliseconds, 10 milliseconds, 15 milliseconds, 20 milliseconds, etc.

[0196] Optionally, after the first communication device obtains the first indication information, it can further obtain the modified MCCH information (i.e., the second information), and then determine whether to monitor the MTCH based on the modified MCCH information. Thus, when it is determined to monitor the MTCH, the device monitors the MTCH and promptly obtains the service data corresponding to the MBS session of interest.

[0197] Combining the two scenarios above, the first indication information can optionally be an MCCH information change notification.

[0198] For example, the first indication information can be sent via any one of the MCCH change notification message, paging message, or new SIB. That is, the second communication device can send the first indication information via any one of the MCCH change notification message, paging message, or new SIB.

[0199] Optionally, the first indication information may also indicate that the change in MCCH information is due to a change in the mapping relationship between the MBS session and the associated service area.

[0200] For example, changes to the mapping relationship between an MBS session and its associated service area can include at least one of the following: adding an MBS session to the MCCH information (adding a mapping relationship between the MBS session and its associated service area, which is also a form of change in the mapping relationship between the MBS session and its associated service area), or changing the mapping relationship between the existing MBS session and its associated service area in the MCCH information. The change in the mapping relationship between the existing MBS session and its associated service area includes, but is not limited to, adding, changing, or deleting one or more of the associated service areas of the existing MBS session. In the case of adding an MBS session, a new mapping relationship between the MBS session and its associated service area is created. This newly added associated service area can be an existing service area or a new service area. When the newly added MBS session may be one of the MBS sessions of interest to the first communication device, the first communication device needs to detect the MCCH to obtain the changed MCCH information to further determine whether it is in the service area associated with the MBS session of interest.

[0201] Specifically, the first instruction information is sent via an MCCH change notification message or a paging message, and correspondingly, the first communication device obtains the first instruction information via the MCCH change notification message or the paging message.

[0202] For example, an MCCH change notification message or paging message contains 1 bit. This 1 bit is used to indicate whether the change in the MCCH information indicated by the first information indicator is due to a change in the mapping relationship between the MBS session and the associated service area.

[0203] Therefore, when the 1-bit indication used to indicate that the change in the MCCH information indicated by the first information indication is due to a change in the mapping relationship between the MBS session and the associated service area, this 1-bit indication information is the first indication information. Thus, after obtaining the first indication information, the first communication device can obtain the changed MCCH information (i.e., the second information), and then determine whether to monitor the MTCH based on the changed MCCH information. When it is determined to monitor the MTCH, the device monitors the MTCH and promptly obtains the service data corresponding to the MBS session of interest.

[0204] In another possible implementation, the first communication device determines whether to acquire the second information based on the first SIB and the first information.

[0205] Optionally, in this possible implementation, the first communication device learns through the second SIB that the mapping relationship between the MBS session and the associated service area in the MCCH information has changed.

[0206] For example, since a new service area may only appear when the mapping relationship between an MBS session and its associated service area changes, thus affecting the determination of whether the first communication device is located within the service area associated with its interested MBS session, the second SIB can directly indicate the new service area, implicitly indicating that the mapping relationship between the MBS session and its associated service area has changed. For instance, the second SIB includes information about at least one first area, at least one of which is not included in the at least one area indicated by the first SIB. Further, when the first communication device is located within at least one first area, the second information is obtained. When the first communication device is located within less than one first area, it is not necessary to obtain the second information. Here, the at least one first area is the newly added service area.

[0207] In one implementation, after the first communication device acquires the second SIB, it can directly acquire the modified MCCH information (i.e., the second information). In another implementation, the second SIB includes a newly added service area in the MCCH information (i.e., the change in the MCCH information includes a newly added service area). Thus, the first communication device can determine whether it is located within the newly added area. If it is located within the newly added area, it can acquire the modified MCCH information (i.e., the second information); if it is not located within the newly added area (or, in other words, outside the newly added area), it is not necessary to acquire the modified MCCH information (i.e., it is not necessary to acquire the second information).

[0208] For example, the second SIB can indicate the newly added service area through at least one of the area identifier or area definition information. Specifically, the second SIB can be a new SIB; based on the foregoing, the first SIB is also a new SIB, thus the second SIB is the updated first SIB.

[0209] Typically, a new SIB indicates one or more service areas through at least one of the area identifiers or area definition information. Therefore, in addition to indicating at least one area indicated by the first SIB for transmission, the second SIB also needs to indicate the newly added service area. The at least one area may or may not include the newly added service area. Wherein, when the at least one area includes the newly added service area, the newly added service area can be defined in a different way than the at least one area to distinguish it from the newly added service area. Thus, the first communication device can obtain the newly added service area based on the second SIB.

[0210] Based on this optional scheme, after the initial judgment (i.e., the result of the first communication device judging whether it is located within the service area associated with its interested MBS session based on the first SIB and the first information), unless the change in MCCH information is due to a change in the mapping relationship between the MBS session and the associated service area, a new service area may appear, thus affecting the initial judgment result; otherwise, no matter how many times the MCCH information is updated, no new service area is added, so the judgment result remains the same as the initial judgment result, resulting in increased power consumption of the first communication device due to obtaining unnecessary MCCH information multiple times. Therefore, if the first indication information indicates that the change in MCCH information is due to a change in the mapping relationship between the MBS session and the associated service area, the changed MCCH information is then obtained, and the judgment is re-performed to increase the probability of a change in the judgment result, reduce the number of times the first communication device obtains unnecessary MCCH information, and efficiently achieve energy saving of the first communication device.

[0211] This application provides an information acquisition method. After acquiring MCCH information (i.e., first information, wherein the first information indicates MCCH information and the MCCH information indicates information of at least one service area associated with one or more MBS sessions), the method can determine whether to acquire the changed MCCH information (i.e., second information) or whether to monitor changes in MCCH information (i.e., first indication information) based on the MCCH information.

[0212] For example, the first communication device can determine whether to obtain the modified MCCH information based on the relationship between the service area associated with the MBS session it is interested in (i.e., the MBS service area) and the location of the first communication device. For example, if it is not located in the service area associated with the MBS session it is interested in (i.e., outside the service area), it may not obtain the modified MCCH information, thereby reducing the unnecessary MCCH information acquisition process performed by the first communication device and efficiently achieving energy saving of the first communication device.

[0213] Alternatively, the first communication device can determine whether to acquire and monitor changes in MCCH information based on the relationship between the service area associated with the MBS session it is interested in (i.e., the MBS service area) and the location of the first communication device. For example, if it is not located in the service area associated with the MBS session it is interested in (i.e., outside the service area), it can choose not to monitor changes in MCCH information, thereby reducing unnecessary MCCH information acquisition processes performed by the first communication device and efficiently achieving energy saving for the first communication device.

[0214] See Figure 10 This illustrates a flowchart of another information acquisition method provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 10 As shown, taking the interaction between the first communication device and the second communication device as an example, the method may include:

[0215] S1001, the second communication device sends a first instruction message to the first communication device; correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first instruction message from the second communication device.

[0216] The first indication information indicates that at least one of the ETWS warning notification or CMAS warning notification is being or will be broadcast.

[0217] Specifically, the first indication information can be referred to as a PWS indication. Specifically, when the first indication information indicates that an ETWS warning notification is being or is about to be broadcast, the first indication information can also be referred to as an ETWS indication; when the first indication information indicates that a CMAS warning notification is being or is about to be broadcast, the first indication information can also be referred to as a CMAS indication. In other words, a PWS indication includes at least one of an ETWS indication or a CMAS indication.

[0218] S1002, the second communication device sends the first SIB; correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first SIB.

[0219] The first SIB includes at least one area for indication information of PWS or MBS, each of the at least one area being indicated by at least one of area identifier or area definition information, and the indication information for PWS including at least one of indication information of ETWS or indication information of CMAS.

[0220] For example, the first SIB includes indication information for at least one region used for PWS or MBS. This can also be understood as: the first SIB contains at least one indication information used to indicate that its associated region is used for PWS or MBS. Each indication information is associated with one of the at least one regions. Different regions can be associated with the same indication information.

[0221] As an example, at least one region in the first SIB may include at least one of: one or more regions associated with MBS, or one or more regions associated with PWS. That is, each of the at least one regions is associated with either MBS or PWS.

[0222] As another example, each region in the at least one region corresponds to a 1-bit indication information, which indicates that its corresponding region is used for PWS or MBS.

[0223] Furthermore, the indication information for PWS includes at least one of the indication information for ETWS or the indication information for CMAS. This can also be understood as: the indication information for PWS includes at least one of the indication information for ETWS or the indication information for CMAS. Alternatively, it can be understood as: the indication information can indicate that its associated region is used for ETWS or CMAS, implicitly indicating that the indication information is used to indicate that its associated region is used for PWS. Wherein, when the indication information is used to indicate that its associated region is used for PWS, the indication information can also be called PWS indication information; when the indication information is used to indicate that its associated region is used for ETWS, the indication information can also be called ETWS indication information; when the indication information is used to indicate that its associated region is used for CMAS, the indication information can also be called CMAS indication information.

[0224] Specifically, the one or more regions associated with PWS include at least one of the regions associated with ETWS or the regions associated with CMAS. Alternatively, the 1 bit indicating that its corresponding region is used for PWS includes: the 1 bit indicating that its corresponding region is used for at least one of ETWS or CMAS.

[0225] For example, each of the at least one region is indicated by at least one of a region identifier or region definition information, which can also be understood as: each of the at least one region is characterized by at least one of a region identifier or region definition information. Specifically, the implementation of the region identifier and region definition information can be found in the relevant description of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0226] Thus, the first SIB may include at least one of at least one area identifier or area definition information, wherein each of the at least one area identifier or area definition information is associated with one of the at least one indication information.

[0227] For example, the first SIB includes at least one area indication information for MBS or PWS, which can be represented by at least one of at least one area ID or area definition information associated with MBS, or at least one of at least one area ID or area definition information associated with PWS. Alternatively, an additional indication information can be added to each area ID or area definition information to indicate whether it is for MBS or PWS, such as adding 1 bit of indication information.

[0228] Optionally, the first SIB can be a new SIB.

[0229] S1003, if the first communication device is located in a region for PWS in at least one region, acquire the second SIB.

[0230] The second SIB includes at least one of the ETWS warning notification or the CMAS warning notification.

[0231] Specifically, the first communication device can determine the area associated with the indication information for PWS (hereinafter referred to as the area for PWS) based on the indication information for PWS or MBS in at least one area of ​​the first SIB; and then determine whether the first communication device is located in the area for PWS. If it is located in the area for PWS, it means that the second SIB is applicable to the first communication device, and therefore, the first communication device can acquire the second SIB; if it is not located in the area for PWS, it means that the second SIB is not applicable to the first communication device, and therefore, the first communication device does not need to acquire the second SIB, thereby efficiently realizing energy saving of the first communication device.

[0232] As an example, when the indication information for PWS includes indication information for ETWS, step S1003 can be replaced by: if the first communication device is located in at least one area for ETWS, obtaining a second SIB, the second SIB including an ETWS alarm notification.

[0233] For example, the first communication device can determine the area for ETWS in the area for PWS; then determine whether the first communication device is located in the area for ETWS. If it is located in the area for ETWS, it means that the second SIB is applicable to the first communication device, so the first communication device can obtain the second SIB; if it is not located in the area for ETWS, it means that the second SIB is not applicable to the first communication device, so the first communication device does not need to obtain the second SIB, thereby efficiently realizing energy saving of the first communication device.

[0234] Optionally, the second SIB may include at least one of SIB10 or SIB11 in the E-UTRAN system, or at least one of SIB6 or SIB7 in the NR system.

[0235] As another example, when the indication information for PWS includes indication information for CMAS, step S1003 can be replaced by: acquiring a second SIB when the first communication device is located in at least one area for CMAS; the second SIB includes a CMAS alarm notification.

[0236] For example, the first communication device can determine the area for CMAS in the area for PWS; then determine whether the first communication device is located in the area for CMAS. If it is located in the area for CMAS, it means that the second SIB is applicable to the first communication device, so the first communication device can obtain the second SIB; if it is not located in the area for CMAS, it means that the second SIB is not applicable to the first communication device, so the first communication device does not need to obtain the second SIB, thereby efficiently realizing energy saving of the first communication device.

[0237] Optionally, the second SIB may include SIB12 in the E-UTRAN system, or may include at least one of SIB6 or SIB8 in the NR system.

[0238] This application provides an information acquisition method in which a second communication device can associate each indicated area with indication information for indicating PWS or MBS. This allows a first communication device to know whether each area is for PWS or MBS. Upon receiving at least one of the ETWS warning notifications or CMAS warning notifications that is being or is about to be broadcast (i.e., the first indication information), the first communication device can determine whether it is located within an area for PWS. If it is located within a PWS area, it indicates that the second SIB is applicable to the first communication device, and therefore, the first communication device can acquire the second SIB, thus avoiding the first communication device missing the second SIB. If it is not located within a PWS area, it indicates that the second SIB is not applicable to the first communication device, and therefore, the first communication device does not need to acquire the second SIB, thereby efficiently achieving energy saving for the first communication device.

[0239] See Figure 11 This illustrates a flowchart of another information acquisition method provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 11 As shown, taking the interaction between the first communication device and the second communication device as an example, the method may include:

[0240] S1101, The first communication device acquires the first information.

[0241] The first information indicates a first region, which is at least one region within the serving cell of the first communication device. That is, the first region includes at least one region, all of which are located within the serving cell of the first communication device.

[0242] For example, the at least one area includes area #1, area #2, and area #3. Area #1 can be the entire serving cell of the first communication device, and areas #2 and #3 can be partial areas within the serving cell of the first communication device, and area #2 is different from area #3.

[0243] In one implementation, the first information can be sent via a first SIB. In this case, step S1101 can be replaced by: obtaining the first SIB, where the first SIB includes the first information and is used to indicate the information required to receive the MCCH. For example, the first SIB can be SIB 20. In another implementation, the first information can be sent via a second SIB. In this case, step S1101 can be replaced by: obtaining the second SIB, where the second SIB includes cell identification information corresponding to at least one of at least one of area identifier or area definition information. Further, the cell identification information can be at least one of the following:

[0244] The cell's identification information includes its cell global identifier (CGI), physical cell identifier (PCI), frequency point, physical cell identifier (PCI), cell identifier (cell ID), non-public network identifier (NPN ID), non-terrestrial network identifier (NTN ID), or other cell identifiers. The CGI may include a public land mobile network identifier (PLMNID) and cell ID, and may also include a tracking area code. Cell identification information can be used to identify a cell.

[0245] Furthermore, the cell identification information may include the identification information of the serving cell. For example, the second SIB may be a new SIB.

[0246] Optionally, in this implementation, before step S1101, the first communication device may also acquire SIB 20. Specifically, SIB 20 can be found in the relevant descriptions in the foregoing related technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0247] Combining the two implementations above, optionally, the at least one region can be characterized by at least one of the region identifier or region definition information.

[0248] For example, the first information can be sent via SIB 20 or the new SIB. That is, SIB 20 or the new SIB characterizes at least one region contained in the first region by indicating at least one of the region identifier or region definition information.

[0249] Optionally, the first information may further indicate that one of the at least one areas is the serving cell. For example, assuming the at least one area includes area #1, area #2, and area #3, the first information indicates that area #1 is the serving cell. The first information may include indication information for indicating that area #1 is the serving cell.

[0250] Optionally, the first information also indicates the identifier of at least one MBS session, which is associated with the serving cell.

[0251] For example, the first information may implicitly indicate that one of the at least one areas is the serving cell by indicating the identifier of at least one MBS session. The at least one MBS session is associated with the serving cell. Alternatively, the first information may implicitly indicate that one of the at least one areas is the serving cell by indicating the identifier of a cell-level MBS session (i.e., the at least one MBS session mentioned above) broadcast within the serving cell.

[0252] Specifically, when the serving cell is a region within at least one region, its associated MBS session (i.e., the aforementioned at least one MBS session) applies to the entire cell, and the content of the MBS session is relevant to the entire cell's coverage area. For example, the indication information used to indicate that the serving cell is a region within at least one region can be indicated by a special region identifier value, or a single 1-bit indication information, or it can be that the cell corresponding to the MBS session in the MCCH information is not associated with any region identifier, implicitly indicating that the MBS session is a cell-level MBS session. This scheme does not limit this.

[0253] S1102. The first communication device monitors the MCCH when it is located in the first area.

[0254] For example, the first communication device monitoring the MCCH can also be understood as the first communication device receiving MCCH information on the MCCH.

[0255] Specifically, after receiving the first information, the first communication device can determine whether it is located within the first area indicated by the first information; if it is located within the first area, it monitors the MCCH; if it is not located within the first area, it does not need to monitor the MCCH.

[0256] Optionally, the first information also indicates whether the first region is used for MBS; thus, step S1102 can be replaced by: monitoring MCCH if the first region is used for MBS.

[0257] Specifically, after receiving the first information, the first communication device can determine whether it is located within the first area indicated by the first information and whether the first area is used for MBS. If it is located within the first area and the first area is used for MBS, then it monitors MCCH. If it is not located within the first area or the first area is not used for at least one of the following, then it is not necessary to monitor MCCH.

[0258] This application provides an information acquisition method in which a second communication device can transmit at least one area (i.e., a first area) within a serving cell. The first communication device can then determine whether to monitor the MCCH based on the location of the at least one area and its own position. For example, if the first communication device is located within the at least one area, it indicates that the MBS session broadcast by the second communication device is related to the first communication device. Therefore, the first communication device can monitor the MCCH to receive MCCH information and then receive MBS service data based on the MCCH information. If the first communication device is not located within the at least one area, it indicates that the MBS session broadcast by the second communication device is unrelated to the first communication device. Therefore, the first communication device does not need to monitor the MCCH, thus efficiently achieving energy saving for the first communication device.

[0259] It should be noted that the various embodiments of this application can be implemented independently or in combination, without limitation. Unless otherwise specified or in conflict, at least one of the terms or descriptions in the different embodiments provided in this application is consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0260] The foregoing primarily describes the solutions provided in this application from the perspective of device-to-device interaction. It is understood that each device, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, includes at least one of the hardware structures or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, 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 and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0261] It is understood that, in order to achieve the above-mentioned functions, the communication device includes at least one of the hardware structures or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, 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 and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0262] This application embodiment can divide each device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. 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.

[0263] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a communication device 1200 is shown. The communication device 1200 includes a processing module 1201 and a transceiver module 1202. This communication device can be used to implement the functions of the first or second communication device described above.

[0264] In some embodiments, the communication device 1200 may further include a storage module. Figure 12 (not shown), used to store at least one of a program, instruction, or data.

[0265] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1202, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement at least one of the functions of sending or receiving. The transceiver module 1202 may be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0266] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1202 may include a receiving module and a sending module, respectively configured to perform receiving and sending steps performed by the first or second communication device in the above method embodiments, or to support at least one of other processes in which the technology described herein is performed; the processing module 1201 may be configured to perform processing steps (e.g., determining) performed by the first or second communication device in the above method embodiments, or to support at least one of other processes in which the technology described herein is performed.

[0267] When the communication device 1200 is used to perform the functions of the first communication device described above:

[0268] In some embodiments, the processing module 1201 is configured to obtain a first SIB through the transceiver module 1202. The first SIB includes information about at least one region, and the information about the region includes at least one of region identifier or region definition information. The processing module 1201 is also configured to obtain first information through the transceiver module 1202. The first information indicates MCCH information, and the MCCH information indicates information about at least one service region associated with one or more MBS sessions. The at least one service region is contained within at least one region. The processing module 1201 is also configured to determine, based on the first SIB and the first information, whether to obtain second information or whether to monitor first indication information. The second information includes modified MCCH information, and the first indication information indicates that the MCCH information has been modified.

[0269] Optionally, the processing module 1201 is further configured to monitor the first indication information when the first communication device is located in at least one service area associated with the MBS session of interest.

[0270] Optionally, the processing module 1201 is further configured to receive a first time threshold; and when the first communication device is located outside at least one service area associated with the MBS session of interest, periodically monitor the first indication information at time intervals of the first time threshold.

[0271] Optionally, the first indication information may also indicate that the change in MCCH information is due to a change in the mapping relationship between the MBS session and the associated service area.

[0272] Optionally, a second SIB is acquired, the second SIB including information of at least one first region, wherein at least one first region is not included in at least one region; the second information is acquired when the communication device is located within a first region.

[0273] In other embodiments, transceiver module 1202 is configured to receive first indication information indicating that at least one of ETWS warning notification or CMAS warning notification is being or is about to be broadcast; transceiver module 1202 is also configured to receive a first SIB, the first SIB including indication information for at least one area for PWS or MBS, each area of ​​the at least one area being indicated by at least one of area identifier or area definition information, the indication information for PWS including at least one of ETWS indication information or CMAS indication information; if the first communication device is located in the area for PWS in at least one area, processing module 1201 is configured to acquire a second SIB, the second SIB including at least one of ETWS warning notification or CMAS warning notification.

[0274] Optionally, the indication information for PWS includes indication information for ETWS; the processing module 1201 is further configured to acquire a second SIB, which includes an ETWS alarm notification, when the first communication device is located in at least one area for ETWS.

[0275] Optionally, the second SIB may include any one of SIB10, SIB11, SIB6, or SIB7.

[0276] Optionally, the indication information for PWS includes indication information for CMAS; the processing module 1201 is further configured to acquire a second SIB when the first communication device is located in at least one area for CMAS; the second SIB includes a CMAS alarm notification.

[0277] Optionally, the second SIB may include any one of SIB12, SIB6, or SIB8.

[0278] In other embodiments, the processing module 1201 is configured to acquire first information through the transceiver module 1202, the first information indicating a first area, the first area including at least one area in the serving cell of the first communication device; when the first communication device is located in the first area, the processing module 1201 is further configured to monitor the MCCH.

[0279] Optionally, the first information may also indicate that one of the at least one areas is the serving cell.

[0280] Optionally, the first information also indicates the identifier of at least one MBS session, which is associated with the serving cell.

[0281] Optionally, the first information also indicates whether the first region is used for MBS; the processing module 1201 is also configured to monitor MCCH if the first region is used for MBS.

[0282] The processing module 1201 is also configured to obtain a first SIB through the transceiver module 1202. The first SIB includes first information and is used to indicate the information required to receive the MCCH.

[0283] The processing module 1201 is also configured to obtain a second SIB through the transceiver module 1202. The second SIB includes cell identification information corresponding to at least one of the area identifier or area definition information.

[0284] When the communication device 1200 is used to implement the functions of the second communication device described above:

[0285] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1202 is configured to send first indication information, the first indication information indicating that at least one of an ETWS warning notification or a CMAS warning notification is being or is about to be broadcast; the transceiver module 1202 is further configured to send a first SIB, the first SIB including indication information for at least one region for PWS or MBS, each region of the at least one region being indicated by at least one of a region identifier or a region definition information, the indication information for PWS including at least one of ETWS indication information or CMAS indication information; the transceiver module 1202 is further configured to send a second SIB, the second SIB including at least one of an ETWS warning notification or a CMAS warning notification.

[0286] Optionally, the indication information for PWS includes the indication information for ETWS; correspondingly, the second SIB includes ETWS alarm notifications.

[0287] Optionally, the second SIB may include any one of SIB10, SIB11, SIB6, or SIB7.

[0288] Optionally, the indication information for PWS includes the indication information for CMAS; correspondingly, the second SIB includes CMAS alarm notifications.

[0289] Optionally, the second SIB may include any one of SIB12, SIB6, or SIB8.

[0290] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1202 is configured to send first information, the first information indicating a first area, the first area including at least one area in the serving cell of the first communication device; the transceiver module 1202 is also configured to send MCCH.

[0291] Optionally, the first information may also indicate that one of the at least one areas is the serving cell.

[0292] Optionally, the first information also indicates the identifier of at least one MBS session, which is associated with the serving cell.

[0293] Optionally, the first information also indicates whether the first area is used for MBS.

[0294] Optionally, the transceiver module 1202 is also used to send a first SIB, the first SIB including first information, the first SIB being used to indicate information required to receive the MCCH.

[0295] Optionally, the transceiver module 1202 is also used to transmit a second SIB, the second SIB including cell identification information corresponding to at least one of the area identifier or area definition information.

[0296] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0297] In this application, the communication device (i.e., the first communication device or the second communication device) 1200 is presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" may refer to at least one of the following: ASIC, circuit, processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuit, or other device that can provide the above-mentioned functions.

[0298] In some embodiments, when Figure 12 When the communication device 1200 is a chip or chip system, the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1202 can be implemented through the input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of the processing module 1201 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0299] Since the communication device 1200 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects it can obtain can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0300] As another possible product form, either the first communication device or the second communication device described in the embodiments of this application can be adopted. Figure 13 The shown composition structure, or including Figure 13 The components shown. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of a communication device 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1300 can be a first communication device or a chip or system-on-a-chip within the first communication device; it can also be a second communication device or a chip or system-on-a-chip within the second communication device. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 1300 includes a processor 1301, a communication interface 1302, and a communication line 1303.

[0301] Furthermore, the communication device 1300 may also include a memory 1304. The processor 1301, the memory 1304, and the communication interface 1302 can be connected via a communication line 1303.

[0302] The processor 1301 can be a CPU, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The processor 1301 can also be other devices with processing capabilities, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0303] Communication interface 1302 is used for communicating with other devices or other communication networks. These other communication networks can be Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc. Communication interface 1302 can be a module, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of enabling communication.

[0304] Communication line 1303 is used to connect different components in communication device 1300, enabling communication between them. Communication line 1303 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. This bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 13 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0305] The memory 1304 may be a device with storage function, used to store at least one of instructions or data. The instructions may be computer programs.

[0306] For example, the memory 1304 may be at least one of read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information or instructions; it may also be at least one of random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information or instructions; it may also be electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0307] It should be noted that the memory 1304 can exist independently of the processor 1301, or it can be integrated with the processor 1301. The memory 1304 can be used to store instructions, program code, or some data, etc. The memory 1304 can be located inside or outside the communication device 1300, without limitation. The processor 1301 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 1304 to implement the communication method provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0308] In one example, processor 1301 may include one or more CPUs, for example Figure 13 CPU0 and CPU1 in the CPU.

[0309] In some embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 1200 can be implemented in hardware using... Figure 13 The communication device shown is in the form of 1300.

[0310] As an example, Figure 12 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1201 can be achieved through... Figure 13 The processor 1301 in the communication device 1300 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 1304 to implement the function. Figure 12 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1202 can be obtained through Figure 13 This is achieved through the communication interface 1302 in the communication device 1300 shown.

[0311] As an optional implementation, the communication device 1300 includes multiple processors, for example, besides Figure 13 In addition to processor 1301, it may also include processor 1307.

[0312] As an optional implementation, the communication device 1300 also includes an output device 1305 and an input device 1306. Exemplarily, the input device 1306 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. For example, the input device 1306 can be a keyboard, mouse, microphone, joystick, touchscreen device, or sensing device, etc. The output device 1305 is a display screen, a speaker, etc.

[0313] It should be noted that the communication device 1300 can be a desktop computer, laptop computer, network server, mobile phone, tablet computer, wireless terminal, embedded device, chip system, or other device. Figure 13 Equipment with a similar structure. Furthermore... Figure 13 The structural composition shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, except... Figure 13 In addition to the components shown, the communication device may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0314] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0315] As another possible product form, the first or second communication device described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented using a general bus architecture. For ease of explanation, see [link to documentation]. Figure 14 , Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1400 includes a processor 1401 and a transceiver 1402. The communication device 1400 can be a first communication device, or a chip or chip system therein; or, the communication device 1400 can be a second communication device, or a chip or module therein. Figure 12 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1202 can be obtained through Figure 14 This is implemented using the transceiver 1402 in the communication device 1400 shown; similarly, Figure 12 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1201 can be achieved through... Figure 14 This is implemented by the processor 1401 in the communication device 1400 shown.

[0316] Figure 14 Only the main components of the communication device 1400 are shown. In addition to the processor 1401 and transceiver 1402, the communication device may further include a memory 1403.

[0317] Optionally, the processor 1401 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs. The memory 1403 is mainly used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 1402 may include radio frequency (RF) circuitry and an antenna. The RF circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0318] Optionally, the processor 1401, transceiver 1402, and memory 1403 can be connected via a communication bus.

[0319] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1401 can read the software program in the memory 1403, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1401 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1401. The processor 1401 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0320] In some embodiments, transceiver 1402 may include a transmitter and a receiver, wherein the transmitter is used to implement the transmission operation in the above method embodiments; and the receiver is used to implement the reception operation in the above method embodiments.

[0321] For example, when the communication device is a chip, the chip may not include the memory 1403; that is, the communication device includes a processor 1401 and a transceiver 1402. In this case, the transceiver 1402 is the input / output interface of the chip, wherein the transmitter in the transceiver corresponds to the output interface of the chip, and the receiver in the transceiver corresponds to the input interface of the chip.

[0322] In some embodiments, this application also provides a communication device, which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments.

[0323] As one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. This memory stores necessary computer programs or instructions. The processor can invoke the computer programs or instructions in the memory to cause the communication device to execute the methods in any of the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the memory may be external and not located within the communication device.

[0324] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit, used to receive computer execution instructions (which are stored in memory and may be read directly from memory or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0325] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for communicating with modules outside the communication device.

[0326] It is understood that the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0327] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above-described method embodiments.

[0328] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0329] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0330] It is understood that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described in this application can also be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0331] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0332] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0333] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program or 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 containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive (SSD)). In this embodiment, the computer may include the aforementioned apparatus.

[0334] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

Claims

1. An information acquisition method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first communication device, and the method includes: Obtain a first system message block (SIB), wherein the first SIB includes information about at least one region, and the information about the region includes at least one of region identifier or region definition information; Obtain first information, the first information indicating multicast / broadcast service MBS control channel MCCH information, the MCCH information indicating information of at least one service area associated with one or more MBS sessions, the at least one service area being contained within the at least one area; Based on the first SIB and the first information, it is determined whether to obtain the second information or whether to monitor the first indication information. The second information includes the modified MCCH information, and the first indication information indicates that the MCCH information has been modified.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the first SIB and the first information, monitor the first indication information; The first communication device monitors the first indication information when it is located within at least one service area associated with an MBS session of interest.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Based on the first SIB and the first information, the first indication information is monitored, including: Receive the first time threshold; When the first communication device is located outside at least one service area associated with the MBS session of interest, it periodically monitors the first indication information at time intervals of the first time threshold.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first indication information also indicates that the change in the MCCH information is due to a change in the mapping relationship between the MBS session and the associated service area.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition of the second information includes: Obtain a second SIB, the second SIB including information of at least one first region, the at least one first region not contained in the at least one region; The second information is acquired when the first communication device is located within the at least one first area.

6. An information acquisition method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first communication device, and the method includes: Receive a first indication message, which indicates that at least one of the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) warning notifications or Commercial Mobility Alert System (CMAS) warning notifications is being or is about to be broadcast; Receive a first system message block (SIB), the first SIB including indication information for at least one area for a public alarm system (PWS) or a multicast / broadcast service (MBS), each of the at least one area being indicated by at least one of area identifier or area definition information, the indication information for PWS including at least one of ETWS indication information or CMAS indication information; When the first communication device is located in the area for the PWS in the at least one area, a second SIB is acquired, the second SIB including at least one of the ETWS warning notification or the CMAS warning notification.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The indication information for PWS includes the indication information for ETWS; Receiving the second SIB when the first communication device is located in at least one area for the PWS includes: When the first communication device is located in at least one area for the ETWS, the second SIB is acquired, the second SIB including the ETWS alarm notification.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second SIB includes any one of SIB10, SIB11, SIB6, or SIB7.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The indication information for PWS includes the indication information for CMAS; Acquiring the second SIB when the first communication device is located in at least one area for the PWS includes: When the first communication device is located in at least one area for the CMAS, the second SIB is acquired; the second SIB includes the CMAS alarm notification.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second SIB includes any one of SIB12, SIB6, or SIB8.

11. A method for sending information, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second communication device, and the method includes: Send a first instruction message, which indicates that at least one of the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) or Commercial Mobility Alert System (CMAS) warning notification is being or is about to be broadcast; Send a first system message block (SIB), the first SIB including indication information for at least one area for a public alarm system (PWS) or a multicast / broadcast service (MBS), each of the at least one area being indicated by at least one of area identifier or area definition information, the indication information for PWS including indication information for ETWS or indication information for CMAS. Send a second SIB, the second SIB including at least one of the ETWS warning notification or the CMAS warning notification.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The indication information for PWS includes the indication information for ETWS; correspondingly, the second SIB includes the ETWS alarm notification.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second SIB includes any one of SIB10, SIB11, SIB6, or SIB7.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The indication information for PWS includes the indication information for CMAS; correspondingly, the second SIB includes the CMAS alarm notification.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second SIB includes any one of SIB12, SIB6, or SIB8.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; the processor is configured to run a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-5; or to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 6-10; or to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 11-15.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 6-10 to be performed; or cause the method of any one of claims 11-15 to be performed.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions; when some or all of the computer instructions are executed on a computer, they cause the method of any one of claims 1-5 to be performed; or cause the method of any one of claims 6-10 to be performed; or cause the method of any one of claims 11-15 to be performed.

19. A chip, characterized in that, include: Memory is used to store computer program instructions; A processor is configured to execute the computer program instructions, causing a communication device including the chip to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-5; or, causing the communication device including the chip to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6-10; or, causing the communication device including the chip to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11-15.

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