Method for terminal device and terminal device

Abstract

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable medium. A terminal device receives a first configuration indicating a first set of opportunities and a second configuration indicating a second set of opportunities. The first set of opportunities is associated with a first operation for a first network device or a second network device, and the second set of opportunities is associated with a second operation for the second network device within a MUSIM gap. If a first opportunity in the first set of opportunities overlaps with a second opportunity in the second set of opportunities, the terminal device performs one of the first and second operations based on at least a period of the MUSIM gap. This allows MUSIM gap collisions to be handled.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to a method, apparatus, and computer storage medium for Multi-Universal Subscriber Identity Module (MUSIM) communication. [Background technology]

[0002] As is widely known, a MUSIM gap is defined when a terminal device switches from network A with USIM A to network B with USIM B and operates in network B. Currently, it has been proposed to define Radio Resource Management (RRM) requirements for the MUSIM gap, and in particular to define and specify solutions for handling conflicts between the MUSIM gap and other opportunities. However, these solutions for handling conflicts are still incomplete, and further improvements are required. Summary of the Invention

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, apparatus, and computer storage medium for handling MUSIM gap collisions.

[0004] In a first aspect, a method of communication is provided, the method including: receiving, in a terminal device, from a first network device, a first configuration indicating a set of first opportunities associated with a first operation for the first network device or a second network device, receiving from the first network device a second configuration indicating a set of second opportunities associated with a second operation for the second network device in a MUSIM gap, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation based on a periodicity of the MUSIM gap in response to determining that a first opportunity in the first set of opportunities overlaps with a second opportunity in the second set of opportunities.

[0005] In a second aspect, a method of communication is provided, including transmitting, in a first network device, to a terminal device: a third setting indicating a time domain multiplexing (TDM) pattern indicating whether a first operation for the first network device or a second network device is to be performed, or a second operation for the second network device is to be performed; a fourth setting indicating at least one of a first priority of a first opportunity for the first operation and a second priority of a second opportunity for the second operation; a fifth setting indicating at least one of a third priority of the first operation or a fourth priority of the second operation; an indication to apply a first relaxed minimum requirement to the first operation; an indication to apply a second relaxed minimum requirement to the second operation; and a first factor setting for the first operation.

[0006] In a third aspect, there is provided a communications apparatus, the apparatus comprising a processor configured to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any of the first to second aspects of the present disclosure.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method according to any of the first or second aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] Other features of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent through more detailed description of several embodiments of the present disclosure in the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary communication scenario in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0011] [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example scenario of a MUSIM gap collision in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0012] [Figure 2B] FIG. 10 illustrates another example scenario of a MUSIM gap collision in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0013] [Figure 2C] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another exemplary scenario of MUSIM gap collision in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0014] [Figure 2D] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another exemplary scenario of MUSIM gap collision in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0015] [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication process for MUSIM gap collision handling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example method of communication implemented in a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 5] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a method of communication implemented in a first network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 6] 1 is a simplified block diagram of an apparatus adapted to practice an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The principles of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to several embodiments. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are intended to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and practicing the present disclosure. They are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The subject matter described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0021] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0022] As used herein, the term "terminal device" refers to any device with wireless or wired communication capabilities. Examples of terminal devices include user equipment (UE), personal computers, desktops, mobile phones, mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, tablets, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Ultra-reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC) devices, Internet of Everything (IoE) devices, Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices, vehicle-mounted devices for V2X communications (where X represents pedestrians, vehicles, or infrastructure / networks), devices for Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB), spacecraft or aircraft in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) including High Altitude Platforms (HAP) and satellites, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Virtual Reality (VR), and the like. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, XR (eXtended Reality) devices that involve different types of reality such as XR (Extended Reality), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that do not require a human pilot, commonly known as drones, devices on high-speed trains (HSTs), imaging devices (image capture devices) such as digital cameras, sensors, game devices, music storage and playback devices, or internet devices that enable wireless / wired internet access and browsing.A "terminal device" may also have multicast / broadcast capabilities to support public safety, mission-critical, V2X applications, transparent IPv4 / IPv6 multicast distribution, IPTV, smart TV, wireless services, wireless software distribution, group communication, and IoT applications. It may also incorporate one or more Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs), known as multi-SIMs. The term "terminal device" can be used interchangeably with UE, mobile station, subscriber station, mobile terminal, user terminal, or wireless device.

[0023] The term "network device" refers to a device capable of providing or hosting a cell or coverage area over which terminal devices can communicate. Examples of network devices include, but are not limited to, a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a next generation Node B (gNB), a Transmission Reception Point (TRP), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Head (RH), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), an IAB node, a low power node such as a femto node or a pico node, a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS), etc.

[0024] A terminal device or network device may have artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning capabilities, which typically include models learned from a large amount of data collected about a specific function and can be used to make predictions.

[0025] A terminal device or a network device may operate in multiple frequency ranges, such as FR1 (410 MHz to 7125 MHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz to 71 GHz), frequency bands above 100 GHz, and terahertz (THz). Furthermore, it can operate in licensed, unlicensed, and shared spectrum. A terminal device may have multiple connections with a network device in a Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) application scenario. A terminal device or a network device can operate in full duplex, flexible duplex, and cross-division duplex modes.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in test equipment such as a signal generator, a signal analyzer, a spectrum analyzer, a network analyzer, a test terminal device, a test network device, a channel emulator, and the like.

[0027] In some embodiments, a terminal device may be connected to a first network device and a second network device. One of the first network device and the second network device may be a master node, and the other may be a secondary node. The first network device and the second network device may use different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). In some embodiments, the first network device may be a first RAT device, and the second network device may be a second RAT device. In some embodiments, the first RAT device may be an eNB, and the second RAT device may be a gNB. Information related to the different RATs may be transmitted to the terminal device from at least one of the first network device and the second network device. In some embodiments, the first information may be transmitted from the first network device to the terminal device, and the second information may be transmitted from the second network device directly or via the first network device to the terminal device. In some embodiments, information related to a configuration of the terminal device set by the second network device may be transmitted from the second network device via the first network device. Information related to a reconfiguration of the terminal device set by the second network device may be transmitted to the terminal device from the second network device directly or via the first network device.

[0028] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "comprises" and variations thereof are intended to be open-ended, meaning "including, but not limited to." The term "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on." The terms "one embodiment" and "embodiment" are intended to mean "at least one embodiment." The term "another embodiment" is intended to mean "at least one other embodiment." Terms such as "first," "second," etc. may refer to different objects or the same object. The following content may include other definitions, both explicit and implicit.

[0029] In some instances, values, procedures, or devices are referred to as "optimum," "lowest," "highest," "minimum," "maximum," etc. It will be understood that such descriptions are intended to indicate choices among multiple functional alternatives used, and that such choices are not necessarily better, smaller, higher, or more preferred than other choices.

[0030] In the description of this disclosure, the term "Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)" refers to a universal subscriber identity module used in a terminal device. Examples of SIMs include, but are not limited to, a SIM card, a USIM card, an ISIM card, a MUSIM card, etc. The term "SIM" can be used interchangeably with USIM, ISIM, or MUSIM.

[0031] Assume that a terminal device having USIM A and USIM B has established a connection in network A for USIM A and is in an idle or inactive state in network B for USIM B. In this case, when the terminal device needs to process an incoming service from network B, the terminal device may switch to network B.

[0032] Generally, network A may configure up to three gap patterns (two periodic gaps and one aperiodic gap) for MUSIM purposes, while the corresponding RRM requirements are not specified. Without the corresponding RRM requirements, the introduction of MUSIM functionality into actual operation cannot be guaranteed to minimize the impact on network A and may result in compatibility issues. In some scenarios, collisions may occur between MUSIM gap opportunities and other opportunities, such as measurement gaps, synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB)-based RRM Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC), SSB, Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS), or other MUSIM gaps.

[0033] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a solution for handling MUSIM gap collisions. In this solution, a terminal device receives, from a first network device (e.g., network A), a first configuration indicating a first set of opportunities and a second configuration indicating a second set of opportunities. The first set of opportunities is associated with a first operation for the first network device or a second network device (e.g., network B), and the second set of opportunities is associated with a second operation for the second network device within the MUSIM gap. If a first opportunity in the first set of opportunities overlaps with a second opportunity in the second set of opportunities, the terminal device performs one of the first operation and the second operation based on at least the period of the MUSIM gap. In this way, RRM requirements for the MUSIM are defined, and MUSIM gap collisions are resolved. Therefore, the performance of the network (especially network A) is guaranteed.

[0034] In the description of this disclosure, the term "MUSIM gap collision" may refer to at least one of the following: Collision between MUSIM gap and measurement gap in network A Collision between MUSIM gaps and SMTC opportunities in Network A (for intra-frequency measurements, radio link monitoring or beam fault monitoring) · MUSIM gap and SSB opportunity conflict in Network A Conflict between MUSIM gap and CSI-RS opportunity in Network A · MUSIM gap and PRS opportunity conflict in Network A Collision of one MUSIM gap with another MUSIM gap

[0035] In the context of the present disclosure, a MUSIM gap opportunity and an SMTC opportunity / CSI-RS opportunity / PRS measurement opportunity / measurement gap / MUSIM gap #2 opportunity are considered to be in conflict if at least one of the following conditions is met: When two opportunities overlap completely or partially in the time domain, or The distance between two opportunities is equal to or less than a threshold distance (e.g., the threshold distance may be 4 ms or more, or another appropriate value). The distance between two opportunities is defined as the time difference between the end of one opportunity and the start of another opportunity that occurs later than the first opportunity.

[0036] The principles and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. [Example of a communication network]

[0037] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary communication scenario 100 in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. As illustrated in FIG. 1, communication scenario 100 may include a first communication network 101 (e.g., network A) including a first network device 110 and a second communication network 102 (e.g., network B) including a second network device 120. It should be understood that first network device 110 is merely one example of a network device in first communication network 101, and that in practice, first communication network 101 may include more network devices. Similarly, second network device 120 is merely one example of a network device in second communication network 102, and that in practice, second communication network 102 may also include more network devices.

[0038] The communication scenario 100 may include a terminal device 130 equipped with a first USIM 131 and a second USIM 132. The first USIM 131 communicates with an external environment via a first communication network 101, and the second USIM 132 communicates with an external environment via a second communication network 102. That is, the first USIM 131 is served by a network device in the first communication network 101, and the second USIM 132 is served by a network device in the second communication network 102.

[0039] The first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132 may be compliant with the same or different radio access technologies (RATs) that exist currently or may be developed in the future. That is, the first communication network 101 and the second communication network 102 may be compliant with the same or different RATs. The number of USIMs installed in the terminal device 130 is not limited to two, and two or more USIMs are also applicable. Therefore, it should be noted that the communication scenario 100 may include more communication networks that provide services to the USIMs. For convenience, the following description will be given taking two USIMs and two corresponding communication networks as an example.

[0040] It should be understood that the first network device 110 may also support the second communication network 102, and the second network device 120 may also support the first communication network 101. Thus, the first network device 110 may provide service to at least one of the first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132. The second network device 120 may also provide service to at least one of the first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132. For convenience, unless otherwise stated, the following description will be made assuming that the first network device 110 provides service to the first USIM 131 and the second network device 120 provides service to the second USIM 132. However, it should be noted that this is merely an illustrative example and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, the first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132 may be provided by the same network device, such as the first network device 110 or the second network device 120.

[0041] The first network device 110 may communicate with the terminal device 130 over a channel, such as a wireless communication channel. Similarly, the second network device 120 may communicate with the terminal device 130 over a channel, such as a wireless communication channel. In some embodiments, if the first network device 110 supports the first communication network 101 and the second network device 120 supports the second communication network 102, the first USIM 131 may communicate with the first network device 110 and the second USIM 132 may communicate with the second network device 120. In some embodiments, if the first network device 110 supports the second communication network 102 and the second network device 120 supports the first communication network 101, the first USIM 131 may communicate with the second network device 120 and the second USIM 132 may communicate with the first network device 110. In some embodiments, if the first network device 110 supports both the first communication network 101 and the second communication network 102, both the first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132 may communicate with the first network device 110. In some embodiments, if the second network device 120 supports both the first communication network 101 and the second communication network 102, both the first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132 may communicate with the second network device 120.

[0042] 1 is shown for illustrative purposes and does not imply any limitation on the present disclosure. Communication scenario 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and / or terminal devices adapted to implement the present disclosure.

[0043] Communications in communication scenario 100 include, but are not limited to, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Evolution (LTE-Evolution), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), New Radio (NR), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Machine Type Communications (MTC), etc. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented according to any generation of communication protocols now known or developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G) communication protocols, 5.5G, 5G-Advanced networks, or sixth generation (6G) networks.

[0044] In some scenarios, the terminal device 130 is in a connected state in the first communication network 101 and in an idle or inactive state in the second communication network 102. The first network device 110 may configure a MUSIM gap for the terminal device 130 to perform a short-term service in the second communication network 102 while maintaining a connected state in the first communication network 101. The first network device 110 may also configure a measurement gap / SMTC / SSB / CSI-RS / PRS for measurements on the communication network 101.

[0045] In some scenarios, a MUSIM gap opportunity may collide with another opportunity for a measurement gap, SMTC, SSB, CSI-RS, PRS, or another MUSIM gap. Figure 2A illustrates an example scenario 200A of a MUSIM gap collision in which some embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. In this example, a collision occurs due to an aperiodic MUSIM gap. As illustrated in Figure 2A, an aperiodic MUSIM gap opportunity 210 overlaps with an opportunity 211 for a measurement gap, SMTC, SSB, CSI-RS, PRS, or another MUSIM gap. Note that Figure 2A is merely an example; there may be cases where opportunity 210 partially overlaps with opportunity 211, or where the distance between opportunity 210 and opportunity 211 is less than or equal to a threshold distance. Collisions also occur in these scenarios.

[0046] FIG. 2B illustrates an example MUSIM gap collision scenario 200B in which some embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. In this example, collision occurs due to partial overlap of a periodic MUSIM gap opportunity with another measurement gap, SMTC, SSB, CSI-RS, PRS, or other MUSIM gap opportunity at different periods. The period of the periodic MUSIM gap opportunity is greater than the period of the measurement gap, SMTC, SSB, CSI-RS, PRS, or other MUSIM gap opportunity. As shown in FIG. 2B, periodic MUSIM gap opportunities 220 and 221 overlap with measurement gap, SMTC, SSB, CSI-RS, PRS, or other MUSIM gap opportunities 230 and 231. It should be understood that FIG. 2B is merely an example, and opportunities 220 and 221 may partially overlap with opportunities 230 and 231, or the distance between opportunities 220 and 230 and the distance between opportunities 221 and 231 may be less than or equal to a threshold distance. In these scenarios, collisions also occur.

[0047] FIG. 2C illustrates an example MUSIM gap collision scenario 200C in which some embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. In this example, collision occurs due to overlap of a periodic MUSIM gap opportunity with another measurement gap, SMTC, SSB, CSI-RS, PRS, or other MUSIM gap opportunity at different periods. The periodic MUSIM gap opportunity has a smaller period than the period of the measurement gap, SMTC, SSB, CSI-RS, PRS, or other MUSIM gap opportunity. As shown in FIG. 2C, periodic MUSIM gap opportunities 240, 241, 242, and 243 overlap with measurement gap, SMTC, SSB, CSI-RS, PRS, or other MUSIM gap opportunities 250, 251, 252, and 253. 2C is merely an example, and it should be understood that opportunities 240, 241, 242, and 243 may completely overlap with opportunities 250, 251, 252, and 253, or the distance between opportunities 240 and 250, between opportunities 241 and 251, between opportunities 242 and 252, and between opportunities 243 and 253 may be less than or equal to the threshold distance. In these scenarios, collisions still occur.

[0048] 2D illustrates an example MUSIM gap collision scenario 200D in which some embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. In this example, a collision occurs due to a periodic MUSIM gap opportunity overlapping with another measurement gap, SMTC, SSB, CSI-RS, PRS, or other MUSIM gap opportunity at the same period. As shown in FIG. 2D, periodic MUSIM gap opportunities 260, 261, 262, and 263 overlap with measurement gap, SMTC, SSB, CSI-RS, PRS, or other MUSIM gap opportunities 270, 271, 272, and 273. 2D is merely an example, and it should be understood that opportunities 260, 261, 262, and 263 may overlap with opportunities 270, 271, 272, and 273, or the distance between opportunities 260 and 270, between opportunities 261 and 271, between opportunities 262 and 272, and between opportunities 263 and 273 may be less than or equal to the threshold distance. In these scenarios, collisions still occur.

[0049] However, if a MUSIM gap opportunity may collide with a measurement gap / SMTC / SSB / CSI-RS / PRS opportunity, the terminal device 130 cannot simultaneously perform service for the second communication network 102 and measurement for the first communication network 101. If multiple MUSIM gaps are configured in the terminal device 130 and a collision occurs between the MUSIM gaps (for example, if a non-periodic MUSIM gap collides with a periodic MUSIM gap), the terminal device 130 cannot perform operations corresponding to different MUSIM gaps.

[0050] In light of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a communication solution for handling MUSIM gap collisions to solve these and other potential problems, details of which are described below with reference to Figure 3 for illustrative purposes. [Example Implementation of MUSIM Gap Collision Handling]

[0051] 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication process 300 for MUSIM gap collision handling according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, the process 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the process 300 may involve a first network device 110, a second network device 120, and a terminal device 130. The terminal device 130 is assumed to be in a connected state with respect to the first network device 110 and in an idle or inactive state with respect to the second network device 120.

[0052] 3, the first network device 110 transmits 310 a first configuration indicating a first set of opportunities to the terminal device 130. The first set of opportunities is associated with a first action for the first network device 110 or the second network device 120.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first set of opportunities may be used for a measurement gap, hi these embodiments, the first operation may include signal measurements for the first network device 110.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first set of opportunities may be used for SMTC. In these embodiments, the first operation may include radio link failure monitoring, beam failure monitoring, intra-frequency measurements, or inter-frequency measurements for the first network device 110.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first set of opportunities may be used for CSI-RS, hi these embodiments, the first operation may include CSI-RS measurements for the first network device 110.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first set of opportunities may be used for the PRS, hi these embodiments, the first operation may include PRS measurements for the first network device 110.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first set of opportunities may be used for SSB, hi these embodiments, the first operation may include SSB measurements for the first network device 110.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first set of opportunities may be used for MUSIM gaps. In some embodiments, the first operation may include cell measurements or paging reception for the second network device 120.

[0059] Continuing with reference to Figure 3, the first network device 110 also transmits (320) a second configuration to the terminal device 130 indicating a second set of opportunities. The second set of opportunities is associated with a second operation of the second network device 120 within the MUSIM gap. In some embodiments, the second operation may include cell measurements or paging reception for the second network device 120 in this MUSIM gap.

[0060]

[0033] Referring to Figure 3, if a first opportunity in the set of first opportunities overlaps with a second opportunity in the set of second opportunities, the terminal device 130 performs one of a first operation and a second operation based on the period of the MUSIM gap corresponding to at least the second opportunity (330). For illustrative purposes, some example embodiments are described below in relation to embodiments 1 to 8. [Embodiment 1]

[0061] In this embodiment, the second opportunity is a non-periodic MUSIM gap opportunity.

[0062] In some embodiments, if the second opportunity conflicts with a first opportunity (e.g., an SMTC opportunity, a measurement gap opportunity, an SSB opportunity, a CSI-RS opportunity, a PRS opportunity, or another MUSIM gap opportunity), terminal device 110 may drop the first opportunity. In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may perform a second action on the second opportunity. That is, terminal device 110 switches to second communication network 102 in a non-periodic gap opportunity, and the SMTC opportunity, measurement gap opportunity, SSB opportunity, CSI-RS opportunity, PRS opportunity, or another MUSIM gap opportunity may be considered to be dropped.

[0063] In this way, the MUSIM service can be implemented in network B in the event of a collision. [Embodiment 2]

[0064] In this embodiment, the second opportunity is a periodic MUSIM gap opportunity.

[0065] In some embodiments, if the second opportunity conflicts with the first opportunity (e.g., an SMTC opportunity, a measurement gap opportunity, an SSB opportunity, a CSI-RS opportunity, a PRS opportunity, or another MUSIM gap opportunity), terminal device 110 may drop the first opportunity. In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may perform a second action on the second opportunity. That is, terminal device 110 switches to second communication network 102 during the aperiodic gap opportunity, and the SMTC opportunity, measurement gap opportunity, SSB opportunity, CSI-RS opportunity, PRS opportunity, or another MUSIM gap opportunity may be considered to be dropped.

[0066] In some alternative embodiments, if the second opportunity conflicts with the first opportunity, terminal device 110 may drop the second opportunity. In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may perform the first operation at the first opportunity. That is, terminal device 110 may drop the MUSIM gap opportunity.

[0067] In this way, a MUSIM gap collision can always be resolved by dropping the MUSIM gap opportunity or another opportunity. [Embodiment 3]

[0068] In this embodiment, the second opportunity is a periodic MUSIM gap opportunity.

[0069] In some embodiments, if the second opportunity collides with a first opportunity (e.g., an SMTC opportunity, a measurement gap opportunity, an SSB opportunity, a CSI-RS opportunity, a PRS opportunity, or another MUSIM gap opportunity), terminal device 110 may determine one of a first action and a second action based on a time division multiplexing (TDM) pattern. The TDM pattern refers to a pattern of actions terminal device 130 should take in response to the collision. That is, terminal device 110 may drop the first opportunity and switch to second communication network 102 to take the second action, or may drop the second opportunity and take the first action, based on the TDM pattern.

[0070] In some embodiments, the TDM pattern may be predefined. For example, in one collision, the first opportunity may be dropped and the second action may be performed at the second opportunity. In the next collision, the second opportunity may be dropped and the first action may be performed at the first opportunity. It should be understood that this is merely an example and that other predefined methods may be implemented.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may send a third configuration indicating the TDM pattern to the terminal device 130. In this case, the TDM pattern may be flexibly configured.

[0072] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may transmit the recommended TDM pattern to first network device 110. First network device 110 may configure a TDM pattern for terminal device 130 based on the recommended TDM pattern.

[0073] In this way, the MUSIM gap collision can be resolved by using the TDM pattern. [Embodiment 4]

[0074] In this embodiment, the second opportunity is a periodic MUSIM gap opportunity.

[0075] In some embodiments, if the second opportunity conflicts with a first opportunity (e.g., an SMTC opportunity, a measurement gap opportunity, an SSB opportunity, a CSI-RS opportunity, a PRS opportunity, or another MUSIM gap opportunity), the terminal device 110 may determine one of the first and second actions based on a first priority of the first opportunity and a second priority of the second opportunity.

[0076] In some embodiments, if the first priority is higher than the second priority, i.e., if the first opportunity has a higher priority than the second opportunity, terminal device 130 may perform the first action at the first opportunity, in which case the second opportunity may be considered dropped.

[0077] In some embodiments, if the first priority is lower than the second priority, i.e., if the second opportunity has a higher priority than the first opportunity, terminal device 130 may perform the second action at the second opportunity, in which case the first opportunity may be considered dropped.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may transmit a fourth configuration indicating at least one of the first priority and the second priority to the terminal device 130. In some embodiments, the fourth configuration may be carried by a radio resource control (RRC) message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message). It should be understood that any other suitable method is also possible.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may set a priority for the MUSIM gap and the SMTC, measurement gap, SSB, CSI-RS, PRS, or another MUSIM gap. In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may set a priority for the MUSIM gap, and the priority for the SMTC, measurement gap, SSB, CSI-RS, or PRS may be set as a predefined value.

[0080] In some embodiments, the terminal device 130 may transmit a recommended priority for the second opportunity (i.e., the MSIM gap) to the first network device 110. For example, the terminal device 130 may provide a recommended priority for the MSIM gap when transmitting the MSIM gap priority to the first network device 110. The first network device 110 may set the priority of the MSIM gap based on the recommended priority.

[0081] In this way, the priority of opportunities can be used to resolve MUSIM gap collisions. [Embodiment 5]

[0082] In this embodiment, the second opportunity is a periodic MUSIM gap opportunity.

[0083] In some embodiments, if the second opportunity conflicts with the first opportunity (e.g., an SMTC opportunity, a measurement gap opportunity, an SSB opportunity, a CSI-RS opportunity, a PRS opportunity, or another MUSIM gap opportunity), the terminal device 110 may determine one of the first action and the second action based on a third priority of the first action and a fourth priority of the second action.

[0084] In some embodiments, if the third priority is higher than the fourth priority, i.e., if the first action has a higher priority than the second action, terminal device 130 may perform the first action at the first opportunity, in which case the second opportunity may be considered dropped.

[0085] In some embodiments, if the third priority is lower than the fourth priority, i.e., if the second action has a higher priority than the first action, terminal device 130 may perform the second action at the second opportunity, in which case the first opportunity may be considered dropped.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may transmit a fifth configuration indicating at least one of the third priority or the fourth priority to the terminal device 130. In some embodiments, the fifth configuration may be carried by an RRC message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message). It should be understood that any other suitable method is also possible.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may set a priority for the second operation and the first operation. In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may set a priority for the second operation, and the priority for the first operation may be set as a predefined value.

[0088] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may transmit a recommended priority for the second operation to first network device 110. For example, terminal device 130 may provide the recommended priority for the second operation when transmitting the MSIM gap priority to first network device 110. First network device 110 may set the priority of the second operation based on the recommended priority.

[0089] In this way, the priority of the operations or actions can be used to resolve MUSIM gap collisions. [Embodiment 6]

[0090] In this embodiment, the second opportunity is a periodic MUSIM gap opportunity.

[0091] In some embodiments, if the second opportunity conflicts with a first opportunity (such as an SMTC opportunity, a measurement gap opportunity, an SSB opportunity, a CSI-RS opportunity, a PRS opportunity, or another MUSIM gap opportunity), the terminal device 110 may determine one of the first and second actions based on the first period of the first opportunity and the second period of the second opportunity.

[0092] In some embodiments, if the first period is greater than the second period, i.e., if the first opportunity has a longer period than the second opportunity, terminal device 130 may perform the first action at the first opportunity, in which case the second opportunity may be considered dropped.

[0093] In some embodiments, if the first period is smaller than the second period, i.e., if the second opportunity has a longer period than the first opportunity, terminal device 130 may perform a second action at the second opportunity, in which case the first opportunity may be considered dropped.

[0094] In this way, the opportunity period can be used to resolve MUSIM gap collisions. [Embodiment 7]

[0095] In this embodiment, the second opportunity is a periodic MUSIM gap opportunity.

[0096] In some embodiments, if the second opportunity conflicts with a first opportunity (an SMTC opportunity, a measurement gap opportunity, an SSB opportunity, a CSI-RS opportunity, a PRS opportunity, or another MUSIM gap opportunity), terminal device 110 may perform a first operation with a relaxed minimum requirement (for convenience, also referred to herein as a first relaxed minimum requirement). In some embodiments, the relaxed minimum requirement may be a period requirement. In this manner, the period of the first opportunity can be changed, and MUSIM gap collisions can be mitigated.

[0097] In some embodiments, first network device 110 may send an instruction to apply the first relaxed minimum requirement to terminal device 130. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may comply with the first relaxed minimum requirement without an instruction from first network device 110.

[0098] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine a first relaxed minimum requirement based on a first coefficient (e.g., denoted as K1) and an original minimum requirement of the first operation (also conveniently referred to as a first original minimum requirement). In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine the first relaxed minimum requirement by multiplying the first original minimum requirement by the first coefficient. In the context of this disclosure, the first coefficient may also be referred to as a first relaxed coefficient or a first proportional coefficient.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may transmit the setting of the first factor K1 to the terminal device 130. That is, the first network device 110 may set the first factor K1 for the terminal device 130. In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may set the first factor K1 in the system information. In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may set the first factor K1 in an RRC message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) or any other suitable message.

[0100] In some embodiments, the terminal device 130 may transmit a recommendation coefficient (for convenience, also referred to as a first recommendation coefficient, and denoted herein as K1′) to the first network device 110. Based on the first recommendation coefficient K1′, the first network device 110 may set the first coefficient K1 for the terminal device 130.

[0101] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine the first coefficient K1. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine the first coefficient K1 based on a ratio between a first period of the first opportunity and a second period of the second opportunity. For example, terminal device 130 may determine the first coefficient K1 based on the following equation (1): K1=1 / (1-(P1 / P2)) (1) where K1 denotes a first coefficient, P1 denotes a first period of the first opportunity, and P2 denotes a second period of the second opportunity. It should be understood that equation (1) is merely an example, and any other suitable form may also be implemented.

[0102] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine first coefficient K1 based on the number of first opportunities within a certain time period (also referred to herein as a first time period for convenience) and the number of first opportunities that do not overlap with the set of second opportunities within the first time period. For example, terminal device 130 may determine first coefficient K1 based on the following equation (2): K1=N total1 / N available1 (2) where K1 is the first coefficient and N total1 denotes the number of first opportunities in the first time frame, and N available1 denotes the number of first opportunities that do not overlap with the set of second opportunities within the first time frame. It should be understood that equation (2) is merely an example and any other suitable form is also possible.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first time period may be associated with the first period of the first opportunity or the maximum period of the MUSIM gap. For example, the first time period may be determined by the following equation (3): T1=max{P1,Pmax1} (3) where T1 denotes the first time frame, P1 denotes the first period of the first opportunity, and P max1 denotes the maximum period of the MUSIM gap. It should be understood that equation (3) is merely an example, and any other suitable method can be implemented for determining the first time slot.

[0104] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine first coefficient K1 based on the number of first opportunities within a certain time period (also referred to herein as a second time period for convenience) and the number of first opportunities that do not overlap with a set of second opportunities or a measurement gap within the second time period. For example, terminal device 130 may determine first coefficient K1 based on the following equation (4): K1=N total2 / N available2 (4) where K1 is the first coefficient and N total2 denotes the number of first opportunities in the second time frame, and N available2 denotes the number of first occasions that do not overlap with the set of second occasions or measurement gaps within the second time frame. It should be understood that equation (4) is merely an example and any other suitable form is also possible.

[0105] In some embodiments, the second time period may be associated with the first period of the first opportunity, the maximum period of the MUSIM gap, or the maximum period of the measurement gap. For example, the second time period may be determined by the following equation (5): T2=max{P1,P max1 ,P max2} (5) where T2 denotes the second time frame, P1 denotes the first period of the first opportunity, and P max1 denotes the maximum period of the MUSIM gap, and P max2 denotes the maximum period of the measurement gap. It should be understood that equation (5) is merely an example and that any other suitable method for determining the second time period may also be implemented.

[0106] In some embodiments, the terminal device 130 may determine the first coefficient based on a second coefficient (e.g., a relaxation coefficient or a proportional coefficient) of the second operation. In the context of the present disclosure, the second coefficient may also be referred to as a second relaxation coefficient or a second proportional coefficient. For example, the terminal device 130 may determine the first coefficient according to the following equation (6): K1=1 / (1-1 / K2) (6) where K1 denotes the first coefficient and K2 denotes the second coefficient. It should be understood that equation (6) is merely an example and any other suitable form is also possible.

[0107] In this way, applying relaxed minimum requirements to the first operation can mitigate MUSIM gap collisions. [Embodiment 8]

[0108] In this embodiment, the second opportunity is a periodic MUSIM gap opportunity.

[0109] In some embodiments, if the second opportunity conflicts with the first opportunity (an SMTC opportunity, a measurement gap opportunity, an SSB opportunity, a CSI-RS opportunity, a PRS opportunity, or another MUSIM gap opportunity), terminal device 110 may perform the second operation using a relaxed minimum requirement (also referred to herein as a second relaxed minimum requirement for convenience). In some embodiments, the relaxed minimum requirement may be a period requirement. In this manner, the period of the second opportunity can be changed, and MUSIM gap collisions can also be mitigated.

[0110] In some embodiments, second network device 120 may send an instruction to apply the second relaxed minimum requirement to terminal device 130. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may comply with the second relaxed minimum requirement without an instruction from second network device 120.

[0111] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine a second relaxed minimum requirement based on the aforementioned second coefficient (denoted as K2) and the original minimum requirement of the second operation (also referred to as the second original minimum requirement for convenience). In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine the second relaxed minimum requirement by multiplying the second original minimum requirement by the second coefficient.

[0112] In some embodiments, second network device 120 may transmit the setting of the second factor K2 to terminal device 130. That is, second network device 120 may set second factor K2 for terminal device 130. In some embodiments, second network device 120 may set second factor K2 in system information. In some embodiments, second network device 120 may set second factor K2 in an RRC message (e.g., an RRC release message) or any other suitable message.

[0113] In some embodiments, the terminal device 130 may transmit a recommendation coefficient (for convenience, also referred to as a second recommendation coefficient, and denoted herein as K2′) to the second network device 120. Based on the second recommendation coefficient K2′, the second network device 120 may set the second coefficient K2 for the terminal device 130.

[0114] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine the second coefficient K2. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine the second coefficient K2 based on a ratio between the second period of the second opportunity and the first period of the first opportunity. For example, terminal device 130 may determine the second coefficient K2 based on the following equation (7): K2=1 / (1-(P2 / P1)) (7) where K2 denotes the second coefficient, P1 denotes the first period of the first opportunity, and P2 denotes the second period of the second opportunity. It should be understood that equation (7) is merely an example and any other suitable form may also be implemented.

[0115] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine second coefficient K2 based on the number of second opportunities within a certain time period (also referred to herein as a third time period for convenience) and the number of second opportunities that do not overlap with the set of first opportunities within the third time period. For example, terminal device 130 may determine second coefficient K2 based on the following equation (8): K2=N total3 / N available3 (8) where K2 is the second coefficient and N total3 denotes the number of second occasions in the third time frame, and N available3 denotes the number of first opportunities that do not overlap with the set of first opportunities in the third time slot. It should be understood that equation (8) is merely an example and any other suitable form is also possible.

[0116] In some embodiments, the third time period may be associated with the second period of the second opportunity, the maximum period of the first opportunity, or the maximum period of the MUSIM gap. For example, the third time period may be determined by the following equation (9): T3=max{P2,P max2}orP max1 (9) where T3 denotes the third time frame, P2 denotes the second period of the second opportunity, and P max1 denotes the maximum period of the MUSIM gap, and P max2 denotes the maximum period of the first opportunity. It should be understood that equation (9) is merely an example and that any other suitable method for determining the third time slot can be implemented.

[0117] In some embodiments, the terminal device 130 may determine the second coefficient based on the first coefficient of the first operation. For example, the terminal device 130 may determine the second coefficient according to the following equation (10). K2=1 / (1-1 / K1) (10) where K1 denotes the first coefficient and K2 denotes the second coefficient. It should be understood that equation (10) is merely an example and any other suitable form is also possible.

[0118] In this way, applying relaxed minimum requirements to the second operation can mitigate MUSIM gap collisions.

[0119] It should be understood that the solutions described in embodiments 1 to 8 can be used separately or in any suitable combination. [Example of method]

[0120] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of communication implemented in a terminal device and a network device, which are described below with reference to Figures 4-5.

[0121] 4 illustrates an exemplary method 400 of communication implemented in a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, method 400 may be implemented in terminal device 130 as shown in FIG. 1. For purposes of explanation, method 400 is described below with reference to FIG. 1. It should be understood that method 400 may include additional blocks not shown and / or omit some blocks shown, and that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0122] In this example, the first network device 110 is associated with a first subscriber identity module of the terminal device 130, and the second network device 120 is associated with a second subscriber identity module of the terminal device 130. The terminal device 130 is in a connected state with respect to the first network device 110 and in an idle or inactive state with respect to the second network device 120.

[0123] In block 410, the terminal device 130 receives a first setting from the first network device 110 indicating a first set of opportunities, the first set of opportunities being associated with a first action for the first network device 110 or the second network device 120.

[0124] In block 420, the terminal device 130 receives a second configuration from the first network device 110 indicating a second set of opportunities, the second set of opportunities being associated with a second operation for the second network device 120 in the MSIM gap.

[0125] At block 430, terminal device 130 determines whether a first opportunity in the first set of opportunities overlaps with a second opportunity in the second set of opportunities. If the first opportunity overlaps (e.g., fully or partially overlaps) with the second opportunity, process 400 may proceed to block 440.

[0126] In block 440, the terminal device 130 performs one of a first action and a second action based on at least the period of the MUSIM gap.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first opportunity may include a measurement gap opportunity, an SMTC opportunity, a CSI-RS opportunity, a PRS opportunity, an SSB opportunity, or another MUSIM gap opportunity.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first operation may include signal measurement, radio link failure monitoring, beam failure monitoring, intra-frequency measurement, inter-frequency measurement, or positioning measurement. In some embodiments, the second operation may include measurement for cell reselection or paging reception.

[0129] In some embodiments where the MUSIM gap is aperiodic, the terminal device 130 may perform one of the first and second operations by at least one of dropping the first opportunity or performing the second operation on the second opportunity.

[0130] In some embodiments where the MUSIM gap is periodic, the terminal device 130 may perform one of the first and second operations by at least one of dropping the first opportunity or performing the second operation on the second opportunity.

[0131] In some embodiments where the MUSIM gap is periodic, the terminal device 130 may perform one of the first and second operations by at least one of dropping the second opportunity or performing the first operation on the first opportunity.

[0132] In some embodiments in which the MUSIM gap is periodic, the terminal device 130 may perform one of the first and second operations by determining one of the first and second operations based on the TDM pattern.

[0133] In some embodiments, the TDM pattern is predefined.

[0134] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may receive a third configuration indicating the TDM pattern from first network device 110. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may send a recommended TDM pattern to first network device 110. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may send a recommended TDM pattern to first network device 110 and receive a third configuration indicating the TDM pattern from first network device 110.

[0135] In some embodiments in which the MUSIM gap is periodic, the terminal device 130 may perform one of the first and second operations by determining one of the first and second operations based on a first priority of the first opportunity and a second priority of the second opportunity.

[0136] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may receive a fourth setting indicating at least one of the first priority or the second priority from first network device 110. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may transmit a recommended priority for the second opportunity to first network device 110. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may transmit a recommended priority for the second opportunity to first network device 110 and receive a fourth setting indicating at least one of the first priority or the second priority from first network device 110.

[0137] In some embodiments in which the MUSIM gap is periodic, the terminal device 130 may perform one of the first and second operations by determining one of the first and second operations based on a third priority of the first operation and a fourth priority of the second operation.

[0138] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may receive a fifth setting indicating at least one of the third priority or the fourth priority from first network device 110. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may transmit a recommended priority for the second action to first network device 110. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may transmit a recommended priority for the second action to first network device 110 and receive a fifth setting indicating at least one of the third priority or the fourth priority from first network device 110.

[0139] In some embodiments in which the MUSIM gap is periodic, the terminal device 130 may perform one of the first and second operations by determining one of the first and second operations based on a first period of the first opportunity and a second period of the second opportunity.

[0140] In some embodiments where the MUSIM gap is periodic, the terminal device 130 may perform one of the first operation and the second operation by performing the first operation with a first relaxed minimum requirement.

[0141] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may receive an indication from first network device 110 to apply the first relaxed minimum requirement.

[0142] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine a first relaxed minimum requirement based on the first coefficient and the first original minimum requirement.

[0143] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may receive a setting for the first coefficient from first network device 110. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may transmit a first recommended coefficient to first network device 110. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine the first coefficient based on a ratio between a first period of the first opportunities and a second period of the second opportunities. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine the first coefficient based on the number of first opportunities within a first time frame and the number of first opportunities that do not overlap with a set of second opportunities within the first time frame. The first time frame is associated with the first period of the first opportunities or the maximum period of the MUSIM gap. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine the first coefficient based on the number of first opportunities within a second time frame and the number of first opportunities that do not overlap with a set of second opportunities or a measurement gap within the second time frame. The second time frame is associated with the first period of the first opportunities, the maximum period of the MUSIM gap, or the maximum period of the measurement gap. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine the first coefficient based on the second coefficient of the second operation. It should be understood that any combination of the above embodiments may also be implemented.

[0144] In some embodiments where the MUSIM gap is periodic, the terminal device 130 may perform one of the first and second operations by performing the second operation with a second relaxed minimum requirement.

[0145] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may receive an indication from second network device 120 to apply the second relaxed minimum requirement.

[0146] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine a second relaxed minimum requirement based on the second coefficient and the second original minimum requirement.

[0147] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may receive a setting for the second coefficient from second network device 120. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may transmit a second recommended coefficient to second network device 120. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine the second coefficient based on a ratio of a second period of the second opportunities to a first period of the first opportunities. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine the second coefficient based on the number of second opportunities within a third time frame and the number of second opportunities that do not overlap with the set of first opportunities within the third time frame. The third time frame is associated with the second period of the second opportunities, the maximum period of the first opportunities, or the maximum period of the MUSIM gap. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine the second coefficient based on the first coefficient of the first operation. It should be understood that any combination of the above embodiments is also possible.

[0148] 5 illustrates an exemplary method 500 of communication implemented in a first network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, method 500 may be implemented in first network device 110 or second network device 120, as shown in FIG. 1. For purposes of explanation, method 500 is described below with reference to FIG. 1. Method 500 may include additional blocks not shown and / or may omit some blocks as shown. It should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 5, in block 510, the first network device 110 sends to the terminal device 130 at least one of a third setting indicating a TDM pattern indicating whether a first operation for the first network device 110 or the second network device 120 or a second operation for the second network device 120 is to be performed, a fourth setting indicating at least one of a first priority for the first opportunity for the first operation and a second priority for the second opportunity for the second operation, a fifth setting indicating at least one of a third priority for the first operation and a fourth priority for the second operation, an instruction to apply a first relaxed minimum requirement for the first operation, an instruction to apply a second relaxed minimum requirement for the second operation, or a setting of a first coefficient for the first operation.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may receive from the terminal device 130 at least one of a recommended TDM pattern, a recommended priority for the second opportunity, a recommended priority for the second action, or a first recommended coefficient for the first action.

[0151] It should be understood that the operation of methods 400 and 500 is similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3, and therefore other details will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. [Exemplary Implementations of Devices and Facilities]

[0152] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 600 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. Apparatus 600 may be considered another example of terminal device 130, first network device 110, or second network device 120 as shown in Figure 1. Thus, apparatus 600 may be implemented in or as at least a portion of terminal device 130, first network device 110, or second network device 120.

[0153] The apparatus 600, as shown, includes a processor 610, a memory 620 coupled to the processor 610, a suitable transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) 640 coupled to the processor 610, and a communication interface coupled to the TX / RX 640. The memory 610 stores at least a portion of a program 630. The TX / RX 640 is used for bidirectional communication. The TX / RX 640 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication, although in practice there may be multiple antennas in the access nodes referred to herein. The communication interface may represent any interface required for communication with another network element, such as an X2 / Xn interface for bidirectional communication between eNBs / gNBs, an S1 / NG interface for communication between a Mobility Management Entity (MME) / Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) / SGW / UPF and an eNB / gNB, an Un interface for communication between an eNB / gNB and a relay node (RN), or a Uu interface for communication between an eNB / gNB and a terminal device.

[0154] The program 630 is assumed to include program instructions that, when executed by an associated processor 610, enable the device 600 to operate in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, as discussed herein with reference to FIGS. 1-5. The embodiments herein may be implemented by computer software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware executable by the processor 610 of the device 600. The processor 610 may be configured to implement various embodiments of the present disclosure. The combination of the processor 610 and the memory 620 may also constitute a processing means 650 suitable for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0155] The memory 620 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology (including, but not limited to, computer-readable non-transitory storage media, semiconductor-based storage devices, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed and removable memory, etc.). Although only one memory 620 is shown in the device 600, multiple physically distinct memory modules may be installed in the device 600. The processor 610 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may include, but is not limited to, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor configuration. The device 600 may have multiple processors, for example, application-specific integrated circuit chips time-slaved to a clock synchronous with the main processor.

[0156] In some embodiments, the terminal device comprises circuitry configured to: receive, at the terminal device, a first setting from the first network device indicating a first set of opportunities associated with a first operation for the first network device or the second network device; receive a second setting from the first network device indicating a second set of opportunities associated with a second operation for the second network device in an MUSIM gap; and, in accordance with a determination that a first opportunity in the first set of opportunities overlaps with a second opportunity in the second set of opportunities, perform at least one of the first and second operations based on a periodicity of the MUSIM gap.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first network device comprises circuitry configured to transmit to the terminal device at least one of: a third setting indicating a TDM pattern indicating whether a first operation for the first network device or the second network device, or a second operation for the second network device, is performed at the first network device; a fourth setting indicating at least one of a first priority for a first opportunity for the first operation and a second priority for a second opportunity for the second operation; a fifth setting indicating at least one of a third priority for the first operation and a fourth priority for the second operation; an instruction to apply a first relaxed minimum requirement for the first operation; an instruction to apply a second relaxed minimum requirement for the second operation; or a setting of a first coefficient for the first operation.

[0158] As used herein, the term "circuit" may refer to a hardware circuit and / or a combination of a hardware circuit and software. For example, a circuit may be a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware. As a further example, a circuit may be any portion of a hardware processor with software, such as a digital signal processor, software, and memory that cooperate to perform various functions in a device, such as a terminal device or network device. In yet another example, a circuit may be a hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that requires software / firmware for operation but may be absent when not required for operation. As used herein, the term circuit also encompasses a simple hardware circuit or processor, or portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementation.

[0159] In summary, the embodiments of the present disclosure can provide the following solutions.

[0160] In one solution, a communication method includes, in a terminal device, receiving from a first network device a first setting indicating a first set of opportunities associated with a first operation for the first network device or a second network device; receiving from the first network device a second setting indicating a second set of opportunities associated with a second operation for the second network device in a Multi Universal Subscriber Identity Module (MUSIM) gap; and performing one of the first and second operations based on at least a periodicity of the MUSIM gap in accordance with determining that a first opportunity in the first set of opportunities overlaps with a second opportunity in the second set of opportunities.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first network device is associated with a first subscriber identity module of the terminal device, and the second network device is associated with a second subscriber identity module of the terminal device, and the terminal device is in a connected state with respect to the first network device and in an idle or inactive state with respect to the second network device.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first opportunity includes a measurement gap opportunity, a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) based RRM measurement timing configuration (SMTC) opportunity, a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) opportunity, a positioning reference signal (PRS) opportunity, an SSB opportunity or another MUSIM gap opportunity.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first operation includes signal measurement, radio link failure monitoring, beam failure monitoring, intra-frequency measurement, inter-frequency measurement or positioning measurement, and the second operation includes measurement for cell reselection or paging reception.

[0164] In some embodiments, the MUSIM gap is aperiodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes at least one of dropping the first opportunity or performing the second operation at the second opportunity.

[0165] In some embodiments, the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes at least one of dropping the first opportunity or performing the second operation at the second opportunity.

[0166] In some embodiments, the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes at least one of dropping the second opportunity or performing the first operation at the first opportunity.

[0167] In some embodiments, the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes determining one of the first operation and the second operation based on a time division multiplexing (TDM) pattern.

[0168] In some embodiments, the TDM pattern is predefined.

[0169] In some embodiments, the above-described method further includes at least one of receiving a third configuration indicating the TDM pattern from the first network device or transmitting the recommended TDM pattern to the first network device.

[0170] In some embodiments, the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes determining one of the first operation and the second operation based on a first priority of the first opportunity and a second priority of the second opportunity.

[0171] In some embodiments, the above-described method further includes at least one of receiving a fourth setting from the first network device indicating at least one of the first priority and the second priority, or transmitting a recommended priority for the second opportunity to the first network device.

[0172] In some embodiments, the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes determining one of the first operation and the second operation based on a third priority of the first operation and a fourth priority of the second operation.

[0173] In some embodiments, the above-described method further includes at least one of receiving a fifth setting from the first network device indicating at least one of the third priority and the fourth priority, or transmitting a recommended priority of the second operation to the first network device.

[0174] In some embodiments, the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes determining one of the first operation and the second operation based on a first period of the first opportunity and a second period of the second opportunity.

[0175] In some embodiments, the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes performing the first operation with a first relaxed minimum requirement.

[0176] In some embodiments, the above-described method further includes receiving an indication from the first network device to apply the first relaxed minimum requirement.

[0177] In some embodiments, the method described above further includes determining a first relaxed minimum requirement based on the first coefficient and the first original minimum requirement.

[0178] In some embodiments, the method described above further includes at least one of receiving a setting of the first coefficient from the first network device; transmitting the first recommended coefficient to the first network device; determining the first coefficient based on a ratio of a first period of the first opportunities to a second period of the second opportunities; determining the first coefficient based on the number of first opportunities in a first time frame and the number of first opportunities that do not overlap with a set of second opportunities in the first time frame, wherein the first time frame is associated with the first period of the first opportunities or a maximum period of a MUSIM gap; determining the first coefficient based on the number of first opportunities in a second time frame and the number of first opportunities that do not overlap with a set of second opportunities or a measurement gap in the second time frame, wherein the second time frame is associated with the first period of the first opportunities, a maximum period of a MUSIM gap, or a maximum period of a measurement gap; or determining the first coefficient based on a second coefficient of the second operation.

[0179] In some embodiments, the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes performing the second operation with a second relaxed minimum requirement.

[0180] In some embodiments, the above-described method further includes receiving an indication from the second network device to apply the second relaxed minimum requirement.

[0181] In some embodiments, the method described above further includes determining a second relaxed minimum requirement based on the second coefficient and the second original minimum requirement.

[0182] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned method further includes at least one of receiving a setting of the second coefficient from the second network device, transmitting the second recommended coefficient to the second network device, determining the second coefficient based on a ratio of a second period of the second opportunities to a first period of the first opportunities, determining the second coefficient based on the number of second opportunities in a third time frame and the number of second opportunities that do not overlap with the set of first opportunities in the third time frame, wherein the third time frame is associated with the second period of the second opportunities, the maximum period of the first opportunities, or the maximum period of the MUSIM gap, or determining the second coefficient based on the first coefficient of the first operation.

[0183] In another solution, a communication method includes transmitting, in a first network device, at least one of: a third setting indicating a time division multiplexing (TDM) pattern indicating whether a first operation for the first network device or a second network device, or a second operation for the second network device, is to be performed; a fourth setting indicating at least one of a first priority for a first opportunity for the first operation and a second priority for a second opportunity for the second operation; a fifth setting indicating at least one of a third priority for the first operation and a fourth priority for the second operation; an instruction to apply a first relaxed minimum requirement for the first operation; an instruction to apply a second relaxed minimum requirement for the second operation; or a setting of a first coefficient for the first operation to a terminal device.

[0184] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned method further includes receiving, from the terminal device, at least one of a recommended TDM pattern, a recommended priority for the second opportunity, a recommended priority for the second operation, and a first recommended coefficient for the first operation.

[0185] In another solution, a device for communication comprises a processor configured to cause the device to implement a method according to any of the above claims.

[0186] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented by hardware, while other aspects may be implemented by firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or illustrated by some other pictorial representation, and it will be understood that the blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented by, for example, but not limited to, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing device, or combinations thereof.

[0187] The present disclosure further provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions included in program modules. The instructions are executed on a target real or virtual processor device to implement a process or method such as those described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split among program modules as desired in various embodiments. The machine-readable instructions of the program modules may be embodied in local or distributed devices. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0188] Program code for implementing the methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, and when executed by the processor or controller, the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams are performed. The program code may be implemented entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a separate software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0189] The program code described above may be embodied on a machine-readable medium, which may be any tangible medium that contains or has stored thereon a program used by or in connection with an instruction-implementing system, apparatus, or device. The machine-readable medium may be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media include an electrical connection comprising one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0190] Although operations have been described in a particular order, it should not be understood that performing these operations in the particular order or sequence shown, or performing all of the operations shown, is required to achieve desired results. In some situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while the above discussion includes several specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Some features that are described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0191] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims, is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. receiving, at a terminal device, from a first network device, a first configuration indicating a set of first opportunities associated with a first operation for the first network device or a second network device; receiving, from the first network device, a second configuration indicating a second set of opportunities associated with a second operation for the second network device in a Multi-Universal Subscriber Identity Module (MUSIM) gap; performing one of the first action and the second action based on at least a period of the MUSIM gap in response to determining that a first opportunity in the first set of opportunities overlaps with a second opportunity in the second set of opportunities; Including, Method of communication.

2. the MUSIM gap is aperiodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes at least one of dropping the first opportunity or performing the second operation at the second opportunity. The method of claim 1.

3. the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes at least one of dropping the first opportunity or performing the second operation at the second opportunity. The method of claim 1.

4. the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes at least one of dropping the second opportunity or performing the first operation at the first opportunity. The method of claim 1.

5. the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes determining one of the first operation and the second operation based on a Time Domain Multiplexing (TDM) pattern. The method of claim 1.

6. receiving a third configuration indicating the TDM pattern from the first network device; or transmitting a recommended TDM pattern to the first network device. The method of claim 5.

7. the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes determining one of the first operation and the second operation based on a first priority of the first opportunity and a second priority of the second opportunity. The method of claim 1.

8. receiving a fourth setting from the first network device, the fourth setting indicating at least one of the first priority or the second priority; or transmitting the recommended priority of the second opportunity to the first network device. The method of claim 7.

9. the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes determining one of the first operation and the second operation based on a third priority of the first operation and a fourth priority of the second operation. The method of claim 1.

10. receiving a fifth setting from the first network device indicating at least one of the third priority or the fourth priority; or transmitting a recommended priority of the second action to the first network device.

10. The method of claim 9.

11. the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes determining one of the first operation and the second operation based on a first period of the first opportunity and a second period of the second opportunity. The method of claim 1.

12. the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes performing the first operation with a first relaxed minimum requirement. The method of claim 1.

13. receiving an indication from the first network device that the first relaxed minimum requirement applies. The method of claim 12.

14. determining the first relaxed minimum requirement based on a first coefficient and a first original minimum requirement; The method of claim 12.

15. receiving a setting of the first coefficient from the first network device; transmitting first recommendation coefficients to the first network device; determining the first coefficient based on a ratio of a first period of the first opportunity to a second period of the second opportunity; determining the first coefficient based on a number of first opportunities within a first time frame and a number of first opportunities that do not overlap with the set of second opportunities within the first time frame, wherein the first time frame is associated with a first period of the first opportunities or a maximum period of the MUSIM gap; determining the first coefficient based on a number of first opportunities within a second time period and a number of first opportunities within the second time period that do not overlap with the set of second opportunities or a measurement gap, wherein the second time period is associated with a first period of the first opportunities, a maximum period of the MUSIM gap, or a maximum period of the measurement gap; or determining the first coefficient based on a second coefficient of the second operation.

15. The method of claim 14.

16. the MUSIM gap is periodic, and performing one of the first operation and the second operation includes performing the second operation with a second relaxed minimum requirement. The method of claim 1.

17. receiving an indication from the second network device that the second relaxed minimum requirement applies.

17. The method of claim 16.

18. determining the second relaxed minimum requirement based on a second coefficient and a second original minimum requirement; 17. The method of claim 16.

19. receiving a setting of the second coefficient from the second network device; sending second recommendation coefficients to the second network device; determining the second coefficient based on a ratio of a second period of the second opportunity to a first period of the first opportunity; determining the second coefficient based on a number of second opportunities within a third time period and a number of second opportunities that do not overlap with the set of first opportunities within the third time period, wherein the third time period is associated with a second period of the second opportunities, a maximum period of the first opportunities, or a maximum period of the MUSIM gap; or determining the second coefficient based on a first coefficient of the first operation.

20. The method of claim 18.

20. A communication device comprising a processor configured to cause the device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 19. Communication equipment.

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