Conditional handover method, terminal and network side device

Abstract

The present application discloses a conditional handover method, an apparatus, a terminal, and a network side device, which belong to the technical field of communications. The conditional handover method of an embodiment of the present application includes: a terminal receiving control information for triggering a conditional handover (CHO)-related operation; and the terminal initiating the CHO-related operation in response to the control information, wherein the initiation of the CHO-related operation includes at least one of initiating a CHO execution operation, initiating a CHO configuration change or utilization operation, initiating a CHO evaluation operation when a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, and initiating a CHO-related measurement operation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority from a Chinese patent filed in China on February 8, 2023, bearing application number 202310102492.4, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and in particular to a conditional handover method, apparatus, terminal and network side equipment. [Background technology]

[0003] Conditional Handover (CHO) refers to a handover that a terminal executes when a handover execution condition is met. Among them, the CHO procedure in the conventional technology includes the following steps 0 to 7 as main steps. In step 0, the terminal broadcasts a measurement report. In step 1, the source base station decides to use CHO, that is, the source base station sends a handover request message to one or more candidate base stations, requesting them to set up multiple candidate cells. In step 2, the source base station receives a handover request response message including configuration information of one or more candidate cells. In step 3, the source base station sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal, the RRC reconfiguration message including a CHO configuration including the configuration information of the candidate target cell and corresponding execution conditions. In step 4, after receiving the CHO configuration, the terminal initiates evaluation of the execution conditions of each candidate target cell, and sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the source base station. In step 5, if all measurement identifiers (measId) of a candidate target cell satisfy a corresponding event (e.g., one of events A3 and A5), the terminal considers the candidate target cell to be a triggered cell. The terminal then identifies a selected cell from the triggered cells and performs a conditional handover on the selected cell. Specifically, the terminal initiates random access on the selected cell using the RRC reconfiguration message of the selected cell and sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the selected cell. After performing the handover, the terminal stops evaluating the conditions and releases the CHO configuration. In step 6, the target base station notifies the source base station that the terminal has been successfully handed over. In step 7, the source base station informs the other candidate base stations that the handover has been canceled.

[0004] As can be seen from the above, in the prior art, a terminal generally starts a CHO evaluation operation immediately after receiving a CHO configuration, and starts a CHO execution operation when a CHO execution condition is met. In addition, a terminal generally starts CHO-related measurements only when the signal quality of a source cell falls below a certain quality threshold. As can be seen from this, the CHO implementation process in the prior art is not flexible enough and cannot be applied to various different scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a conditional handover method, apparatus, terminal and network side equipment to make the implementation process of CHO more flexible and more applicable to conditional handover in more scenarios.

[0006] In a first aspect, there is provided a conditional handover method performed by a terminal, the method comprising: The terminal receives control information for triggering a related operation of a conditional handover (CHO); The terminal initiates an associated operation of a CHO in response to the control information; Initiating the relevant operation of said CHO Initiating a run operation of the CHO; Change the CHO settings or start the usage operation; If a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, starting a CHO evaluation operation; and initiating a measurement operation associated with the CHO.

[0007] In a second aspect, there is provided a conditional handover method executed by a network side device, comprising: a network side device transmitting control information; The control information is for triggering the terminal to initiate an operation related to a conditional handover (CHO); Initiating a conditional handover related operation of the CHO includes: Initiating a run operation of the CHO; Change the CHO settings or start the usage operation; If a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, starting a CHO evaluation operation; and initiating a measurement operation associated with the CHO.

[0008] In a third aspect, a first receiving module for receiving control information for triggering a related operation of a conditional handover (CHO); a first processing module that initiates an associated operation of the CHO in response to the control information; Initiating the relevant operation of said CHO Initiating a run operation of the CHO; Change the CHO settings or start the usage operation; If a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, initiating a CHO evaluation operation; and initiating a measurement operation related to the CHO.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, A first sending module is configured to send control information for triggering a terminal to initiate a related operation of a conditional handover (CHO); Initiating a conditional handover related operation of the CHO includes: Initiating a run operation of the CHO; Change the CHO settings or start the usage operation; If a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, starting a CHO evaluation operation; and initiating a measurement operation related to the CHO.

[0010] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a terminal comprising a processor and a memory that stores programs or commands executable by the processor, and when the programs or commands are executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to the first aspect are realized.

[0011] In a sixth aspect, a method for a mobile station includes a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being for receiving control information for triggering a conditional handover (CHO)-related operation, the processor being for initiating the CHO-related operation in response to the control information; Initiating the relevant operation of said CHO Initiating a run operation of the CHO; Change the CHO settings or start the usage operation; If a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, starting a CHO evaluation operation; and initiating a measurement operation associated with the CHO.

[0012] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a network side device comprising a processor and a memory for storing a program or command executable by the processor, wherein when the program or command is executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in the second aspect are realized.

[0013] In an eighth aspect, a method for controlling a communication device includes: a processor; and a communication interface, the communication interface being for transmitting control information; The control information is for triggering the terminal to initiate an operation related to a conditional handover (CHO); Initiating a conditional handover related operation of the CHO includes: Initiating a run operation of the CHO; Change the CHO settings or start the usage operation; If a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, starting a CHO evaluation operation; and initiating a measurement operation associated with the CHO.

[0014] In a ninth aspect, there is provided a readable storage medium having a program or command stored thereon, the program or command causing the steps of the method according to the first aspect to be realized when executed by a processor, or causing the steps of the method according to the second aspect to be realized.

[0015] In a tenth aspect, there is provided a wireless communication system comprising: a terminal capable of executing the steps of the method according to the first aspect; and a network side device capable of executing the steps of the method according to the second aspect.

[0016] In an eleventh aspect, there is provided a chip comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface and the processor are coupled, and the processor executes a program or command to implement the method described in the first aspect or the method described in the second aspect.

[0017] In a twelfth aspect, there is provided a computer program / program product stored on a storage medium and configured to, when executed by at least one processor, implement the steps of the method according to the first or second aspect.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present application, the terminal may receive control information and initiate a CHO-related operation in response to the control information, the control information being for triggering the CHO-related operation, where initiating the CHO-related operation includes at least one of: initiating a CHO execution operation; initiating a CHO configuration change or utilization operation; initiating a CHO evaluation operation when a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated; and initiating a CHO-related measurement operation. As can be seen from the above, in an embodiment of the present application, after receiving the control information, the terminal may perform at least one of: initiating a CHO execution operation; initiating a CHO configuration change or utilization operation; initiating a CHO evaluation operation when a CHO is configured and CHO evaluation is not activated; and initiating a CHO-related measurement operation. As can be seen from the above, in an embodiment of the present application, the terminal may initiate more CHO-related operations based on the received trigger message, thereby making the CHO implementation process more flexible and more applicable to conditional handover in more scenarios. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system to which an embodiment of the present application can be applied. [Figure 2]1 is a flowchart of a conditional handover method in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart of another conditional handover method in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the configuration of a conditional handover device in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another conditional handover device configuration in an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a configuration of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a configuration of a terminal in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a configuration of a network-side device in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly explained with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application, and it should be understood that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments, and all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the present application fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0021] Terms such as "first," "second," and the like used in this application are not intended to describe a particular order or chronology, but rather to distinguish between similar objects. It should be understood that terms used in this manner may be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein. It should also be understood that the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" generally belong to a single category and do not limit the number of objects; for example, the first object may be one or more. Furthermore, "or" in this application indicates at least one of the connected objects. For example, "A or B" includes three situations: including A but not B, including B but not A, and including both A and B. The symbol " / " generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0022] The term "instructions" in this application may refer to direct instructions (i.e., explicit instructions) or indirect instructions (i.e., implicit instructions). Here, direct instructions can be understood as instructions sent by a sender that clearly inform a receiver of specific information, an operation to be performed, a requested result, etc. An indirect instruction can be understood as instructions sent by a sender that determine corresponding information or make a judgment based on the judgment result and then determine an operation to be performed or a requested result, etc.

[0023] It should be noted that the techniques described in the embodiments of this application are not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, but may also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), or other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application are often used interchangeably, and the techniques described may be used in other systems and wireless technologies in addition to those mentioned above. While the following description will discuss New Radio (NR) systems for illustrative purposes, and NR terminology is used in much of the following description, these technologies may also be used in other systems and wireless technologies, such as 6th Generation (6G) networks. th It can also be applied to systems other than NR systems, such as 6G (Generation 6G) communication systems.

[0024] 1 shows a block diagram of a wireless communication system to which an embodiment of the present application can be applied. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network side device 12. Here, the terminal 11 may be a terminal side device such as a mobile phone, a tablet personal computer (Tablet Personal Computer), a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a netbook, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a mobile internet device (Mobile Internet Device (MID)), an augmented reality (AR), a virtual reality (VR) device, a robot, a wearable device, a flight vehicle, a vehicle user equipment (VUE), a shipboard device, a pedestrian user equipment (PUE), a smart home (a home device with a wireless communication function such as a refrigerator, a television, a washing machine, or furniture), a game console, a personal computer (Personal Computer (PC)), an automated teller machine (ATM), or a kiosk. Wearable devices include smart watches, smart wristbands, smart earphones, smart glasses, smart accessories (smart bracelets, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart wristlets, smart wear, etc.), smart wristlets, smart clothing, etc. Here, the in-vehicle equipment may also be referred to as an in-vehicle terminal, an in-vehicle controller, an in-vehicle module, an in-vehicle part, an in-vehicle chip, an in-vehicle unit, etc. It should be noted that the specific type of the terminal 11 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0025] The network side equipment 12 may include access network equipment or core network equipment, where the access network equipment may also be referred to as Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment, radio access network function, or radio access network unit, and may include a base station, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Access Point (AS), or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) node, etc. Here, the base station may be referred to as a Node B (NB), an evolved Node B (eNB), the next generation Node B (gNB), a new radio node B (NR Node B), an access point, a relay station (RBS), a serving base station (SBS), a base transceiver station (BTS), a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a home Node B (HNB), a home evolved Node B, a transmission reception point (TRP), or any other appropriate term in the art. As long as the same technical effect can be achieved, the base station is not limited to a specific technical term. It should be noted that although the embodiments of this application only use base stations in an NR system as examples, the specific type of the base station is not limited.

[0026] To facilitate understanding of the conditional handover method of the embodiment of the present application, the following related art will be introduced next.

[0027] One, CHO settings.

[0028] The CHO configuration includes configuration information for multiple candidate target cells. Specifically, the network side configures one execution condition and one RRC reconfiguration message for each candidate target cell, which are identified by one CHO id. Among them, an execution condition consists of one or two measIds. The measId is associated with the measId in the Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement configuration (measConfig). That is, the UE can obtain the condition trigger event (which can be one of events A3, A5, T1, and D1) corresponding to this measId through the measId and measConfig. Currently, CHO does not support configuring the A4 measurement event.

[0029] Among them, Event A3 indicates that the quality of the neighboring cell is higher than the quality of the serving cell by one offset amount. Event A4 indicates that the quality of the neighboring cell is higher than a predetermined threshold. Event A5 indicates that the quality of the serving cell is lower than a predetermined threshold and the quality of the neighboring cell is higher than a predetermined threshold. Event T1 indicates that the terminal's measurement time has exceeded a certain time. Event D1 indicates that the distance between the terminal position and the reference point is within a specified interval.

[0030] Furthermore, the condition event may be understood as an event set in the condition setting (for example, the A3 event set in the CHO setting is the condition event A3).

[0031] Second, R18 network energy saving.

[0032] Most power consumption in NR networks occurs in base stations, and 90% of the power consumption of NR base stations occurs in active antenna units (AAUs). Due to higher frequency bands, wider bandwidths, and more transmit / receive units (TRXs), the power consumption of a single NR base station is currently three to four times higher than that of LTE. Furthermore, in terms of operating expenses (OPEX), base station electricity costs account for approximately 20% of total network operating costs. For some operators, electricity costs account for more than half of their total profits. Therefore, NR network energy conservation is becoming increasingly important for the great success of 5G. Among these, base stations can implement different levels of energy conservation measures according to the actual load situation, such as base station off, carrier / cell off, channel off, synchronization signal block (SSB) / beam off, antenna / panel off, cell discontinuous reception (Cell DTX) and / or cell DRX, and self-adaptation of CSI-RS measurement and / or broadcasting. For example, if a cell has low or no load, the base station may turn off the cell.

[0033] Third, connection status RRM measurement.

[0034] Connected neighbor cell measurements are not always performed, but are triggered when the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the serving cell falls below a threshold.

[0035] Next, with reference to the drawings, the conditional handover method provided in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail according to several embodiments and their application scenarios.

[0036] In a first aspect, please refer to Fig. 2, which is a flowchart of a conditional handover method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method may include the following steps 201 to 202.

[0037] In step 201, the terminal receives control information.

[0038] The control information is for triggering the related operations of the conditional handover CHO.

[0039] In addition, the control information may be sent to at least one terminal before the network side device enters the energy saving state, so that the terminal can perform a CHO related operation in response to the control information before the network side device enters the energy saving state. In this way, in such a case, the control information can trigger a CHO based on a network energy saving scenario.

[0040] Optionally, the control information includes at least one of the following items A-1 to A-7. Section A-1: ​​First instruction information for instructing a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state, and at least one of the energy saving modes to which the network side device is to transition. Section A-2: Cell bar information for indicating that at least some terminals (e.g., terminals in IDLE or INACTIVE states) are prohibited from staying in the cell. Section A-3: Instruction information that instructs the terminal to start the execution operation of the CHO. Section A-4: Second instruction information for indicating relevant information for CHO setting. Section A-5: Third instruction information for instructing the terminal to perform CHO evaluation. Section A-6: Fourth instruction information for instructing the terminal to perform measurements related to CHO. Item A-7: Time setting information to instruct the terminal when to perform CHO evaluation.

[0041] In the above section A-1, as one implementation form, the network side device can indicate, using two bits, which of four energy saving modes the network is currently trying to transition to, where the four energy saving modes are cell off, discontinuous transmission (cell DTX), channel state information enhancement (CSI adaptation), and cell normal mode, respectively.

[0042] In the above section A-2, the cell bar is used to prohibit terminals in IDLE and INACTIVE states from staying idle. When a terminal in a connected state receives the cell bar, it can trigger the initiation of a CHO-related operation. Furthermore, the UE receives the cell bar in SIB1. If the network side transmits a cell bar corresponding to a different network energy saving mode, the UE can further determine whether to initiate a CHO-related operation depending on whether it supports the corresponding energy saving mode. For example, if SIB1 carries cell bar information corresponding to cell DTX and indicates "barred," and the UE does not support the cell DTX mode, the UE initiates a CHO-related operation. If the UE supports the cell DTX mode, the UE does not initiate a CHO-related operation, or the UE decides whether to initiate a CHO-related operation.

[0043] In the above section A-3, "the terminal initiates a CHO execution operation" means that the terminal selects a candidate target cell and performs a handover operation on the candidate target cell, which is also referred to as a CHO execution operation and is one sub-step in the CHO procedure performed by the terminal.

[0044] Here, starting the CHO-related operation may include at least one of the following items B-1 to B-4. Section B-1: Start the CHO execution operation. Section B-2: Change CHO settings or start usage operations. Section B-3: If a CHO is set in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, start the CHO evaluation operation. Section B-4: Initiate measurement operations related to CHO.

[0045] Here, when the control information includes any one or more of the above items A-1 to A-6, the terminal will start any one or more of the above operations B-1 to B-4, as will be explained in detail below.

[0046] In step 202, the terminal initiates an associated operation of the CHO in response to the control information.

[0047] As can be seen from the above steps 201 and 202, in an embodiment of the present application, the terminal can receive control information and initiate a CHO-related operation in response to the control information, where the control information is for triggering the CHO-related operation, where initiating the CHO-related operation includes at least one of: initiating a CHO execution operation; initiating a CHO configuration change or utilization operation; initiating a CHO evaluation operation when a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated; and initiating a CHO-related measurement operation. As can be seen from the above, in an embodiment of the present application, after receiving the control information, the terminal can perform at least one of: initiating a CHO execution operation; initiating a CHO configuration change or utilization operation; initiating a CHO evaluation operation when a CHO is configured and CHO evaluation is not activated; and initiating a CHO-related measurement operation. It can be seen from this that in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal can initiate more CHO-related operations based on the received trigger message, thereby making the CHO realization process more flexible and more applicable to conditional handover in more scenarios.

[0048] In addition, in a network energy saving scenario, a source cell may pre-configure CHO for a terminal, and when the source cell is about to transition to a certain energy saving state, all terminals are handed over to a candidate target cell, thereby putting the source cell into an energy saving state. However, using the conventional technology, the network side cannot control when the terminal starts measuring, evaluating, and performing the CHO operation according to the energy saving state and timing to which the source cell transitions after the CHO is configured. Therefore, if the terminal has not been handed over for a long time, the source cell cannot transition to the energy saving state, or if the network has not transitioned to the energy saving state, the terminal will perform unnecessary measurements and consume power.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present application, the source cell can pre-configure CHO for connected terminals before transitioning to the energy saving state. When the source cell decides to transition to the energy saving state, it can send the control information to trigger multiple terminals to perform conditional handover. This allows the source cell to transition to the energy saving state after all terminals have been handed over to the candidate target cells, and also prevents the terminals from performing unnecessary measurements and consuming power when the network has not transitioned to the energy saving state. From this, it can be seen that the embodiment of the present application can quickly complete the conditional handover of multiple terminals at once, thereby allowing the source cell to transition to the energy saving state as quickly as possible. That is, the embodiment of the present application can realize conditional handover in a network energy saving scenario.

[0050] Next, specific situations in which the terminal initiates the related operation of the CHO in step 202 will be specifically introduced, namely, the following situations 1 to 4.

[0051] Situation 1: The terminal optionally initiates the associated operation of the CHO; When the control information includes at least one of first instruction information, cell prohibition information, and instruction information instructing the terminal to start a CHO execution operation, the terminal starts a CHO execution operation; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; The cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell.

[0052] As can be seen from the above, when the terminal receives at least one of the first instruction information, the cell barring information, and the instruction information instructing the terminal to start the CHO execution operation, the terminal can be triggered to start the CHO execution operation. For example, when the network side device determines that it is necessary to transition to an energy saving state, the network side device can send the control information and instruct the terminal to start the CHO execution operation, transition to a network energy saving state, the energy saving mode to be transitioned to, and the cell barring information through the control information, so that the terminal that has received the control information can start the CHO execution operation.

[0053] It can be understood that the control information includes first instruction information "for instructing the network side device to transition to an energy saving state, or at least one of the energy saving modes to which the network side device is to transition", which is equivalent to "the control information instructs the network side device to transition to an energy saving state, or at least one of the energy saving modes to which the network side device is to transition".

[0054] "The control information includes cell prohibition information" corresponds to "the cell prohibition information is used as control information."

[0055] "The control information includes instruction information that instructs the terminal to start the execution operation of the CHO" corresponds to "the control information instructs the terminal to start the execution operation of the CHO".

[0056] Here, Situation 1 can be applied to the following target scene: A default candidate target cell is configured by the source cell for a slow or stationary UE, and the coverage area of ​​the candidate target cell includes the coverage area of ​​the source cell. The terminal may not initiate measurements on the candidate target cell for a long time because the signal quality at the source cell is still high. When the source cell wants to enter an energy saving mode, it can trigger a handover of the UE to the default candidate target cell (i.e., start a CHO execution operation) by sending control information, and in this case, there is no need to evaluate the quality of the candidate target cell.

[0057] Also, based on the situation 1, optionally, before the terminal receives control information, the method includes: The method further includes, after the terminal receives the CHO setting, storing the CHO setting and initiating a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to the CHO setting.

[0058] As can be seen from the above, in other scenes than the target scene (for example, when the network side takes into account the mobility of the terminal), after receiving the CHO configuration, the terminal can store the CHO configuration and start CHO evaluation based on the CHO configuration by default. Here, the terminal starts the CHO execution operation if it evaluates that the CHO execution condition is satisfied before receiving the control information. The terminal starts the CHO execution operation when it receives the control information.

[0059] In Situation 1, when the UE initiates the CHO execution operation, it needs to select one candidate target cell and perform handover on the cell. The UE can select the candidate target cell according to one of the following methods: Method 1: Implemented by the UE. For example, different terminals may have different implementation methods. Method 2: There is no need to select any one candidate target cell and determine whether the execution condition of CHO is satisfied. Method 3: Select one of the candidate target cells that meets a specified quality threshold. Method 4: Select the candidate target cell with the strongest quality. Method 5: Candidate target cells are designated by the network side. Method 6: Select a candidate target cell that has dedicated RACH resources or cell wake-up signaling configured.

[0060] Situation 2: The terminal optionally initiates the associated operation of the CHO; The control information includes, when at least one of first instruction information, cell prohibition information, and second instruction information is included, the terminal starts a change or use operation of a CHO setting; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; the cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; The second instruction information is for instructing information related to CHO setting.

[0061] Here, the terminal can optionally start or restart the CHO evaluation operation after starting the CHO setting change or usage operation.

[0062] As can be seen from the above, when the terminal receives at least one of the first instruction information, the cell barring information, and the second instruction information, the terminal can be triggered to change or use the CHO configuration. For example, when the network side device determines that it needs to transition to an energy saving state, the network side device can transmit the control information and include at least one of the first instruction information, the cell barring information, and the second instruction information in the control information, so that the terminal that receives the control information can change or use the CHO configuration.

[0063] It can be understood that the control information includes the second instruction information "for indicating the related information of the CHO setting" which is equivalent to "the control information indicates the related information of the CHO setting".

[0064] Wherein, in the situation 2, optionally, before the terminal receives the control information, the method includes: The method further includes, after the terminal receives the CHO setting, storing the CHO setting and initiating a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to the CHO setting.

[0065] As can be seen from the above, in Situation 2, after receiving the CHO setting, the terminal can store the CHO setting and activate CHO evaluation based on the CHO setting by default.

[0066] Also, the second instruction information may selectively include at least one of the following items C-1 to C-3. Item C-1: Threshold offset amount for CHO execution conditions. Section C-2: Fifth instruction information for instructing the terminal to adjust the threshold of the CHO execution condition by a predefined threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition. Section C-3: Sixth instruction information for instructing the terminal to utilize specific CHO execution conditions.

[0067] It should be noted here that in section C-2, the threshold offset amount of the predefined CHO execution condition may be specified in a protocol or may be set for the terminal by the network side device in the CHO configuration.

[0068] Optionally, the terminal starting the change or use operation of the CHO setting includes at least one of the following items D-1 to D-2. Clause D-1: When the second instruction information includes at least one of the fifth instruction information and the threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition, the terminal changes the threshold of the CHO execution condition using at least one of the fifth instruction information and the threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition. Section D-2: When the second instruction information includes the sixth instruction information, the terminal performs a CHO evaluation operation using the specific CHO execution condition.

[0069] As can be seen from section D-1 above, when the control information received by the terminal instructs the terminal to adjust the threshold of the CHO execution condition according to the predefined threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition, the terminal can adjust the threshold of the CHO execution condition according to the predefined threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition, thereby performing CHO evaluation based on the adjusted threshold, and if the evaluation satisfies the corresponding execution condition, starts the CHO execution operation.

[0070] Alternatively, if the control information received by the terminal indicates a threshold offset amount for the CHO execution condition, the terminal can change the threshold of the CHO execution condition using the threshold offset amount for the CHO execution condition indicated in the control information, thereby performing CHO evaluation based on the adjusted threshold, and if the evaluation satisfies the corresponding execution condition, start the CHO execution operation.

[0071] As can be seen from section D-2 above, if the control information received by the terminal instructs the terminal to use a specific CHO execution condition, the terminal can perform CHO evaluation using this specific CHO execution condition, that is, after receiving the control information, the terminal can change the CHO execution condition, and thereby start the CHO execution operation if the evaluation meets the corresponding execution condition.

[0072] In situation 2, optionally, the method further comprises: The method further includes the terminal sending notification information to the network side device if the terminal does not find a candidate target cell that meets the CHO execution condition within a predetermined time after receiving the control information, wherein the notification information is for indicating that a candidate target cell that meets the CHO execution condition has not been found within the predetermined time.

[0073] Here, the predetermined time may be a time indicated by time setting information, which may be set in advance (e.g., set before the terminal receives the control information), set in the control information (i.e., the time setting information is included in the control information), or specified by a protocol.

[0074] For example, in the above section D-2, if the control information received by the terminal instructs the terminal to use a specific CHO execution condition and carries time setting information (or the time setting information is preset), the terminal can evaluate the specific CHO execution condition for the time indicated in the time setting information, and if the evaluation does not satisfy the specific CHO execution condition, it means that a candidate target cell that meets the specific CHO execution condition could not be found within the time indicated in the time setting information, and the terminal can notify the network side device of this situation, so that the network side device can make a rational decision, for example, not to enter an energy saving state.

[0075] Optionally, the notification information includes at least one of a radio resource control (RRC) message, a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) message, and uplink control information (UCI), i.e., at least one of an RRC message, a MAC message, and a UCI may indicate that "the UE has not found a candidate target cell that meets the CHO execution condition within the time indicated by the time setting information."

[0076] Optionally, the uplink resource of the signaling information is a pre-configured one or a cell common resource.

[0077] Optionally, the notification message may be only some uplink signaling, such as transmitting a random access preamble, a channel state information report (CSI report), etc.

[0078] Situation 3: The terminal optionally initiates the associated operation of the CHO; The control information includes at least one of first instruction information, cell barring information, and third instruction information, and further includes, when a CHO is configured in the terminal and a CHO evaluation is not activated, the terminal starts a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to a CHO setting configured for the terminal; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; the cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; The third instruction information is for instructing the terminal to start a CHO evaluation operation.

[0079] Furthermore, the control information includes third instruction information "to instruct the terminal to start the CHO evaluation operation," which is equivalent to "the control information instructs the terminal to start the CHO evaluation operation."

[0080] Optionally, before the terminal receives control information, the method further comprises: The method further includes, after receiving the CHO setting, the terminal storing the CHO setting and not initiating a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to the CHO setting.

[0081] As can be seen from the above, in Situation 3, after receiving the CHO setting, the terminal may store the CHO setting and not initiate CHO evaluation based on the CHO setting by default, and after receiving at least one of the first instruction information, the cell barring information, and the third instruction information, initiate the evaluation operation of the CHO setting.

[0082] For example, the network side equipment can set a CHO for the terminal before transitioning to an energy saving state, and the terminal stores the CHO setting; then, when the network side equipment determines that it is necessary to transition to an energy saving state, it can send the control information, and include at least one of the first instruction information, the cell barring information, and the third instruction information in the control information, so that the terminal receiving the control information can initiate a CHO evaluation corresponding to the stored CHO setting.

[0083] Further optionally, the method further comprises: When the CHO setting received by the terminal includes an execution condition based on an A4 event, the terminal does not initiate a CHO evaluation operation for the execution condition based on the A4 event; Or, The method further includes, after receiving the CHO configuration, the terminal not initiating a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to the received CHO configuration according to an instruction from a network side device.

[0084] As can be seen from the above, when the CHO configuration set for the terminal includes an execution condition based on an A4 event, the terminal can store the CHO configuration after receiving it, but not initiate a CHO evaluation operation for the execution condition based on the A4 event, and can initiate a CHO evaluation operation for the execution condition based on the A4 event after receiving at least one of the first instruction information, the cell barring information, and the third instruction information. Alternatively, the terminal can, in accordance with an instruction from the network side device, not initiate a CHO evaluation operation after receiving the CHO configuration, and can initiate a corresponding CHO evaluation operation after receiving at least one of the first instruction information, the cell barring information, and the third instruction information.

[0085] Also, in the third situation, optionally, the method further comprises: The method further includes the terminal sending notification information to the network side device if the terminal does not find a candidate target cell that meets the CHO execution condition within a predetermined time after receiving the control information, wherein the notification information is for indicating that a candidate target cell that meets the CHO execution condition has not been found within the predetermined time.

[0086] Here, the predetermined time may be a time indicated by time setting information, which may be set in advance (e.g., set before the terminal receives the control information), set in the control information (i.e., the time setting information is included in the control information), or specified by a protocol.

[0087] As can be seen from the above, in situation 3, after receiving the CHO setting, the terminal can store the CHO setting and not activate CHO evaluation based on the CHO setting by default; after receiving at least one of the first instruction information, cell barring information, and third instruction information, the terminal can activate evaluation based on the stored CHO setting; if a candidate target cell that meets the CHO execution conditions in the stored CHO setting cannot be found within the predetermined time, the terminal can inform the network side equipment of the situation, so that the network side equipment can make a rational decision, for example, not enter an energy saving state.

[0088] Optionally, the notification information includes at least one of a radio resource control (RRC) message, a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) message, and uplink control information (UCI), i.e., at least one of an RRC message, a MAC message, and a UCI may indicate that "the UE has not found a candidate target cell that meets the CHO execution condition within the time indicated by the time setting information."

[0089] Optionally, the uplink resource of the signaling information is a pre-configured one or a cell common resource.

[0090] Optionally, the notification message may be only some uplink signaling, such as transmitting a random access preamble, a channel state information report (CSI report), etc.

[0091] Situation 4: The terminal optionally initiates the associated operation of the CHO; The method further includes the terminal initiating a measurement operation related to a CHO when the control information includes at least one of first instruction information, cell prohibition information, and fourth instruction information; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; the cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; The fourth instruction information is for instructing the terminal to start a measurement operation related to a CHO.

[0092]

[0023] As can be seen from the above, when the terminal receives at least one of the first instruction information, cell barring information, and fourth instruction information, the terminal can be triggered to perform CHO-related measurements. Here, in the prior art, after the terminal receives the CHO configuration, the neighbor cell measurement activation threshold is not met, so the terminal does not activate neighbor cell measurement. In Situation 4, however, the network side device can trigger the terminal to perform CHO-related measurements by at least one of the first instruction information, cell barring information, and fourth instruction information, thereby evaluating CHO execution conditions based on the measurement results, and starting the CHO execution operation when the corresponding execution conditions are met.

[0093] As can be understood, the control information including the fourth instruction information "for instructing the terminal to perform measurements related to CHO" corresponds to "the control information instructs the terminal to perform measurements related to CHO".

[0094] Here, "measurements associated with a CHO" includes measurements of measurands associated with a measID in a CHO setting.

[0095] In addition, the embodiments of the present application may further include at least one of the following Situation 5 and Situation 6.

[0096] Situation 5: optionally, the method comprises: The method further includes, when the terminal does not support the energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition, the terminal initiating a CHO-related operation.

[0097] For example, when a terminal receives the control information and the control information indicates an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition, but the terminal does not support the energy saving mode, the terminal can initiate a CHO-related operation.

[0098] Optionally, the method further comprises: The method further includes, when the terminal supports the energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition, determining whether the terminal does not initiate a CHO-related operation or whether to initiate a CHO-related operation by the terminal.

[0099] For example, when a terminal receives the above control information, and the control information indicates that the energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition is cell DTX, and the terminal supports cell DTX, the terminal may decide whether to not initiate a CHO-related operation or whether to initiate a CHO-related operation, by the UE.

[0100] Situation 6: optionally, the method further comprises: The method further includes the terminal performing a first operation or a second operation when a radio link failure (RLF) occurs before the terminal receives the control information; the first operation includes initiating an associated operation of a CHO; The second operation includes: performing RRC re-establishment; and, if a first cell selected in the RRC re-establishment process is a candidate target cell in a CHO setting of the terminal, performing handover based on the first cell; and, if the first cell is not a candidate target cell in a CHO setting of the terminal, sending an RRC re-establishment request on the first cell.

[0101] Optionally, the first operation may further include performing RRC re-establishment if the CHO fails.

[0102] As can be seen from the above, if an RLF occurs before receiving the control information, the terminal can initiate a CHO-related operation (optionally, perform RRC re-establishment if CHO fails), or can perform RRC re-establishment and, if a first cell selected in the RRC re-establishment process is a candidate target cell in the CHO configuration of the terminal, perform handover based on the first cell, and, if the first cell is not a candidate target cell in the CHO configuration of the terminal, transmit an RRC re-establishment request on the first cell.

[0103] In the sixth situation, the terminal selectively performs the first operation or the second operation. When a network side device configures the terminal to perform the first operation when detecting an RLF, the terminal performs the first operation; or The method includes the terminal performing the second operation when the network side device configures the terminal to perform the second operation upon detecting an RLF.

[0104] In another implementation form, the execution of the first operation when the terminal detects RLF may be configured by a network side device. If not configured by the network side device, the terminal initiates RRC re-establishment by default or executes the second operation by default.

[0105] Situation 7: Optionally, the control information further includes a cell list, and the method further comprises: The method further includes, if CHO fails for the terminal, the terminal selecting a second cell from the cell list and sending an RRC re-establishment request on the second cell.

[0106] As can be seen from the above, the control information may include a cell list to evict, and the terminal stores the list, so that after CHO fails, the terminal selects a cell from the cell list to evict, and then initiates re-establishment.

[0107] Optionally, the terminal receiving control information comprises: The terminal receives a system message (e.g., SIB1) carrying the control information; The terminal receives a short message carrying the control information; The terminal receives a paging message carrying the control information; and and the terminal receiving group-common downlink control information (DCI) carrying the control information.

[0108] As can be seen from the above, in an embodiment of the present application (for example, any combination of the above situations 1 to 7), the network side device can transmit the above control information by at least one of a system message, a short message, a paging message, and a group common DCI.

[0109] That is, at least one of the system message, the short message, the paging message, and the group common DCI may include at least one of the following items A-1 to A-7. Section A-1: ​​First instruction information for instructing a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state, and at least one of the energy saving modes to which the network side device is to transition. Section A-2: Cell bar information for indicating that at least some terminals (e.g., terminals in IDLE or INACTIVE states) are prohibited from staying in the cell. Section A-3: Instruction information that instructs the terminal to start the execution operation of the CHO. Section A-4: Second instruction information for indicating relevant information for CHO setting. Section A-5: Third instruction information for instructing the terminal to perform CHO evaluation. Section A-6: Fourth instruction information for instructing the terminal to perform measurements related to CHO. Item A-7: Time setting information to instruct the terminal when to perform CHO evaluation.

[0110] Optionally, the timing at which the terminal receives the system message is set by the network side or is defined by a protocol.

[0111] Optionally, the terminal receiving the system message includes at least one of the following items E-1 and E-2. Section E-1: When a target condition is met, the terminal receives the broadcasted system message. Section E-2: When the short message received by the terminal indicates the target content, the terminal receives the broadcasted system message. The target condition includes at least one of the following items F-1 to F-4. Item F-1: The common search space of the system message is set in the active bandwidth portion BWP of the terminal. Item F-2: The common search space of the system message is set in the initial BWP of the terminal. Item F-3: The terminal is configured to monitor the broadcasted system message. Item F-4: The terminal has received the CHO configuration. The target content includes at least one of the following items G-1 to G-3. Section G-1: System messages have changed. Section G-2: System messages related to network energy saving have changed. Section G-3: System messages related to CHO have changed.

[0112] As can be seen from the above item E-1, when at least one of the above F-1 to F-4 is satisfied, the terminal can obtain the above control information by receiving a system message.

[0113] If the system message related to network energy saving is specified to be transmitted by SIB1, when the short message received by the UE indicates that the system message related to network energy saving has changed, the UE should monitor SIB1 to obtain the system message related to network energy saving. If the system message carries the above control information, the UE will initiate the CHO-related operation.

[0114] As can be seen from section E-2 above, the terminal first receives a short message, and if at least one of G-1 to G-3 above is indicated in the received short message, the terminal can obtain the above control information by receiving a system message.

[0115] Optionally, the terminal receiving the short message includes: The method includes the terminal receiving the short message when a paging common search space is set in the active BWP or initial BWP of the terminal.

[0116] As can be seen from the above, when a paging common search space is configured in the active BWP or initial BWP of the terminal, the terminal can obtain the above control information by receiving a short message.

[0117] Optionally, the terminal receiving the short message includes: The terminal monitors the short message at a timing set or predefined by a network side device; Or, The terminal monitors the short message in a time window set or predefined by a network side device.

[0118] As can be seen from the above, the terminal can monitor the short message at a timing (or time window) set or predefined by the network side.

[0119] Here, the terminal can also monitor according to the current monitoring timing of the short message, for example, the terminal monitors the short message at any PO position at least once within one modification period.

[0120] Optionally, receiving the paging message by the terminal comprises: If a short message received by the terminal instructs the terminal in a connected state to monitor the paging message, the terminal receives the paging message.

[0121] As can be seen from the above, if a terminal first receives a short message and instructs a connected terminal in the short message to monitor paging messages, the terminal can obtain the above control information by monitoring the paging.

[0122] Optionally, the method further comprises: The method further includes initiating a measurement related to the CHO after the terminal receives the CHO configuration.

[0123] As can be seen from the above, after receiving the CHO configuration, the terminal may initiate measurements related to the CHO by default.

[0124] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides yet another conditional handover method, and as shown in FIG. 3, the method may include the following step 301:

[0125] In step 301, a network side device transmits control information.

[0126] The control information is for triggering the terminal to initiate a related operation of conditional handover CHO.

[0127] In addition, the control information may be sent to at least one terminal before the network side device enters the energy saving state, so that the terminal can perform a CHO related operation in response to the control information before the network side device enters the energy saving state. In this way, in such a case, the control information can trigger a CHO based on a network energy saving scenario.

[0128] Optionally, the control information includes at least one of the following items A-1 to A-7. Section A-1: ​​First instruction information for instructing a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state, and at least one of the energy saving modes to which the network side device is to transition. Section A-2: Cell bar information for indicating that at least some terminals (e.g., terminals in IDLE or INACTIVE states) are prohibited from staying in the cell. Section A-3: Instruction information that instructs the terminal to start the execution operation of the CHO. Section A-4: Second instruction information for indicating relevant information for CHO setting. Section A-5: Third instruction information for instructing the terminal to perform CHO evaluation. Section A-6: Fourth instruction information for instructing the terminal to perform measurements related to CHO. Item A-7: Time setting information to instruct the terminal when to perform CHO evaluation.

[0129] In the above section A-1, as one implementation form, the network side device can indicate, using two bits, which of four energy saving modes the network is currently trying to transition to, where the four energy saving modes are cell off, cell DTX, CSI adaptation, and cell normal, respectively.

[0130] In the above section A-2, the cell bar is used to prohibit terminals in IDLE and INACTIVE states from staying idle. When a terminal in a connected state receives the cell bar, it can trigger the initiation of a CHO-related operation. Furthermore, the UE receives the cell bar in SIB1. If the network side transmits a cell bar corresponding to a different network energy saving mode, the UE can further determine whether to initiate a CHO-related operation depending on whether it supports the corresponding energy saving mode. For example, if SIB1 carries cell bar information corresponding to cell DTX and indicates "barred," and the UE does not support the cell DTX mode, the UE initiates a CHO-related operation. If the UE supports the cell DTX mode, the UE does not initiate a CHO-related operation, or the UE decides whether to initiate a CHO-related operation.

[0131] In the above section A-3, "the terminal initiates a CHO execution operation" means that the terminal selects a candidate target cell and performs a handover operation on the candidate target cell, which is also referred to as a CHO execution operation and is one sub-step in the CHO procedure performed by the terminal.

[0132] Here, "starting the execution operation of CHO" means When the CHO configuration of the terminal includes a plurality of candidate target cells, the terminal may select one cell from the plurality of candidate target cells to perform cell handover, or the terminal may attempt cell handover on the plurality of candidate target cells in sequence until the handover is successful or the number of attempts reaches a predetermined number.

[0133] As can be seen from the above, when the CHO configuration of the UE includes multiple candidate target cells, the UE can determine by itself which candidate target cell to select to perform handover. If the handover fails, the UE can retry performing CHO on another candidate target cell. Optionally, whether the UE attempts to perform CHO on multiple candidate cells may depend on the configuration of the network side device.

[0134] Here, starting the CHO-related operation may include at least one of the following items B-1 to B-4. Section B-1: Start the CHO execution operation. Section B-2: Change CHO settings or start usage operations. Section B-3: If a CHO is set in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, start the CHO evaluation operation. Section B-4: Initiate measurement operations related to CHO.

[0135] Here, when the control information includes any or all of the above items A-1 to A-6, the terminal will initiate any or all of the above operations B-1 to B-4, as described above, and detailed explanations will be omitted here.

[0136] As can be seen from the above step 301, in an embodiment of the present application, a network side device can send control information to a terminal, thereby allowing the terminal to receive the control information and initiate a CHO-related operation in response to the control information, the control information being for triggering the CHO-related operation, where initiating the CHO-related operation includes at least one of: initiating a CHO execution operation; initiating a CHO configuration change or utilization operation; initiating a CHO evaluation operation when a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated; and initiating a CHO-related measurement operation. As can be seen from the above, in an embodiment of the present application, after receiving the control information, the terminal can perform at least one of: initiating a CHO execution operation; initiating a CHO configuration change or utilization operation; initiating a CHO evaluation operation when a CHO is configured and CHO evaluation is not activated; and initiating a CHO-related measurement operation. It can be seen from this that in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal can initiate more CHO-related operations based on the received trigger message, thereby making the CHO realization process more flexible and more applicable to conditional handover in more scenarios.

[0137] For example, the source cell can pre-configure CHO for connected terminals before transitioning to the energy saving state, and when the source cell decides to transition to the energy saving state, it can send control information to trigger multiple terminals to perform conditional handover, so that the source cell can transition to the energy saving state after all terminals have been handed over to the candidate target cells. From this, it can be seen that in the embodiment of the present application, the conditional handover of multiple terminals can be completed collectively and quickly, so that the source cell can transition to the energy saving state as soon as possible. That is, the embodiment of the present application can realize conditional handover in a network energy saving scenario.

[0138] Optionally, the second instruction information includes at least one of the following items C-1 to C-3. Item C-1: Threshold offset amount for CHO execution conditions. Section C-2: Fifth instruction information for instructing the terminal to adjust the threshold of the CHO execution condition by a predefined threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition. Section C-3: Sixth instruction information for instructing the terminal to utilize specific CHO execution conditions.

[0139] It should be noted here that in section C-2, the threshold offset amount of the predefined CHO execution condition may be specified in a protocol or may be set for the terminal by the network side device in the CHO configuration.

[0140] wherein, when the second instruction information includes at least one of the fifth instruction information and a threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition, the terminal can change the threshold of the CHO execution condition according to at least one of the fifth instruction information and the threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition; When the second instruction information includes the sixth instruction information, the terminal may perform a CHO evaluation operation using the specific CHO execution condition.

[0141] Optionally, the method further comprises: The method further includes the network side device receiving notification information, wherein the notification information is for indicating that the terminal has not found a candidate target cell that meets a CHO execution condition within a predetermined time period.

[0142] Here, the predetermined time may be a time indicated by time setting information, which may be preset for the terminal by a network device (e.g., set before the terminal receives control information), set in the control information (i.e., the time setting information is included in the control information), or specified by a protocol.

[0143] As can be seen from the above, since the above-mentioned predetermined time is set, when the terminal performs CHO evaluation, the terminal performs CHO evaluation within the predetermined time. However, if the terminal is unable to find a candidate target cell that meets the CHO execution conditions within the predetermined time, the terminal can inform the network side device of the situation, so that the network side device can make a rational decision, for example, not transition to an energy saving state.

[0144] Optionally, the method further comprises: The method further includes configuring the network side device to perform a first operation or a second operation when the terminal detects a radio link failure (RLF); the first operation includes initiating an associated operation of a CHO; The second operation includes: performing RRC re-establishment; and, if a first cell selected in the RRC re-establishment process is a candidate target cell in a CHO setting of the terminal, performing handover based on the first cell; and, if the first cell is not a candidate target cell in a CHO setting of the terminal, sending an RRC re-establishment request on the first cell.

[0145] Here, the first operation may further include performing RRC re-establishment if the CHO fails.

[0146] In another implementation form, the execution of the first operation when the terminal detects RLF may be configured by a network side device. If not configured by the network side device, the terminal initiates RRC re-establishment by default or executes the second operation by default.

[0147] Optionally, the network side device transmits the control information, The network side device transmits a system message (e.g., SIB1) carrying the control information; The network side device transmits a short message carrying the control information; the network side device transmitting a paging message carrying the control information; The network side device transmits group common downlink control information carrying the control information.

[0148] As can be seen from the above, in the embodiment of the present application, the network side device can transmit the control information by at least one of a system message, a short message, a paging message, and a group-common DCI. That is, at least one of a system message, a short message, a paging message, and a group-common DCI may include at least one of the following items A-1 to A-7. Section A-1: ​​First instruction information for instructing a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state, and at least one of the energy saving modes to which the network side device is to transition. Section A-2: Cell bar information for indicating that at least some terminals (e.g., terminals in IDLE or INACTIVE states) are prohibited from staying in the cell. Section A-3: Instruction information that instructs the terminal to start the execution operation of the CHO. Section A-4: Second instruction information for indicating relevant information for CHO setting. Section A-5: Third instruction information for instructing the terminal to perform CHO evaluation. Section A-6: Fourth instruction information for instructing the terminal to perform measurements related to CHO. Item A-7: Time setting information to instruct the terminal when to perform CHO evaluation.

[0149] To summarize the above, specific embodiments of the conditional handover method of the examples of the present application may be as follows: Embodiments 1 to 9. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments of the conditional handover method are not limited to the following Embodiments 1 to 9.

[0150] Embodiment 1: When the UE receives a cell bar in a system message, the UE is triggered to start a CHO execution operation, as described in the following steps 1.1 to 1.3.

[0151] Step 1.1: The UE is in an RRC connected state and receives and then saves the CHO configuration.

[0152] Step 1.2: After receiving the CHO configuration, the UE monitors the broadcasted SIB1. Here, the UE can monitor at a predefined SIB1 period (e.g., 160 ms) or at a SIB1 period set by the network side device (e.g., by setting one SIB1 repetition periodicity). In addition, when a common search space is configured in the ACTIVE BWP or initial BWP of the UE, the UE can monitor the broadcasted SIB1.

[0153] Step 1.3: If the monitored SIB1 contains a cell bar, the UE initiates a CHO execution operation (i.e., selects one cell from at least one candidate target cell included in the CHO configuration to perform handover).

[0154] It should be noted that in a certain scenario, for example, a source cell configures a default candidate target cell for a slow or stationary UE, and the coverage area of ​​the candidate target cell includes the coverage area of ​​the source cell. In this case, when the source cell sends a message to trigger the UE to start a CHO operation, the UE does not need to evaluate the quality of the candidate target cell. Here, in this scenario, the source cell sends the cell bar in SIB1 to prevent UEs in RRC idle / inactive state from staying on this cell. Therefore, it is possible to reuse this signaling to have connected UEs read the cell bar in SIB1 to trigger CHO, thereby avoiding the introduction of new signaling overhead.

[0155] It is understandable that when the CHO configuration includes multiple candidate target cells, the UE can decide by itself which candidate target cell to select to perform handover. If the handover fails, the UE can retry to initiate the CHO operation on another candidate target cell. Optionally, whether the UE attempts to initiate the CHO operation on multiple candidate cells may depend on the configuration of the network side device.

[0156] Embodiment 2: When the UE receives the control information in the short message, the UE is triggered to start the CHO execution operation, as described in the following steps 2.1 to 2.3.

[0157] Step 2.1: The UE is in an RRC connected state and receives and then saves the CHO configuration.

[0158] Optionally, the UE will default to activating CHO evaluation after receiving the CHO configuration.

[0159] Step 2.2: The UE monitors the short message. Here, the UE can monitor according to the current short message monitoring timing (e.g., within one modification period, the UE needs to monitor at least once at any timing (PO) position), or can monitor according to the short message monitoring timing set by the network side equipment or specified in the protocol (e.g., monitor at one or more fixed PO positions).

[0160] Step 2.3: If the monitored short message carries control information, the UE initiates a CHO execution operation, where the control information includes first instruction information instructing the network side device to transition to an energy saving state.

[0161] Embodiment 3: When the UE first receives the notification in the short message and then receives the control information in the SIB1, the UE is triggered to start the CHO execution operation, as described in the following steps 3.1 to 3.3.

[0162] Step 3.1: The UE is in an RRC connected state and stores the CHO configuration after receiving it.

[0163] Step 3.2: The UE monitors the short message. Here, the UE can monitor according to the current short message monitoring timing (e.g., within one change period, the UE needs to monitor at least once at any PO location), or can monitor according to the short message monitoring timing set by the network side equipment or specified in the protocol (e.g., monitor at one or more fixed PO locations).

[0164] Step 3.3: The UE, in the monitored short message, The system message has changed, The system messages related to network energy saving have changed, It is necessary to obtain the broadcasted SIB1 when at least one of the following is indicated: the system message related to CHO has changed;

[0165] Step 3.4: The UE receives SIB1 instructing the network side equipment to transition to cell discontinuous transmission (cell DTX) or discontinuous reception (DRX) energy saving mode (e.g., SIB1 carries control information including first instruction information instructing the network side equipment to transition to cell DTX / DRX energy saving mode).

[0166] Step 3.5: If the UE does not support the cell DTX or DRX energy saving mode, it starts the CHO execution operation; if the cell DTX / DRX energy saving mode is supported, the UE does not start the CHO execution operation, or the UE makes a decision on whether to start the CHO execution operation.

[0167] Embodiment 4: When the UE receives the short message and knows that the system message has changed, the UE is triggered to monitor SIB1 to obtain information for CHO setting adjustment, as described in the following steps 4.1 to 4.4.

[0168] Step 4.1: The UE is in an RRC connected state, receives and stores the CHO configuration, and initiates CHO evaluation, for example, if the received CHO configuration indicates that an A3 or A5 event is a CHO execution condition, the UE performs evaluation based on the A3 or A5 event. Here, if the threshold set by the network side device is high and the condition for executing CHO is not met, the UE will not execute the conditional handover.

[0169] Step 4.2: The UE receives the short message, and if the short message indicates that system information related to network energy saving has changed, the UE receives SIB1.

[0170] Step 4.3: The UE receives SIB1, and if the SIB1 indicates information related to the CHO configuration (e.g., the SIB1 carries control information including second indication information for indicating information related to the CHO configuration), the UE adjusts the thresholds of the trigger events (i.e., execution conditions) in the currently saved CHO configuration, for example, by increasing the threshold of the source cell by one offset 1 and decreasing the threshold of the candidate target cell by one offset 2.

[0171] Optionally, the second instruction information is: A threshold offset amount for the CHO execution condition; and fifth instruction information for instructing the terminal to adjust the threshold of the CHO execution condition by a predefined threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition (wherein the predefined threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition may be specified in a protocol or may be provided in advance by a CHO setting).

[0172] Step 4.4: The UE performs CHO evaluation based on the adjusted CHO setting, and starts CHO execution operation when the CHO execution condition is met.

[0173] Embodiment 5: When the UE receives a short message and knows that the system message has changed, the UE is triggered to monitor SIB1 and use the dedicated CHO configuration, as described in the following steps 5.1 to 5.4.

[0174] Step 5.1: The UE is in an RRC connected state and stores the CHO configuration after receiving it. Here, CHO is set to be executed based on the A5 and A4 events, and the UE first starts CHO evaluation based on A5. Note that the evaluation of the A4 event has not been started at this time.

[0175] Step 5.2: The UE receives the short message, and if the short message indicates that system information related to network energy saving has changed, the UE receives SIB1.

[0176] Step 5.3: When the UE receives SIB1 and SIB1 carries a network side energy saving instruction (e.g., SIB1 carries control information including first instruction information instructing the network side device to transition to an energy saving state or the energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition), the UE performs CHO evaluation based on the A4 event (i.e., the candidate target cell only needs to meet the set quality threshold).

[0177] Step 5.4: If the CHO execution condition is met, the UE starts the CHO execution operation.

[0178] Embodiment 6: When the UE receives a short message and learns that the system message has changed, the UE monitors SIB1 and triggers evaluation of CHO, as described in the following steps 6.1 to 6.3.

[0179] Step 6.1: The UE is in an RRC connected state, receives a CHO configuration set to be an A4 event as an execution condition, saves it, but does not initiate CHO evaluation.

[0180] Step 6.2: The UE receives SIB1 and, if SIB1 carries a network side energy saving instruction (e.g., SIB1 carries control information including first instruction information instructing the network side device to transition to an energy saving state or the energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition), initiates CHO evaluation (i.e., the candidate target cell must meet the configured quality threshold).

[0181] Step 6.3: If the CHO execution condition is met, the UE starts the CHO execution operation.

[0182] Embodiment 7: A UE receives a system message and initiates a measurement related to CHO, as described in the following steps 7.1 to 7.3.

[0183] Step 7.1: The UE is in an RRC connected state and receives and stores the CHO configuration. Here, the quality of the source cell is good so the UE does not initiate neighbor cell measurements.

[0184] Step 7.2: The UE receives SIB1, and if the SIB1 instructs the UE to initiate a measurement related to CHO, the UE performs a measurement related to CHO.

[0185] Step 7.3: If the CHO execution condition is met, the UE starts the CHO execution operation.

[0186] Embodiment 8: If the candidate target cell does not satisfy the condition within a specified time, the UE transmits notification information to the network side device, as described in the following steps 8.1 to 8.3.

[0187] Step 8.1: The UE is in an RRC connected state, receives and stores a CHO configuration that is configured to be executed based on the A5 and A4 events, and initiates CHO evaluation based on the A5 event first. Note that the evaluation of the A4 event has not been initiated at this time.

[0188] Step 8.2: When the UE receives SIB1 and carries a network side energy saving instruction in SIB1 (for example, SIB1 carries control information including first instruction information instructing the network side device to enter an energy saving state or the network side device to enter an energy saving mode), the UE performs CHO evaluation based on the A4 event, that is, if the candidate target cell meets the set quality threshold. If SIB1 further carries time setting information, the UE stores the time setting information.

[0189] Step 8.3: If the UE does not find a candidate target cell that meets the execution conditions (i.e., a candidate target cell that satisfies the A4 event) within the time specified in the time setting information, it sends notification information to the network side equipment and conversely starts the CHO execution operation. Here, the notification information is for indicating that no candidate target cell that satisfies the A4 event has been found within the time period indicated by the time setting information. The notification information may also be an RRC message, a MAC CE, or a UCI. Optionally, the uplink resource on which the UE transmits the control information is pre-configured or cell-wide.

[0190] Ninth embodiment: The operation of the UE when RLF occurs in the UE is specifically as described in the following steps 9.1 to 9.4.

[0191] Step 9.1: The UE is in an RRC connected state and receives and stores the CHO configuration.

[0192] Step 9.2: The UE detects the RLF and performs step 9.3 or 9.4.

[0193] Step 9.3: The UE initiates the associated operation of CHO, and performs RRC re-establishment if the CHO fails.

[0194] Step 9.4: The UE performs RRC re-establishment, performs cell selection in the RRC re-establishment process, and if the selected cell is just a candidate target cell in CHO, performs handover based on the selected cell, or conversely, sends an RRC re-establishment request on the selected cell.

[0195] Optionally, the UE may be configured by the network side device to perform operation step 9.3 when it detects RLF. If not configured by the network side device, the UE will perform operation step 9.4 by default.

[0196] To summarize, the embodiment of the present application enhances the conventional conditional handover CHO procedure to take into account the impact of the energy saving mode of the source cell / target cell. That is, before the source cell attempts to enter the energy saving state, the network side equipment can pre-configure CHO (i.e., one or more candidate target cells and corresponding access setting information) for the connected terminal. When the source cell determines to enter the energy saving state, the network side equipment sends the above control information to trigger multiple UEs to perform conditional handover. After all the terminals have been handed over to the candidate target cells, the source cell can enter the energy saving state.

[0197] In addition, the embodiments of the present application further consider whether to directly perform a conditional handover when the UE receives the above control information in the case of measurement results showing that the quality of the candidate target cell is poor or there is no candidate target cell, thereby avoiding possible handover failures.

[0198] The conditional handover method provided in the embodiment of the present application may be executed by a conditional handover device. In the embodiment of the present application, the conditional handover device provided in the embodiment of the present application will be described as an example in which the conditional handover device executes the conditional handover method.

[0199] In a third aspect, the embodiment of the present application further provides a conditional handover device applicable to a terminal. As shown in Figure 4, the conditional handover device 40 includes: a first receiving module 401 for receiving control information for triggering related operations of a conditional handover CHO; a first processing module 402 that initiates an associated operation of the CHO in response to the control information; Initiating the relevant operation of said CHO Initiating a run operation of the CHO; Change the CHO settings or start the usage operation; If a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, starting a CHO evaluation operation; and initiating a measurement operation associated with the CHO.

[0200] Optionally, the first processing module 402: a first processing submodule that starts a CHO execution operation when the control information includes at least one of first instruction information, cell prohibition information, and instruction information instructing a terminal to start a CHO execution operation; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; The cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell.

[0201] Optionally, the first processing module 402: a second processing submodule that starts a change or use operation of a CHO setting when the control information includes at least one of first instruction information, cell prohibition information, and second instruction information; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; the cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; The second instruction information is for instructing information related to CHO setting.

[0202] Optionally, the device comprises: The device further includes a first setting evaluation module that, after receiving a CHO setting, stores the CHO setting and initiates a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to the CHO setting.

[0203] Optionally, the first processing module 402: The control information includes at least one of first instruction information, cell barring information, and third instruction information, and further includes a third processing submodule that starts a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to a CHO setting set for the terminal when a CHO is set for the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; the cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; The third instruction information is for instructing the terminal to start a CHO evaluation operation.

[0204] Optionally, the device comprises: a first control module that, when the CHO setting received by the terminal includes an execution condition based on an A4 event, does not initiate a CHO evaluation operation for the execution condition based on the A4 event; Or, The terminal further includes a second control module for, after receiving the CHO configuration, not initiating a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to the received CHO configuration according to an instruction from a network side device.

[0205] Optionally, the first processing module 402: The fourth processing submodule is configured to cause the terminal to start a measurement operation related to a CHO when the control information includes at least one of first instruction information, cell prohibition information, and fourth instruction information; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; the cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; The fourth instruction information is for instructing the terminal to start a measurement operation related to a CHO.

[0206] Optionally, the device comprises: The terminal further includes a second processing module for initiating a CHO-related operation when the terminal does not support the energy-saving mode to which the network-side device is to transition.

[0207] Optionally, the device comprises: The terminal further includes a third processing module for realizing, by the terminal, a decision as to whether to not initiate a CHO-related operation or to initiate a CHO-related operation when the terminal supports the energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition.

[0208] Optionally, the second instruction information comprises: A threshold offset amount for the CHO execution condition; Fifth instruction information for instructing the terminal to adjust the threshold of the CHO execution condition by a predefined threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition; and sixth instruction information for instructing the terminal to utilize a specific CHO execution condition.

[0209] Optionally, the second processing sub-module specifically: When the second instruction information includes at least one of the fifth instruction information and a threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition, changing the threshold of the CHO execution condition according to at least one of the fifth instruction information and the threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition; and performing a CHO evaluation operation using the specific CHO execution condition when the second instruction information includes the sixth instruction information.

[0210] Optionally, the device comprises: The terminal further includes a second transmission module that transmits notification information to the network side device when the terminal does not find a candidate target cell that meets the CHO execution condition within a predetermined time after receiving the control information, and the notification information is for indicating that a candidate target cell that meets the CHO execution condition has not been found within the predetermined time.

[0211] Optionally, the uplink resource of the signaling information is a pre-configured one or a cell common resource.

[0212] Optionally, the device comprises: a fourth processing module configured to perform a first operation or a second operation when a radio link failure (RLF) occurs before the terminal receives the control information; the first operation includes initiating an associated operation of a CHO; The second operation includes: performing RRC re-establishment; and, if a first cell selected in the RRC re-establishment process is a candidate target cell in a CHO setting of the terminal, performing handover based on the first cell; and, if the first cell is not a candidate target cell in a CHO setting of the terminal, sending an RRC re-establishment request on the first cell.

[0213] Optionally, the fourth processing module specifically: When a network-side device configures the terminal to perform the first operation when it detects an RLF, the terminal performs the first operation; or When the network side device is configured to perform the second operation when the terminal detects an RLF, the second operation is performed.

[0214] Optionally, the control information further comprises a cell list, and the device is further configured to: The terminal further comprises a fifth processing module for, if CHO fails, selecting a second cell from the cell list and transmitting an RRC re-establishment request on the second cell.

[0215] Optionally, the first receiving module specifically comprises: receiving a system message carrying the control information; receiving a short message carrying the control information; receiving a paging message carrying the control information; receiving group-common downlink control information carrying the control information.

[0216] Optionally, the timing at which the terminal receives the system message is set by the network side or is defined by a protocol.

[0217] Optionally, the first receiving module receives the system message, specifically: receiving the broadcasted system message when a target condition is met; receiving the broadcasted system message when the received short message of the terminal indicates a target content; The target condition is: A common search space of the system message is set in the active bandwidth portion BWP of the terminal; A common search space of the system message is set in the initial BWP of the terminal; the terminal is configured to monitor the broadcasted system message; the terminal has received a CHO configuration; The target content is The system message has changed, The system messages related to network energy saving have changed, and a system message related to the CHO has changed.

[0218] Optionally, the first receiving module receives the short message, specifically: The short message is received when a paging common search space is set in the active BWP or initial BWP of the terminal.

[0219] Optionally, the first receiving module receives the short message, specifically: monitor the short message at a timing set or predefined by the network side device; Or, The short message is monitored in a time window set or predefined by the network side device.

[0220] Optionally, the first receiving module receives the paging message, specifically: If the terminal receives a short message instructing the terminal in a connected state to monitor the paging message, the terminal receives the paging message.

[0221] The conditional handover device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement each step implemented in the method embodiment of FIG. 2 and achieve similar technical effects, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here to avoid repetition.

[0222] The conditional handover device in the embodiments of the present application may be, for example, an electronic device with an operating system, or may be a component in an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit or chip. The electronic device may be a terminal. For example, the terminal may include, but is not limited to, the types of terminals 11 listed above, and is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0223] In a fourth aspect, the embodiment of the present application further provides a conditional handover device applicable to a network side device. As shown in Figure 5, the conditional handover device 50 includes: The terminal may further include a first sending module 501 for sending control information for triggering the terminal to initiate a related operation of a conditional handover CHO; Initiating a conditional handover related operation of the CHO includes: Initiating a run operation of the CHO; Change the CHO settings or start the usage operation; If a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, starting a CHO evaluation operation; and initiating a measurement operation associated with the CHO.

[0224] Optionally, the control information comprises: First instruction information for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; cell prohibition information for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; instruction information instructing the terminal to start the execution operation of the CHO; Second instruction information for instructing information related to CHO setting; Third instruction information for instructing the terminal to perform CHO evaluation; fourth instruction information for instructing the terminal to perform a measurement related to a CHO; and time setting information for instructing the terminal when to perform CHO evaluation.

[0225] Optionally, the second instruction information comprises: A threshold offset amount for the CHO execution condition; Fifth instruction information for instructing the terminal to adjust the threshold of the CHO execution condition by a predefined threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition; and sixth instruction information for instructing the terminal to utilize a specific CHO execution condition.

[0226] Optionally, the device comprises: The terminal further includes a second receiving module for receiving notification information, the notification information being for indicating that the terminal has not found a candidate target cell that meets a CHO execution condition within a predetermined time.

[0227] Optionally, the device comprises: A setting module is further provided for setting the terminal to perform a first operation or a second operation when the terminal detects a radio link failure (RLF); the first operation includes initiating an associated operation of a CHO; The second operation includes: performing RRC re-establishment; and, if a first cell selected in the RRC re-establishment process is a candidate target cell in a CHO setting of the terminal, performing handover based on the first cell; and, if the first cell is not a candidate target cell in a CHO setting of the terminal, sending an RRC re-establishment request on the first cell.

[0228] Optionally, the first sending module 501 specifically includes: transmitting a system message carrying the control information; sending a short message carrying the control information; transmitting a paging message carrying the control information; and transmitting group-common downlink control information carrying the control information.

[0229] The conditional handover device in the embodiment of the present application may be, for example, an electronic device with an operating system, or may be a component in the electronic device, such as an integrated circuit or chip. The electronic device may be a network side device. For example, the network side device may include, but is not limited to, the types of network side device 12 listed above, and is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0230] The conditional handover device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement each step implemented in the method embodiment of Figure 3 and achieve similar technical effects, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here to avoid repetition.

[0231] The conditional handover device in the embodiment of the present application may be, for example, an electronic device with an operating system, or may be a component in the electronic device, such as an integrated circuit or chip. The electronic device may be a network side device. For example, the network side device may include, but is not limited to, the types of network side device 12 listed above, and is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0232] 6, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 600 including a processor 601 and a memory 602 storing a program or command executable by the processor 601. For example, when the communication device 600 is a terminal, the program or command is executed by the processor 601 to realize each step of the embodiment of the conditional handover method, thereby achieving the same technical effect. When the communication device 600 is a network-side device, the program or command is executed by the processor 601 to realize each step of the embodiment of the conditional handover method, thereby achieving the same technical effect. In order to avoid repetition, detailed description will be omitted here.

[0233] The present application also provides a terminal including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and the processor being coupled together, and the processor executing a program or command to implement the steps of the method embodiment shown in Figure 7. This terminal embodiment corresponds to the above-mentioned terminal-side method embodiment, and the respective implementation steps and implementation forms of the above-mentioned method embodiment can be applied to this terminal embodiment, and similar technical effects can be achieved. Specifically, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal implementing the embodiment of the present application.

[0234] The terminal 700 includes at least some elements such as, but not limited to, a radio frequency unit 701, a network module 702, an audio output unit 703, an input unit 704, a sensor 705, a display unit 706, a user input unit 707, an interface unit 708, a memory 709 and a processor 710.

[0235] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the terminal 700 may further include a power source (e.g., a battery) for supplying power to each component, and the power source may be logically connected to the processor 710 via a power management system, which may further realize functions such as charge / discharge management and power consumption management. The configuration of the terminal shown in Figure 7 is not intended to limit the terminal, and the terminal may include more or fewer components than those shown, or a combination of some components, or a different component arrangement, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0236] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the input unit 704 may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) 7041 and a microphone 7042 for processing image data of still or video images captured by an image capture device (e.g., a camera) in a video capture mode or an image capture mode. The display unit 706 may include a display panel 7061, which may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, or the like. The user input unit 707 includes at least one of a touch panel 7071 and other input devices 7072. The touch panel 7071 is also called a touch screen. The touch panel 7071 may include two parts: a touch detection device and a touch controller. The other input devices 7072 may include, but are not limited to, a physical keyboard, function buttons (e.g., volume control buttons, switch buttons, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, and a control lever. Detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0237] In the embodiment of the present application, the radio frequency unit 701 can receive downlink data from the network side device and then transmit the data to the processor 710 for processing. The radio frequency unit 701 can also transmit uplink data to the network side device. Typically, the radio frequency unit 701 includes, but is not limited to, an antenna, an amplifier, a receiver / transmitter, a coupler, a low-noise amplifier, a duplexer, etc.

[0238] The memory 709 can be used to store software programs or commands and various data. The memory 709 may mainly include a first storage area for storing programs or commands, and a second storage area for storing data, which can store an operating system, an application or command required for at least one function (e.g., an audio playback function, an image playback function, etc.). The memory 709 may also include volatile memory or nonvolatile memory. Here, the nonvolatile memory may 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 may be random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synch link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus random access memory (DRRAM). Memory 709 in embodiments of the present application includes, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0239] The processor 710 may include one or more processing units, and may selectively integrate an application processor that mainly processes operations related to an operating system, a user interface, applications, etc., and a modem processor that mainly processes wireless communication signals, such as a baseband processor, into the processor 710. It is understood that the modem processor need not be integrated into the processor 710.

[0240] The radio frequency unit 701 receives control information for triggering related operations of a conditional handover CHO; The processor 710 initiates the associated operation of the CHO in response to the control information; Initiating the relevant operation of said CHO Initiating a run operation of the CHO; Change the CHO settings or start the usage operation; If a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, starting a CHO evaluation operation; and initiating a measurement operation associated with the CHO.

[0241] Optionally, the processor 710 initiates the associated operation of the CHO by: When the control information includes at least one of first instruction information, cell prohibition information, and instruction information instructing the terminal to start a CHO execution operation, starting the CHO execution operation; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; The cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell.

[0242] Optionally, the processor 710 initiates the associated operation of the CHO by: The control information includes starting a change or use operation of a CHO setting when at least one of first instruction information, cell prohibition information, and second instruction information is included; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; the cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; The second instruction information is for instructing information related to CHO setting.

[0243] Optionally, before the radio frequency unit 701 receives the control information, the processor 710 further After the radio frequency unit 701 receives the CHO setting, it stores the CHO setting and initiates a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to the CHO setting.

[0244] Optionally, the processor 710 initiates the associated operation of the CHO by: The control information includes at least one of first instruction information, cell barring information, and third instruction information, and further includes, when a CHO is configured in the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, starting a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to a CHO setting configured in the terminal; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; the cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; The third instruction information is for instructing the terminal to start a CHO evaluation operation.

[0245] Optionally, processor 710 further When the CHO setting received by the terminal includes an execution condition based on an A4 event, the CHO evaluation operation for the execution condition based on the A4 event is not initiated; Or, After the terminal receives the CHO configuration, it does not initiate a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to the received CHO configuration according to the instruction of the network side device.

[0246] Optionally, the processor 710 initiates the associated operation of the CHO by: The method further includes transmitting a measurement related to a CHO when the control information includes at least one of first instruction information, cell barring information, and fourth instruction information; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; the cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; The fourth instruction information is for instructing the terminal to start a measurement operation related to a CHO.

[0247] Optionally, processor 710 further If the terminal does not support the energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition, it initiates a CHO related operation.

[0248] Optionally, processor 710 further If the terminal supports the energy-saving mode to which the network side device is to transition, the terminal does not initiate the associated operation of the CHO, or the terminal decides whether to initiate the associated operation of the CHO.

[0249] Optionally, the second instruction information comprises: A threshold offset amount for the CHO execution condition; Fifth instruction information for instructing the terminal to adjust the threshold of the CHO execution condition by a predefined threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition; and sixth instruction information for instructing the terminal to utilize a specific CHO execution condition.

[0250] Optionally, the processor 710 may initiate a CHO setting change or utilization operation by: When the second instruction information includes at least one of the fifth instruction information and a threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition, changing the threshold of the CHO execution condition according to at least one of the fifth instruction information and the threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition; The second instruction information includes at least one of: executing a CHO evaluation operation using the specific CHO execution condition when the sixth instruction information is included.

[0251] Optionally, the high frequency unit 701 further comprises: If the terminal does not find a candidate target cell that meets the CHO execution conditions within a predetermined time after receiving the control information, it sends notification information to the network side device, and the notification information is intended to indicate that a candidate target cell that meets the CHO execution conditions has not been found within the predetermined time.

[0252] Optionally, the uplink resource of the signaling information is a pre-configured one or a cell common resource.

[0253] Optionally, processor 710 further If a radio link failure (RLF) occurs in the terminal before the radio frequency unit (701) receives the control information, the first operation or the second operation is performed; the first operation includes initiating an associated operation of a CHO; The second operation includes: performing RRC re-establishment; and, if a first cell selected in the RRC re-establishment process is a candidate target cell in a CHO setting of the terminal, performing handover based on the first cell; and, if the first cell is not a candidate target cell in a CHO setting of the terminal, sending an RRC re-establishment request on the first cell.

[0254] Optionally, the processor 710 performing the first operation or the second operation includes: When a network-side device configures the terminal to perform the first operation when detecting an RLF, the terminal performs the first operation; or and performing the second operation when the network side device is configured to perform the second operation when the terminal detects RLF.

[0255] Optionally, the control information further comprises a cell list, and the processor 710 further comprises: If CHO to the terminal fails, a second cell is selected from the cell list, and an RRC re-establishment request is sent on the second cell.

[0256] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 701 receives the control information: receiving a system message carrying the control information; receiving a short message carrying the control information; receiving a paging message carrying the control information; receiving group common downlink control information carrying the control information.

[0257] Optionally, the timing at which the terminal receives the system message is set by the network side or is defined by a protocol.

[0258] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 701 receiving the system message may: receiving the broadcasted system message when a target condition is met; receiving the broadcasted system message when the received short message of the terminal indicates a target content; The target condition is: A common search space of the system message is set in the active bandwidth portion BWP of the terminal; A common search space of the system message is set in the initial BWP of the terminal; the terminal is configured to monitor the broadcasted system message; the terminal has received a CHO configuration; The target content is The system message has changed, The system messages related to network energy saving have changed, and a system message related to the CHO has changed.

[0259] Optionally, the high frequency unit 701 receiving the short message comprises: The method includes receiving the short message when a paging common search space is set in the active BWP or initial BWP of the terminal.

[0260] Optionally, the high frequency unit 701 receiving the short message comprises: monitoring the short message at a timing set or predefined by a network side device; Or, The method includes monitoring the short message in a time window set or predefined by a network side device.

[0261] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 701 receiving the paging message comprises: receiving the paging message when a short message received by the terminal instructs the terminal in a connected state to monitor the paging message;

[0262] As can be understood, for the implementation process of each implementation form described in this embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant description of the conditional handover method in the method embodiment, and similar or corresponding technical effects can be achieved, and detailed descriptions will be omitted here to avoid repetition.

[0263] An embodiment of the present application further provides a network-side device, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface and the processor are coupled together, and the processor executes a program or command to implement the steps of the method embodiment shown in Fig. 3. The embodiment of the network-side device corresponds to the above-mentioned embodiment of the network-side device method, and the respective implementation steps and realization modes of the above-mentioned embodiment of the method can be applied to the embodiment of the network-side device, and similar technical effects can be achieved.

[0264] Specifically, an embodiment of the present application further provides a network side device. As shown in Fig. 8, the network side device 800 includes an antenna 81, a radio frequency device 82, a baseband device 83, a processor 84, and a memory 85. The antenna 81 is connected to the radio frequency device 82. In the uplink direction, the radio frequency device 82 receives information through the antenna 81 and transmits the received information to the baseband device 83 for processing. In the downlink direction, the baseband device 83 processes the information to be transmitted and transmits it to the radio frequency device 82, which processes the received information before transmitting it via the antenna 81.

[0265] In the above embodiments, the methods performed by the network side equipment can be implemented in a baseband device 83, which includes a baseband processor.

[0266] The baseband device 83 may, for example, include at least one baseband board on which multiple chips are installed, and as shown in FIG. 8, one of the chips is, for example, a baseband processor connected to a memory 85 via a bus interface and calling a program in the memory 85 to perform the operations of the network equipment shown in the above method embodiments.

[0267] The network side device may further include a network interface 86, which may be, for example, a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI).

[0268] Specifically, the network side device 800 of the embodiment of the present invention further includes a command or program stored in the memory 85 and executable by the processor 84, and the processor 84 invokes the command or program in the memory 85 to execute the method executed by each module shown in Fig. 5, thereby achieving the same technical effect. In order to avoid repetition, detailed description will be omitted here.

[0269] An embodiment of the present application further provides a readable storage medium on which a program or command is stored, and when the program or command is executed by a processor, each step of the above-mentioned conditional handover method embodiment is realized and similar technical effects can be achieved, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here to avoid repetition.

[0270] The processor may be the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiment. The readable storage medium may include a computer readable storage medium such as a computer read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transitory readable storage medium.

[0271] An embodiment of the present application further provides a chip including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface and the processor are coupled, and the processor executes a program or command to realize each step of the above-mentioned conditional handover method embodiment, so as to achieve similar technical effects. Detailed description will be omitted here to avoid repetition.

[0272] It should be understood that the chips referred to in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as system level chips, system chips, chip systems, or system-on-chips, etc.

[0273] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program / program product that is stored in a storage medium and is executed by at least one processor to realize each step of the above-mentioned conditional handover method embodiment and achieve similar technical effects, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here to avoid repetition.

[0274] An embodiment of the present application further provides a conditional handover system comprising a terminal capable of performing the steps of the conditional handover method described in the first aspect above, and a network side device capable of performing the steps of the conditional handover method described in the second aspect above.

[0275] It should be noted that, as used herein, terms such as "comprises," "consists of," or any other variation thereof are intended to include a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a set of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly specified or inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element. It should also be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on such functionality. For example, the described method may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, features described with reference to one example may be combined in other examples.

[0276] From the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be realized in the form of a combination of a computer software product and a necessary common hardware platform, and of course, can be realized by hardware. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium (e.g., ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) and includes a plurality of commands that cause a terminal or a network-side device to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present application.

[0277] Although the examples of the present application have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, which are merely illustrative and not limiting. Based on the suggestions of the present application, those skilled in the art can realize many embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present application and the scope of protection of the claims, and all of these embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A terminal receives control information for triggering a conditional handover (CHO) related operation; The terminal initiates an associated operation of a CHO in response to the control information; Initiating the related operation of the CHO Initiating a running operation of the CHO; Initiating a change or usage operation of the CHO settings; If a CHO is configured on the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, initiating a CHO evaluation operation; and initiating a measurement operation related to the CHO.

2. The terminal starts the associated operation of the CHO, When the control information includes at least one of first instruction information, cell prohibition information, and instruction information instructing the terminal to start a CHO execution operation, the terminal starts a CHO execution operation; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; The method of claim 1 , wherein the cell prohibition information indicates that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell.

3. The terminal starts the associated operation of the CHO, The control information includes, when at least one of first instruction information, cell prohibition information, and second instruction information is included, the terminal starts changing a CHO setting or a usage operation; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; the cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; The method of claim 1 , wherein the second indication information is for indicating information related to a CHO setting.

4. Before the terminal receives control information, The method according to claim 1 , further comprising, after receiving the CHO settings, the terminal storing the CHO settings and initiating a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to the CHO settings.

5. The terminal starts the associated operation of the CHO, The control information includes at least one of first instruction information, cell prohibition information, and third instruction information, and further includes, when a CHO is configured for the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, the terminal starts a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to the CHO setting configured for the terminal; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; the cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; The method according to claim 1 , wherein the third instruction information is for instructing the terminal to initiate a CHO evaluation operation.

6. When the CHO setting received by the terminal includes an execution condition based on an A4 event, the terminal does not initiate a CHO evaluation operation for the execution condition based on the A4 event; Or, The method of claim 5 , further comprising: after receiving the CHO setting, the terminal, according to an instruction from a network-side device, not initiating a CHO evaluation operation corresponding to the received CHO setting.

7. The terminal starts the associated operation of the CHO, The method further includes the terminal transmitting a measurement related to a CHO when the control information includes at least one of first indication information, cell prohibition information, and fourth indication information; the first instruction information is for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; the cell prohibition information is for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; The method according to claim 1 , wherein the fourth instruction information is for instructing the terminal to initiate a measurement operation related to CHO.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising, when the terminal does not support the energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition, initiating a CHO-related operation by the terminal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: when the terminal supports the energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition, the terminal does not initiate a CHO-related operation, or the terminal determines whether to initiate a CHO-related operation.

10. The second instruction information is A threshold offset amount for the CHO execution condition; Fifth instruction information for instructing the terminal to adjust the threshold of the CHO execution condition by a predefined threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition; and sixth instruction information for instructing the terminal to utilize specific CHO execution conditions.

11. The terminal starts changing the CHO setting or starting the usage operation. When the second instruction information includes at least one of the fifth instruction information and a threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition, the terminal changes the threshold of the CHO execution condition according to at least one of the fifth instruction information and the threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition; The method of claim 10 , wherein the second instruction information includes at least one of: when the sixth instruction information is included, the terminal performs a CHO evaluation operation using the specific CHO execution condition.

12. 12. The method according to claim 5 or 11, further comprising: when the terminal does not find a candidate target cell that meets a CHO execution condition within a predetermined time after receiving the control information, the terminal transmitting notification information to the network side device, the notification information being for indicating that a candidate target cell that meets a CHO execution condition has not been found within the predetermined time.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the uplink resource of the signaling information is a pre-configured one or a cell common resource.

14. The method further includes the terminal performing a first operation or a second operation when a radio link failure (RLF) occurs before the terminal receives the control information; the first operation includes initiating an associated operation of a CHO; 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second operation includes: performing RRC re-establishment; performing handover based on a first cell selected in an RRC re-establishment process if the first cell is a candidate target cell in a CHO configuration of the terminal; and transmitting an RRC re-establishment request on the first cell if the first cell is not a candidate target cell in a CHO configuration of the terminal.

15. The execution of the first operation or the second operation by the terminal includes: When a network side device configures the terminal to perform the first operation when the terminal detects an RLF, the terminal performs the first operation; or The method of claim 14 , further comprising: the terminal performing the second operation if the network side device configures the terminal to perform the second operation when the terminal detects an RLF.

16. The control information further includes a cell list, and the method further comprises:

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising, when CHO fails for the terminal, the terminal selecting a second cell from the cell list and sending an RRC re-establishment request on the second cell.

17. The terminal receiving the control information The terminal receives a system message carrying the control information; The terminal receives a short message carrying the control information; receiving a paging message carrying the control information by the terminal; and receiving, by the terminal, group-common downlink control information carrying the control information.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the timing at which the terminal receives the system message is set by a network side or specified by a protocol.

19. The terminal receiving the system message includes: receiving the broadcasted system message by the terminal when a target condition is met; and if the short message received by the terminal indicates a target content, the terminal receives the broadcasted system message; The target condition is: A common search space of the system message is set in the active bandwidth portion BWP of the terminal; A common search space of the system message is set in the initial BWP of the terminal; the terminal is configured to monitor the broadcasted system message; the terminal has received a CHO configuration; The target content is The system message has changed, The system messages related to network energy saving have changed, and a system message associated with the CHO has changed.

20. The terminal receiving the short message includes: The method of claim 17, comprising the terminal receiving the short message when a paging common search space is set in an active BWP or an initial BWP of the terminal.

21. The terminal receiving the short message includes: The terminal monitors the short message at a timing set or predefined by a network side device; Or, The method according to claim 17 or claim 20, comprising the terminal monitoring the short message in a time window set or predefined by a network side device.

22. The terminal receiving the paging message includes:

18. The method of claim 17, comprising receiving the paging message by the terminal when a short message received by the terminal instructs the terminal in a connected state to monitor for the paging message.

23. a network side device transmitting control information; The control information is for triggering the terminal to initiate a conditional handover (CHO) related operation; Initiating the conditional handover (CHO) related operation includes: Initiating a running operation of the CHO; Initiating a change or usage operation of the CHO settings; If a CHO is configured on the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, initiating a CHO evaluation operation; and initiating a measurement operation related to the CHO.

24. The control information is First instruction information for instructing at least one of a transition of a network side device to an energy saving state and an energy saving mode to which the network side device is to transition; cell prohibition information for indicating that at least some terminals are prohibited from staying in the cell; Instruction information instructing the terminal to start the execution operation of the CHO; second instruction information for instructing information related to the CHO setting; third instruction information for instructing the terminal to perform CHO evaluation; fourth instruction information for instructing the terminal to perform measurements related to CHO; and time setting information for instructing the terminal when to perform a CHO assessment.

25. The second instruction information is A threshold offset amount for the CHO execution condition; Fifth instruction information for instructing the terminal to adjust the threshold of the CHO execution condition by a predefined threshold offset amount of the CHO execution condition; and sixth instruction information for instructing the terminal to utilize specific CHO execution conditions.

26. 26. The method according to claim 23, further comprising: the network side device receiving notification information, the notification information being for indicating that the terminal has not found a candidate target cell that meets a CHO execution condition within a predetermined time.

27. The method further includes configuring the network side device to perform a first operation or a second operation when the terminal detects a radio link failure (RLF); the first operation includes initiating an associated operation of a CHO; 27. The method according to claim 23, wherein the second operation comprises: performing an RRC re-establishment; and, if a first cell selected in the RRC re-establishment process is a candidate target cell in a CHO configuration of the terminal, performing a handover based on the first cell; and, if the first cell is not a candidate target cell in a CHO configuration of the terminal, transmitting an RRC re-establishment request on the first cell.

28. The network side device transmitting the control information The network side device transmits a system message carrying the control information; The network side device transmits a short message carrying the control information; the network side device transmitting a paging message carrying the control information; and transmitting, by the network side device, group common downlink control information carrying the control information.

29. a first receiving module for receiving control information for triggering a conditional handover (CHO) related operation; a first processing module that initiates an associated operation of a CHO in response to the control information; Initiating the related operation of the CHO Initiating a running operation of the CHO; Initiating a change or usage operation of the CHO settings; Initiating a CHO evaluation operation if a CHO is configured on the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated; and initiating a measurement operation related to the CHO.

30. A first transmitting module for transmitting control information for triggering a terminal to initiate a conditional handover (CHO) related operation; Initiating the conditional handover (CHO) related operation includes: Initiating a running operation of the CHO; Initiating a change or usage operation of the CHO settings; If a CHO is configured on the terminal and CHO evaluation is not activated, initiating a CHO evaluation operation; and initiating a measurement operation related to the CHO.

31. 23. A terminal comprising a processor and a memory for storing programs or commands executable by the processor, the programs or commands being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the conditional handover method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

32. 29. A network side device comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing a program or command executable by the processor, wherein, when the program or command is executed by the processor, the steps of the conditional handover method according to any one of claims 23 to 28 are realized.

33. A readable storage medium having stored thereon a program or command that, when executed by a processor, implements the conditional handover method of any one of claims 1 to 22 or implements steps of the conditional handover method of any one of claims 23 to 28.

34. A computer program product which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the conditional handover method of any one of claims 1 to 22 to be implemented, or causes the conditional handover method of any one of claims 23 to 28 to be implemented.

35. A user equipment (UE) configured to perform a conditional handover method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

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