COMMUNICATION METHOD, DEVICE, STORAGE MEDIUM, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT

Abstract

A communication method, an apparatus, a storage medium, and a computer program product are provided. The method includes a terminal device receiving first configuration information from a network device, the first configuration information including configuration information of at least one first non-cell-defined synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (NCD-SSB) and configuration information of a first reference signal, the at least one first NCD-SSB being associated with the first reference signal, and the first reference signal being used to position the terminal device. The terminal device measures the at least one first NCD-SSB and determines transmission parameters of the first reference signal. In this way, when the terminal device is in a different cell, the terminal device can measure the first NCD-SSB of the different cell at the same frequency domain position and then determine transmission parameters of the first reference signal based on the measurement results, so that an additional neighbor cell search process can be avoided and power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310165345.1, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus, Storage Medium, and Computer Program Product," filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on February 17, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present application relates to the field of positioning technology, and in particular to a communication method, an apparatus, a storage medium, and a computer program product. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently, when uplink positioning or uplink / downlink positioning is performed on a terminal device in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state, in order to avoid frequent RRC connections when sounding reference signal (SRS) resources are configured for the terminal device, SRS resources used to position the terminal device are configured in multiple cells.

[0004] When a terminal device is located in a user equipment-centric positioning area (UCPA), the same SRS resource is used for transmission regardless of whether the terminal device performs cell handover. The SRS transmission parameters may be obtained by measuring the SSB signal of the current cell, and different cells correspond to different SSB indices. When a terminal device moves from one cell (current cell) to another cell (target cell) within a UCPA, the terminal device frequently performs neighbor cell search to find the SSB of the target cell. This process increases the power consumption of the terminal device and causes high power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, an apparatus, a storage medium, and a computer program product for reducing the power consumption of a terminal in a positioning process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method may be performed by a first communication device, and the first communication device may be a terminal device, or a unit, module, or chip (system) within the terminal device. The following provides an explanation by using an example in which the first communication device is a terminal device.

[0007] In the present application, a terminal device receives first configuration information from a network device. The first configuration information includes configuration information of at least one first non-cell-defined synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (NCD-SSB) and configuration information of a first reference signal, where the at least one first NCD-SSB is associated with the first reference signal, and the first reference signal is used to position the terminal device. The terminal device measures the at least one first NCD-SSB and determines transmission parameters of the first reference signal.

[0008] The first configuration information received by the terminal device includes configuration information of at least one first NCD-SSB and configuration information of a first reference signal, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is associated with the first reference signal. If different cells still support different CD-SSBs, the first reference signal needs to be associated with the CD-SSBs of the different cells, and the UE needs to frequently search for the CD-SSBs when the UE is in the different cells. As a result, the power consumption of the UE is high. However, in the present application, when the terminal device is in the different cells, the terminal device can measure the first NCD-SSBs of the different cells at the same frequency domain position and then determine the transmission parameters of the first reference signal based on the measurement results. As a result, an additional neighbor cell search process can be avoided and the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0009] In a possible implementation, at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one cell. In this way, at least one cell transmits the same first NCD-SSB, and different cells within the at least one cell correspond to the same NCD-SSB. The terminal device can measure the first NCD-SSBs of different cells at the same frequency domain position, so that an additional neighbor cell search process in the at least one cell can be avoided and power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0010] In a possible implementation, at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to one positioning area. In other words, the same first NCD-SSB is configured for one positioning area. When a terminal device performs cell reselection in the positioning area, the terminal device can measure the first NCD-SSB of a different cell at the same frequency domain position, so that an additional neighbor cell search process in the positioning area can be avoided and the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0011] In a possible implementation, at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one transmission beam of the same cell, and the at least one first NCD-SSB may be transmitted in a beam-sweeping manner, and the at least one first NCD-SSB may be transmitted in a time-division multiplexing manner. One transmission beam may correspond to one first NCD-SSB. In this way, energy may be concentrated in one transmission beam direction at a given moment, and the first NCD-SSB signal in the transmission beam direction may be transmitted farther.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the transmission parameters of the first reference signal include at least one of the following: whether to transmit the first reference signal, the transmission power of the first reference signal, and the transmission timing of the first reference signal. Whether to transmit the first reference signal is determined based on the RSRP of the at least one first NCD-SSB; in other words, RSRP-based verification of the SRS is determined based on the at least one first NCD-SSB. If the RSRP of the at least one first NCD-SSB is below a threshold, the SRS corresponding to the first NCD-SSB is not transmitted. The transmission timing of the first reference signal can be determined in the following manner: determining downlink reference timing based on the first NCD-SSB, and applying an uplink timing advance to the downlink reference timing to determine the transmission timing of the SRS.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the transmission power of the first reference signal is determined based on the RSRP of at least one first NCD-SSB. For example, when the first reference signal is associated with one first NCD-SSB, the transmission power of the first reference signal is determined based on the first NCD-SSB associated with the first reference signal. When the first reference signal is associated with multiple first NCD-SSBs, the transmission power of the first reference signal is determined based on the multiple first NCD-SSBs associated with the first reference signal. For example, the transmission power of the first reference signal is determined based on the average value of the RSRPs of the multiple first NCD-SSBs. In another example, the transmission power of the first reference signal is determined based on the maximum value of the RSRPs of the multiple first NCD-SSBs. In this manner, a method for determining the transmission power of a first reference signal when the first reference signal is associated with at least one first NCD-SSB can be provided to a terminal device.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the first configuration information further includes configuration information of a second reference signal, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is further associated with the second reference signal, and the second reference signal is used to position the terminal device. In this manner, the at least one first NCD-SSB may be associated with the first reference signal and the second reference signal, and both the first reference signal and the second reference signal can be determined based on measurement results of the at least one first NCD-SSB.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the configuration information of the first NCD-SSB includes at least one of the following: a frequency of the first NCD-SSB, a transmission period, and a positioning area identifier. In this way, the terminal device performs downlink synchronization to the first NCD-SSB and measures the first NCD-SSB based on the configuration information of the first NCD-SSB.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the terminal device may further receive second configuration information of the network device. The second configuration information includes configuration information of at least one second NCD-SSB and configuration information of a third reference signal, where the at least one second NCD-SSB is associated with the third reference signal, and the third reference signal is used to position the terminal device. The terminal device measures the at least one second NCD-SSB and determines transmission parameters of the third reference signal. In this manner, multiple groups of NCD-SSBs and reference signals may be configured for the positioning area.

[0017] According to a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method may be performed by a second communication device, and the second communication device may be a network device, or a unit, module, or chip (system) within the network device. The following will be described by using an example in which the second communication device is a network device.

[0018] In the present application, a network device acquires first configuration information, the first configuration information including configuration information of at least one first non-cell-defined synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (NCD-SSB) and configuration information of a first reference signal, the at least one first NCD-SSB being associated with the first reference signal, and the first reference signal being used to position the terminal device, and the network device transmits the first configuration information to the terminal device.

[0019] The first configuration information transmitted by the network device to the terminal device includes configuration information for at least one first NCD-SSB and configuration information for a first reference signal, where the at least one first NCD-SSB is associated with the first reference signal. If different cells still support different CD-SSBs, the first reference signal needs to be associated with the CD-SSBs of the different cells, and the UE frequently searches for the CD-SSBs in the different cells. This results in high power consumption for the UE. However, in the present application, since the at least one first NCD-SSB is associated with the first reference signal, when the terminal device is in a different cell, the terminal device can measure the first NCD-SSBs of the different cells at the same frequency domain position and then determine transmission parameters of the first reference signal based on the measurement results. In this way, the terminal device can avoid an additional neighbor cell search process, and power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0020] In a possible implementation, at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one cell. For related descriptions and beneficial effects, please refer to the related descriptions of the first aspect. Details will not be described again.

[0021] In a possible implementation, at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to one positioning area. For related descriptions and beneficial effects, please refer to the related descriptions of the first aspect. Details will not be described again.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one transmission beam of the same cell, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is transmitted in a beam-sweeping manner. For related descriptions and beneficial effects, please refer to the related descriptions of the first aspect. Details will not be described again.

[0023] In a possible implementation form, the transmission parameters of the first reference signal include at least one of the following: whether to transmit the first reference signal, the transmission power of the first reference signal, and the transmission timing of the first reference signal. For related descriptions, please refer to the related descriptions of the first aspect. Details will not be described again.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the transmission power of the first reference signal is determined based on the RSRP of at least one first NCD-SSB. For related descriptions and beneficial effects, please refer to the related descriptions of the first aspect. Details will not be described again.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the first configuration information further includes configuration information of a second reference signal, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is further associated with the second reference signal, and the second reference signal is used to position the terminal device. For related descriptions, please refer to the related descriptions of the first aspect. Details will not be described again.

[0026] In a possible implementation form, the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: a frequency of the first NCD-SSB, a transmission period, and a positioning area identifier. For related descriptions, please refer to the related descriptions of the first aspect. Details will not be described again.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the network device may further transmit second configuration information to the terminal device, the second configuration information including configuration information of at least one second NCD-SSB and configuration information of a third reference signal, the at least one second NCD-SSB being associated with the third reference signal, and the third reference signal being used to position the terminal device. In this manner, multiple groups of NCD-SSBs and reference signals may be configured for a positioning area.

[0028] According to a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be the first or second communication device described above. The communication device may include a communication unit and a processing unit to perform either the first or second aspect, or any one of the possible implementations of the first and second aspects. The communication unit is configured to perform functions related to transmission and reception. Optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. In one design, the communication device is a communication chip, and the processing unit may be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit may be an input / output circuit or port of the communication chip.

[0029] In another design, the communication unit may be a transmitter and a receiver, or the communication unit may be a transmitter and a receiver.

[0030] Optionally, the communication device further includes a module that may be configured to perform either the first aspect or the second aspect, or to perform any one of the possible implementation forms of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be the first or second communication device described above. The communication device may include a processor and a memory for performing either the first or second aspect, or any one of the possible implementations of the first and second aspects. Optionally, a transceiver is further included. The memory is configured to store computer programs or instructions. The processor is configured to retrieve the computer programs or instructions from the memory and execute the computer programs or instructions. When the processor executes the computer programs or instructions in the memory, the communication device is enabled to perform either the first or second aspect, or any one of the possible implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0032] Optionally, there are one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0033] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory and the processor may be located separately.

[0034] Optionally, the transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be the first communication device or the second communication device described above. The communication device may include a processor for performing either the first aspect or the second aspect, or for performing any one of the possible implementation forms of the first aspect and the second aspect. The processor is coupled to a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0036] In one implementation, when the communication device is a first communication device or a second communication device, the communication interface may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0037] In another implementation, when the communication device is a chip or chip system, the communication interface may be an input / output interface, interface circuitry, output circuitry, input circuitry, pins, associated circuitry, etc. on the chip or chip system. The processor may alternatively be embodied as a processing circuit or logic circuitry.

[0038] According to a sixth aspect, the present application provides a system, the system including one or more first communication devices.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the system may further include one or more second communication devices. In another possible implementation, the system may further include one or more location management devices.

[0040] According to a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program (which may also be referred to as code or instructions). When the computer program is executed, the computer is enabled to perform either the first aspect or the second aspect, or to perform any one of the possible implementation forms of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0041] According to an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program (which may also be referred to as code or instructions). When the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform either the first aspect or the second aspect, or to perform any one of the possible implementation forms of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0042] According to a ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip system. The chip system may include a processor. The processor may be coupled to a memory and configured to perform either the first aspect or the second aspect, or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect and the second aspect. Optionally, the chip system further includes a memory. The memory is configured to store a computer program (which may also be referred to as code or instructions). The processor is configured to call the computer program from the memory and execute the computer program so that a device in which the chip system is installed performs either the first aspect or the second aspect, or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0043] According to a tenth aspect, the present application provides a processing device including an interface circuit and a processing circuit. The interface circuit may include an input circuit and an output circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal via the input circuit and transmit a signal via the output circuit such that the first aspect or the second aspect, or any one of the possible implementation forms of the first aspect and the second aspect, is implemented.

[0044] In a specific implementation process, the processing device may be a chip, the input circuit may be an input pin, the output circuit may be an output pin, and the processing circuit may be a transistor, a gate circuit, a flip-flop, various logic circuits, etc. An input signal received by an input circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, received and input by a receiver, and a signal output by an output circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, output to a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter, and the input circuit and the output circuit may be the same circuit, which is used as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. The specific implementation forms of the processor and various circuits are not limited by this application.

[0045] In one implementation, when the communication device is a first communication device or a second communication device, the interface circuit may be a radio frequency processing chip in the first communication device or the second communication device, and the processing circuit may be a baseband processing chip in the first communication device or the second communication device.

[0046] In another implementation, the communication device may be several components within the first communication device or the second communication device, for example, an integrated circuit product such as a system chip or a communication chip. The interface circuit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, associated circuit, etc. on the chip or chip system. The processing circuit may be a logic circuit on the chip. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another communication system architecture to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another communication system architecture to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another communication system architecture to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another communication system architecture to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another communication system architecture to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram of a positioning area to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable; [Figure 9] 4 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram of another positioning area to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable. [Figure 11] 4 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the following further describes the embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Before describing the present application, some terms in the embodiments of the present application will first be briefly explained and explained to enable those skilled in the art to better understand.

[0050] (1) User-Centered Positioning Area (UCPA) refers to the cell in which the user is currently located and one or more cells adjacent to the cell in which the user is located.

[0051] (2) Non-cell-defined synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block NCD-SSB.

[0052] NCD-SSB is called a non-cell-defined SSB. NCD-SSB does not include configuration information for CORESET 0 and is primarily used for radio resource management (RRM). NCD-SSB differs from CD-SSB. CD-SSB is called a cell-defined SSB and includes configuration information for the associated control resource set (CORESET) 0 and the monitoring opportunities of the Type 0-PDCCH CSS. The main function of CORESET 0 is to define the time and frequency resources of the Type 0-physical downlink control channel common search space (Type 0-PDCCH CSS) and the monitoring opportunities of the Type 0-PDCCH CSS. The UE searches for and schedules the NR PDCCH of the SIB1 NR PDSCH based on information about CORESET 0 and the Type 0-PDCCH CSS to demodulate and receive SIB1 and further obtain the minimum system messages required to access the wireless network system.

[0053] (3) Radio Resource Control (RRC) state.

[0054] A terminal device has three RRC states: an RRC connected state, an RRC idle state, and an RRC inactive state.

[0055] RRC connected state (also called connected state for short), "connected state" and "RRC connected state" are the same concept and are interchangeable in this application: the terminal device has established an RRC connection to the network and is able to perform data transmission.

[0056] RRC idle state (also called idle state for short, "idle state" and "RRC idle state" are the same concept and are interchangeable in this specification): the terminal device does not establish an RRC connection to the network and the base station does not store the context of the terminal device. If the terminal device needs to enter the RRC idle state from the RRC connected state, the terminal device needs to initiate an RRC connection establishment process.

[0057] RRC inactive state (also referred to as RRC inactive state, or simply as inactive state or inactive state, where "inactive state", "inactive state", "inactive state", "inactivated state", "inactive state", "RRC inactive state", and "RRC inactive state" are the same concept and are interchangeable in this specification): a terminal device previously entered an RRC connected state with an anchor base station, and then the anchor base station releases the RRC connection but stores the context of the terminal device. When the terminal device needs to re-enter the RRC connected state from the RRC inactive state, the terminal device needs to initiate an RRC connection resumption process (also referred to as an RRC connection re-establishment process) with the base station to which the terminal device is currently camped. Because the terminal device may be in a moving state, the base station to which the terminal device is currently camped and the anchor base station of the terminal device may be the same base station or different base stations. Compared with the RRC establishment process, the RRC resumption process has a shorter delay and lower signaling overhead. However, the base station needs to store the context of the terminal device, which results in storage overhead for the base station.

[0058] (4) In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "system" and "network" may be used interchangeably. The term "multiple" means two or more. The term "and / or" describes an association relationship for describing related objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent the following three cases: only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the symbol " / " typically indicates an "or" relationship between associated objects.

[0059] "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions means any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or multiple items. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" may refer to a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0060] Additionally, unless otherwise stated, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish between multiple objects, but are not intended to limit the order, chronology, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. For example, a first message and a second message are used only to distinguish between different messages, and do not indicate different priorities, transmission orders, or importance of the two types of messages.

[0061] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of the architecture of a communication system 100 to which an embodiment of the present application can be applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 includes a radio access network 110 and a core network 120. Optionally, the communication system 100 may further include the Internet 130. The radio access network 110 may include at least one radio access network device (e.g., 111a and 111b in FIG. 1 ) and may further include at least one terminal device (e.g., 112a to 112j in FIG. 1 ). The terminal device is connected to the radio access network device in a wireless manner, and the radio access network device is connected to the core network in a wireless or wired manner. The core network device and the radio access network device may be separate and distinct physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the radio access network device may be integrated into the same physical device, or some functions of the core network device and some functions of the radio access network device may be integrated into one physical device. Any two terminal devices may be connected to each other in a wired or wireless manner, and any two radio access network devices may be connected to each other in a wired or wireless manner. It should be understood that Figure 1 is merely a diagram. The communication system 100 may further include other network devices, such as a wireless relay device or a wireless backhaul device, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device may include, for example, an access network (AN) device. In an embodiment of the present application, a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) may include one or more access network devices. An access network device in an NG-RAN may also be referred to as a base station, a RAN node, or a RAN device. In V2X technology, a network device is a road side unit (RSU). The RSU may be a fixed infrastructure entity supporting V2X applications and may exchange messages with another entity supporting V2X applications. The network device is located on the network side and is configured to transmit and / or receive signals. It may be configured to perform mutual conversion between received radio frames and Internet Protocol (IP) packets and function as a router between a terminal and the rest of the access network. The rest of the access network may include an IP network, etc. The network device may further coordinate attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device may be an evolutionary Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) in long term evolution (LTE). An eNB is a device that is deployed in a radio access network, complies with 4G standards, and provides wireless communication functions to terminals.Alternatively, the access network device may be a new radio controller (NR controller), a gNode B (gNB) in a 5G system, a centralized unit, a new radio base station, a radio remote module, a micro base station (also called a small cell), a relay, a distributed network element (DU), various forms of macro base stations, a transmission reception point (TRP), a transmission measurement function (TMF), a transmission point (TP), any other radio access device, or a base station for next-generation communications. However, embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the CU may include a radio network controller (RNC), a Node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., a home evolved Node B or home Node B (HNB)), a base band unit (BBU), or a wireless fidelity (Wifi) access point (AP). The CU herein completes the functions of a radio resource control protocol and a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of a base station and may further complete the functions of a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU completes the functions of a radio link control layer and a medium access control (MAC) layer of a base station and may further complete some or all of the functions of a physical layer.For a specific description of the aforementioned protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP®).

[0063] The radio access network device may be a macro base station (e.g., 111a in FIG. 1), or may be a micro base station or an indoor station (e.g., 111b in FIG. 1), or may be a relay node, a donor node, etc. The specific technology and the specific device form used by the radio access network device are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For ease of explanation, the following description will be given using an example in which a base station is used as the radio access network device.

[0064] A terminal device in an embodiment of the present application may also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal device, etc., and is a device having a wireless transceiver function. The terminal device may communicate with a core network via a radio access network (RAN) and exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. The terminal device may be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable, smart transportation, and smart city. The terminal device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with a wireless transceiver function, a wearable device, a vehicle, an unmanned aerial vehicle, a helicopter, an airplane, a ship, a robot, a robotic arm, a smart home device, a sensor, etc. In the embodiments of the present application, the specific technology used by the terminal device and the specific device form are not limited.

[0065] The terminal device can establish a connection to the operator network through an interface (e.g., N1) provided by the operator network to use services such as data and / or voice provided by the operator network. The terminal device can further access a domain name system (DNS) through the operator network to use operator services deployed in the DNS and / or services provided by a third party. The third party may be a service party other than the operator network and the terminal device, and may provide services such as data and / or voice to the terminal device. The specific form of the third party may be specifically determined based on actual application scenarios and is not limited herein.

[0066] The base station and the terminal device may be fixed or mobile. The base station and the terminal device may be deployed on the ground, on water, or on an airborne aircraft, balloon, or satellite, including an indoor device, an outdoor device, a handheld device, or a vehicle-mounted device. The application scenario of the base station and the terminal device is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0067] The roles of a base station and a terminal device may be relative. For example, the helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicle 112i in FIG. 1 may be configured as a mobile base station. In the case of a terminal device 112j accessing the wireless access network 110 through 112i, the terminal device 112i is a base station. However, in the case of the base station 111a, 112i is a terminal device. In other words, communication between 111a and 112i is performed according to a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, communication between 111a and 112i may alternatively be performed according to an interface protocol between base stations. In this case, for 111a, 112i is also a base station. Therefore, both the base station and the terminal device may be collectively referred to as a communication device. 111a and 111b in FIG. 1 may each be referred to as a communication device having the functionality of a base station, and 112a to 112j in FIG. 1 may each be referred to as a communication device having the functionality of a terminal device.

[0068] Communications between base stations and terminal devices, between base stations, or between terminal devices may be performed using licensed spectrum, or may be performed using unlicensed spectrum, or may be performed using both licensed and unlicensed spectrum. Communications may be performed using spectrum below 6 gigahertz (GHz), or may be performed using spectrum above 6 GHz, or may be performed using both spectrum below 6 GHz and spectrum above 6 GHz. Spectral resources used for wireless communications are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present application, the functions of the base station may be implemented by a module (e.g., a chip) within the base station, or by a control subsystem including the functions of the base station. The control subsystem including the functions of the base station here may be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grid, industrial control, smart transportation, and smart city. The functions of the terminal device may alternatively be implemented by a module (e.g., a chip or a modem) within the terminal device, or by a device including the functions of the terminal device.

[0070] The core network in the embodiments of the present application may include network devices that process and forward user signaling and data, including core network devices such as an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a user plane gateway, and a location management device. The user plane gateway may be a server with functions specific to user plane data, such as mobility management, routing, and forwarding. The user plane gateway, such as a serving gateway (SGW), a packet data network gateway (PGW), or a user plane network element function entity (UPF), is generally located on the network side. The AMF and SMF correspond to the mobility management entity (MME) in an LTE system. The AMF is mainly responsible for authorization, and the SMF is mainly responsible for session management. Of course, the core network may further include other network elements not listed one by one in this specification.

[0071] The location management device has a positioning function. The location management device in the embodiments of the present application may include a location management function (LMF) or a location management component (LMC), or may be a local location management function (LLMF) located in a network device. This is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For ease of description, the following embodiments are described using an example in which the location management device is an LMF.

[0072] Based on the contents shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 is an example of an architecture diagram of a communication system to which an embodiment of the present application can be applied. The communication system is illustrated by using the positioning architecture in LTE and NR Rel-16 as an example. As shown in Fig. 2, the related network elements / modules mainly include three parts: a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG RAN), a terminal device, and a core network.

[0073] The core network includes a location management function (LMF), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a service location protocol (SLP), an evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC), etc. The positioning server, i.e., the location management function (LMF), is connected to the AMF, and the LMF and AMF are connected via the NLs interface. The UE communicates with the serving base station via a Uu link. The ng-eNB is an LTE base station, and the gNB is an NR base station. The base stations communicate with each other via the Xn interface. The base stations communicate with the AMF via the NG-C interface. The AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) corresponds to a router for communication between the gNB and the LMF. The LMF performs UE location estimation. The AMF communicates with the LMF via the NLs interface. The LMF is responsible for supporting different types of location services related to the terminal device, including positioning the terminal device and transferring assistance data to the terminal device. The LMF can perform positioning calculations for terminal devices based on measurement results from other network elements. The AMF may receive a terminal device-related location service request from a 5th generation core network location services (5GC LCS) entity, or the AMF may initiate some location services on behalf of a specific terminal device and forward the location service request to the LMF. After the location information returned by the terminal device is obtained, the related location information is returned to the 5GC LCS entity.

[0074] The NG RAN may include next generation NodeB (gNB), next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), etc. The gNB and ng-eNB are connected via the Xn interface, and the AMF and ng-eNB / gNB are connected via the NG-C interface.

[0075] To support positioning, one or more network devices on the NG RAN side configure resources for a terminal to transmit a reference signal, measure uplink signals such as a reference signal from the terminal, and feed back the measurement results to the LMF. It should be understood that the reference signal is used for positioning and is also referred to as a positioning reference signal. This specification mainly focuses on an uplink positioning scenario or an uplink / downlink positioning scenario. Therefore, the positioning reference signal may be an SRS, a preamble, or the like. This specification uses an example in which the positioning reference signal is an SRS. When uplink positioning or uplink / downlink positioning is performed on a terminal device in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state, the same SRS resource used to position the terminal device is configured in multiple cells to avoid frequent RRC connections when sounding reference signal resources are configured for the terminal device. The terminal device determines the transmission parameters of the SRS by measuring the NCD-SSB.

[0076] The methods provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, LTE systems, fifth-generation (5G) systems such as NR systems, and next-generation communication systems such as 6G systems. Naturally, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other communication systems, provided that the communication systems have terminal positioning requirements. Furthermore, the communication systems are further applicable to future-oriented communication technologies. The systems described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly explain the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application and do not constitute limitations on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art will know that with the evolution of network architectures, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to similar technical problems.

[0077] 3 shows a network architecture of a communication system to which an embodiment of the present application can be applied. The communication system includes a core network, an NG-RAN, and a terminal. The core network includes network elements / modules such as an LMF, an AMF, a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP), and an enhanced serving mobile location center (E-SMLC). The NG RAN includes network elements / modules such as a gNB or an ng-eNB. For specific functions of network elements / modules such as the LMF, the AMF, the SLP, the E-SMLC, the gNB, and the ng-eNB and the connection relationships between the network elements / modules, please refer to the description of the relevant parts of FIG. 2 above. Details will not be repeated here.

[0078] The difference from Figure 2 is that in the network architecture shown in Figure 3, LMC is added to the NG-RAN, and the LMC is specifically located inside the base station, for example, in the gNB or ng-eNB. In this network architecture, the LMC functions as an internal function of the base station. Therefore, there is no need to introduce a new interface.

[0079] Figure 4 shows a network architecture of another communication system to which an embodiment of the present application can be applied. As shown in Figure 3, the communication system also includes a core network, an NG-RAN, and a terminal. The difference from Figure 3 is that the LMC in the network architecture shown in Figure 4 functions as an independent logical node in the NG-RAN and is connected to the base station via a new interface. For example, in Figure 3, the LMC is connected to the gNB-CU via the interface Itf.

[0080] FIG. 5 illustrates a network architecture of another communication system to which an embodiment of the present application can be applied. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the communication system also includes a core network, an NG-RAN, and a terminal. The LMC functions as an independent logical node within the NG-RAN. The difference from FIG. 4 is that the LMC can be connected to multiple base stations via a new interface in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 uses an example in which the LMC is connected to two base stations. In a specific implementation, the LMC may alternatively be connected to more base stations.

[0081] 6 illustrates a network architecture of another communication system to which an embodiment of the present application can be applied. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the communication system also includes a core network, an NG-RAN, and a terminal. Unlike the network architectures of FIGS. 2 to 4, in the network architecture illustrated in FIG. 6, the LMC is deployed inside the terminal. For example, the UE-LMC is located in the UE, and the UEs communicate with each other via a PC5 interface.

[0082] It should be understood that Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are merely examples for describing a communication system to which the embodiments of the present application can be applied, and do not particularly limit the types, number, connection methods, etc. of network elements included in a communication system to which the embodiments of the present application can be applied. Furthermore, the network elements / modules indicated by dashed lines in Figures 2 to 6 are not required and are optional. For example, an E-SMLC or an SLP is not required. Alternatively, the network elements / modules indicated by dashed lines may exist in a different form. For example, a gNB or ng-eNB may also be referred to as a TRP in some embodiments, and a terminal may also be referred to as a SET in some embodiments.

[0083] Currently, when a terminal device is within a positioning area, the same SRS resource is used for transmission regardless of whether the terminal device performs cell handover. As the terminal moves within the positioning area, it can transmit SRS by using the acquired SRS resource. In other words, when the terminal performs cross-cell handover, it does not need to reacquire SRS resources. When the terminal is handed over from one positioning area to another, it reacquires SRS resources. SRS transmission parameters may be acquired by measuring the SSB signal of the current cell, with different cells corresponding to different SSB indices. To acquire SRS transmission parameters, such as path loss, the UE needs to measure SSBs of different cells within different cells, which complicates the procedure and increases the power consumption of the terminal device. Additionally, when the CD-SSB reference signal receiving power (RSRP) measured in the cell where the terminal device is located is below a threshold, it is necessary to measure the CD-SSB of neighboring cells to determine whether a cell handover is necessary. In this case, neighboring cell measurements need to be performed frequently. To perform CD-SSB measurements of neighboring cells, it is necessary to measure the SSB of different cells, which increases the power consumption of the terminal device and causes high power consumption.

[0084] Based on the aforementioned problem, the present application provides a communication method. A first network device transmits first configuration information to a terminal device, the first configuration information including configuration information of at least one first NCD-SSB and configuration information of a first reference signal, the at least one first NCD-SSB being associated with the first reference signal, and the first reference signal being used to position the terminal device. The terminal device then measures the at least one first NCD-SSB and determines transmission parameters of the first reference signal. When the terminal device is in a different cell, the terminal device can measure the first NCD-SSB of the different cell at the same frequency domain position and then determine transmission parameters of the first reference signal based on the measurement results, so that an additional neighbor cell search process can be avoided and the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0085] 1 to 6 and other contents described above, Fig. 7 is a schematic flowchart of an example of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. For ease of understanding, Fig. 7 will be described in terms of interactions between devices.

[0086] The terminal device in Figure 7 may be the terminal device shown in Figures 1 to 6, or may be a chip (system) inside the terminal. The first network device in Figure 7 may be the network device or a chip (system) inside the network device in Figures 1 to 6. The terminal device in Figure 7 may be the terminal device in Figures 1 to 6, or may be a chip (system) inside the terminal device.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, the method includes the following steps:

[0088] Step 701: A network device obtains first configuration information.

[0089] The first configuration information includes configuration information of at least one first NCD-SSB and configuration information of a first reference signal, wherein the at least one first NCD-SSB is associated with the first reference signal, and the first reference signal is used to position the terminal device.

[0090] The reference signal in the embodiment of the present application is, for example, an SRS.

[0091] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the first NCD-SSB may include at least one of the following: a frequency, a transmission period, and a positioning area identifier of the first NCD-SSB. The positioning area identifier may be represented by using a UCPA ID or a PAID, or may be represented by using a PCI, or may be represented by using another symbol. This is not limited in the present application. It should be understood that when the positioning area identifier of the first NCD-SSB is represented by using a PCI, the PCI of the NCD-SSB may be different from the PCI of the cell transmitting the first NCD-SSB, and the PCI of the NCD-SSB is different from the PCI of at least one cell of the at least two cells corresponding to the NCD-SSB.

[0092] In this embodiment of the present application, the at least one first NCD-SSB is implemented in multiple ways.

[0093] In one implementation of the at least one first NCD-SSB, the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one cell. It should be understood that the at least one cell may be a cell within the same positioning area or a cell within a different positioning area.

[0094] There may be several cases where at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one cell.

[0095] Case 1: At least one cell supports one first NCD-SSB.

[0096] Ten cells are used as an example, and all ten cells transmit the same first NCD-SSB.

[0097] Case 2: Each of the at least one cell supports a plurality of first NCD-SSBs.

[0098] Using 10 cells as an example, each of the 10 cells transmits four first NCD-SSBs: first NCD-SSB 1, first NCD-SSB 2, first NCD-SSB 3, and first NCD-SSB 4.

[0099] In another example, of the 10 cells, cell 1 to cell 6 transmit the first NCD-SSB 1, and cell 7 to cell 10 transmit the first NCD-SSB 2. In another example, cell 1 to cell 6 transmit the first NCD-SSB 1 and the first NCD-SSB 3, and cell 7 to cell 10 transmit the first NCD-SSB 2 and the first NCD-SSB 4.

[0100] At least one first NCD-SSB is transmitted by at least one cell in a single frequency network (SFN) manner. In other words, at least one cell transmits the same first NCD-SSB. When a terminal device is in different cells in the same positioning area, the different cells in the same positioning area correspond to the same NCD-SSB. The terminal device can measure the first NCD-SSBs of different cells at the same frequency domain position, so that additional neighbor cell search processes in the same positioning area can be avoided and the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0101] In this embodiment of the present application, the first NCD-SSB includes a primary synchronization signal, a secondary synchronization signal, a physical broadcast channel, and a demodulation reference signal on the physical broadcast channel. The primary synchronization signal, the secondary synchronization signal, the physical broadcast channel, and the demodulation reference signal in the at least one first NCD-SSB are the same, respectively. The primary synchronization signal, the secondary synchronization signal, the physical broadcast channel, and the demodulation reference signal in the at least one first NCD-SSB may be transmitted in an SFN manner.

[0102] In some other embodiments, the primary synchronization signal, the secondary synchronization signal, and the demodulation reference signal in at least one first NCD-SSB may be transmitted in an SFN manner, and the physical broadcast channel in at least one first NCD-SSB may not be transmitted in an SFN manner, thereby increasing channel reuse.

[0103] In this embodiment of the present application, at least one first NCD-SSB may correspond to one positioning area, i.e., at least one first NCD-SSB is configured for one positioning area. One positioning area includes at least one cell, each cell can correspond to one or more first NCD-SSBs, the at least one first NCD-SSB is associated with a first reference signal, and transmission parameters of the first reference signal can be determined based on the at least one first NCD-SSB.

[0104] For example, the positioning area is PA1 shown in Figure 7. PA1 includes seven cells, cell1 to cell7. The same first NCD-SSB is configured for the seven cells, and each first NCD-SSB is associated with a first reference signal SRS1 corresponding to PA1. In other words, each of cell1 to cell7 transmits a first NCD-SSB.

[0105] In another example, positioning area PA 1 includes seven cells, each cell corresponding to a plurality of first NCD-SSBs, and the plurality of first NCD-SSBs are all associated with a first reference signal SRS 1 corresponding to PA 1. For example, each cell transmits first NCD-SSB 1, first NCD-SSB 2, first NCD-SSB 3, and first NCD-SSB 4.

[0106] In another example, positioning area PA1 includes cell1 to cell10, cell1 to cell5 transmit a first NCD-SSB1, and cell6 to cell10 transmit a first NCD-SSB2.

[0107] In another example, positioning area PA1 includes cell1 to cell10, cell1 to cell5 transmit first NCD-SSB 1 and first NCD-SSB 3, and cell6 to cell10 transmit first NCD-SSB 2 and first NCD-SSB 4.

[0108] The positioning area in the embodiment of the present application can be understood as an SRS positioning validity area, in which the SRS configuration remains valid even if the terminal changes the cell on which the terminal camps. It should be understood that in the following description, the positioning area may be represented by a PA.

[0109] In another implementation of the at least one first NCD-SSB, the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one transmission beam of the same cell, each transmission beam corresponds to one first NCD-SSB, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is transmitted in a beam-sweeping manner. Alternatively, it may be understood that the at least one first NCD-SSB may be transmitted in a time-division multiplexing manner. The transmission beam in the embodiment of the present application is a transmission spatial filter coefficient.

[0110] In one example, ten cells and four first NCD-SSBs are still used as an example. Each of the ten cells corresponds to four first NCD-SSBs. For each cell, one cell may include multiple beams, each transmission beam corresponds to one first NCD-SSB, and each cell transmits first NCD-SSB 1, first NCD-SSB 2, first NCD-SSB 3, and first NCD-SSB 4 in a beam-sweeping manner. Each cell includes multiple beams.

[0111] The at least one first NCD-SSB may be associated with the first reference signal in multiple ways.

[0112] In a possible implementation, an NCD-SSB configuration can be added to the configuration signaling of an SRS resource set. The NCD-SSB configuration can include one or more NCD-SSBs. When the NCD-SSB is configured, an SRS path loss can be determined based on the NCD-SSB, or signaling of an NCD-SSB corresponding to the path loss can be added.

[0113] In another possible implementation, the NCD-SSB configuration can be directly added to the RRC release message. The NCD-SSB configuration can include an ID of an SRS resource set, where the ID corresponds to the SRS resource set. The pathloss of the SRS resource set is determined based on the NCD-SSB.

[0114] Step 702: The network device transmits first configuration information.

[0115] In response, the terminal device receives first configuration information from the network device.

[0116] In this embodiment of the present application, the network device may be a network device currently serving a terminal. The network device may also be a device within the NG RAN, such as a gNB or ng-eNB. Alternatively, the network device may be an LMC. As described above, if the LMC functions as an internal function of the network device, the network device is the network device in which the LMC is located. If the deployment solution of the LMC is shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, i.e., if the LMC functions as an independent logical node and is connected to one or more network devices via an interface, the network device is any network device connected to the LMC.

[0117] The first configuration information may be carried in an RRC message, for example, an RRC release message, so that after entering the inactive state, the terminal device measures at least one first NCD-SSB based on the configuration information of the at least one first NCD-SSB, determines transmission parameters of the first reference signal, and transmits the reference signal based on the configuration information of the first reference signal.

[0118] Step 703: The terminal device measures at least one first NCD-SSB and determines transmission parameters of the first reference signal.

[0119] In this embodiment of the present application, the transmission parameters of the first reference signal include at least one of the following: whether to transmit the first reference signal, the transmission power of the first reference signal, and the transmission timing of the first reference signal. Whether to transmit the first reference signal can be determined based on the RSRP of the at least one first NCD-SSB. In other words, the reference signal received power-based validation (RSRP-based validation) of the SRS is determined based on the at least one first NCD-SSB. If the RSRP of the at least one first NCD-SSB is less than a threshold, the SRS corresponding to the at least one first NCD-SSB is not transmitted.

[0120] For example, the first reference signal is associated with one first NCD-SSB. Whether to transmit the first reference signal may be determined by measuring the RSRP of the first NCD-SSB associated with the first reference signal. If the measured RSRP of the first NCD-SSB is less than a first threshold, it is determined not to transmit the first reference signal, or if the measured RSRP of the first NCD-SSB is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it is determined to transmit the first reference signal. The transmit power of the first reference signal is determined based on the RSRP of the one first NCD-SSB associated with the first reference signal.

[0121] For example, the first reference signal is associated with a plurality of first NCD-SSBs. Whether to transmit the first reference signal may be determined by measuring the RSRPs of the plurality of first NCD-SSBs associated with the first reference signal. In other words, RSRP-based verification of the SRS is determined based on at least one first NCD-SSB. For example, if an average value of the measured RSRPs of the plurality of first NCD-SSBs is less than a first threshold, it is determined not to transmit the first reference signal. Alternatively, if an average value of the measured RSRPs of the plurality of first NCD-SSBs is equal to or greater than a first threshold, it is determined to transmit the first reference signal. As another example, if a maximum value of the measured RSRPs of the plurality of first NCD-SSBs is less than a first threshold, it is determined not to transmit the first reference signal. Alternatively, if a maximum value of the measured RSRPs of the plurality of first NCD-SSBs is equal to or greater than a first threshold, it is determined to transmit the first reference signal. The transmission power of the first reference signal may be determined based on the RSRPs of multiple first NCD-SSBs associated with the first reference signal, for example, based on the maximum value of the RSRPs of the multiple first NCD-SSBs, or based on the average value of the RSRPs of the multiple first NCD-SSBs.

[0122] The transmission timing of the first reference signal can be determined in the following manner: the terminal device determines downlink reference timing based on the first NCD-SSB, and applies uplink timing advance to the downlink reference timing to determine the transmission timing of the SRS.

[0123] In this embodiment of the present application, the first configuration information received by the terminal device includes configuration information of at least one first NCD-SSB and configuration information of a first reference signal, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is associated with the first reference signal. If different cells still support different CD-SSBs, the first reference signal needs to be associated with the CD-SSBs of the different cells, and the UE needs to frequently search for the CD-SSBs when the UE is in the different cells. As a result, the power consumption of the UE is high. However, in this application, when the terminal device is in the different cells, the terminal device can measure the first NCD-SSBs of the different cells at the same frequency domain position and then determine the transmission parameters of the first reference signal based on the measurement results. As a result, an additional neighbor cell search process can be avoided and the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0124] According to the foregoing embodiment, the terminal device may further perform downlink synchronization for the at least one first NCD-SSB to implement downlink time synchronization.

[0125] In some other embodiments, the first configuration information may further include configuration information of a second reference signal, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is further associated with the second reference signal, and the second reference signal is used to position the terminal device. In other words, the at least one first NCD-SSB is associated with both the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0126] Alternatively, the terminal device may determine transmission parameters of the second reference signal by measuring at least one first NCD-SSB. The transmission parameters of the second reference signal include at least one of the following: whether to transmit the second reference signal, the transmission power of the second reference signal, and the transmission timing of the second reference signal. For specific implementation forms of the transmission parameters of the second reference signal, please refer to the specific implementation form of the first reference signal. Details will not be repeated here.

[0127] It should be understood that the first configuration information may further include configuration information of one or more other reference signals, which may be reference signals other than the first reference signal and the second reference signal, and that at least one first NCD-SSB may be further associated with one or more other reference signals not listed one by one in this specification.

[0128] In this embodiment of the present application, the network device can further transmit second configuration information. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second configuration information of the network device, then measures at least one second NCD-SSB, and determines transmission parameters of a third reference signal. The second configuration information includes configuration information of at least one second NCD-SSB and configuration information of the third reference signal, where the at least one second NCD-SSB is associated with the third reference signal, and the third reference signal is used to position the terminal device.

[0129] The configuration information of the second NCD-SSB may include at least one of the following: a frequency of the second NCD-SSB, a transmission period, and a positioning area identifier. For a specific implementation of the configuration information of the second NCD-SSB, please refer to the specific implementation of the configuration information of the first NCD-SSB. Details will not be repeated here.

[0130] The transmission parameters of the third reference signal include at least one of the following: whether to transmit the third reference signal, the transmission power of the third reference signal, and the transmission timing of the third reference signal. For specific implementations of the transmission parameters of the third reference signal, please refer to the specific implementations of the first reference signal. Details will not be repeated here.

[0131] It should be understood that the at least one second NCD-SSB may correspond to at least one cell, or may correspond to one positioning area, or may correspond to at least one transmission beam of the same cell. For specific implementation forms, please refer to the related description of the first NCD-SSB. Details will not be repeated here. For associations between the at least one second NCD-SSB and the third reference signal, please refer to the related description of the associations between the at least one first NCD-SSB and the first reference signal. Details will not be repeated here.

[0132] For example, there may be multiple configuration groups for one positioning area. Two groups of configurations are used as an example. For example, first configuration information is configured for some cells in the positioning area, and second configuration information is configured for other cells.

[0133] As another example, there may be multiple configuration groups for one positioning area. Two groups of configurations are used as an example. For example, when the first configuration information is currently being used, if the terminal device receives the first configuration information, the terminal device measures at least one first NCD-SSB based on the first configuration information, or when the terminal device receives the second configuration information, the terminal device measures at least one first NCD-SSB based on the second configuration information.

[0134] Based on the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 and other contents mentioned above, the following describes the communication method in the embodiment of the present application with reference to a specific positioning scenario.

[0135] In positioning scenario 1, for example, the terminal device is a UE. As shown in FIG. 8, the current serving cell of the UE is cell1, and a virtualized logical cell including cell1 and its neighboring cells, cell2 to cell7, is called positioning area PA1. PA1 corresponds to the same set of reference signals (e.g., SRS1). SRS1 is associated with the same set of NCD-SSBs (e.g., NCD-SSB1). Each cell in PA1 transmits NCD-SSB1 in the SFN manner. The base station corresponding to cell1 in PA1 is called a serving base station, and may also be called an S-gNB. The base stations corresponding to each of cell2 to cell7 other than cell1 in PA1 are called N-gNBs.

[0136] FIG. 9 is an example of a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 9, the method includes the following steps:

[0138] Step 901: The UE exchanges capability information with the serving base station (S-gNB) and the LMF.

[0139] The UE exchanges positioning-related capability information of the UE in an inactive state with the S-gNB and the LMF. For example, the UE has the capability to transmit SRS in an inactive state. The UE can transmit the positioning-related capability information to the S-gNB, and the S-gNB can transmit the positioning-related capability information to the LMF.

[0140] Step 902: The LMF sends a positioning information request to the S-gNB.

[0141] In response, the S-gNB receives a positioning information request.

[0142] Before sending the positioning information request, the LMF may first obtain the capability information of the UE. Then, the LMF transmits the positioning information request to the S-gNB based on the capability information of the UE. The positioning information request may be a positioning information request. The positioning information request is used to request the S-gNB to configure a reference signal (e.g., SRS) for the UE and obtain SRS configuration information for the UE. For example, the S-gNB is requested to configure reference signal resources for the UE. In another example, related parameters of the reference signal, such as path loss configuration information, are requested to be configured. The path loss configuration information may be used to calculate the power at which the reference signal (e.g., SRS) is transmitted by the terminal device. The LMF can further recommend SRS settings based on the UE's capability information, the positioning service requirements, and the resource adjustment of the positioning terminal. In this case, the positioning information request may further carry SRS resource configuration information recommended by the LMF.

[0143] After step 902, the S-gNB may perform steps 903 and 906. The order in which steps 903 and 906 are performed is not limited. The order in which steps 904 and 905 and steps 907 and 908 are performed is not limited.

[0144] Step 903: The S-gNB sends an RRC release message to the UE.

[0145] In response, the UE receives an RRC release message from the S-gNB, and the RRC release message may be RRC Release.

[0146] The S-gNB may include first configuration information in an RRC release message, and then the S-gNB transmits the RRC release message to the UE. The first configuration information includes configuration information for SRS 1, configuration information for NCD-SSB 1, and information about PA 1. The configuration information for SRS 1 may include the time-frequency domain position, transmission period, Comb, etc. of SRS 1. The configuration information for NCD-SSB 1 may include the frequency, subcarrier spacing, periodicity, and positioning area identifier of NCD-SSB 1. The information about PA 1 includes an identifier of PA 1 and a cell list included in PA 1.

[0147] Optionally, the S-gNB may alternatively transmit the first configuration information to the UE via other signaling. Alternatively, the S-gNB may transmit the content included in the first configuration information via multiple signalings, each of which includes at least one of the configuration information for SRS 1, the configuration information for NCD-SSB 1, and information regarding PA 1.

[0148] Step 904: The UE enters an RRC inactive state.

[0149] After receiving the RRC Release message, the UE releases the RRC connection and enters the RRC inactive state.

[0150] Step 905: The UE measures NCD-SSB 1, performs downlink synchronization to NCD-SSB 1, determines transmission parameters for SRS 1 based on the measurement result of NCD-SSB 1, and transmits SRS 1 in the transmission period of SRS 1.

[0151] Since the RRC release message previously received by the UE carries configuration information for SRS 1, the UE can determine the transmission period of SRS 1 based on the configuration information for SRS 1 and perform synchronization for NCD-SSB 1 to achieve downlink time synchronization. After synchronization for NCD-SSB 1 is completed, NCD-SSB 1 is measured based on the configuration information for NCD-SSB 1. Next, SRS transmission parameters are determined based on the measurement result of NCD-SSB 1, and SRS 1 is transmitted at the transmission period of SRS 1. For specific details, please refer to the relevant content of step 703. Details will not be repeated here.

[0152] Step 906. The S-gNB sends a positioning information response to the LMF.

[0153] The S-gNB may send the configuration information of SRS 1 to the LMF via a positioning information response. In response, the LMF receives the positioning information response from the S-gNB to obtain the configuration information of SRS 1. The positioning information response may be a positioning information response.

[0154] Step 907: The LMF selects at least one measurement base station based on the PA 1 where the UE is located.

[0155] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the UE is currently located in positioning area PA1. The LMF may select at least one measurement base station from among the base stations corresponding to cells in positioning area PA1. For example, S-gNB1 corresponding to cell1, N-gNB2 corresponding to cell2, N-gNB3 corresponding to cell3, and N-gNB5 corresponding to cell5 are selected as measurement base stations from the base stations corresponding to cells cell1 to cell7 in PA1, and then the LMF sends measurement requests to S-gNB1, N-gNB2, N-gNB3, and N-gNB5 separately.

[0156] Step 908: The LMF sends a measurement request to at least one measurement base station.

[0157] Correspondingly, at least one measurement base station receives a measurement request from the LMF, where the measurement request includes the configuration information of SRS 1. In this way, the measurement base station belongs to SRS 1 and can measure SRS 1 transmitted by the UE based on the configuration information carried in the measurement request.

[0158] Step 909: The UE transmits a reference signal.

[0159] Before the UE transmits a reference signal (e.g., SRS 1), the UE may further first determine whether to transmit SRS 1 based on the RSRP of the received NCD-SSB 1. For specific implementations, please refer to the related content above. Details will not be repeated here. After determining to transmit the SRS, the UE may transmit the SRS based on the configuration information of SRS 1.

[0160] For example, if the UE is currently located in positioning area PA 1, the UE transmits SRS 1, and base stations corresponding to all cells in PA 1 can receive SRS 1. The four measurement base stations (e.g., S-gNB 1, N-gNB 2, N-gNB 3, and N-gNB 5) that receive the measurement request individually measure SRS 1 to obtain corresponding measurement results.

[0161] The measurement results may be the RSRP and relative time of arrival (RTOA) of the reference signal. For example, the measurement results of SRS 1 measured by S-gNB 1 are RSRP 1 and RTOA 1, the measurement results of SRS 1 measured by N-gNB 2 are RSRP 2 and RTOA 2, the measurement results of SRS 1 measured by N-gNB 3 are RSRP 3 and RTOA 3, and the measurement results of SRS 1 measured by N-gNB 5 are RSRP 4 and RTOA 4.

[0162] Step 910: At least one measurement base station sends a measurement response to the LMF.

[0163] In response, the LMF separately receives a measurement response from at least one measurement base station, where the measurement response includes the measurement result of SRS 1.

[0164] For example, the measurement response sent by S-gNB 1 to the LMF includes RSRP 1 and RTOA 1, the measurement response sent by N-gNB 2 to the LMF includes RSRP 2 and RTOA 2, the measurement response sent by N-gNB 3 to the LMF includes RSRP 3 and RTOA 3, and the measurement response sent by N-gNB 5 to the LMF includes RSRP 4 and RTOA 4.

[0165] Step 911: The LMF calculates the location of the UE.

[0166] The LMF may calculate the location of the UE based on the measurement results of at least one measurement base station, for example, the LMF may calculate the location of the UE based on the received RTOA1, RTOA2, RTOA3, RTOA4, RSRP1, RSRP2, RSRP3, and RSRP4.

[0167] In this embodiment of the present application, the same NCD-SSB is configured for multiple cells in the same PA, and the NCD-SSB is measured based on the configuration information of the multiple NCD-SSBs configured on the network side, and the multiple NCD-SSBs are associated with the SRS configuration information of the PA. If different cells in the PA still support different CD-SSBs, SRS 1 needs to be associated with the CD-SSBs of the different cells. When the UE is in different cells in the PA, the UE needs to frequently perform neighbor cell search, which causes high UE power consumption. However, in the present application, when the UE is in different cells in PA 1, the UE can measure the RSRP of NCD-SSB 1 at the same frequency domain position to obtain the transmission parameters of SRS 1. As a result, an additional neighbor cell search process can be avoided, and the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0168] In positioning scenario 2, for example, the terminal device is a UE. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, when the UE moves from cell 1 in PA 1 shown in FIG. 8 to an edge cell in PA 1 or moves from PA 1 to, for example, cell B shown in FIG. 10, where cell 1B is located in PA 2, the UE measures NCD-SSB 1 corresponding to PA 1 to obtain RSRP 1. If RSRP 1 is less than a first threshold, neighbor cell search is initiated and a PA switching process is performed. PA 2 corresponds to the same set of reference signals (e.g., SRS 2). SRS 2 is associated with the same set of NCD-SSB 2. Each cell in PA 2 transmits NCD-SSB 2 in an SFN manner. The base station corresponding to cell 1 is referred to as the original serving base station (hereinafter referred to as the original S-gNB), and the base station corresponding to cell 1B is referred to as the target serving base station (hereinafter referred to as the target S-gNB).

[0169] FIG. 11 is an example of a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 11, the method includes the following steps:

[0171] Step 1101: The UE wakes up in the transmission period of SRS 1, synchronizes with NCD-SSB, and changes the PA.

[0172] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, after moving to cell B, the UE synchronizes to NCD-SSB 1 and then measures RSRP 1 of NCD-SSB 1 transmitted by the original S-gNB. If RSRP 1 is greater than or equal to a first threshold, it is determined that the UE is still in PA 1. If RSRP 1 is less than the first threshold, it is determined that the UE has moved from PA 1, i.e., the PA in which the UE is located has changed. Then, a neighbor cell search is initiated. If cell B that meets the camping conditions is found, the UE camps on cell B, which corresponds to the target S-gNB.

[0173] Step 1102: The UE sends an RRC connection resumption request to the target S-gNB.

[0174] In response, the target S-gNB receives an RRC connection resume request from the UE, which may be an RRC resume request.

[0175] Step 1103: The target S-gNB sends a UE context request to the original S-gNB.

[0176] Correspondingly, the original S-gNB receives a UE context request from the target S-gNB, which may be a retrieve UE context request. For example, the target S-gNB may include the UE's context information in the UE context request. After receiving the UE context request, the original S-gNB determines an anchor base station to move the UE to. The anchor base station may also be referred to as a positioning base station, i.e., the target S-gNB. The original S-gNB then transmits the context information to the target S-gNB. The UE's context information may include positioning information, which may be information used to assist the target S-gNB in ​​configuring a reference signal for the UE.

[0177] Step 1104: The original S-gNB sends a UE context response to the target S-gNB.

[0178] In response, the target S-gNB receives a UE context response sent by the original S-gNB. The original S-gNB can include the positioning information in the UE context response and send the UE context response to the target S-gNB. The UE context response can be a retrieve UE context response.

[0179] After step 1104, the target S-gNB may perform steps 1105 and 1106. The order in which steps 1105 and 1106 are performed is not limited.

[0180] Step 1105: The target S-gNB sends a positioning information update message to the LMF.

[0181] In response, the LMF receives a positioning information update message from the target S-gNB, where the positioning information update message may include configuration information of SRS 2 and information about PA 2, and the positioning information update message may be a positioning information update.

[0182] Step 1106: The target S-gNB sends an RRC release message to the UE.

[0183] In response, the UE receives an RRC release message from the target S-gNB, and the RRC release message may be an RRC Release.

[0184] The target S-gNB may include second configuration information in the RRC release message, and then the target S-gNB transmits the RRC release message to the UE. The second configuration information includes configuration information for SRS 2, configuration information for NCD-SSB 2, and information about PA 2. The configuration information for SRS 2 may include the time-frequency domain position, transmission period, Comb, etc. of SRS 2. The configuration information for NCD-SSB 2 may include the frequency, subcarrier spacing, periodicity, and positioning area identifier of NCD-SSB 2. The information about PA 2 includes an identifier of PA 2 and a cell list included in PA 2.

[0185] Optionally, the target S-gNB may alternatively transmit the second configuration information to the UE via other signaling, or may transmit the contents included in the second configuration information via multiple signalings, each of which includes at least one of SRS 2 configuration information, NCD-SSB 2 configuration information, and information related to PA 2.

[0186] Step 1107: The UE enters an RRC inactive state.

[0187] Step 1108: The UE measures NCD-SSB 2 and performs downlink synchronization to NCD-SSB 2.

[0188] Since the RRC release message received by the UE before step 1108 carries the configuration information of SRS 2, the UE can determine the transmission period of SRS 2 based on the configuration information of SRS 2 and perform synchronization for NCD-SSB 2 to achieve downlink time synchronization. After synchronization for NCD-SSB 2 is completed, NCD-SSB 2 is measured based on the configuration information of NCD-SSB 2. Next, transmission parameters for SRS 2 are determined based on the measurement results of NCD-SSB 2, and SRS 2 is transmitted based on the configuration information of SRS 2. For a specific implementation, please refer to the relevant content of step 703. Details will not be repeated here.

[0189] After step 1108, the procedure for locating the UE in PA 2 is the same as the procedure for locating the UE in PA 1 in Figure 8. For specific steps, please refer to steps 907 to 911 shown in Figure 9. The details will not be repeated here.

[0190] In this embodiment of the present application, the same NCD-SSB is configured for multiple cells within a PA, and the NCD-SSB is measured based on the configuration information of the multiple NCD-SSBs configured on the network side, and the multiple NCD-SSBs are associated with the SRS configuration information of the PA. If different cells within a PA still support different CD-SSBs, the SRS needs to be associated with the CD-SSBs of the different cells. When measuring the CD-SSB, the UE needs to detect the cell IDs of neighboring cells to measure the CD-SSB signals corresponding to the cells. When the UE is located in an edge cell of the PA or is about to move from the current PA, the UE's power consumption is high. However, in this application, different cells within the same PA transmit the same NCD-SSB in an SFN manner, and the UE can measure the NCD-SSBs of different cells at the same frequency domain position without knowing the neighboring cell IDs and determine whether to move from the current PA based on the measured RSRP of the NCD-SSB. This can avoid additional neighbor cell searches when the UE is located in an edge cell, and the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0191] The names of the above messages are merely examples. With the evolution of communication technology, the name of any one of the above messages may change. However, regardless of how the name of the message changes, as long as the meaning of the message remains the same as the meaning of the above message in this application, the message falls within the protection scope of this application.

[0192] The above mainly describes the solutions provided in the present application from the perspective of interactions between network elements. It should be understood that, to implement the aforementioned functions, the aforementioned network elements include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for performing the functions. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that, in combination with the example units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present invention can be implemented by hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether the functions are performed by hardware or by hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present invention.

[0193] According to the aforementioned method, FIG. 12 is a diagram of the structure of the device according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0194] FIG. 12 is a simplified diagram of an apparatus 1201. The apparatus 1201 is configured to implement the functions of a network element in an embodiment of the present application. For example, the network element may be a base station, a terminal, a DU, a CU, a CU-CP, a CU-UP, or an RU. The apparatus 1201 may be a network element, a device that can be installed in a network element, or a device that can be used with a network element. This is not limited to this. For example, the apparatus may be a chip or a chip system. The apparatus 1201 includes an interface 1203 and a processor 1202. Optionally, the processor 1202 is configured to execute a program 1205. The processor 1202 may store the program 1205 or may obtain the program 1205 from another component or another device (e.g., from the memory 1204 or from a third-party website via download). Optionally, the apparatus 1201 includes a memory 1204. The memory 1204 is configured to store a program 1206. The program 1206 may be pre-stored or loaded later. Optionally, the memory 1204 may be further configured to store necessary data. These components work together to provide various functions described in the embodiments of the present application.

[0195] The processor 1202 may include one or more processors to function as a combination of computing devices. The processor 1202 may include one or more of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a digital signal processing device (DSPD), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), gating logic, transistor logic, a discrete hardware circuit, a processing circuit, other suitable hardware or firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software configured to perform various functions described in the embodiments of the present application. The processor 1202 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. For example, the processor 1202 may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be configured to process communication protocols and communication data. The central processing unit may be configured to execute software programs and process data in the software programs.

[0196] Interface 1203 may include any suitable hardware or software configured to enable communication with one or more computing devices (e.g., network elements in embodiments of the present application). For example, in some embodiments, interface 1203 may include terminals and / or pins configured to couple with wires for a wired connection or a radio interface for a wireless connection. In some embodiments, interface 1203 may include a transmitter, a receiver, an interface, and / or an antenna. The interface may be configured to enable communication between computing devices (e.g., network elements in embodiments of the present application) by using any available protocol (e.g., 3GPP standard protocol).

[0197] The programs in the embodiments of the present application are software in a broad sense. The software may be program code, a program, a subprogram, an instruction set, code, a code segment, a software module, an application program, a software application program, etc. The programs may be executed in a processor and / or a computer to perform various functions and / or processes described in the embodiments of the present application.

[0198] The memory 1204 may store data needed by the processor 1202 when it executes the software. The memory 1204 may be implemented using any suitable storage technology. For example, the memory 1204 may be any available storage medium that can be accessed by the processor and / or computer. Non-limiting examples of storage media are random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or removable media, optical disk memory, magnetic disk storage media, magnetic storage devices, flash memory, registers, state memory, remotely installed memory, local or remote memory components, or any other medium that can carry or store software, data, or information and that can be accessed by the processor / computer.

[0199] The memory 1204 and the processor 1202 may be located separately or may be integrated with each other. The processor 1202 can read information from the memory 1204 and store and / or write information to the memory. The memory 1204 may be integrated with the processor 1202. The processor 1202 and the memory 1204 may be located in an integrated circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). The integrated circuit may be located in a network element or another network node in embodiments of the present application. In the figure, the memory 1204 is shown with dashed lines, further indicating that the memory is optional.

[0200] Furthermore, the communication device 1201 may further include a bus system. The processor 1202, the memory 1204, and the interface 1203 may be connected via the bus system.

[0201] As shown in FIG. 12, device 1201 may be a first communication device (e.g., a terminal device) or a second communication device (e.g., a network device), or may be a chip or circuit, for example, a chip or circuit that may be disposed in the first communication device, or a chip or circuit that may be disposed in the second communication device.

[0202] When the apparatus 1201 is configured to perform the functions of a terminal device, the processor 1202 is configured to receive first configuration information from a network device via the interface 1203, measure at least one first NCD-SSB, and determine transmission parameters of a first reference signal.

[0203] When the apparatus 1201 is configured to perform the functions of a terminal device, the processor 1202 is further configured to receive second configuration information of the network device via the interface 1203, measure at least one second NCD-SSB, and determine transmission parameters of a third reference signal.

[0204] When the apparatus 1201 is configured to perform the functionality of a network device, the processor 1202 is configured to obtain first configuration information and transmit the first configuration information via the interface 1203 .

[0205] When the apparatus 1201 is configured to perform the functions of a network device, the processor 1202 is further configured to receive second configuration information of the network device via the interface 1203, measure at least one second NCD-SSB, and determine transmission parameters of a third reference signal.

[0206] For the concepts, explanations, detailed descriptions and other steps of the communication device related to the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application, please refer to the descriptions of the content of the aforementioned methods or other embodiments, and details will not be described here.

[0207] According to the above-mentioned method, FIG. 13 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 13, the device 1301 may include a transceiver 1303 and a processor 1302. Furthermore, the communication device 1301 may include a memory 1304. In the figure, the memory 1304 is indicated by a dashed line, further indicating that the memory is optional. The transceiver 1303 is configured to input and / or output information. The processor 1302 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions, such that the device 1301 performs the steps performed by the terminal device or network device in the related solutions of FIG. 7, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, or FIG. 11. In this embodiment of the present application, the transceiver 1303 can implement the solution implemented by the interface 1203 of FIG. 12, the processor 1302 can implement the solution implemented by the processor 1202 of FIG. 12, and the memory 1304 can implement the solution implemented by the memory 1204 of FIG. 12. The details will not be repeated here.

[0208] Based on the above-mentioned embodiment and the same concept, Figure 14 is a diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 14, the device 1401 may be a terminal device or a network device, or may be a chip or circuit, for example, a chip or circuit that can be disposed in a terminal device or a network device.

[0209] The device 1401 includes a processing unit 1402 and a communication unit 1403. Furthermore, the device 1401 may or may not include a storage unit 1404. In the figure, the storage unit 1404 is shown with a dashed line, which further indicates that the memory is optional.

[0210] When the apparatus 1401 is configured to perform the functions of a terminal device, the processing unit 1402 is configured to receive first configuration information from a network device via the communication unit 1403, measure at least one first NCD-SSB, and determine transmission parameters of a first reference signal.

[0211] When the apparatus 1401 is configured to perform the functions of a terminal device, the processing unit 1402 is further configured to receive second configuration information of the network device via the communication unit 1403, measure at least one second NCD-SSB, and determine transmission parameters of a third reference signal.

[0212] When the apparatus 1401 is configured to perform the functionality of a network device, the processor 1202 is configured to obtain first configuration information and transmit the first configuration information via the communication unit 1403 .

[0213] When the apparatus 1401 is configured to perform the functions of a network device, the processing unit 1402 is configured to receive second configuration information of the network device via the communication unit 1403, measure at least one second NCD-SSB, and determine transmission parameters of a third reference signal.

[0214] For the concepts, explanations, detailed descriptions and other steps of the communication device related to the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application, please refer to the descriptions of the content of the aforementioned methods or other embodiments, and details will not be described here.

[0215] It will be understood that the functions of each unit in the device 1401 may be referred to the implementation form of the corresponding method embodiment, and the details will not be repeated here.

[0216] It should be understood that the division of the communication device into parts is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, all or part of the parts may be incorporated into a physical entity or may be physically separated. In this embodiment of the present application, the communication unit 1403 may be implemented by using the interface 1203 in FIG. 12, and the processing unit 1402 may be implemented by using the processor 1202 in FIG. 12.

[0217] According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform any one of the methods of the embodiments shown in Figure 7, Figure 9, Figure 10, or Figure 11.

[0218] According to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores program code, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to perform any one of the methods of the embodiments shown in Figure 7, Figure 9, Figure 10, or Figure 11.

[0219] According to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the present application further provides a chip system. The chip system may include a processor. The processor may be coupled to a memory and configured to execute the method of any one of the embodiments shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, or FIG. 11. Optionally, the chip system further includes a memory. The memory is configured to store a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions). The processor is configured to call the computer program from the memory and execute the computer program, thereby causing a device in which the chip system is installed to execute the method of any one of the embodiments shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, or FIG. 11.

[0220] According to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the present application further provides a system including the one or more first communication devices mentioned above.

[0221] In a possible implementation, the system may further include one or more second communication devices. In another possible implementation, the system may further include one or more location management devices.

[0222] All or part of the above-described embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When an embodiment is implemented using software, all or part of the embodiment may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded into a computer and executed, all or part of the procedures or functions of the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or another programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, radio wave, or microwave) method. A computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer or a data storage device, such as a server or data center integrating one or more available media. The media available may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, or magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid state drives (SSDs)).

[0223] Please note that portions of this patent application document contain copyrighted material. The copyright owner reserves the copyright except in the making of copies of the patent document or the contents of the patent document record in the Patent Office.

[0224] The network device and the terminal device in the above-mentioned apparatus embodiments correspond to the network device or the terminal device in the method embodiments. Corresponding modules or units perform corresponding steps. For example, a communication unit (transceiver) performs the receiving step or the transmitting step in the method embodiments, and steps other than the transmitting step and the receiving step may be performed by a processing unit (processor). For the functions of specific units, please refer to the corresponding method embodiments. There may be one or more processors.

[0225] As used herein, terms such as "component," "module," and "system" refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and / or a computer. As illustrated using figures, both computing devices and applications running on computing devices may be components. One or more components may reside within a process and / or thread of execution, and components may be located on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. Additionally, these components may execute from various computer-readable media that store various data structures. For example, components may communicate using local and / or remote processes, for example, based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component in a local system, a distributed system, and / or over a network, e.g., the Internet, which interacts with other systems using signals).

[0226] Those skilled in the art may recognize that, in combination with the illustrative logical blocks described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the steps may be implemented by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether a function is implemented by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but the implementation should not be considered to go beyond the scope of this application.

[0227] For the purpose of easy description, it can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the detailed working processes of the aforementioned systems, devices and units should be referred to the corresponding processes of the aforementioned method embodiments, and the details will not be repeated here.

[0228] In some embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the described device embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division into units is merely a logical division of function, and other divisions may be used in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not implemented. In addition, the shown or described mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented via some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0229] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, and may be located in one location or distributed over multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

[0230] In addition, the functional units of the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. When the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, the functions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0231] The above description is merely a specific implementation form of the present application and does not limit the protection scope of the present application. Any variations or replacements that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall fall within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

[0232] It can be understood that various numbers in the embodiments of the present application are only used for distinction to facilitate description, and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The sequence numbers of the above processes do not imply the execution order, and the execution order of the processes should be determined based on the functions and internal logic of the processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0233] 100 Communication Systems 100 Architecture 110 Radio Access Network 111a base station 112i unmanned aerial vehicle 112i terminal device 112j terminal device 120 Core Network 130 Internet 1201 Equipment 1201 Communication equipment 1202 processor 1203 Interface 1204 memory 1205 Program 1206 Program 1301 Equipment 1301 Communication equipment 1302 processor 1303 Transceiver 1304 memory 1401 Equipment 1402 Processing Unit 1403 Communication Unit 1404 Storage Unit

Claims

1. 1. A communication method, the method being applied to a terminal device, the method comprising: receiving first configuration information from a network device, the first configuration information including configuration information of at least one first non-cell-defined synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (NCD-SSB) and configuration information of a first reference signal, the at least one first NCD-SSB being associated with the first reference signal, and the first reference signal being used to position the terminal device; measuring the at least one first NCD-SSB and determining transmission parameters of the first reference signal; A communication method, including:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one cell.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to one positioning area.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one transmission beam of the same cell, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is transmitted in a beam-sweeping manner.

5. The transmission parameters of the first reference signal are: Whether to transmit the first reference signal, the transmission power of the first reference signal, and the transmission timing of the first reference signal.

5. The method of claim 1, comprising at least one of:

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the transmit power of the first reference signal is determined based on an RSRP of the at least one first NCD-SSB.

7. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first configuration information further includes configuration information of a second reference signal, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is further associated with the second reference signal, and the second reference signal is used to position the terminal device.

8. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the configuration information of the first NCD-SSB includes at least one of the following: a frequency, a transmission period, and a positioning area identifier of the first NCD-SSB.

9. The method comprises: receiving second configuration information of the network device, the second configuration information including configuration information of at least one second NCD-SSB and configuration information of a third reference signal, the at least one second NCD-SSB being associated with the third reference signal, and the third reference signal being used to position the terminal device; measuring the at least one second NCD-SSB and determining transmission parameters of the third reference signal; 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

10. 1. A communication method, the method being applied to a network device, the method comprising: acquiring first configuration information, the first configuration information including configuration information of at least one first non-cell-defined synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (NCD-SSB) and configuration information of a first reference signal, the at least one first NCD-SSB being associated with the first reference signal, and the first reference signal being used to position the terminal device; transmitting the first configuration information to the terminal device; A communication method, including:

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one cell.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to one positioning area.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one transmission beam of the same cell, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is transmitted in a beam-sweeping manner.

14. The transmission parameters of the first reference signal are as follows: Whether to transmit a first reference signal, the transmission power of the first reference signal, and the transmission timing of the first reference signal.

14. The method of claim 10, comprising at least one of:

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the transmit power of the first reference signal is determined based on an RSRP of the at least one first NCD-SSB.

16. 16. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first configuration information further includes configuration information of a second reference signal, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is further associated with the second reference signal, and the second reference signal is used to position the terminal device.

17. 17. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: a frequency, a transmission period, and a positioning area identifier of the first NCD-SSB.

18. The method comprises: transmitting second configuration information to the terminal device, the second configuration information including configuration information of at least one second NCD-SSB and configuration information of a third reference signal, the at least one second NCD-SSB being associated with the third reference signal, and the third reference signal being used to position the terminal device; 18. The method of any one of claims 10 to 17, further comprising:

19. A communications device, the device including a processor and an interface; The processor: receiving first configuration information from a network device via the interface, the first configuration information including configuration information of at least one first non-cell-defined synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (NCD-SSB) and configuration information of a first reference signal, the at least one first NCD-SSB being associated with the first reference signal, the first reference signal being used to position the communication device; measuring the at least one first NCD-SSB and determining transmission parameters of the first reference signal; It is configured as follows: Communication equipment.

20. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one cell.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to one positioning area.

22. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one transmission beam of the same cell, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is transmitted in a beam-sweeping manner.

23. The transmission parameters of the first reference signal are: Whether to transmit a first reference signal, the transmission power of the first reference signal, and the transmission timing of the first reference signal.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 22, comprising at least one of:

24. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the transmit power of the first reference signal is determined based on an RSRP of the at least one first NCD-SSB.

25. 25. The device of claim 19, wherein the first configuration information further includes configuration information of a second reference signal, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is further associated with the second reference signal, and the second reference signal is used to position the communication device.

26. 26. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the configuration information of the first NCD-SSB includes at least one of the following: a frequency, a transmission period, and a positioning area identifier of the first NCD-SSB.

27. The device comprises: receiving second configuration information of the network device, the second configuration information including configuration information of at least one second NCD-SSB and configuration information of a third reference signal, the at least one second NCD-SSB being associated with the third reference signal, and the third reference signal being used to position the communication device; measuring the at least one second NCD-SSB and determining transmission parameters of the third reference signal; 27. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 26, further comprising:

28. A communications device, the device including a processor and an interface; The processor: acquiring first configuration information, the first configuration information including configuration information of at least one first non-cell-defined synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (NCD-SSB) and configuration information of a first reference signal, the at least one first NCD-SSB being associated with the first reference signal, the first reference signal being used to position the terminal device; transmitting the first configuration information to the terminal device via the interface; It is configured as follows: Communication equipment.

29. 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one cell.

30. 30. The apparatus of claim 28 or 29, wherein the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to one positioning area.

31. 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the at least one first NCD-SSB corresponds to at least one transmission beam of the same cell, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is transmitted in a beam-sweeping manner.

32. The transmission parameters of the first reference signal are as follows: Whether to transmit a first reference signal, the transmission power of the first reference signal, and the transmission timing of the first reference signal.

32. The apparatus of any one of claims 28 to 31, comprising at least one of:

33. 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the transmit power of the first reference signal is determined based on an RSRP of the at least one first NCD-SSB.

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein the first configuration information further includes configuration information of a second reference signal, and the at least one first NCD-SSB is further associated with the second reference signal, and the second reference signal is used to position the terminal device.

35. The apparatus of any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: a frequency, a transmission period, and a positioning area identifier of the first NCD-SSB.

36. The processor: transmitting second configuration information to the terminal device via the interface, the second configuration information including configuration information of at least one second NCD-SSB and configuration information of a third reference signal, the at least one second NCD-SSB being associated with the third reference signal, and the third reference signal being used to position the terminal device; 36. The apparatus of any one of claims 28 to 35, further configured to:

37. A communications device, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory is configured to store computer programs or instructions; The processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions in the memory to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18. Communication equipment.

38. A communication device, comprising a processing unit and a communication unit, said processing unit configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18 via said communication unit.

39. 19. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when invoked by a computer, perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

40. 19. A chip system, comprising: at least one processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit and the at least one processor being interconnected via lines, the processor performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 18 by executing instructions.

41. 19. A computer program product, the computer program product storing a computer program, the computer program comprising program instructions that, when executed by a computer, enable the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

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