Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a communication method, which relates to the technical field of communication. In the method, a network side device sends first indication information to a terminal side device, the first indication information being capable of indicating whether the terminal side device monitors a downlink control channel in a first time period; in addition, the network side device also sends second indication information to the terminal side device, the second indication information being capable of indicating the terminal side device to adjust the time domain distribution of the first time period. In this way, the terminal side device can dynamically adjust the time domain distribution of the first time period according to the indication of the second indication information, so as to flexibly adjust the time strategy of the terminal side device for monitoring the downlink control channel, which helps to better match the dynamic service demand, thereby reducing the service time delay and reducing the energy consumption of the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In actual communication services, terminal devices do not always have effective information interaction with network devices. If the terminal device continuously monitors the downlink control channel (such as the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system), that is, the terminal device performs blind detection of the downlink control channel, the power consumption of this process is high, which will result in high power consumption of the terminal device.

[0003] Therefore, existing technologies propose a discontinuous reception (DRX) scheme, which configures the terminal device with periodic active and dormant periods, so that the terminal device only monitors the PDCCH during the active period and no longer monitors it during the dormant period, thereby saving terminal power consumption.

[0004] However, DRX is a semi-configured, periodic monitoring solution, which is difficult to meet the needs of flexible and dynamic services in reality. In addition, configuring a long activation period will lead to additional energy consumption, while configuring a short activation period can easily affect service latency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that enables more flexible time allocation for terminal devices to monitor downlink control channels, reducing service latency while lowering terminal device power consumption.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: receiving second indication information, the second indication information indicating adjustment of the time domain distribution of a first time period.

[0007] Firstly, this solution can be executed by a terminal-side device, which can be a terminal device, a functional module (such as a chip system or integrated circuit), or a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. For ease of description, the following description uses a terminal device as an example.

[0008] The above scheme dynamically adjusts the time domain distribution of the first time period through the second indication information, thereby flexibly adjusting the timing strategy of the terminal equipment monitoring the downlink control channel. This helps to better match flexible and dynamic service requirements, thereby reducing service latency and lowering the power consumption of the terminal equipment.

[0009] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information indicating whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the first time period.

[0010] In some implementations of the first aspect, the second instruction information indicates an adjustment to the time domain distribution of the first time period, including at least one of the following: the second instruction information indicates an early termination of the first time period; the second instruction information indicates an early start of the first time period; the second instruction information indicates a delayed start of the first time period; the second instruction information indicates skipping a first sub-time period in the first time period; the second instruction information indicates adding an additional time period after the first time period.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, the first option helps to enable terminal devices to go into sleep mode earlier when the actual duration of the downlink control channel is less than the first time period, thereby saving energy.

[0012] The second feature helps to enable terminal equipment to start monitoring the downlink control channel earlier, reducing monitoring omissions, when the actual downlink control channel transmission time is earlier than the start time of the first time period.

[0013] The third feature helps to prevent terminal devices from monitoring the downlink control channel before the network devices have sent signals, even when the actual downlink control channel transmission time is later than the start time of the first time period, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

[0014] The fourth feature enables the terminal device to skip the monitoring time when the downlink control channel stops transmitting for a certain period of time, allowing the terminal device to sleep during that period and thus reduce power consumption.

[0015] The fifth feature helps terminal devices complete downlink control channel monitoring that could not be completed in the current first time period, avoiding data delays caused by postponing the monitoring work to the next first time period or activating the next entire first time period just for a small number of uncompleted downlink control channel monitoring, thus improving user experience and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

[0016] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: monitoring the downlink control channel during the adjusted first time period based on the second indication information.

[0017] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information further indicates whether to receive the second indication information; receiving the second indication information includes: receiving the second indication information when the first indication information indicates that the second indication information should be received.

[0018] Based on the above scheme, network equipment can dynamically adjust the first time period to instruct terminal devices whether to receive the second instruction information according to actual business needs. When no adjustment is required, terminal devices can avoid receiving the second instruction information, thus saving energy. Furthermore, using the first instruction information can save signaling overhead and improve communication efficiency.

[0019] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first time period belongs to a first set, and the time periods in the first set are distributed in the time domain with a first period.

[0020] Based on the above scheme, network devices can uniformly configure the time period of the first set (including the first time period) according to the first cycle, which simplifies the configuration scheme and reduces the indication overhead.

[0021] In some implementations of the first aspect, the time periods in the first set are distributed without intervals in the time domain.

[0022] Based on the above scheme, the first set differs from existing DRX schemes. Existing DRX schemes include an activation period and a sleep period in each cycle, causing the terminal device to undergo activation and sleep cycles in every cycle. This results in excessively frequent state switching for the terminal device, increasing its power consumption and computational overhead. Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can divide time-domain resources into multiple periodic first time periods according to network-side configuration. Within each first time period, according to the indication of the first indication information, it is either an active period, during which the terminal device monitors the downlink control channel, or a sleep period, during which the terminal device does not monitor the downlink control channel. This reduces the frequency of terminal device state switching, thereby reducing power consumption and computational overhead.

[0023] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first time period includes at least one second sub-time period; the first indication information indicates whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the first time period, including: the first indication information indicates whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the at least one second sub-time period within the first time period.

[0024] Based on the above scheme, the first time period is divided into at least one second sub-time period. The terminal only needs to monitor the downlink control channel in the second sub-time period, which further improves the flexibility of the time allocation for monitoring the downlink control channel. This helps to better match flexible and dynamic service requirements, thereby better reducing service latency and lowering the power consumption of terminal equipment.

[0025] In some implementations of the first aspect, the second sub-time period belongs to a second set, which includes multiple sub-time periods, and the different types of sub-time periods satisfy at least one of the following: different time domain start positions, different time domain lengths, and different periods.

[0026] Based on the above scheme, the various sub-time periods in the first time period have differences in time domain distribution, which better matches the flexible and dynamic business needs in actual communication, and further reduces business latency and reduces terminal equipment power consumption.

[0027] In some implementations of the first aspect, the time domain configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period includes multiple candidate time domain configurations; the method further includes: receiving third indication information, the third indication information indicating that one of the multiple candidate time domain configurations is the time domain configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period.

[0028] Based on the above scheme, multiple candidate sub-time period distribution methods are configured for terminal devices, which helps network devices to indicate the sub-time period distribution method to terminal devices with low overhead, and enables terminal devices to flexibly adjust the distribution of sub-time periods according to the candidate methods according to business needs, which helps to efficiently and with low latency match the flexible and dynamic business needs in actual communication.

[0029] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information belongs to a wake-up signal (WUS), and / or the second indication information belongs to a WUS.

[0030] Based on the above scheme, carrying the first indication information within WUS reduces signal complexity and increases response speed, thereby reducing processing overhead and shortening dynamic response intervals, thus reducing service latency and terminal device power consumption. Furthermore, WUS can also refer to low-power WUS (LP-WUS), which can further reduce device power consumption compared to non-low-power signaling.

[0031] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate a first frequency domain resource used for monitoring the downlink control channel within the first frequency domain resource during the first time period.

[0032] As an example, the second instruction information indicates that the first frequency domain resource includes at least one of the following: the second instruction information indicates activation of the first frequency domain resource; the second instruction information indicates deactivation of the first frequency domain resource; the second instruction information indicates addition of the first frequency domain resource.

[0033] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can be dynamically instructed to monitor the frequency domain resources of the downlink control channel. According to actual service requirements, the downlink control channel can be monitored on the first frequency domain resource as needed, reducing the power consumption of the terminal device. Furthermore, the time domain and frequency domain resources for downlink control channel monitoring can be simultaneously indicated, avoiding the use of multiple time-division indications to separately indicate the time and frequency domain resources for downlink control channel monitoring, thus reducing indication delay and terminal device power consumption. For example, when the first frequency domain resource is carrier 1 and carrier 2, the first indication information simultaneously indicates monitoring the downlink control channel on both carrier 1 and carrier 2 within the first time period. Compared to existing technologies that first instruct the terminal device to monitor the downlink control channel during the DRX activation period via WUS on carrier 1, and then use the radio resource control (RRC) message or the MAC control element (CE) of the medium access control (MAC) during the DRX activation period to instruct the activation of carrier 2, only one signaling is needed to indicate the time and frequency domain resources for downlink control channel monitoring, reducing indication delay.

[0034] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate the activation of the second frequency domain resource and the scheduling of data transmission on the second frequency domain resource.

[0035] Based on the above scheme, the signaling for activating the second frequency domain resource and scheduling data transmission on the second frequency domain resource can be unified, reducing indication latency. For example, when the first frequency domain resource is the dormant bandwidth part (BWP), the effect of activating the dormant BWP and scheduling data transmission can be achieved with only one signaling. Compared with existing technologies that first use the first downlink control information (DCI), such as group-common DCI format 2_6, to activate the dormant BWP, and then use the second DCI, such as UE-specific DCI format 0_1 / 1_1, to indicate data transmission in the activated dormant BWP, the above scheme simplifies the indication steps and can reduce latency and energy consumption.

[0036] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information is located in the time domain prior to the first time period, and the location of the first indication information in the time domain is a first duration of time interval between the start and end of the first time period; and / or, the location of the first indication information in the time domain is located at a first position within the first time period; wherein the first duration and / or the first position are related to the time required to process the first indication information.

[0037] Based on the above scheme, the network device can rationally configure the positional relationship between the first indication information and the first time period according to the user's ability to process the first indication information at the terminal device. When the first indication information is located before the first time period, processing time for the first indication information can be reserved for the terminal device, ensuring that the terminal device can start monitoring in a timely manner at the beginning of the first time period and guaranteeing communication effectiveness; when the first indication information is located in the first time period, the time domain resources before the first indication information in the first time period can be used to send other necessary signals, such as system signals, thereby making fuller use of the time domain resources within the first time period.

[0038] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first time period is at least one active period of discontinuous reception of DRX, the DRX including the active period and the dormant period.

[0039] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate at least one of the following: adjusting the signal transmission power and / or the signal reception power; adjusting the signal transmission spatial domain and / or the signal reception spatial domain; the method further includes: according to the indication of the first indication information and / or the second indication information, performing at least one of the following: adjusting the signal transmission power and / or the signal reception power; adjusting the signal transmission spatial domain and / or the signal reception spatial domain.

[0040] Based on the above scheme, the first indication information and / or the second indication information can dynamically indicate the adjustment of the power domain and / or spatial domain parameters associated with the first time period, which helps to dynamically adjust communication parameters according to service needs and reduce terminal power consumption.

[0041] Secondly, a communication method is provided, comprising: sending a second indication message, the second indication message indicating an adjustment of the time domain distribution of a first time period.

[0042] Secondly, this solution can be executed by a network-side device, which can be a network itself, a functional module (such as a chip system or integrated circuit), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device. For ease of description, the following description uses a network device as an example.

[0043] For descriptions of beneficial effects not mentioned in the second aspect, please refer to the description of beneficial effects in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0044] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending first indication information indicating whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the first time period.

[0045] In some implementations of the second aspect, the second instruction information indicates an adjustment to the time domain distribution of the first time period, including at least one of the following: the second instruction information indicates an early termination of the first time period; the second instruction information indicates an early start of the first time period; the second instruction information indicates a delayed start of the first time period; the second instruction information indicates skipping the first sub-time period in the first time period; the second instruction information indicates adding an additional time period after the first time period.

[0046] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first instruction information also indicates whether the second instruction information is received.

[0047] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first time period belongs to a first set, and the time periods in the first set are distributed in the time domain with a first period.

[0048] In some implementations of the second aspect, the time periods in the first set are distributed without intervals in the time domain.

[0049] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first time period includes at least one second sub-time period; the first indication information indicates whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the first time period, including: the first indication information indicates whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the second sub-time period within the first time period.

[0050] In some implementations of the second aspect, the second sub-time period belongs to a second set, which includes multiple sub-time periods, and the different types of sub-time periods satisfy at least one of the following: different time domain start positions, different time domain lengths, and different periods.

[0051] In some implementations of the second aspect, the time domain configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period includes multiple candidate time domain configurations; the method further includes: sending third indication information, the third indication information indicating that one of the multiple candidate time domain configurations is the time domain configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period.

[0052] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information belongs to a wake-up signal (WUS), and / or the second indication information belongs to a WUS.

[0053] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate a first frequency domain resource used for monitoring the downlink control channel within the first frequency domain resource during the first time period.

[0054] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate the activation of the second frequency domain resource and the scheduling of data transmission on the second frequency domain resource.

[0055] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information is located in the time domain prior to the first time period, and the location of the first indication information in the time domain is a first duration of time interval between the start and end of the first time period; and / or, the location of the first indication information in the time domain is located at a first position within the first time period; wherein the first duration and / or the first position are related to the time required to process the first indication information.

[0056] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first time period is at least one active period of discontinuous reception of DRX, the DRX including the active period and the dormant period.

[0057] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate at least one of the following: adjusting the signal transmission power and / or the signal reception power; adjusting the signal transmission airspace and / or the signal reception airspace.

[0058] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, comprising: receiving first indication information, the first indication information indicating whether to monitor a downlink control channel in a first time period of a first set, the time periods of the first set being distributed without intervals in the time domain; and monitoring or not monitoring the downlink control channel in the first time period according to the indication of the first indication information.

[0059] Thirdly, this solution can be executed by a terminal-side device, which can be a terminal device, a functional module (such as a chip system or integrated circuit), or a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. For ease of description, the following description uses a terminal device as an example.

[0060] For descriptions of beneficial effects not mentioned in the third aspect, please refer to the description of beneficial effects in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0061] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes receiving second indication information that indicates an adjustment to the temporal distribution of the first time period.

[0062] In some implementations of the third aspect, the second instruction information indicates an adjustment to the time domain distribution of the first time period, including at least one of the following: the second instruction information indicates an early termination of the first time period; the second instruction information indicates an early start of the first time period; the second instruction information indicates a delayed start of the first time period; the second instruction information indicates skipping the first sub-time period in the first time period; the second instruction information indicates adding an additional time period after the first time period.

[0063] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: monitoring the downlink control channel during the adjusted first time period based on the second indication information.

[0064] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first indication information also indicates whether to receive the second indication information; receiving the second indication information includes: receiving the second indication information when the first indication information indicates that the second indication information should be received.

[0065] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first time period belongs to a first set, and the time periods in the first set are distributed in the time domain with a first period.

[0066] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first time period includes at least one second sub-time period; the first indication information indicates whether the downlink control channel is monitored during the first time period, including: the first indication information indicates whether the downlink control channel is monitored during the second sub-time period within the first time period.

[0067] In some implementations of the third aspect, the second sub-time period belongs to a second set, which includes multiple sub-time periods, and the different types of sub-time periods satisfy at least one of the following: different time domain start positions, different time domain lengths, and different periods.

[0068] In some implementations of the third aspect, the time domain configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period includes multiple candidate time domain configurations; the method further includes: receiving third indication information, the third indication information indicating that one of the multiple candidate time domain configurations is the time domain configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period.

[0069] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first indication information belongs to a wake-up signal (WUS), and / or the second indication information belongs to a WUS.

[0070] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate a first frequency domain resource, which is used to monitor the downlink control channel within the first frequency domain resource during the first time period.

[0071] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate the activation of the second frequency domain resource and the scheduling of data transmission on the second frequency domain resource.

[0072] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first indication information is located in the time domain prior to the first time period, and the location of the first indication information in the time domain is a first duration of time interval between the start and end of the first time period; and / or, the location of the first indication information in the time domain is located at a first position within the first time period; wherein the first duration and / or the first position are related to the time required to process the first indication information.

[0073] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first time period is at least one active period of discontinuous reception of DRX, the DRX including the active period and the dormant period.

[0074] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate at least one of the following: adjusting the signal transmission power and / or the signal reception power; adjusting the signal transmission spatial domain and / or the signal reception spatial domain; the method further includes: according to the indication of the first indication information and / or the second indication information, performing at least one of the following: adjusting the signal transmission power and / or the signal reception power; adjusting the signal transmission spatial domain and / or the signal reception spatial domain.

[0075] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, comprising: sending first indication information, the first indication information indicating whether to monitor a downlink control channel in a first time period of a first set, the time periods of the first set being distributed without intervals in the time domain.

[0076] Fourthly, this solution can be implemented by a network-side device, which can be a network, a functional module (such as a chip system or integrated circuit), or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of a network device. For ease of description, the following description uses a network device as an example.

[0077] For descriptions of beneficial effects not mentioned in the fourth aspect, please refer to the description of beneficial effects in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0078] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes sending a second indication message that indicates an adjustment to the temporal distribution of the first time period.

[0079] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second instruction information indicates an adjustment to the time domain distribution of the first time period, including at least one of the following: the second instruction information indicates an early termination of the first time period; the second instruction information indicates an early start of the first time period; the second instruction information indicates a delayed start of the first time period; the second instruction information indicates skipping the first sub-time period in the first time period; the second instruction information indicates adding an additional time period after the first time period.

[0080] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first instruction information also indicates whether the second instruction information is received.

[0081] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first time period belongs to a first set, and the time periods in the first set are distributed in the time domain with a first period.

[0082] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the time periods in the first set are distributed without intervals in the time domain.

[0083] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first time period includes at least one second sub-time period; the first indication information indicates whether the downlink control channel is monitored during the first time period, including: the first indication information indicates whether the downlink control channel is monitored during the second sub-time period within the first time period.

[0084] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second sub-time period belongs to a second set, which includes multiple sub-time periods, and the different types of sub-time periods satisfy at least one of the following: different time domain start positions, different time domain lengths, and different periods.

[0085] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the time domain configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period includes multiple candidate time domain configurations; the method further includes: sending third indication information, the third indication information indicating that one of the multiple candidate time domain configurations is the time domain configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period.

[0086] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first indication information belongs to a wake-up signal (WUS), and / or the second indication information belongs to a WUS.

[0087] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate a first frequency domain resource for monitoring the downlink control channel within the first frequency domain resource during the first time period.

[0088] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate the activation of the second frequency domain resource and the scheduling of data transmission on the second frequency domain resource.

[0089] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first indication information is located in the time domain prior to the first time period, and the location of the first indication information in the time domain is a first duration of time interval between the start and end of the first time period; and / or, the location of the first indication information in the time domain is located at a first position within the first time period; wherein the first duration and / or the first position are related to the time required to process the first indication information.

[0090] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first time period is at least one active period of discontinuous reception of DRX, the DRX including the active period and the dormant period.

[0091] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate at least one of the following: adjusting the signal transmission power and / or the signal reception power; adjusting the signal transmission space and / or the signal reception space.

[0092] Fifthly, a communication method is provided, comprising: receiving first indication information, the first indication information indicating whether to monitor a downlink control channel in a first time period and a second time period; monitoring the downlink control channel or not monitoring the downlink control channel in the first time period and the second time period according to the indication of the first indication information; wherein the first time period and the second time period have different lengths; and / or, the first time period belongs to a first set, the second time period belongs to a second set, the time periods of the first set have a first period in the time domain, the time periods of the second set have a second period in the time domain, and the first period is different from the second period.

[0093] Fifthly, this solution can be executed by a terminal-side device, which can be a terminal device, a functional module (such as a chip system or integrated circuit), or a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. For ease of description, the following description uses a terminal device as an example.

[0094] For descriptions of beneficial effects not mentioned in the fifth aspect, please refer to the description of beneficial effects in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0095] Based on the above scheme, unlike the existing DRX scheme in which each activation period is configured according to a uniform cycle and length rule, the length of the first time period and the second time period or the cycle of their respective sets can be different. This allows the monitoring period for downlink control signals to be irregularly distributed, making the monitoring method more flexible and helping to better match flexible and dynamic business needs. This reduces business latency while lowering the energy consumption of terminal equipment.

[0096] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the distribution of the first time period and the second time period in the time domain includes multiple candidate distribution patterns; the method further includes: receiving third indication information, the third indication information indicating that one of the multiple candidate distribution patterns is the distribution pattern of the first time period and the second time period in the time domain.

[0097] Based on the above scheme, multiple candidate distribution methods for the first and second time periods are configured for the terminal devices. This helps the network devices to indicate the distribution methods of the first and second time periods to the terminal devices with low overhead, and enables the terminal devices to flexibly adjust the distribution of the first and second time periods according to the candidate methods according to business needs. This helps to efficiently and with low latency match the flexible and dynamic business needs in actual communication.

[0098] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: receiving second indication information, the second indication information indicating adjustment of the temporal distribution of the first time period and / or the second time period.

[0099] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the second instruction information indicates an adjustment to the time domain distribution of the first time period and / or the second time period, including at least one of the following: the second instruction information indicates an early termination of the first time period and / or the second time period; the second instruction information indicates an early start of the first time period and / or the second time period; the second instruction information indicates a delayed start of the first time period and / or the second time period; the second instruction information indicates skipping a first sub-time period in the first time period and / or the second time period; the second instruction information indicates adding an additional time period after the first time period and / or the second time period.

[0100] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: monitoring the downlink control channel during the adjusted first time period and the second time period according to the second indication information.

[0101] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first indication information also indicates whether to receive the second indication information; receiving the second indication information includes: receiving the second indication information when the first indication information indicates that the second indication information should be received.

[0102] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first indication information belongs to a wake-up signal (WUS), and / or the second indication information belongs to a WUS.

[0103] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate a first frequency domain resource, which is used to monitor the downlink control channel within the first frequency domain resource during the first time period.

[0104] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate the activation of the second frequency domain resource and the scheduling of data transmission on the second frequency domain resource.

[0105] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first indication information is located in the time domain prior to the first time period, and the location of the first indication information in the time domain is a first duration of time interval between the start and end of the first time period; and / or, the location of the first indication information in the time domain is located at a first position within the first time period; wherein the first duration and / or the first position are related to the time required to process the first indication information.

[0106] In some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate at least one of the following: adjusting the signal transmission power and / or the signal reception power; adjusting the signal transmission space and / or the signal reception space; the method further includes: according to the indication of the first indication information and / or the second indication information, performing at least one of the following: adjusting the signal transmission power and / or the signal reception power; adjusting the signal transmission space and / or the signal reception space.

[0107] A sixth aspect provides a communication method, comprising: sending first indication information, the first indication information indicating whether to monitor a downlink control channel in a first time period and a second time period; wherein the first time period and the second time period have different lengths; and / or, the first time period belongs to a first set, the second time period belongs to a second set, the time periods of the first set have a first period in the time domain, the time periods of the second set have a second period in the time domain, and the first period is different from the second period.

[0108] Sixthly, this solution can be executed by a network-side device, which can be a network device, a functional module (such as a chip system or integrated circuit), or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of a network device. For ease of description, the following description uses a network device as an example.

[0109] For descriptions of beneficial effects not mentioned in the sixth aspect, please refer to the descriptions of beneficial effects in the first and fifth aspects, which will not be repeated here.

[0110] In some implementations of the sixth aspect, the distribution of the first time period and the second time period in the time domain includes multiple candidate distribution patterns; the method further includes: sending third indication information, which indicates that one of the multiple candidate distribution patterns is the distribution pattern of the first time period and the second time period in the time domain.

[0111] In some implementations of the sixth aspect, the method further includes: sending a second indication message that indicates an adjustment of the temporal distribution of the first time period and / or the second time period.

[0112] In some implementations of the sixth aspect, the second instruction information indicates an adjustment to the time domain distribution of the first time period and / or the second time period, including at least one of the following: the second instruction information indicates an early termination of the first time period and / or the second time period; the second instruction information indicates an early start of the first time period and / or the second time period; the second instruction information indicates a delayed start of the first time period and / or the second time period; the second instruction information indicates skipping a first sub-time period in the first time period and / or the second time period; the second instruction information indicates adding an additional time period after the first time period and / or the second time period.

[0113] In some implementations of the sixth aspect, the first instruction information also indicates whether the second instruction information is received.

[0114] In some implementations of the sixth aspect, the first indication information belongs to a wake-up signal (WUS), and / or the second indication information belongs to a WUS.

[0115] In some implementations of the sixth aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate a first frequency domain resource for monitoring the downlink control channel within the first frequency domain resource during the first time period.

[0116] In some implementations of the sixth aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate the activation of the second frequency domain resource and the scheduling of data transmission on the second frequency domain resource.

[0117] In some implementations of the sixth aspect, the first indication information is located in the time domain prior to the first time period, and the location of the first indication information in the time domain is a first duration of time interval between the start and end of the first time period; and / or, the location of the first indication information in the time domain is located at a first position within the first time period; wherein the first duration and / or the first position are related to the time required to process the first indication information.

[0118] In some implementations of the sixth aspect, the first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate at least one of the following: adjusting the signal transmission power and / or the signal reception power; adjusting the signal transmission space and / or the signal reception space.

[0119] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be a terminal-side device, or a device or module for performing terminal device functions, etc.

[0120] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect, which may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0121] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third aspect, which may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0122] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the fifth aspect, which may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0123] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0124] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, which may be a network-side device, or a device or module for performing network device functions, etc.

[0125] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect, which may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0126] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the fourth aspect, which may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0127] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the sixth aspect, which may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0128] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0129] A ninth aspect provides a communication device including a processor configured to, by executing a computer program or instructions, or by logic circuitry, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any one of the first to sixth aspects and any possible manner thereof.

[0130] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

[0131] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for inputting and / or outputting signals.

[0132] A tenth aspect provides a communication device including logic circuitry and an input / output interface for inputting and / or outputting signals, the logic circuitry being configured to perform the methods described in any one of the first to sixth aspects and in any possible manner thereof.

[0133] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instructions are stored, which, when executed on a computer, cause the methods described in any of the first to sixth aspects and in any of their possible modes to be performed.

[0134] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the methods described in any of the first to sixth aspects and in any possible manner thereof to be performed.

[0135] In a thirteenth aspect, a chip or chip system is provided, comprising: one or more processors for executing computer programs or instructions in the memory, such that the chip or chip system implements any one of the first to sixth aspects and any possible manner thereof.

[0136] For a description of the beneficial effects of any of the seventh to thirteenth aspects, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first to sixth aspects, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0137] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the communication system 100 to which this application embodiment applies.

[0138] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of application scenario 200 of this application embodiment.

[0139] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the frame 300 of the terminal device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0140] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a DRX cycle.

[0141] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0142] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of a second sub-time period in the time domain provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0143] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of a first indication information and a first time period in the time domain provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0144] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a second indication information provided in an embodiment of this application, which instructs a terminal device to terminate a first time period in advance.

[0145] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a second instruction information provided in an embodiment of this application, which instructs a terminal device to start the first time period in advance.

[0146] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a second indication information provided in an embodiment of this application, indicating that a terminal device delays the start of a first time period.

[0147] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a second instruction information provided in an embodiment of this application, which instructs a terminal device to skip the first sub-period of the first time period.

[0148] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how a second indication information instructs a terminal device to add an additional time period after the first time period, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0149] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0150] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of a first time period and a second time period in the time domain provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0151] Figure 15 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0152] Figure 16 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0153] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0154] I. Unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one" means "one or more". Similarly, "multiple types" means two or more. "At least one" means "one or more".

[0155] 2. Unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions in different embodiments of this application are consistent and can be referenced in each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0156] III. The various numerical designations used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. The magnitude of the serial numbers used in this application does not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and other various terminology (if present) in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Where appropriate, such data can be interchanged so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0157] IV. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0158] V. The terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are expressly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product or device.

[0159] VI. In this application, "instruction" may include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information for the purpose of instructing A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly instructs A, or indirectly instructs A.

[0160] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate 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 pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different.

[0161] VII. The “protocol” involved in this application may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as fourth-generation (4G) network protocols, fifth-generation (5G) network protocols, 5.5G network protocols, and related protocols applied in future communication networks. This application does not limit the scope of the term.

[0162] 8. In the schematic diagrams in the accompanying drawings of this application, the dashed arrows or boxes indicate optional steps or optional modules.

[0163] 9. Unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. In this application, "and / or" 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.

[0164] 10. 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 may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "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 network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0165] First, the communication system to which the embodiments of this application are applicable will be described.

[0166] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the communication system 100 to which embodiments of this application apply. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (such as 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (such as 120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices. Figure 1 (Not shown). Terminal device 120 is connected to RAN node 110 wirelessly. RAN node 110 is connected to CN200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network equipment in CN200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating CN logical functions and RAN logical functions.

[0167] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (C-RAN or 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.

[0168] RAN node 110, also known as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, is used to help terminal equipment achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 100 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, network element 120i can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal equipment 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal equipment. RAN node 110 and terminal equipment 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0169] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNB), an access point (AP), a transmission point (TP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a future communication network, or an access node in a Wi-Fi system. A RAN node can also be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 1 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1 (110b) in the context of relay nodes or donor nodes, or wireless controllers in CRAN scenarios.

[0170] RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment, etc. All or part of the functionality 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 in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node's functionality.

[0171] In one possible scenario, the terminal device is connected to a single RAN node. The RAN node to which the terminal device is connected, and the CN to which the RAN node is connected, are of the same standard. For example, the CN is a 5G CN, the RAN node is a 5G base station, and the 5G base station is connected to the 5G CN. Another example is that the CN is a 5G-evolved CN, and the base station is a 5G-evolved base station, and the two are connected.

[0172] In another possible scenario, the terminal device connects simultaneously to multiple RAN nodes of different or the same standard. For example, the CN is a 5G CN, and the RAN nodes include 5G base stations and base stations evolved from 5G. The terminal device connects to both 5G base stations and base stations evolved from 5G, with the 5G base station acting as the primary station and the base stations evolved from 5G as secondary stations. Another example: the CN is a 5G evolved CN, and the RAN nodes include 5G base stations and base stations evolved from 5G. The terminal device connects to both 5G base stations and base stations evolved from 5G, with the base stations evolved from 5G acting as the primary station and the base stations evolved from 5G as secondary stations. Yet another example: the CN is a 5G evolved CN, and the RAN nodes include multiple 5G evolved base stations. The terminal device connects to multiple 5G evolved base stations simultaneously, meaning both the primary and secondary stations are 5G evolved base stations.

[0173] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some 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). CUs and DUs can be separate entities 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).

[0174] In different communication 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.

[0175] The number of devices in the communication system described above is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited to this. In actual applications, the communication system may include more terminal devices, more RAN devices, and other devices.

[0176] In this application embodiment, the terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver function, which may refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment.

[0177] In this application embodiment, the terminal device can also be a satellite phone, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, wireless modem, machine-type communication device, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), customer-premises equipment (CPE), point of sale (POS) machine, handheld device with wireless communication function, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted device, communication device mounted on a high-altitude aircraft, wearable device, drone, robot, terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication, terminal in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, or self-driving vehicle. Wireless terminals in applications such as driving, telemedicine or telehealth services, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes, or terminal devices in communication networks that evolve after 5G are not subject to any restrictions.

[0178] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device may also be a device with communication function in a future communication network, and the form or type of the terminal device in the future communication network is not limited.

[0179] In this application embodiment, the communication device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete components.

[0180] In this embodiment, the network device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities used to communicate with terminal devices. The network device can be a node in the RAN, also known as a base station or RAN node. It can be an eNB in ​​Long Term Evolution (LTE); a base station in a 5G network such as a gNB; a base station in a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) evolving after 5G; a Broadband Network Gateway (BNG); an aggregation switch; or a network device in 3GPP, etc.

[0181] Network equipment can also include various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, TRPs, transmission points (TPs), mobile switching centers, and equipment that performs base station functions in D2D, V2X, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, as well as network equipment in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), etc., without specific limitations.

[0182] In this embodiment, the communication device used to implement the functions of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device that supports the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. The chip system in this embodiment can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete components.

[0183] The network architecture and service scenarios described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with the evolution of communication network architectures and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are also applicable to similar technical problems. For example, this application can be applied to V2X scenarios.

[0184] Based on the communication system 100, this application embodiment also provides an application scenario, which can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2 .

[0185] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of application scenario 200 according to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the network device includes a first network device and a second network device, wherein the second network device communicates with at least one first network device, and the first network device serves at least one terminal device (taking the first terminal device as an example). Alternatively, there is communication between the first network device, the first terminal device, and the second network device. Or, the first network device is within the coverage area of ​​the second network device, and the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the corresponding first network device, with the second network device providing communication services to the first terminal device through the first network device. The first network device can be used to connect the second network device and the first terminal device. Furthermore, direct communication can also exist between the first terminal device and the second network device.

[0186] In one possible scenario, a network device can be a super site (BS), for example, both the first network device and the second network device can be super sites (BS).

[0187] Alternatively, in one possible scenario, the network device can be a TRP node; for example, both the first and second network devices can be TRP nodes.

[0188] Alternatively, in one possible scenario, the network device (e.g., the first network device) can be various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, TRPs, etc., and the network device (e.g., the second network device) can be a satellite, an aerial balloon station (e.g., a hot air balloon station), a drone station, an aerial platform station, a high-power high-tower (HPMT), a medium-power medium-tower (MPMT), etc.

[0189] Alternatively, in one possible scenario, the network devices (e.g., the first network device and the second network device) could be satellites, air balloon stations (e.g., hot air balloon stations), drone stations, high-altitude platform stations, HPMTs, MPMTs, etc.

[0190] It should be understood that the above scenarios are merely illustrative examples. That is to say, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to scenarios composed of different types of network devices in future communication system networks, and this application does not limit them.

[0191] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of application scenario 200 according to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 2As shown, the network device includes a first network device and a second network device, wherein the second network device communicates with at least one first network device, and the first network device serves at least one terminal device (taking the first terminal device as an example). Alternatively, there is communication between the first network device, the first terminal device, and the second network device. Or, the first network device is within the coverage area of ​​the second network device, and the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the corresponding first network device, with the second network device providing communication services to the first terminal device through the first network device. The first network device can be used to connect the second network device and the first terminal device. Furthermore, direct communication can also exist between the first terminal device and the second network device.

[0192] In one possible scenario, a network device can be a super site (BS), for example, both the first network device and the second network device can be super sites (BS).

[0193] Alternatively, in one possible scenario, the network device can be a TRP node; for example, both the first and second network devices can be TRP nodes.

[0194] Alternatively, in one possible scenario, the network device (e.g., the first network device) can be various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, TRPs, etc., and the network device (e.g., the second network device) can be a satellite, an aerial balloon station (e.g., a hot air balloon station), a drone station, an aerial platform station, a high-power high-tower (HPMT), a medium-power medium-tower (MPMT), etc.

[0195] Alternatively, in one possible scenario, the network devices (e.g., the first network device and the second network device) could be satellites, air balloon stations (e.g., hot air balloon stations), drone stations, high-altitude platform stations, HPMTs, MPMTs, etc.

[0196] Furthermore, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to macro-micro scenarios where both wide-coverage base stations and small-coverage base stations coexist. For example, in a communication scenario where the first network device is a small-coverage base station and the second network device is a wide-coverage base station.

[0197] It should be understood that the above scenarios are merely illustrative examples. That is to say, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to scenarios composed of different types of network devices in future communication system networks, and this application does not limit them.

[0198] Based on application scenario 200, in order to effectively reduce the energy consumption of terminal devices, this application supports a new design of the terminal device structure, which can be found in [reference 200]. Figure 3 .

[0199] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the frame 300 of the terminal device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the terminal device may include a first module and a second module. It is understood that the names "first module" and "second module" are merely for distinction and do not limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, the second module may also be a fourth circuit, a power-on circuit, a wake-up circuit, a low-power circuit, or a low-power module (low-power radio, LP-R module), etc., and the first module may also be a third circuit, a main circuit, a main module (main radio, MR module), a high-power circuit, or a high-power module, etc. For ease of description, it will be uniformly referred to as the first module and the second module below.

[0200] The second module can have the following functions: maintaining the connection with network devices, small packet transmission (measurement + data transmission), and enabling or disabling the first module. The first module can have the following functions: data transmission with network devices. Enabling the first module can also be understood as waking it up, and disabling the first module can also be understood as putting it into sleep mode.

[0201] It should be noted that if the terminal device does not send low-power signals, the terminal device in this embodiment may also be without a low-power module (LP-R module).

[0202] Network devices may also include a third module and a fourth module. It is understood that the terms "third module" and "fourth module" are merely used for differentiation and do not limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, the third module may also be a first circuit, a power-on circuit, a wake-up circuit, a low-power circuit, or a low-power module (low-power radio, LP-R module), etc., and the fourth module may also be a second circuit, a main circuit, a high-power circuit, a main module (main radio, MR module), or a high-power module, etc. It should be understood that an LP-R module can also be abbreviated as an LR module.

[0203] The low-power module can also be referred to as a low-power radio, wake-up receiver (WUR), low-power wake-up receiver (LP-WUR), wake-up circuit, communication auxiliary module, or auxiliary circuit, etc. The main module can also be referred to as the main radio, main receiver, communication main module, or main circuit, etc. It should be understood that this application does not impose any limitations on these terms.

[0204] The low-power module is used to receive or transmit low-power signals (such as low-power wake-up signals, low-power synchronization signals, low-power measurement signals, etc.), or to notify the main module of its wake-up or sleep state. The main module can be used to receive or transmit signaling, data, measurement signals, etc. Furthermore, the operating power consumption of the low-power module is significantly lower than that of the main module.

[0205] For ease of description, the following text will refer to them as Module 3 and Module 4.

[0206] The third module has the following functions: maintaining connections with terminal devices or other network devices, small packet transmission (measurement, data transmission, etc.), and enabling or disabling the fourth module. The fourth module has the following functions: data transmission between terminal devices or other network devices. Enabling the fourth module can also be understood as waking it up, and disabling it can be understood as putting it into hibernation.

[0207] Before introducing the embodiments of this application, the technical terms involved in this application will be briefly introduced first.

[0208] 1. Frame structure:

[0209] A frame is a way to structure and organize serial data streams. The structure of a frame varies depending on the definition of different radio technologies. This paper introduces the frame structure defined by the 5G New Radio (NR) commonly used in modern wireless communication. Other frame structures are also applicable to the embodiments of this application and will not be described in detail here.

[0210] In NR, a frame is defined as 10ms long, and each frame can be divided into 10 subframes, each 1ms long. Each subframe can be divided into at least one slot, and the correspondence between subframes and slots depends on the subcarrier spacing. For example, with a subcarrier spacing of 15kHz, one subframe includes one slot, each 1ms long; with a subcarrier spacing of 30kHz, one subframe includes two slots, each 0.5ms long; and with a subcarrier spacing of 60kHz, one subframe includes four slots, each 0.25ms long. Each standard slot typically contains 14 symbols (corresponding to the regular cyclic prefix) or 12 symbols (for the extended cyclic prefix).

[0211] 2. DRX Mechanism:

[0212] In actual communication services, the generation and arrival of data packets are not continuous; therefore, terminal devices are not constantly engaging in effective information exchange with network devices. To reduce the power consumption of terminal devices, when there is no downlink data transmission, the terminal device can reduce power consumption by stopping the reception of downlink control channels (such as PDCCH in 5G, or other channels in communication technologies evolved after 5G that play a similar role to downlink control channels). Therefore, NR introduced the discontinuous reception DRX mechanism for power saving. For example, network devices configure DRX cycles for terminal devices through the DRX mechanism.

[0213] As an example, a terminal's DRX can also be divided into connected DRX (C-DRX) or idle DRX (i-DRX).

[0214] As an example, the configuration parameters for a terminal device's DRX may include at least one of the following parameters:

[0215] 1) Period, for example, the configuration parameters of DRX can include two periods, such as long period and short period;

[0216] 2) The length of the activation period, also known as the "activation period" length or other names;

[0217] 3) Parameters in other DRX configurations (DRX-Config, DRX-ConfigExt-v1700, DRX-ConfigExt2-v1800).

[0218] Among them, DRX-Config, DRX-ConfigExt-v1700, or DRX-ConfigExt2-v1800 can be used to configure DRX-related parameters. As examples, DRX-Config, DRX-ConfigExt-v1700, or DRX-ConfigExt2-v1800 may include at least one of the following parameters: drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL, drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerUL, drx-Inactivity Timer, drx-LongCycleStartOffset, drx-NonIntegerLongCycleStartOffset, drx-NonIntegerShortCycle, drx-onDuration Timer, drx-Retransmission TimerDL, drx-Retransmission TimerUL, drx-ShortCycle Timer, drx-ShortCycle, drx-SlotOffset, drx-TimeReferenceSFN, shortDRX, etc. Descriptions of these parameters can be found in the corresponding sections of 3GPP standard protocol 38.331, and will not be detailed here.

[0219] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the DRX cycle. For example... Figure 4 As shown in (a), each DRX cycle is configured with an active period and an inactive period (also known as a sleep period). During the active period, the drx-onDuration Timer starts, and the terminal device monitors and receives the downlink control channel during this timer period; during the sleep period, the terminal device enters a sleep state and does not receive the downlink control channel to reduce power consumption.

[0220] For example, the activation period length can be greater than or equal to the start time period length. For instance, if drx-Inactivity Timer is not configured, the activation period can be the start time period, such as the time period configured through drx-onDuration Timer. If drx-Inactivity Timer is configured, the activation period length can be greater than the start time period length.

[0221] For example, such as Figure 4As shown in (b), in order to further reduce the power consumption of the terminal device, the terminal device can also monitor the wake-up signal (WUS). The WUS is used to indicate whether the terminal device monitors the downlink control channel during the corresponding DRX activation period (such as the next DRX activation period after the WUS is detected).

[0222] 3. WUS signal:

[0223] WUS can also be replaced with a low-power signal or a narrowband signal. A low-power signal or narrowband signal can also be called a low-power WUS (LP-WUS). Low-power signals or narrowband signals may include at least one of the following signals: linear frequency modulated chirp signals, on-off keying (OOK) signals (such as OOK-1, OOK-2, OOK-3, OOK-4, etc.), low-power sequence signals (such as Gold sequence signals, M sequence signals, ZC sequence signals, chirp sequence signals, Walsh sequence signals, Golay sequence signals, Kasami sequence signals, low-density sequence signals, discrete fourier transform (DFT) / fast fourier transform (FFT) sequence signals, quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signals, symbol-based sequence signals, etc.), amplitude shift keying (ASK) signals, frequency shift keying (FSK) signals, or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals. Alternatively, the low-power signal or narrowband signal can also be a signal obtained by optimizing the above-mentioned signals, etc., and this application does not limit this. Optionally, the low-power signal or narrowband signal can be a digital signal or an analog signal, without limitation.

[0224] Based on the aforementioned DRX mechanism, terminal devices can periodically activate monitoring of the downlink control channel, saving energy. However, as described in the background section, DRX is a semi-configured periodic monitoring scheme, which is difficult to meet the flexible and dynamic needs of actual dynamic services. Configuring a longer activation period will lead to additional energy consumption, while configuring an excessively short activation period can easily affect service latency.

[0225] Therefore, this application proposes a communication method for dynamically adjusting the downlink control channel monitoring period, which helps to better match flexible and dynamic service requirements, thereby reducing service latency and lowering the energy consumption of terminal devices.

[0226] The communication method of the present application embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0227] For ease of understanding and explanation, the communication method of this application embodiment is described below using network-side devices and terminal-side devices, such as network devices and terminal devices, as examples. However, this should not constitute any limitation on the execution subject of the communication method of this application embodiment. For example, the network-side device may be a network device, or a functional module (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network-side device. Similarly, the terminal-side device may be a terminal device, or a functional module (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal-side device.

[0228] When the steps involving sending or receiving are performed by modules (such as circuits, chips, or chip systems), logic nodes, logic modules, or software in network-side devices and terminal-side devices, sending / receiving can be understood as communicating through communication interfaces, input / output interfaces, pins, or circuits.

[0229] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, method 500 includes:

[0230] S501, the network device sends a first indication message; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication message. The first indication message indicates whether the terminal device should monitor the downlink control channel during the first time period.

[0231] For example, the first indication information indicates whether the terminal device monitors the downlink control channel in the first time period, including: the first indication information indicates or is used to indicate whether to start the first time period, wherein the first time period is used to enable the terminal device to monitor the downlink control channel during the first time period.

[0232] For example, when the first time period is a time period included in at least one active period in DRX, the first indication information instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel in the first time period, including: the first indication information instructs or is used to instruct whether to start the DRX duration timer (drx-onDuration Timer) in the next DRX cycle, wherein the drx-onDuration Timer is used to enable the terminal device to monitor the downlink control channel during the operation of the drx-onDuration Timer.

[0233] For example, when the terminal device is in an idle or inactive state, the first indication information indicates whether the terminal device monitors the downlink control channel in the first time period, including: the first indication information indicates or is used to indicate whether the terminal device monitors the paging signal in the first time period; or, the first indication information indicates or is used to indicate whether the terminal device monitors the paging occasion in the first time period.

[0234] It should be understood that this application does not limit the terminal device to continuously monitor the downlink control channel during the first time period. In actual communication, the terminal device may monitor the downlink control channel for part or all of the first time period.

[0235] S502, the network device sends a second indication message; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second indication message. The second indication message instructs the terminal device to adjust the time domain distribution of the first time period. In other words, the second indication message instructs the terminal device to adjust the time during which it can monitor the downlink control channel, or to adjust the time during which it cannot monitor the downlink control channel.

[0236] Optionally, method 500 also includes:

[0237] S503, based on the second instruction information, monitors the downlink control channel during the adjusted first time period.

[0238] First, let's explain the first time period.

[0239] For example, the first time period can be a time period included in at least one active period in DRX. Alternatively, the first time period can be any time period under other definitions, decoupled from the DRX mechanism. For instance, the first time period can be a regular or irregular time period configured by the network device according to the service needs of dynamically occurring data bursts in wireless communication.

[0240] It should be noted that the unit of time period described in the embodiments of this application may include any of the following: symbol, time slot, subframe, frame, or absolute time (such as nanosecond, microsecond, millisecond, second, etc.). In other words, a time period can be a continuous or discontinuous time period composed of any number (which can be 0) of symbols, time slots, subframes, and frames. Furthermore, the start and end positions of a time period can be anywhere within a time slot, subframe, or frame. Moreover, the start and end positions of a time period can span the boundaries of different time slots or subframes. Furthermore, the span between the start and end positions of a time period can be of any length, such as an integer millisecond or a non-integer millisecond. The above description of time periods will not be repeated below.

[0241] The following example illustrates the length of the first time period (i.e., the span between the start and end positions of the first time period).

[0242] Example 1: The length of the first time period is an integer number of milliseconds, such as 1ms, 2ms, or 3ms, etc.

[0243] Example 2: The length of the first time period is a non-integer millisecond such as 0.75ms, 0.5ms, 0.25ms, 0.125ms, 1001 / 24, 25 / 3, etc.

[0244] Example 3: The length of the first time period is N symbols, where N is an integer greater than 0 (such as 14, 28 or 56, etc.).

[0245] Example 4: The length of the first time segment is N subframes or frames, where N is an integer greater than 0 (such as 1, 2, 3, 4, ...).

[0246] For example, the length of the first time period is related to the subcarrier spacing. For instance, when the subcarrier spacing is 15 × 2 μkHz, the length of the first time period satisfies the following expression:

[0247] L=K×2μ

[0248] Where L is the number of signs corresponding to the length of the first time period, K is an integer greater than 0 (e.g., 14), and μ is an integer greater than or equal to 0 (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9...).

[0249] For example, when the subcarrier spacing is 15 × 20 = 15 kHz and N is 14, the length of the first time period is 14 symbols.

[0250] For another example, when the subcarrier spacing is 15×21=30KHz and N is 14, the length of the first time period is 28 symbols.

[0251] For another example, when the subcarrier spacing is 15×22=60KHz and N is 14, the length of the first time period is 56 symbols.

[0252] As one possible implementation, the distribution of the first time period in the time domain is pre-agreed upon by the network device and the terminal device. For example, the starting position and duration of the first time period in the time domain are predefined by the communication protocol.

[0253] As another possible implementation, the distribution of the first time period in the time domain is configured by the network device to the terminal device.

[0254] For example, the time-domain location and / or associated frequency-domain location of the first time period are configured / indicated to the terminal device by the network device through one or more of RRC, system information block (SIB), group-common DCI, or UE-specific DCI. Other content not configured / indicated by the network device can be pre-agreed upon by the network device and the terminal device. For example, the network device configures the time-domain location and / or associated frequency-domain location of the first time period through RRC. Another example is that the network device configures the time-domain location and / or associated frequency-domain location of the first time period through SIB, group-common DCI, or UE-specific DCI. Yet another example is that the network device configures the time-domain location of the first time period through RCC and indicates the associated frequency-domain location of the first time period through SIB, group-common DCI, or UE-specific DCI.

[0255] It should be noted that in the descriptions of configuring / instructing a terminal device, instructing a terminal device, configuring a terminal device, or other similar expressions in the embodiments of this application, the parameter configured / instructed to the terminal device can be the parameter itself or an index of the parameter (such as the parameter's ID), which helps reduce instruction overhead. Here, a parameter can refer to a time-domain parameter, a frequency-domain parameter, a spatial-domain parameter, or other parameters, or a parameter set including at least one of the above parameter types; the parameter's index can refer to the parameter's ID, index, number, or other similar element. For ease of understanding, the following uses a time-domain parameter as an example, illustrated with a table.

[0256] Table 1

[0257] ID Starting position Duration 00 The first symbol 13 symbols 01 The second symbol 12 symbols 10 The second symbol 22 symbols 11 The first symbol 1 time slot

[0258] As shown in Table 1, taking the start position and duration of the first time period as an example, the network device can configure / indicate the ID corresponding to the start position and duration of the first time period.

[0259] Table 2

[0260] ID Duration 00 14 symbols 01 28 symbols 10 56 symbols 11 4 time slots

[0261] As shown in Table 2, taking the duration of the first time period as an example, the network device can configure / indicate the ID corresponding to the duration of the first time period.

[0262] It should be understood that Tables 1 and 2 above are merely examples, and columns and rows can be added, deleted, or modified, as can individual cells. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first time period belongs to a first set, which includes multiple time periods. The time periods in the first set are distributed in the time domain with a first periodicity. For example, each time period in the first set has the same length, and these time periods are periodically distributed in the time domain. Alternatively, different time periods in the first set may have different lengths, and the start, end, or intermediate positions of these time periods may be periodically distributed in the time domain.

[0264] For example, in the DRX mechanism, the first set can be all DRX cycles in the time domain, and the first time period corresponds to the activation period in one of the cycles of all DRX cycles.

[0265] For another example, the first set can be a set of periodic time periods configured by network devices according to service needs or service characteristics, and the first time period is one of these time periods.

[0266] For another example, the first set can be a continuous time-domain resource, where each time slot can be regarded as a time period in the first set, and the first time period is a time slot in it.

[0267] It should be noted that msAoverB in the following text means A milliseconds in B.

[0268] For example, the first cycle can be ms1001over24, ms1001over240, ms25over6, ms25over3, ms1001over120, ms100over9, ms25over2, ms40over3, ms125over9, ms50over3, ms1001over60, ms125over6, ms200over9, ms250over9, ms100over3, ms1001over30, ms125over3, ms200over3, ms1001over15, ms250over3, ms1001over12, ms400over3, etc.

[0269] For example, the first period can also be N symbols, subframes, or frames, where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0270] For example, the first set is configured by the network device to the terminal device or pre-agreed upon by the network device and the terminal device. For instance, the network device sends first configuration information to the terminal device, the first configuration information configuring at least one of the following: a first period, the start position of one or more time periods in the first set, the end position of one or more time periods in the first set, the end position of one or more time periods in the first set, and the duration of one or more time periods in the first set.

[0271] For example, the first time period includes at least one second sub-time period. In this case, the first indication information instructing the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the first time period can be understood as: the first indication information instructing the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the second sub-time period within the first time period. The second indication information instructing the terminal device to adjust the time domain distribution of the first time period can be understood as: the second indication information instructing the terminal device to adjust the time domain distribution of the second sub-time period within the first time period.

[0272] For example, if the length of the first time period is 10ms, and the first time period includes a second sub-time period with a length of 5ms and a starting position 2ms after the starting position of the first time period, then the first indication information indicates whether the terminal device should monitor the downlink control channel within 5ms after 2ms from the start of the first time period.

[0273] For example, if the length of the first time period is 30ms, and the first time period includes three second sub-time periods with lengths of 5ms, 5ms and 10ms respectively, and the starting position of the first second sub-time period is the same as the starting position of the first time period, the starting position of the second second sub-time period is 10ms after the starting position of the first time period, and the starting position of the third second sub-time period is 20ms after the starting position of the first time period, then the first indication information indicates whether the terminal device monitors the downlink control channel within the first 5ms, 10ms to 15ms and the last 10ms of the first time period.

[0274] As a further example, the second sub-time period belongs to a second set, which includes multiple sub-time periods. Different seed time periods satisfy at least one of the following: different time domain start positions, different time domain lengths, and different periods. This is illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0275] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of a second sub-time period in the time domain provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0276] like Figure 6As shown, the second set in the figure includes at least two sub-time periods. The period of the first seed time period is 20ms, and the time domain length is 4 symbols; the period of the second seed time period is 11ms, and the time domain length is 2 symbols. The figure shows the periods of the two first time periods. In the first period, the first time period includes one first seed time period and one second seed time period. In the first time period of the first period (8 symbols), the first indication information indicates that the terminal device can monitor the downlink control channel within the above two sub-time periods (6 symbols). In the second period, the first time period includes one second seed time period. In the first time period of the first period (8 symbols), the first indication information indicates that the terminal device can monitor the downlink control channel within the above second seed time period (2 symbols).

[0277] To facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of this application, further specific examples are provided below. Specific examples of different starting positions and lengths can be found above and will not be repeated here. Examples of different periods are given below.

[0278] For example, suppose the second set includes two sub-time periods with different periods: the first seed time period has a period of 10ms, the second seed time period has a period of 20ms, and the transmission interval of the first indication information is 10ms. Each first indication information instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel before the arrival of the next first indication information. Then, in the odd-numbered periods of each first indication information, it instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel in the sub-time periods of the next first seed time period and the sub-time periods of the second seed time period; in the even-numbered periods of each first indication information, it instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the period of the next first seed time period.

[0279] For example, suppose the second set includes three sub-time periods with different periods: the first seed time period has a period of 10ms, the second seed time period has a period of 20ms, and the third seed time period has a period of 5ms. The transmission interval of the first indication information is 10ms. Each first indication information instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel before the arrival of the next first indication information. Then, in the odd-numbered periods of each first indication information, it instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel in the sub-time periods of the next first seed time period, the next second seed time period, and the next two third seed time periods; in the even-numbered periods of each first indication information, it instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel in the sub-time periods of the next first seed time period and the next two third seed time periods.

[0280] For example, the time domain configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period includes multiple candidate time domain configurations, and the network device indicates to the terminal device one of the multiple candidate time domain configurations as the time domain configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period.

[0281] For example, if the length of the first time period is 20ms, the candidate time domain configurations for the second sub-time period within the first time period include the following two types: First, the first time period includes one second sub-time period with a length of 5ms, and its start position is 5ms after the start position of the first time period; second, the first time period includes two second sub-time periods, the first with a length of 5ms and its start position is the same as the start position of the first time period, and the second with a length of 10ms and its start position is 10ms after the start position of the first time period. The terminal device selects the second of these two candidate time domain configurations as the time domain configuration for the second sub-time period according to the instruction from the network device. Then, the first indication information instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel within the first 5ms and the last 10ms of the first time period.

[0282] In the above embodiment, method 500 further includes: the network device sending third indication information; correspondingly, the terminal device receiving the third indication information. The third indication information indicates that one of a variety of candidate time-domain configurations is the time-domain configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period.

[0283] As one possible implementation, the third instruction information is carried in the same signaling as the first or second instruction information. For example, the first and third instruction information are carried in the same WUS.

[0284] As another possible implementation, the third indication information is carried in a different signaling system than the first or second indication information. For example, the first indication information is in one WUS, and the third indication information is carried in another WUS, or the third indication information is carried in a DCI.

[0285] The first instruction information is explained below.

[0286] As one possible implementation, the communication resources used by the network device to send the first indication information and the terminal device to receive it are pre-agreed upon by the network device and the terminal device. These communication resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources.

[0287] For example, the starting position and duration of the first indication information in the time domain are predefined by the communication protocol.

[0288] For example, if the first indication information is sent periodically, the starting position, duration, and transmission period of the first indication information in the time domain are predefined by the communication protocol.

[0289] As another possible implementation, the time-domain resources used by the network device to send the first indication information and the terminal device to receive it are configured by the network device to the terminal device. These communication resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources.

[0290] For example, at least one of the following in the first indication information is configured by the network device to the terminal device through one or more of RRC, SIB, group common DCI or user-specific DCI: frequency domain position, time domain start position, time domain duration, and transmission period (in the case that the first indication information is transmitted periodically). Other content not configured by the network device can be agreed upon in advance by the network device and the terminal device.

[0291] In one possible implementation, the first instruction information belongs to the WUS. In other words, the first instruction information is carried within the WUS.

[0292] It should be noted that the WUS mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also refer to LP-WUS, which will not be elaborated further below. For example, when the number of bits required to carry the first indication information is less than or equal to X, the first indication information may be carried in LP-WUS. Here, X can be any positive integer (such as 8, 16, etc.).

[0293] In some implementations, WUS in this application can be understood as one or more WUS included in a WUS occasion, or as one or more WUS sent or received on a WUS occasion. A WUS occasion may include monitoring occasions for one or more WUS. The terminal device can monitor WUS on a WUS monitoring occasion, or it can be understood as receiving WUS.

[0294] For example, a WUS can correspond to a time period in a first set (e.g., the first time period). Another example is that a WUS can correspond to a frequency domain parameter (e.g., indicating a carrier, a virtual carrier (also called a single-carrier), a frequency band, etc.). Yet another example is that a WUS can correspond to a spatial domain parameter (e.g., indicating a beam, a TRP, etc.). And yet another example is that a WUS can correspond to a power domain parameter.

[0295] In some examples, WUS timing can be UE-related. For instance, when a WUS is UE-level, the WUS timing includes one or more WUSs, with different WUSs corresponding to different UEs. As another example, when a WUS is UE-group-level, the WUS timing includes one or more WUSs, with different WUSs corresponding to different UE groups. Yet another example is when a WUS is cell-level, the WUS timing includes one or more WUSs, with different WUSs corresponding to different cells. In these examples, the time-frequency resources of the different WUSs included in the WUS timing can be different.

[0296] In other examples, the WUS in this application may include multiple bits or fields. These multiple bits or fields may correspond to different time-domain parameters, frequency-domain parameters, spatial-domain parameters, power parameters, UEs, UE groups, or cells.

[0297] As another possible implementation, the first instruction information belongs to the DCI. In other words, the first instruction information is carried within the DCI.

[0298] Based on the above scheme, both WUS and DCI are physical layer signaling. Due to the characteristics of the physical layer, the first indication information carried in WUS or DCI can reduce the complexity of the signal and increase the response speed, thereby reducing processing overhead and shortening the dynamic response interval, thus reducing service latency and terminal equipment power consumption.

[0299] In one possible implementation, the network device periodically sends first indication information; correspondingly, the terminal device periodically receives or monitors the first indication information at the same period. Each first indication message corresponds to at least one time period in a first set and indicates whether the terminal device is monitoring the downlink control channel during the corresponding time period.

[0300] For example, the period of the first indication information can be N symbols, subframes, or frames, where N is an integer greater than 0. The period of the first indication information can also be an integer millisecond, such as 1ms, 2ms, or 3ms. The period of the first indication information can also be a non-integer millisecond, such as 0.75ms, 0.5ms, or 0.25ms.

[0301] For example, the period of the first indication information can be ms1001over24, ms1001over240, ms25over6, ms25over3, ms1001over120, ms100over9, ms25over2, ms40over3, ms125over9, ms50over3, ms1001over60, ms125over6, ms200over9, ms250over9, ms100over3, ms1001over30, ms125over3, ms200over3, ms1001over15, ms250over3, ms1001over12, ms400over3, etc.

[0302] As an example, the period of the first indication information is related to the period of the time period (including the first time period) in the first set.

[0303] For example, the sending / receiving cycle of the first indication information is consistent with the distribution cycle of the time periods in the first set, and each first indication information corresponds to a time period in the first set.

[0304] For example, if the sending / receiving period of the first indication information is K times the distribution period of the time period in the first set, where K is an integer greater than 0, then each first indication information corresponds to K time periods in the first set.

[0305] As another example, the period of the first indication information is not related to the period of the time segment in the first set.

[0306] For example, the sending / receiving period of the first indication information is independent of the distribution period of the time period in the first set, and each first indication information corresponds to the first time period after it; or, each first indication information corresponds to any number of time periods, and the correspondence is indicated by the network device or agreed upon in advance by the network device and the terminal device.

[0307] For example, if the first time period is not a DRX activation period, the period of the first indication information is shorter than the period of DRX.

[0308] For example, the terminal device can skip any first indication information based on signal indication, rule setting, or event triggering. Skipping the first indication information can mean stopping monitoring the first indication information, or not responding to part or all of the indications of the first indication information even if it is detected.

[0309] For example, the terminal device skips the next first instruction information according to the instructions of the network device.

[0310] For example, after receiving an instruction to extend the first time period, the terminal device skips the first instruction information within the extended first time period.

[0311] As another possible implementation, the network device sends the first indication information based on service characteristics or actual service needs, rather than sending it at a fixed period. In this case, the correspondence between each first indication message and a time period in the first set can be as follows:

[0312] For example, each first indication message corresponds to the first time period thereafter; or, each first indication message corresponds to any number of time periods, and the correspondence is indicated by the network device to the terminal device (such as by the signaling itself containing the first indication message, or by the signaling other than the signaling containing the first indication message), or agreed upon in advance by the network device and the terminal device.

[0313] The relationship between the first indication information and the first time period in the time domain is explained below with reference to the attached figures.

[0314] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of a first indication information and a first time period in the time domain provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0315] In one possible implementation, the position of the first indication information in the time domain precedes the start position of the first time period, and the time interval between the position of the first indication information in the time domain and the start of the first time period is a first duration. For example, the time interval between the start position of the first indication information in the time domain and the start of the first time period is a first duration; or, the time interval between the end position of the first indication information in the time domain and the start of the first time period is a first duration. The first duration can be any integer millisecond or non-integer millisecond; or, the first duration can be any number of frames, subframes, time slots, symbols, or any combination of frames, subframes, time slots, and symbols.

[0316] like Figure 7 As shown in (a), Figure 7 (a) Taking a time slot as an example, which includes 14 symbols, the first indication information is located at the first symbol of the time slot and has a length of 1 symbol, the first time period is located at the fourth symbol of the time slot and has a length of 6 symbols, and the first duration is defined as the interval between the end position of the first indication information in the time domain and the start time of the first time period, then the first duration is 3 symbols.

[0317] In some embodiments, the first indication information indicates that the terminal device begins monitoring the downlink control channel after a first duration, i.e., at the beginning of the first time period. For example, the first indication information indicates that... Figure 7 The downlink control channel is monitored starting at the 5th symbol of (a).

[0318] As an example, the indication can be explicit or implicit. For instance, the indication can be explicit, indicated by at least 1 bit. As another example, the indication can be implicit, where the first indication information indicates that the downlink control channel is being monitored while also implicitly indicating the monitoring location as the start of a first time period.

[0319] In other embodiments, the first indication information indicates that the terminal device begins monitoring the downlink control channel at a position after the start of the first time period. For example, the first indication information indicates that at... Figure 7 The downlink control channel is monitored starting at the 6th symbol of (a) (as shown by the arrow in the figure).

[0320] As an example, the indication can be either explicit or implicit. For instance, the indication can be explicit, explicitly indicating the monitoring location with at least one bit. Alternatively, the indication can be implicit, where the first indication information indicates monitoring of the downlink control channel while also implicitly indicating the start time of monitoring, which is the time when the terminal device completes processing the first indication information, and this time is later than the start position of the first time period.

[0321] It should be noted that the first indication information and the first time period may also be located in different time slots, subframes or frames. For example, the first indication information may be located in the previous time slot, while the first time period may be located in the next time slot.

[0322] As an example, the first duration can be configured by the network device to the terminal device, or it can be agreed upon in advance by both parties. Specific examples are similar to those described earlier regarding the determination of the distribution of the first time period in the time domain, and will not be repeated here.

[0323] As another possible implementation, the first indication information is located in the first position in the first time period in the time domain.

[0324] For example, the first time period includes at least one symbol, and the first indication information is located on the first symbol in the first time period.

[0325] For example, the first time period includes at least three symbols, and the first indication information is located on the third symbol in the first time period.

[0326] For example, the first time period includes at least two subframes, with the first indication information located on the second subframe within the first time period, and further possibly on the first symbol in the first subframe.

[0327] like Figure 7 As shown in (b), Figure 7 (b) Taking a time slot as an example, which includes 14 symbols, the first time period is located at the first symbol of the time slot and has a length of 6 symbols, and the first indication information is located at the second symbol of the first time period and has a length of 1 symbol, that is, the first position is the second symbol of the first time period; or, the first position can also be represented as the position of the first time period 1 symbol away from the starting position of the first time period.

[0328] In some embodiments, the first indication information indicates that the terminal device begins monitoring the downlink control channel at the next moment after the first location. For example, the first indication information indicates that at... Figure 7 The downlink control channel is monitored starting at the third symbol of (b).

[0329] As an example, the indication can be explicit or implicit. For instance, the indication can be explicit, indicated by at least 1 bit. As another example, the indication can be implicit, where the first indication information indicates monitoring of the downlink control channel while also implicitly indicating the next moment after the first position.

[0330] In other embodiments, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to begin monitoring the downlink control channel at a certain time after the first location. For example, the first indication information instructs... Figure 7 The downlink control channel is monitored starting at the 4th symbol in (b) (as shown by the arrow in the figure).

[0331] As an example, the indication can be either explicit or implicit. For instance, the indication can be explicit, explicitly indicating the monitored location with at least one bit. Alternatively, the indication can be implicit, where the first indication information indicates monitoring of the downlink control channel while also implicitly indicating the start time of monitoring, which is the time it takes for the terminal device to complete processing the first indication information, later than the next moment after the first location.

[0332] As an example, the first position can be configured by the network device to the terminal device, or it can be agreed upon in advance by both parties. Specific examples are similar to those described earlier regarding the determination of the distribution of the first time period in the time domain, and will not be repeated here.

[0333] Based on the above scheme, when the first indication information is located before the first time period, processing time for the first indication information can be reserved for the terminal device, ensuring that the terminal device can monitor the downlink control channel in a timely manner at the beginning of the first time period and guarantee the communication effect; when the first indication information is located in the first time period, the time domain resources before the first indication information in the first time period can be used to send other necessary signals, such as system signals, thereby making fuller use of the time domain resources in the first time period.

[0334] It should be understood that, when the first time period is implemented by configuring a timer, the relationship between the aforementioned first indication information and the first time period in the time domain distribution can also be understood as the relationship between the first indication information and the timer configured for the first time period.

[0335] In some embodiments, the first duration and / or the first location are related to user capabilities. Specifically, user capabilities are related to the time required for the terminal device to process the first instruction information.

[0336] As an example, the terminal device determines the user's capabilities based on the time required to process the first instruction information and reports this to the network device, or the network device determines the terminal device's user capabilities based on the time required for the terminal device to process the first instruction information. The user capabilities include whether the required time is long or short, the capability level corresponding to the required time, or the specific value of the required time, etc.

[0337] As an example, the network device configures a first duration and / or a first position based on the user capabilities of the terminal device. For instance, if the user capabilities of the terminal device indicate that it takes a long time to process the first indication information, the network device configures a longer first duration or a more advanced first position to reserve more processing time for the terminal device; if the user capabilities of the terminal device indicate that it takes a short time to process the first indication information, the network device configures a shorter first duration or a more advanced first position to reduce response latency.

[0338] The following explains the relationship between the frequency domain resources corresponding to the first time period and the first indication information.

[0339] For example, the frequency domain resource corresponding to the first time period is the first frequency domain resource. In other words, when the terminal device monitors the downlink control channel in the first time period, it monitors the downlink control channel within the first frequency domain resource of the first time period. The first frequency domain resource is related to at least one of the following: carrier, band, single-carrier, cell, BWP.

[0340] For example, the first frequency domain resource is related to a carrier and includes one or more carriers. As a further example, these one or more carriers come from one or more single-carriers, and a single-carrier can support frequency domain resources including multiple frequency bands within a cell.

[0341] For example, a first frequency domain resource is related to a frequency band and includes frequency domain resources from one or more frequency bands. These frequency domain resources can be discrete or continuous. Furthermore, the frequency domain resources included in the first frequency domain resource can come from the same or different frequency bands. For example, the frequency domain resources included in the first frequency domain resource may come from frequency band 1 and / or frequency band 2.

[0342] In some embodiments, the frequency domain resources corresponding to the time periods in the first set may be different. For example, time period 1 in the first set corresponds to frequency domain resource 1, time period 2 in the first set also corresponds to frequency domain resource 1, and time period 3 in the first set corresponds to frequency domain resource 2, where frequency domain resource 2 is different from frequency domain resource 1.

[0343] As one possible implementation, the first frequency domain resources are pre-agreed upon by the network device and the terminal device. For example, the first frequency domain resources corresponding to the first time period are specified by wireless communication related protocols.

[0344] As another possible implementation, the first frequency domain resources are configured by the network device to the terminal device. For example, the first frequency domain resources are configured by the network layer of the network device, such as through RRC configuration.

[0345] As another possible implementation, the first frequency domain resources are dynamically indicated from the network device to the terminal device. For example, the first frequency domain resources corresponding to the first time period are indicated by the physical layer signaling of the network device, such as through SIB, group common DCI, user-specific DCI, or WUS.

[0346] As a further example, the network device configures a series of optional frequency domain resources to the terminal device, and then indicates the first frequency domain resource among the optional frequency domain resources to the terminal device through dynamic indication.

[0347] For example, a network device can configure the numbering information of optional frequency domain resources to a terminal device via RRC, and then dynamically indicate one or more numbers included in the numbering information to the terminal device via WUS. The terminal device can determine its corresponding first frequency domain resource based on the one or more numbers.

[0348] For example, network devices configure WUS timing to terminal devices via RRC, which includes one or more WUS. Each WUS corresponds to a first frequency domain resource of a carrier (or carrier group), cell (or cell group), or single-carrier (or single-carrier group), and this correspondence is also configured by the network device. Based on the received correspondence between the WUS and the first frequency domain resource, the terminal device monitors the downlink control channel in the first frequency domain resource of the corresponding carrier (or carrier group), cell (or cell group), or single-carrier (or single-carrier group).

[0349] For example, the information indicating the first frequency domain resource can be carried in different signaling messages and the first indication information, or it can be carried in the same signaling message.

[0350] For example, the information indicating the first frequency domain resources and the first indication information are carried in different signaling. The network device indicates to the terminal device through a WUS whether to monitor the downlink control channel in the first time period. The network device then indicates the number corresponding to one or more carriers, frequency bands or single-carriers in the first time period through a DCI, such as carrier number, frequency band number or single-carrier number.

[0351] For example, the information indicating the first frequency domain resources and the first indication information are carried in the same signaling. The network device indicates to the terminal device through a WUS whether to monitor the downlink control channel in the first time period, and at the same time indicates the number of one or more carriers, frequency bands or single-carriers corresponding to the first time period, such as carrier number, frequency band number or single-carrier number, etc.

[0352] In some embodiments, the first instruction information further instructs the terminal device to activate the second frequency domain resource and instructs the terminal device to schedule data transmission on the second frequency domain resource.

[0353] Based on the above scheme, the signaling for activating the second frequency domain resource and scheduling data transmission on the second frequency domain resource can be unified, reducing indication latency. For example, when the first frequency domain resource is the dormant bandwidth part (BWP), the effect of activating the dormant BWP and scheduling data transmission can be achieved with only one signaling. Compared with existing technologies that first use the first downlink control information (DCI), such as group-common DCI format 2_6, to activate the dormant BWP, and then use the second DCI, such as UE-specific DCI format 0_1 / 1_1, to indicate data transmission in the activated dormant BWP, the above scheme simplifies the indication steps and can reduce latency and energy consumption.

[0354] It should be understood that "A instructs terminal device B" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can refer to A itself instructing B to the terminal device, or it can refer to other information in the signaling carrying A instructing B to the terminal device. The same applies below, and will not be repeated.

[0355] The following explanation uses the example of the first instruction information indicating the second frequency domain resources of the terminal device.

[0356] First, let's take an example to illustrate the situation where the first instruction information itself instructs the terminal device.

[0357] Example 1: The network device sends a WUS or DCI to the terminal device. The WUS or DCI carries a first indication information, which instructs the terminal device to monitor the downlink control channel in the first time period. At the same time, it also instructs the terminal device to activate the second frequency domain resource and transmit data in the second frequency domain resource. The second frequency domain resource is configured by the network device for the terminal device or agreed upon in advance by both parties.

[0358] Example 2: The network device sends a WUS or DCI to the terminal device. The WUS or DCI carries first indication information. The first indication information instructs the terminal device to monitor the downlink control channel in the first time period. It also indicates the resource number of the second frequency domain resource and instructs the terminal device to activate the second frequency domain resource according to the resource number and perform data transmission in the second frequency domain resource.

[0359] Next, an example will be given to illustrate the situation where other information in the signaling carrying the first instruction information indicates the terminal device.

[0360] Example 1: The network device sends a WUS or DCI to the terminal device. The WUS or DCI carries a first indication information and an indication information 2. The first indication information indicates that the downlink control channel is monitored in the first time period. The indication information 2 indicates that the terminal device activates the second frequency domain resource and transmits data in the second frequency domain resource. The second frequency domain resource is configured by the network device for the terminal device or agreed upon in advance by both parties.

[0361] Example 2: The network device sends a WUS or DCI to the terminal device. The WUS or DCI carries a first indication information and an indication information 2. The first indication information indicates that the downlink control channel is monitored in the first time period. The indication information 2 indicates the resource number of the second frequency domain resource. The indication information 2 also indicates that the terminal device activates the second frequency domain resource according to the resource number and performs data transmission in the second frequency domain resource.

[0362] For example, the second frequency domain resource may include at least one of the following: carrier, frequency band, single-carrier, BWP.

[0363] For example, activating a second frequency domain resource may include at least one of the following: activating a dormant second frequency domain resource, switching the frequency domain resource currently used for data transmission to the second frequency domain resource, or adding the second frequency domain resource to the frequency domain resource currently used for data transmission.

[0364] The second instruction information is explained below.

[0365] The configuration, transmission, and reception methods of the second instruction information are similar to those of the first instruction information. Please refer to the previous description of the first instruction information; they will not be repeated here.

[0366] As one possible implementation, the first instruction information is carried in WUS, DCI, or MAC CE.

[0367] For example, the distribution of the second indication information in the time domain differs from that of the first indication information. For instance, the timing of the transmission / reception of the second indication information differs from that of the first indication information. For example, the position of the first indication information in the time domain precedes the start of the first time period, while the position of the second indication information in the time domain occurs within the first time period. As another example, if both the first and second indication information are periodically transmitted / received, the transmission / reception period of the second indication information differs from that of the first indication information. For example, the above-described second indication information is one example among multiple second indication information. The first time period may correspond to one or more second indication information. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first time period may also correspond to one first indication information. It should be understood that this is only an example of the first time period; in implementation, the first time period can also be replaced with any time period in the first set.

[0368] As an example, the first indication information corresponding to the first time period precedes the second indication information corresponding to the first time period in time. For instance, the terminal device first receives the first indication information, determines whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the upcoming or already arrived first time period based on the indication of the first indication information, and then successively receives one or more second indication information. Each second indication information indicates whether to adjust the upcoming or already arrived first time period, such as extending the first time period, as detailed below. Furthermore, the second indication information corresponding to the first time period may also precede the first indication information corresponding to the first time period in time, or be sent / received simultaneously with the first indication information corresponding to the first time period.

[0369] For example, the second instruction information instructs the terminal device to adjust the time domain distribution of the first time period, including at least one of the following:

[0370] The second instruction message instructs the terminal device to terminate the first time period in advance;

[0371] The second instruction message instructs the terminal device to start the first time period in advance;

[0372] The second instruction message instructs the terminal device to postpone the start of the first time period;

[0373] The second instruction information instructs the terminal device to skip the first sub-period within the first time period;

[0374] The second instruction message instructs the terminal device to add an additional time period after the first time period.

[0375] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 7 to 11 Each item will be explained separately.

[0376] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a second indication information provided in an embodiment of this application, which instructs a terminal device to terminate a first time period in advance.

[0377] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), the second indication information can indicate the terminal device to the termination position corresponding to the first time period in advance. The termination position can be an absolute position or a relative position.

[0378] For example, if the termination position is an absolute position, the second indication information indicates a certain absolute time point to the terminal device, and the terminal device advances the termination position of the first time period to that time point to obtain the adjusted first time period.

[0379] For example, the termination position is a relative position. The second indication information indicates to the terminal device the relative position of the termination position with respect to the second indication information, or the relative position with respect to the termination position of the first time period before adjustment. The terminal device determines the adjusted termination position of the first time period based on the relative position, and thus obtains the adjusted first time period.

[0380] In some embodiments, the relative position of the termination position can be configured in advance by the network device to the terminal device, or agreed upon in advance by the network device and the terminal device. For example, the position of the termination position relative to the second indication information is configured in advance by the network device through RRC. When the terminal device receives the second indication information indicating early termination of the first time period, it determines the adjusted termination position of the first time period based on the configured relative position and the position of the received second indication information.

[0381] like Figure 8 As shown in (b), the second instruction information can also directly instruct the terminal device to terminate early. Specifically, directly instructing the terminal device to terminate early can mean instructing the terminal device to terminate the first time period at the time it receives the second instruction information, or it can mean instructing the terminal device to terminate the first time period after processing the current downlink control channel.

[0382] like Figure 8 As shown in (c), a first time period can correspond to multiple second indication messages, and each second indication message directly instructs the terminal device to terminate early or not to terminate early.

[0383] For example, a network device may configure multiple second indication messages within a first time period. When a terminal device receives a second indication message within the first time period, if the second indication message instructs the terminal device not to terminate prematurely, the terminal device will continue monitoring the downlink control channel according to the original first time period. If the second indication message instructs the terminal device to terminate prematurely, the terminal device will terminate the first time period at the time it receives the second indication message and stop monitoring the downlink control channel, or the terminal device will terminate the first time period and stop monitoring the downlink control channel after processing the current downlink control channel.

[0384] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a second instruction information provided in an embodiment of this application, which instructs a terminal device to start the first time period in advance.

[0385] like Figure 9 As shown in (a), the second indication information can indicate the starting position of the terminal device in advance of the first time period. The starting position can be an absolute position or a relative position.

[0386] For example, if the starting position is an absolute position, the second indication information indicates a certain absolute time point to the terminal device, and the terminal device advances the starting position of the first time period to that time point to obtain the adjusted first time period.

[0387] For example, the starting position is a relative position. The second indication information indicates to the terminal device the relative position of the starting position with respect to the second indication information, or the relative position with respect to the starting position of the first time period before adjustment. The terminal device determines the adjusted starting position of the first time period based on the relative position, and thus obtains the adjusted first time period.

[0388] In some embodiments, the relative position of the pre-starting position can be configured in advance by the network device to the terminal device, or agreed upon in advance by the network device and the terminal device. Specific examples and... Figure 7 The example corresponding to (a) is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0389] like Figure 9 As shown in (b), the second instruction information can also directly instruct the terminal device to start earlier. Directly instructing the terminal device to start earlier can mean instructing the terminal device to begin the first time period at the time the second instruction information is received. As a further example, one first time period can correspond to multiple second instruction messages, each second instruction message directly instructing the terminal device to start earlier or not to start earlier.

[0390] For example, the network device configures multiple second indication messages within the first time period. When the terminal device receives the second indication message within the first time period, if the second indication message instructs the terminal device not to start early, the terminal device starts monitoring the downlink control channel according to the original first time period; if the second indication message instructs the terminal device to start early, the terminal device starts the first time period early at the time point when it receives the second indication message and starts monitoring the downlink control channel early.

[0391] In some embodiments, when the second instruction information instructs the terminal device to start the first time period in advance, it also instructs the first time period to end in advance (not shown in the figure). The offset distance of the termination position is the same as the offset distance of the start position, that is, the length of the first time period before adjustment is the same as the length of the first time period after adjustment.

[0392] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a second indication information provided in an embodiment of this application, indicating that a terminal device delays the start of a first time period.

[0393] like Figure 10 As shown in (a), the second indication information can indicate the starting position corresponding to the first time period of delay for the terminal device. The starting position can be an absolute position or a relative position. Specific examples are provided below. Figure 8 The example corresponding to (a) is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0394] As a further example, a first time period may correspond to multiple second indication messages, each of which directly indicates whether the terminal device should delay starting the first time period until it receives the next second indication message or starts the first time period.

[0395] In some embodiments, the relative position of the delay start position can be configured in advance by the network device to the terminal device, or agreed upon in advance by the network device and the terminal device. Specific examples and... Figure 7 The example corresponding to (a) is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0396] like Figure 10 As shown in (b), the second instruction information can also directly instruct the terminal device to delay the start. Specifically, directly instructing the terminal device to delay the start can mean instructing the terminal device to begin the first time period at the time it receives the second instruction information.

[0397] As a further example, a first time period may correspond to multiple second indication messages, each of which directly indicates whether the terminal device should delay starting the first time period until it receives the next second indication message or starts the first time period.

[0398] For example, if a network device is configured with multiple second indication messages during a first time period, and a terminal device receives a second indication message during the first time period, and the second indication message indicates that the terminal device should delay starting, then the terminal device will not monitor the downlink control channel after the original start of the first time period, and will continue to receive subsequent second indication messages until it receives a second indication message indicating that the terminal device should start the first time period. Then, the terminal device will start the first time period at the time it receives the second indication message and begin monitoring the downlink control channel.

[0399] In some embodiments, when the second indication information indicates that the terminal device delays the start of the first time period, it also indicates that the first time period is delayed (not shown in the figure). The offset distance of the termination position is the same as the offset distance of the start position, that is, the length of the first time period before adjustment is the same as the length of the first time period after adjustment.

[0400] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a second instruction information provided in an embodiment of this application, which instructs a terminal device to skip the first sub-period of the first time period.

[0401] like Figure 11As shown in (a), the second indication information can directly indicate the start and end positions of the first sub-time period; or the second indication information can directly indicate the start position and duration of the first sub-time period; or, the second indication information can directly indicate the start position of the first sub-time period, and the end position or duration of the first sub-time period is configured in advance by the network device to the terminal device, or is agreed upon in advance by the network device and the terminal device. The start and end positions can be absolute or relative positions.

[0402] like Figure 11 As shown in (b), the second indication information can directly indicate the end position or duration of the first sub-period, and the start position of the first sub-period is the time point at which the terminal device receives the second indication information. The end position can be an absolute position or a relative position.

[0403] like Figure 11 As shown in (c), the first sub-period can be a non-continuous time period.

[0404] In this case, for example, the second indication information can indicate the first sub-time period in the manner described above. Figure 11 The combination of (a) and / or (b) corresponding to the indication methods of the embodiments. For example, the first sub-time period includes multiple non-contiguous time periods, the second indication information directly indicates the end position or duration of the first non-contiguous time period, the start position is the time point when the terminal device receives the second indication information, and the second indication information also directly indicates the start position and end position / duration of the non-contiguous time periods after the first one.

[0405] In addition, the second indication information can also indicate the non-contiguous first sub-period in other ways. For example, the second indication information can indicate the non-contiguous first sub-period through a bitmap, where each bit in the bitmap corresponds to a time unit (such as a symbol, time slot, subframe, or other definition) within the first sub-period. If each bit takes the first symbol (such as 1 or 0), it indicates that the time unit belongs to a non-contiguous time period of the first sub-period, and monitoring of the downlink control channel should be suspended. If each bit takes the second symbol (such as 0 or 1), it indicates that the time unit does not belong to the first sub-period, and monitoring of the downlink control channel should continue.

[0406] by Figure 11 For example, in (c), assuming that the second indication information in the figure indicates the non-contiguous first sub-period through the bitmap, and 1 indicates that the time unit belongs to a non-contiguous time period of the first sub-period, and 0 indicates that the time unit does not belong to the first sub-period, then the value of the bitmap in the second indication information is 011010.

[0407] like Figure 11As shown in (d), a first time period can correspond to multiple second indication messages. One of the second indication messages can indicate the start of the first sub-time period, and the next second indication message can indicate the end of the first sub-time period. If there is a next second indication message, it indicates the start of the first sub-time period again, and so on. The second indication message indicating the start / end of the first sub-time period can be an explicit indication, such as by indicating with at least 1 bit; or it can be an implicit indication, such as receiving the second indication message means the start / end of the first sub-time period.

[0408] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how a second indication information instructs a terminal device to add an additional time period after the first time period, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0409] like Figure 12 As shown in (a), the second instruction information indicates whether the terminal device should add an additional time period. The starting position of the added additional time period is the ending position of the first time period before the adjustment. The ending position or duration of the added additional time period is also indicated by the second instruction information; or, it is configured in advance by the network device to the terminal device, or it is agreed in advance by the network device and the terminal device.

[0410] If the second indication information indicates that an extended timer is triggered, the duration of the extended timer is configured in advance by the network device to the terminal device, and the start time of the extended timer is determined according to the second indication information.

[0411] like Figure 12 As shown in (b), the second indication information indicates the start position of the additional time period added by the terminal device. Furthermore, the end position or duration is also indicated by the second indication information; or, it is configured in advance by the network device to the terminal device, or pre-agreed upon by the network device and the terminal device. In this case, a time interval is allowed between the newly added additional time period and the first time period before adjustment. This facilitates more flexible matching of terminal service needs and reduces terminal power consumption.

[0412] Based on the above scheme, the second indication information can dynamically add an extra time period to the first time period, which helps the terminal device to complete the downlink control channel monitoring that was not completed in the current first time period. This avoids delaying the monitoring work to the next first time period, which would cause data delays, or activating the next entire first time period just for a small number of uncompleted downlink control channel monitoring, thereby improving and reducing communication latency and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

[0413] For ease of understanding, the specific methods by which the second instruction information terminal device adjusts the first time period are listed below. Implementation methods not listed below can be derived by combining the above description and the examples below. The implementation methods of the embodiments in this application are not limited thereto.

[0414] Example 1: The terminal device receives the second instruction information and starts the first time period in advance according to the instruction of 1 bit or more bits in the second instruction information.

[0415] Example 2: If the terminal device receives the second instruction information, the second instruction information implicitly instructs the terminal device to postpone the start of the first time period.

[0416] Example 3: The terminal device receives second indication information and determines, based on one or more bits in the second indication information, which of the following is indicated by the second indication information: terminating the first time period early, starting the first time period early, starting the first time period late, skipping the first sub-time period in the first time period, or adding an additional time period after the first time period. Then, the terminal device adjusts the first time period according to the corresponding item based on one or more bits in the second indication information, or the terminal device adjusts the first time period according to the corresponding item based on the implicit indication of the second indication information.

[0417] Example 4: The terminal device receives a second instruction message. One or more bits in the second instruction message are used to instruct the terminal device to terminate the first time period in advance. Another one or more bits in the second instruction message are used to instruct the terminal device to start the first time period in advance. Yet another one or more bits in the second instruction message are used to instruct the terminal device to add an additional time period after the first time period.

[0418] In some implementations, the second indication information indicates the first frequency domain resource and / or the second frequency domain resource to the terminal device. The indication method is similar to that of the first indication information, and for detailed description, please refer to the sections on the first indication information indicating the first frequency domain resource and the first indication information indicating the second frequency domain resource above, which will not be repeated here.

[0419] Based on the above embodiments, the second indication information can dynamically indicate the first frequency domain resources and / or the second frequency domain resources, thereby enabling the terminal device to dynamically adjust the frequency domain range of the downlink control channel being monitored and the carrier or frequency band for data transmission during the first time period according to communication needs, thereby improving the flexibility and quality of communication.

[0420] In some implementations, the first instruction information and / or the second instruction information also instruct the terminal device to perform airspace adjustment.

[0421] For example, the first indication information and / or the second indication information instruct the terminal device to perform at least one of the following in the first time period: switch the transmit (Tx) / receive (Rx) antenna, add a Tx / Rx antenna, activate a Tx / Rx antenna, or reduce a Tx / Rx antenna.

[0422] For example, the first indication information and / or the second indication information instruct the terminal device to perform at least one of the following in the first time period: switch Tx / Rx radio frequency, add Tx / Rx radio frequency, activate Tx / Rx radio frequency, or reduce Tx / Rx radio frequency.

[0423] For example, the first instruction information and / or the second instruction information instruct the terminal device to perform at least one of the following in the first time period: switch Tx / Rx channels, add Tx / Rx channels, activate Tx / Rx channels, or reduce Tx / Rx channels.

[0424] For example, the first indication information and / or the second indication information instruct the terminal device to perform at least one of the following in the first time period: switch the transmit / receive beam, add a transmit / receive beam, reduce the transmit / receive beam, or activate the transmit / receive beam.

[0425] For example, the first instruction information and / or the second instruction information instruct the terminal device to perform at least one of the following in the first time period: switch TRP, add TRP, reduce TRP, or activate TRP.

[0426] In some implementations, the first indication information and / or the second indication information also instruct the terminal device to perform power adjustment.

[0427] For example, the first instruction information and / or the second instruction information instruct the terminal device to increase or decrease the Tx / Rx power during a first time period.

[0428] For example, the first instruction information also indicates whether the terminal device receives the second instruction information. Specifically, if the first instruction information indicates that the terminal device receives the second instruction information, the terminal device receives the second instruction information and adjusts the time domain distribution of the first time period according to the instruction of the second instruction information; if the first instruction information indicates that the terminal device does not receive the second instruction information, the terminal device does not receive the second instruction information, or, after receiving the second instruction information, the terminal device does not adjust the time domain distribution of the first time period according to the instruction of the second instruction information.

[0429] For example, the first indication information indicates whether the terminal device monitors the downlink control channel in the first time period by at least 1 bit, and the first indication information also indicates whether the terminal device receives the second indication information by at least another 1 bit.

[0430] For another example, the first indication information indicates whether the terminal device monitors the downlink control channel in the first time period through at least 1 bit. This at least 1 bit also indicates whether the terminal device receives the second indication information. That is, when the at least 1 bit indicates that the terminal device monitors the downlink control channel in the first time period, this 1 bit also indicates that the terminal device receives the second indication information.

[0431] The following explains the correspondence between the first and second instruction information and the terminal device.

[0432] As one possible implementation, each first instruction information / second instruction information corresponds to a terminal device, that is, the first instruction information / second instruction information instructs the terminal device.

[0433] As another possible implementation, each first instruction information / second instruction information corresponds to a terminal device group, which includes at least one terminal device, that is, the first instruction information / second instruction information instructs all terminal devices in the terminal device group.

[0434] As another possible implementation, each first indication information / second indication information corresponds to one or more cells, that is, the first indication information / second indication information instructs all terminal devices in the one or more cells.

[0435] In some implementations, method 500 may only include S502. That is, the terminal device does not need to receive the first indication information, but only needs to adjust the time domain distribution of the first time period according to the second indication information. For example, in a DRX mechanism that does not include WUS, the terminal device does not receive WUS indicating whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the DRX activation period, but receives the second indication information indicating the adjustment of the time domain distribution of the DRX activation period.

[0436] Apart from Figure 5 In addition to the communication methods shown, this application also provides other communication methods, which will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0437] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0438] First, it should be noted that for the parts not described in detail in communication method 1300, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the previous section on communication method 500, which will not be repeated below.

[0439] like Figure 13 As shown, method 1300 includes:

[0440] S1301, the network device sends a first indication message; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication message. The first indication message indicates whether the terminal device should monitor the downlink control channel during the first time period.

[0441] S1302, based on the first instruction information, monitor the downlink control channel in the first time period.

[0442] For example, the time periods in the first set are distributed without intervals in the time domain, that is, there is no time interval between any two adjacent time periods in the first set.

[0443] For example, each time period in the first set has the same length, consisting of one time slot, and each time period corresponds to one time slot, with no time interval between time slots.

[0444] In this scenario, the first set differs from existing DRX schemes. Existing DRX schemes include an active period and a sleep period in each cycle, forcing the terminal device to undergo activation and sleep cycles in every cycle. This results in excessively frequent state switching for the terminal device, increasing energy consumption and computational overhead. Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can divide time-domain resources into multiple periodic first time periods according to network-side configuration. Within each first time period, based on the indication of the first indication information, it is either an active period, during which the terminal device monitors the downlink control channel, or a sleep period, during which the terminal device does not monitor the downlink control channel. This reduces the frequency of terminal device state switching, thereby reducing energy consumption and computational overhead.

[0445] In some implementations, the first indication information indicates whether the terminal device monitors the downlink control channel during the first time period to the Yth time period. Here, Y is an integer greater than 1. At least one time period from the first time period to the Yth time period has a different length than the other time periods; and / or, the first time period belongs to a first set, the i-th time period belongs to an i-th set (i is any integer from 2 to Y), the time periods of the first set have a first period in the time domain, the time periods of the i-th set have an i-th period in the time domain, and at least one period from the first period to the Yth period is different from the other periods. This will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0446] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of a first time period and a second time period in the time domain provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0447] like Figure 14 As shown, the figure includes time periods of the first set and the second set. The period of the first set is 20ms, and the time domain length of each time period is 4 symbols; the period of the second set is 11ms, and the time domain length of each time period is 2 symbols. The figure shows two time slots. The first time slot includes one time period of the first set and one time period of the second set. In the first time slot (14 symbols), the first indication information indicates that the terminal device can monitor the downlink control channel within the two time periods (6 symbols). In the second time slot, the first indication information includes one time period of the first set. In the second time slot (14 symbols), the first indication information indicates that the terminal device can monitor the downlink control channel within the time period of the first set (4 symbols).

[0448] To facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of this application, further specific examples are provided below. We will first illustrate this with the example of Y equaling 2 (i.e., the existence of a first time period and a second time period).

[0449] For example, suppose the length of the first time period is 5ms, the length of the second time period is 10ms, and the start position of the second time period is 5ms after the end position of the first time period. The first indication information also instructs the terminal device to monitor the downlink control channel in the first and second time periods. Then, the total time span for the terminal device to monitor the downlink control channel is 20ms, of which monitoring is performed in the first 5ms, monitoring stops (sleeps) in the next 5ms, and monitoring continues in the last 10ms.

[0450] For another example, suppose the first set has a period of 10ms, the second set has a period of 20ms, and the first indication information is sent at a interval of 10ms. Each first indication information instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel before the next first indication information arrives. Then, in the odd-numbered periods of each first indication information, it instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the time interval of the next first set and the time interval of the second set; in the even-numbered periods of each first indication information, it instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the time interval of the next first set.

[0451] Let's take Y equal to 3 (i.e., there are a first time period, a second time period, and a third time period) as an example for further explanation.

[0452] For example, suppose the length of the first time period is 5ms, the length of the second time period is 5ms, and the length of the third time period is 10ms. The start position of the second time period is 5ms after the end position of the first time period, and the start position of the third time period is 5ms after the end position of the second time period. The first indication information also instructs the terminal device to monitor the downlink control channel in the first and second time periods. Then, the total time span for the terminal device to monitor the downlink control channel is 30ms. Monitoring is performed for the first 5ms, then monitoring stops (sleeps) for the next 5ms, then monitoring resumes for the next 5ms, then monitoring stops (sleeps) for the next 5ms, and finally monitoring resumes for the last 10ms.

[0453] For example, suppose the first set has a period of 10ms, the second set has a period of 20ms, the third set has a period of 5ms, and the first indication information is sent at a interval of 10ms. Each first indication information instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel before the next first information arrives. Then, in each odd-numbered period of the first indication information, it instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the time periods of the next first set, the next second set, and the next two third sets; in each even-numbered period of the first indication information, it instructs the terminal device whether to monitor the downlink control channel during the time periods of the next first set and the next two third sets.

[0454] Based on the above implementation method, unlike the existing DRX scheme in which each activation period is configured according to a uniform cycle and length rule, the length of the first time period and the i-th time period or the cycle of their respective sets can be different. Therefore, the monitoring period of the downlink control signal can be irregularly distributed, making the monitoring method more flexible and helping to better match flexible and dynamic business needs, thereby reducing business latency and reducing terminal device power consumption.

[0455] It should be noted that, in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0456] For example, the embodiment of method 1300 in which the time periods in the first set are distributed without intervals in the time domain can be incorporated into method 500. In this case, the time periods in the first set described in the embodiment of method 500 are distributed without intervals in the time domain, just like in the embodiment of method 1300.

[0457] For example, method step S502 given in method 500 can be incorporated into method 1300. In this case, an embodiment of method 1300 further includes the step described in S502.

[0458] The above combinations are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on this application. The methods provided in the embodiments of this application can also be combined in other ways.

[0459] To implement the functions of the methods provided in this application, both the terminal device and the network device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the aforementioned functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0460] Figure 15 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a processing circuit 1510 and a transceiver circuit 1520, which can be interconnected or coupled, for example, interconnected via a bus 1530. The communication device can be a terminal device or a network device, etc.

[0461] Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory 1540. The memory 1540 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). The memory 1540 is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions for storing computer programs or instructions, and / or data.

[0462] The processing circuit 1510 may be all or part of the processing circuitry in one or more processors, or it may be one or more processors. The processor may be a central processing unit (CPU). If the processing circuit 1510 is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU. The processing circuit 1510 may be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit capable of implementing the methods of this application, or a portion of the circuitry within the aforementioned processor, chip, or integrated circuit that performs processing functions. Additionally, the transceiver circuit 1520 may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface. An input / output interface is used for inputting or outputting signals or data and may also be referred to as an input / output circuit.

[0463] When the communication device is a terminal device, exemplarily, the transceiver circuit 1520 is configured to perform the following operations: receive first indication information; receive second indication information, etc. The processing circuit 1510 is configured to perform the following operations: monitor or not monitor the downlink control channel according to the indication of the first indication information in a first time period; adjust the time domain distribution of at least the first time period according to the second information, etc.

[0464] When the communication device is a network device, exemplarily, the transceiver circuit 1520 is configured to perform the following operations: send a first indication message; send a second indication message, etc. The processing circuit 1510 is configured to perform the following operations: determine the first indication message; determine the second indication message, etc.

[0465] When the communication device is a terminal device or a network device, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the terminal device or network device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0466] when Figure 15When the communication device is a terminal device or a network device, the transceiver circuit 1520 can be a transceiver.

[0467] when Figure 15 When the communication device is used for terminal equipment or network equipment, the transceiver circuit 1520 can be an input / output circuit.

[0468] The above description is merely exemplary. For details, please refer to the content shown in the above method embodiments.

[0469] Figure 15 The implementation of each operation can also be found by referring to... Figures 3 to 14 The corresponding description of the method embodiments shown.

[0470] Figure 16 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device can be a terminal device or a network device, used to implement the methods involved in the above embodiments.

[0471] The communication device 1600 includes a transceiver unit 1610 and a processing unit 1620. The transceiver unit 1610 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit performs the sending action of the communication device, and the receiving unit performs the receiving action of the communication device. For ease of description, the sending unit and the receiving unit are combined into a single transceiver unit in this embodiment. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated later.

[0472] When the communication device is a terminal device, exemplarily, the transceiver unit 1610 is configured to: receive first indication information; receive second indication information, etc. The processing unit 1620 is configured to: monitor or not monitor the downlink control channel according to the indication of the first indication information in a first time period; adjust the time domain distribution of at least the first time period according to the second information, etc.

[0473] When the communication device is a network device, exemplarily, the transceiver unit 1610 is configured to: send first instruction information; send second instruction information, etc. The processing unit 1620 is configured to: determine the first instruction information; determine the second instruction information, etc.

[0474] when Figure 16 When the communication device shown is a terminal device or a network device, it will be responsible for executing one or more of the methods or steps related to the terminal device or network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0475] Optionally, Figure 16 The communication device shown also includes a storage unit 1630 for storing programs or code for executing the aforementioned methods.

[0476] Figure 16 The transceiver unit in the middle can correspond to Figure 15The transceiver circuit in the middle, Figure 16 The processing unit in the middle can correspond to Figure 15 The processing circuitry within.

[0477] Figure 15 and Figure 16 The illustrated device embodiment is used to implement Figures 3 to 14 The content described. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The specific execution steps and methods of the device shown can be found in the content described in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0478] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory, causing a communication device on which the chip is installed to perform the methods described in the examples above. The memory may be integrated within the chip or located externally.

[0479] This application also provides another chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, and a processing circuit, wherein the input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected through an internal connection path, and the processing circuit is used to execute code in memory. When the code is executed, the processing circuit is used to execute the methods in the above examples.

[0480] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory for storing computer programs or code. The input and output interfaces can be independent of each other, or they can be integrated into a single input / output interface.

[0481] The processing circuitry can be all or part of the processing circuitry in one or more processors, or one or more processors.

[0482] This application also provides a communication device, including a processor coupled to a memory, the processor being used to execute a computer program stored in the memory to implement the methods and functions of a network device or terminal device involved in any of the above method embodiments.

[0483] In another embodiment of this application, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0484] This application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0485] In another embodiment of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program that, when executed by a computer, implements the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0486] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0487] In addition, the processor may include one or more of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), a baseband processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an artificial intelligence processor (AI processor), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0488] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous linked DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0489] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or 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 website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. 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. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0490] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes 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.

[0491] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly 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. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units is merely 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 mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0492] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, 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. If the above functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0493] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a first indication information, the first indication information indicating whether to monitor the downlink control channel in the first time period; Receive a second instruction message, which instructs to adjust the time domain distribution of the first time period.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first time period includes at least one second sub-time period; The first indication information indicates whether to monitor the downlink control channel in the first time period, including: The first indication information indicates whether the downlink control channel is monitored in the second sub-period within the first time period.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The temporal configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period includes multiple candidate temporal configurations; The method further includes: Receive third indication information, which indicates that one of the multiple candidate time domain configurations is the time domain configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period.

4. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a first indication message, the first indication message indicating whether to monitor the downlink control channel in the first time period; Send a second instruction message, which instructs to adjust the time domain distribution of the first time period.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first time period includes at least one second sub-time period; The first indication information indicates whether to monitor the downlink control channel in the first time period, including: The first indication information indicates whether the downlink control channel is monitored in the second sub-period within the first time period.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The temporal configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period includes multiple candidate temporal configurations; The method further includes: Send a third indication message, which indicates that one of the multiple candidate time domain configurations is the time domain configuration of the second sub-time period within the first time period.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2, 3, 5, or 6, characterized in that, The second sub-time period belongs to the second set, which includes multiple sub-time periods. Different sub-time periods satisfy at least one of the following: different time domain start positions, different time domain lengths, and different periods.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates an adjustment to the time-domain distribution of the first time period, including at least one of the following: The second indication information indicates that the first time period should be terminated early; The second instruction indicates that the first time period should begin earlier than scheduled; The second indication indicates a delay in the start of the first time period; The second indication information indicates that the first sub-period within the first time period should be skipped; The second instruction indicates that an additional time period should be added after the first time period.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first indication information also indicates whether the second indication information is received.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first time period belongs to the first set, and the time periods in the first set have a first periodicity in the time domain.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first indication information belongs to the wake-up signal WUS, and / or; the second indication information belongs to WUS.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate a first frequency domain resource, which is used to monitor the downlink control channel within the first frequency domain resource during the first time period.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first indication information and / or the second indication information further indicate the activation of the second frequency domain resource and the scheduling of data transmission on the second frequency domain resource.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The first indication information is located in the time domain prior to the first time period, and the time interval between the location of the first indication information in the time domain and the start of the first time period is a first duration; and / or, The first indication information is located at a first position in the first time period in the time domain; The first duration and / or the first position are related to the time required to process the first indication information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The first time period is at least one active period for discontinuous reception of DRX, and the DRX includes the active period and the dormant period.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first indication information, the first indication information indicating whether to monitor the downlink control channel in a first time period of a first set, the time periods of the first set being distributed without intervals in the time domain; According to the instructions of the first indication information, the downlink control channel is monitored or not monitored during the first time period.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second instruction message, which instructs to adjust the time domain distribution of the first time period.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor, the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 17 by executing a computer program or instructions, or by using logic circuitry.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 17 to be performed.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 17 to be performed.

Images