Method and device for configuring discontinuous reception DRX parameters

Abstract

To address the problem of high power consumption at the receiver because the receiver continuously listens to information in a D2D scenario, embodiments of this application provide a method and apparatus for configuring discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters and relate to the field of communication. A specific solution is as follows: A first communication device may obtain a first DRX parameter from a first network device, or the first communication device may determine the first DRX parameter. The first DRX parameter is used by the first communication device to transmit data to a second communication device over a sidelink based on the first DRX parameter. After the first communication device transmits the first DRX parameter to the second communication device, the second communication device may determine the active time and sleep period of the second communication device based on the first DRX and receive data during the active time. The second communication device may not need to continuously listen to information to be received over the sidelink, so that the second communication device can help reduce power consumption and save power. An embodiment of this application is applied to a process in which a data receiving end receives data based on DRX parameters during D2D communication.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202010019617.3, filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China on January 8, 2020, under the heading “Method and apparatus for configuring discontinuous reception DRX parameters,” which is incorporated in its entirety by reference in this document.

[0002] Technology field

[0003] The embodiments of this application relate to the field of communications, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for configuring discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters. Background Technology

[0004] In 5th generation mobile network (5G) new radio (NR), a discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanism is applied to the Uu interface to reduce unnecessary power consumption by terminal devices, helping terminal devices save energy in radio resource control (RRC) connected mode. The Uu interface is an interface between a terminal device and a network device (e.g., a base station). The basic principle of DRX is as follows: Packet-based data flow is typically bursty. Specifically, a terminal device is scheduled for a specific time period—that is, there is data to be received—but the terminal device is not scheduled for a relatively long subsequent time period. When the terminal device is not scheduled, the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced by stopping the terminal device from listening to the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) so that the battery service life of the terminal device can be extended.

[0005] Unlike the application of the DRX mechanism to the Uu interface, the DRX mechanism is not applied to current 5G device-to-device (D2D) communication scenarios. When a transmit end communicates with a receive end via a sidelink, the transmit end sends information to the receive end using configured resources, while the receive end continuously listens for the information to be received over the sidelink. Consequently, the receive end consumes excessive power. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method to reduce power consumption at the receive end in current D2D scenarios.

[0006] To solve the problem of high power consumption of the receiver because the receiver continuously listens to information in a D2D scenario, an embodiment of this application provides a method and apparatus for configuring discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the following technical solutions are used in the embodiments of this application.

[0008] According to a first aspect, a method for configuring discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters is provided. The method applies to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario and comprises: a first communication device acquires a first DRX parameter, the first DRX parameter being used by the first communication device to transmit data to a second communication device over a sidelink based on the first DRX parameter; and the first communication device transmits the first DRX parameter to the second communication device.

[0009] Accordingly, in this embodiment of the application, a second communication device acting as a data receiver on a side link determines the active time and sleep period of the second communication device based on the first DRX and can receive data only during the active time. In this way, the second communication device acting as a data receiver may not need to continuously listen for information to be received on the side link, so that the data receiver can help reduce power consumption and save power.

[0010] In a possible design, the first communication device acquiring the first DRX parameter comprises the following: the first communication device receives the first DRX parameter from the first network device. The first communication device is within the coverage area of ​​the first network device. That is, the first DRX parameter may be configured by the network device at the data transmission end. For example, the first DRX parameter is configured by a first base station corresponding to the first communication device. The first base station may determine the first DRX parameter based on currently available resources so that the first DRX parameter can satisfy the resource allocation of the first base station, and the first communication device transmits data to the second communication device on the resources allocated by the first base station.

[0011] In a possible design, before the first communication device receives the first DRX parameter from the first network device, the first communication device acquiring the first DRX parameter further comprises: the first communication device transmits auxiliary information and an identifier of the second communication device to the first network device. The auxiliary information is used by the first network device to determine the first DRX parameter by referring to the auxiliary information. The first communication device acting as a data transmitter knows the conditions under which data is transmitted. Accordingly, in this application, the first communication device can transmit auxiliary information to the first network device, and the first network device determines the DRX parameter corresponding to the second communication device based on the auxiliary information, so that the second communication device determines the duration during which the second communication device is active and the duration during which the second communication device is sleeping (duration of inactivity time) based on the configured DRX parameter, and the second communication device can receive data within the duration during which the second communication device is active. In this way, if the second communication device and the first communication device are not within the coverage area of ​​the same network device, in a D2D scenario, both the first communication device and the first network device can store the DRX parameters of the second communication device, the first network device can schedule data based on the DRX parameters, and the first communication device can send data to the second communication device based on the DRX parameters. Additionally, the second communication device acting as a data receiver may not always need to be in a data listening state, so the power consumption of the second communication device can be reduced and the power of the second communication device is saved.

[0012] In a possible design, the auxiliary information includes a data transmission requirement of the first communication device on the side link; the auxiliary information includes a second DRX parameter determined by the first communication device based on the data transmission requirement of the first communication device on the side link; or the auxiliary information includes a data transmission requirement of the first communication device on the side link and a second DRX parameter determined by the first communication device based on the data transmission requirement. The data transmission requirement may be a QoS required by the first communication device.

[0013] For example, if a service for which the first communication device needs to communicate with the second communication device over a sidelink has relatively high QoS requirements and low-latency data transmission needs to be performed, the first network device can determine that the duration of the sleep period in the DRX cycle corresponding to the first DRX parameter is relatively short and the duration of the active period is relatively long. In this way, when the first communication device needs to transmit data, the second communication device can wake up in time and receive the data transmitted by the first communication device during the active period. This satisfies the low-latency requirements. If auxiliary information includes a second DRX parameter and the second DRX parameter satisfies that the duration of the sleep period in the DRX cycle is relatively short and the duration of the active period is relatively long, the first network device can use the second DRX parameter as the first DRX parameter; Otherwise, the first network device may re-determine the first DRX parameter based on QoS so that the first DRX parameter satisfies the low latency requirement.

[0014] In a possible design, the first communication device obtaining the first DRX parameter comprises the following: the first communication device determines the first DRX parameter to be configured for the second communication device based on the data transmission requirements of the first communication device over a device-to-device (D2D) communication sidelink. That is, the first communication device acting as a data transmitter configures the first DRX parameter of the second communication device acting as a data receiver. In this way, when the first communication device transmits data to the second communication device, the first DRX parameter can satisfy the data transmission requirements of the first communication device.

[0015] In a possible design, the method further comprises: a first communication device transmits a first DRX parameter and an identifier of a second communication device to a first network device. After determining the first DRX parameter, the first communication device may also transmit the determined first DRX parameter to the first network device so that when the first network device determines that there is data to be transmitted by the first communication device, the first network device may allocate a resource to the first communication device by referring to the first DRX parameter.

[0016] In a possible design, the method further comprises: a first communication device stores a first DRX parameter and establishes a correspondence between the first DRX parameter and an identifier of a second communication device. Since the first communication device can establish sidelink connections to a plurality of second communication devices acting as data receivers, the first communication device can establish a correspondence between the first DRX parameter and an identifier of a second communication device, so that the first communication device can determine the first DRX parameter of a second receiver to perform data communication based on the correspondence. The identifier may be a Layer 2 ID.

[0017] In a possible design, the method further comprises: a first communication device receives a first notification message sent by a second communication device, the first notification message indicating that the configuration of the first DRX parameter is complete; and the first communication device sends a second notification message to a first network device, the second notification message indicating that the configuration of the first DRX parameter is complete. When the first network device receives the second notification message, if the first communication device has data to be sent, the first communication device may request a resource from the first network device and send data to the second communication device on the requested resource.

[0018] In a possible design, the method further comprises: a first communication device receives downlink control information (DCI) from a first network device, the DCI comprising an identifier of a third communication device determined by the first network device based on a scheduling request sent by the first communication device, and information about a resource determined based on a first DRX parameter of the third communication device and allocated to the first communication device and the third communication device; the first communication device sends sidelink control information (SCI) to the third communication device, the SCI comprising information about a resource, the information about the resource being used by the third communication device to receive data sent by the first communication device on the resource indicated by the information about the resource. The third communication device is a data receiving end determined by the first network device based on the first DRX parameter and within an active time. Accordingly, when the first communication device transmits data on a resource allocated by the first network device, the third communication device is within the active time, and the third communication device can receive data on a resource allocated by the first network device. Additionally, the third communication device does not need to always be in a state of monitoring whether there is data to be received, thereby saving power to the third communication device.

[0019] In a possible design, the method further comprises: a first communication device receives a DCI from a first network device, the DCI comprising information about a resource assigned to the first communication device and available on a side link; the first communication device determines at least one communication device within an active time among communication devices connected to the first communication device based on information about a first DRX parameter and a resource of a plurality of communication devices connected to the first communication device; the first communication device determines a third communication device having the highest logical channel priority from at least one communication device; and the first communication device transmits an SCI to the third communication device, the SCI comprising information about a resource, the information about the resource being used by the third communication device to receive data transmitted by the first communication device on the resource indicated by the information about the resource. In this manner, when the first communication device receives information about a resource allocated by the first network device, the first communication device can determine a third communication device that has the highest logical channel priority and is within the active time based on the first DRX parameter and the information about the resource, so that when the first communication device transmits data on the resource indicated by the information about the resource, the third communication device is within the active time and the third communication device can receive data on the resource. This can ensure that data on the logical channel with the highest priority is received in a timely manner, and the third communication device does not need to always be in a state of monitoring whether there is data to be received, thereby saving power of the third communication device.

[0020] In a possible design, the method further comprises: a first communication device determines a first sidelink having the highest logical channel priority among all sidelinks where a connection has been established, and determines a first DRX parameter of a third communication device connected to the first communication device on the first sidelink; the first communication device determines information about a resource from a resource pool in which the third communication device is active within a time limit based on the first DRX parameter of the third communication device; and the first communication device transmits an SCI to the third communication device. The SCI contains information about a resource, and the information about the resource is used by the third communication device to receive data transmitted by the first communication device on the resource indicated by the information about the resource. In this manner, when the first communication device determines a first sidelink corresponding to a logical channel having the highest priority, the first communication device may determine a resource from a resource pool in which the third communication device is active within a time limit based on the first DRX parameter corresponding to the third communication device acting as a data receiver on the first sidelink. That is, the first communication device can determine the active time and sleep period of the third communication device based on the first DRX parameter in order to transmit data to the third communication device on a resource within the active time of the third communication device. The third communication device can receive data transmitted by the first communication device on the resource, and the third communication device does not need to always be in a state of monitoring whether there is data to be received, thereby saving power of the third communication device.

[0021] In a possible design, the first communication device is a terminal device or a communication chip, and the second communication device is a terminal device or a communication chip.

[0022] According to a second aspect, a method for configuring discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters is provided. The method applies to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario and comprises: a first network device determines a first DRX parameter, the first DRX parameter is used by the first communication device to transmit data to a second communication device over a sidelink based on the first DRX parameter; and the first network device transmits the first DRX parameter to the first communication device. In this manner, both the first network device and the first communication device store the first DRX parameter of the second communication device. If the second communication device and the first communication device are not within the coverage area of ​​the same network device, in a D2D scenario, the first network device may schedule data based on the first DRX parameter, and the first communication device may transmit data to the second communication device based on the first DRX parameter. Additionally, the second communication device acting as a data receiver may not always need to be in a data listening state, so the power consumption of the second communication device can be reduced and the power of the second communication device is saved.

[0023] In a possible design, before the first network device determines the first DRX parameter, the method further comprises: the first network device receives auxiliary information and an identifier of the second communication device transmitted by the first communication device. The auxiliary information is used by the first network device to determine the first DRX parameter by referring to the auxiliary information; and the first communication device is within the coverage area of ​​the first network device. Accordingly, when the first network device determines the first DRX parameter, the first network device can determine the first DRX parameter by referring to the auxiliary information transmitted by the first communication device, so that the determined first DRX parameter can satisfy the data transmission requirements of the first communication device.

[0024] In a possible design, auxiliary information may include data transmission requirements of a first communication device on a side link; auxiliary information may include a second DRX parameter determined by the first communication device based on the data transmission requirements of the first communication device on the side link; or auxiliary information may include the data transmission requirements of the first communication device on the side link and a second DRX parameter determined by the first communication device based on the data transmission requirements. The data transmission requirements may be a quality of service (QoS) required by the service of the first communication device on the side link. For example, if the service for which the first communication device needs to communicate with the second communication device on the side link has relatively high QoS requirements and low-latency data transmission needs to be performed, the first network device may determine that the duration of the sleep period in the DRX cycle corresponding to the first DRX parameter is relatively short and the duration of the active period is relatively long. In this way, when the first communication device needs to transmit data, the second communication device can start up in time and receive the data transmitted by the first communication device during the active time. This satisfies the low latency requirement. If the auxiliary information includes a second DRX parameter and the second DRX parameter satisfies that the duration of the sleep period in the DRX cycle is relatively short and the duration of the active time is relatively long, the first network device can use the second DRX parameter as the first DRX parameter; otherwise, the first network device can re-evaluate the first DRX parameter based on QoS so that the first DRX parameter satisfies the low latency requirement.

[0025] In a possible design, before the first network device determines the first DRX parameter, the method further comprises: the first network device sends a request message to the second network device. The request message is used to request the acquisition of a third DRX parameter, the third DRX parameter is a DRX parameter configured by the second network device for the second communication device and is of a Uu interface; and the second communication device is within the coverage area of ​​the second network device. The first network device determining the first DRX parameter comprises: the first network device determines the first DRX parameter by referring to the third DRX parameter. If the first communication device and the second communication device are not within the coverage area of ​​the same network device, i.e., the first communication device is within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and the second communication device is within the coverage area of ​​the second network device, the first network device may request the second network device for the third DRX parameter configured by the second network device for the second communication device and is of a Uu interface. The first network configures the first DRX parameter of the PC5 interface for the second communication device by referencing the third DRX parameter, so that the duration during which the second communication device is active on the two interfaces and the duration during which the second communication device is in sleep are preferably the same. In this way, when there is data to be transmitted, the second communication device saves power based on the third DRX parameter. Additionally, when the first communication device and the second communication device are within the coverage area of ​​different network devices, the power of the second communication device can be further saved because the third DRX parameter of the PC5 interface of the second communication device is aligned with the first DRX parameter of the Uu interface of the second communication device.

[0026] In a possible design, the method further comprises: a first network device transmits downlink control information (DCI) to a first communication device. The DCI includes an identifier of a third communication device that is determined by the first network device based on the first DRX parameter and is within the active time, and information about a resource assigned to the first communication device and available on the sidelink. The third communication device is a data receiver that is determined by the first network device based on the first DRX parameter and is within the active time. Thus, when the first communication device transmits data on a resource assigned by the first network device, the third communication device is within the active time, and the third communication device can receive data on a resource assigned by the first network device. Additionally, the third communication device does not need to always be in a state of monitoring whether there is data to be received, thereby saving power to the third communication device.

[0027] In a possible design, the first communication device is a terminal device or a communication chip, and the second communication device is a terminal device or a communication chip.

[0028] According to a third aspect, a method for configuring discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters is provided. The method comprises: a second communication device receives a first DRX parameter from a first communication device, the first DRX parameter being used by the second communication device to receive data transmitted by the first communication device over a sidelink based on the first DRX parameter; and the second communication device performs data communication with the first communication device based on the first DRX parameter. In this way, in a D2D scenario, the second communication device may not need to continuously listen for data over the sidelink and may receive data during active time based on the first DRX parameter, thereby saving power of the second communication device.

[0029] In a possible design, the method further comprises: a second communication device receives sidelink control information (SCI) from a first communication device. The SCI contains information about a resource, and the information about the resource is used by the second communication device to receive data transmitted by the first communication device on the resource indicated by the information about the resource. In this way, the second communication device can receive data transmitted by the first communication device on the resource indicated by the SCI. Specifically, when the first communication device transmits data to the second communication device on the resource, the second communication device can receive the data transmitted by the first communication device on the resource during active time, thereby saving power of the third communication device.

[0030] In a possible design, the first communication device is a terminal device or a communication chip, and the second communication device is a terminal device or a communication chip.

[0031] According to the fourth aspect, a communication device is provided and applicable to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario and comprises: a processing unit configured to acquire a first DRX parameter (the first DRX parameter is used by the first communication device to send data to a second communication device over a side link based on the first DRX parameter); and a sending unit configured to send the first DRX parameter to the second communication device.

[0032] According to the fifth aspect, a network device is provided and applied to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario and comprises: a processing unit configured to determine a first DRX parameter (the first DRX parameter is used by the first communication device to transmit data to the second communication device over a side link based on the first DRX parameter); and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the first DRX parameter to the first communication device.

[0033] According to the sixth aspect, a communication device is provided and includes a receiving unit configured to receive a first DRX parameter from the first communication device, applicable to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario. The first DRX parameter is used by the second communication device to receive data transmitted by the first communication device over a sidelink based on the first DRX parameter. The receiving unit is also configured to perform data communication with the first communication device based on the first DRX parameter.

[0034] According to the seventh aspect, a communication system is provided and applied to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario, and includes a communication device according to the fourth aspect, a network device according to the fifth aspect, and a communication device according to the sixth aspect.

[0035] According to the eighth aspect, a communication device is provided and applicable to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario and comprises: a processor (coupled to memory); and memory (configured to store a computer program or instruction). The processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in memory so that the device can perform a method according to any of the first aspect and possible designs of the first aspect.

[0036] According to the ninth aspect, a communication device is provided and applicable to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario and comprises: a processor (coupled to memory); and memory (configured to store a computer program or instruction). The processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in memory so that the device can perform a method according to any of the second aspect and possible designs of the second aspect.

[0037] According to the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided and applicable to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario and comprises: a processor (coupled to memory); and memory (configured to store a computer program or instruction). The processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in memory so that the device can perform a method according to any of the third aspect and possible designs of the third aspect.

[0038] According to the 11th aspect, a communication system is provided that includes a communication device according to the 8th aspect, a network device according to the 9th aspect, and a communication device according to the 10th aspect.

[0039] According to the 12th aspect, a computer-readable storage medium comprising a program or instructions is provided. When the program or instructions are run by a processor, a method according to any of the first aspect and possible designs of the first aspect is performed.

[0040] According to the 13th aspect, a computer-readable storage medium comprising a program or instructions is provided. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, a method according to any of the second aspect and possible designs of the second aspect is performed.

[0041] According to the 14th aspect, a computer-readable storage medium comprising a program or instructions is provided. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, a method according to any of the third aspect and possible designs of the third aspect is performed.

[0042] According to the 15th aspect, a computer program product is provided. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the electronic device is able to perform a method according to any of the first aspect and possible designs of the first aspect.

[0043] According to the 16th aspect, a computer program product is provided. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the electronic device is able to perform a method according to any of the second aspect and possible designs of the second aspect.

[0044] According to the 17th aspect, a computer program product is provided. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the electronic device is able to perform a method according to any of the third aspect and possible designs of the third aspect. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a DRX cycle according to an embodiment of this application, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network framework according to an embodiment of this application, and FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a method for configuring DRX parameters according to an embodiment of this application, and FIGS. 4a and 4b are schematic flowcharts of a method for configuring DRX parameters according to an embodiment of this application, and FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a method for configuring DRX parameters according to an embodiment of this application, and FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a transmission resource allocation method for data transmission according to an embodiment of this application, and FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a transmission resource allocation method for data transmission according to an embodiment of this application, and FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a transmission resource allocation method for data transmission according to an embodiment of this application, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application, and FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application, and FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application, and FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of this application, and FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of this application. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0046] For ease of understanding, exemplary descriptions of some concepts related to the embodiments of this application are provided for reference. Details are described as follows:

[0047] D2D stands for Device-to-Device, a communication method in which two peer-to-peer user nodes communicate directly with each other, and is also referred to as direct terminal communication. D2D is a new technology that enables terminal devices to communicate directly with each other by sharing cellular resources under the control of a system, thereby resolving the problem of spectrum resource scarcity in wireless communication systems to some extent. To improve resource utilization and network capacity, D2D technology can be applied to mobile cellular networks. The resources occupied by each D2D communication link are equivalent to the resources occupied by a single cellular communication link.

[0048] Quality of Service (QoS) is a network security mechanism and a technology used to address issues such as network latency and congestion. In the conventional sense, QoS may include transmission bandwidth, transmission latency, data packet loss rate, and similar factors. Improving QoS may involve ensuring transmission bandwidth, reducing transmission latency, decreasing data packet loss rate and latency jitter, and so on. In a broader sense, QoS encompasses all aspects of network applications. Any measure beneficial to a network application will improve QoS. In this sense, firewalls, policy-based routing, and fast forwarding are also measures that improve network QoS.

[0049] A sidelink may be referred to as a lateral link, direct-communication link, secondary link, edge link, or similar, and is a link introduced to support device-to-device direct communication. Sidelinks can be applied to D2D scenarios, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and similar applications. In 5G NR, sidelinks primarily include physical sidelink control channels (PSCCH), physical sidelink shared channels (PSSCH), physical sidelink broadcast channels (PSBCH), physical sidelink feedback channels (PSFCH), and similar applications.

[0050] Currently, sidelink communication has the following two resource allocation modes: Operation Mode 1 and Operation Mode 2. The two operation modes are as follows:

[0051] Operation Mode 1: The terminal device transmits data in radio resource control (RRC) connection mode. Transmission resources are controlled by network devices, e.g., base stations. The base station schedules the transmission resources used to transmit sidelink control information and data. The terminal device sends a sidelink scheduling request (SR) and a sidelink buffer status report (BSR) to the base station. Based on the sidelink BSR, the base station can determine the amount of data for the terminal device's sidelink communication and estimate the resources for transmission. The base station can use the configured sidelink-radio network temporary identifier (SL-RNTI) to schedule the transmission resources used for sidelink communication.

[0052] Operation Mode 2: The terminal device selects a resource from the resource pool and selects a transmission format to transmit sidelink control information and data information. Once resource pool selection is performed, the selected resource is valid for the entire sidelink control period. After the sidelink control period ends, the UE can perform resource pool selection again.

[0053] The operating principle of DRX is as follows: As illustrated in FIG. 1, the basic mechanism of DRX is to configure a DRX cycle for a UE in RRC connection mode. The DRX cycle includes an "on duration" and an "opportunity for DRX." During the "on duration," the terminal device can listen for and receive PDCCH. During the "opportunity for DRX" period, the UE does not receive PDCCH in order to reduce power consumption. In other words, during the on duration, the terminal device is in an active time; and during the DRX opportunity period, the terminal device is in a sleep time.

[0054] The value of the on-duration specifies the duration of listening to the PDCCH from the start of the DRX cycle, i.e., the duration corresponding to the parameter drx-onDurationTimer. In most cases, once a terminal device is scheduled for a PDCCH occasion and receives or transmits data, the terminal device is likely to be scheduled consecutively within subsequent subframes. If data needs to be received or transmitted in the next DRX cycle, additional latency is introduced. To reduce this latency, after scheduling, the terminal device can remain in the active time consecutively; that is, it can listen to the PDCCH consecutively within the configured active time. The implementation mechanism is as follows: Whenever the terminal device is scheduled to transmit the first new data, the timer drx-InactivityTimer is started (or restarted). During the timer's timing duration, the terminal device remains in the active time at all times until the timer expires. drx-InactivityTimer specifies the duration during which the terminal device remains continuously active after the terminal device successfully decodes the PDCCH indicating the first transmitted uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) user data. In other words, when the terminal device is scheduled to transmit data for the first time, the timer starts or restarts once.

[0055] For hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) data retransmissions, since there is no fixed time sequence relationship between the previous transmission and the retransmission, time windows are defined separately for the uplink HARQ and the downlink HARQ, and the HARQ round-trip time (RTT) timer allows the terminal device to begin listening for an uplink or downlink retransmission only after the time window from the previous uplink or downlink transmission. Each uplink HARQ process and each downlink HARQ process corresponds individually to a single HARQ RTT Timer. After drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerUL expires, for an uplink transmission, the terminal device starts the DRX uplink retransmission timer (drx-RetransmissionTimerUL) for the corresponding HARQ process. For a downlink transmission, if data from the corresponding HARQ process is not successfully received after drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL expires, the terminal device starts the DRX downlink retransmission timer (drx-RetransmissionTimerDL) for the HARQ process. When drx-RetransmissionTimerUL or drx-RetransmissionTimerDL is run, the terminal device listens to the PDCCH used to schedule HARQ retransmissions.

[0056] Where the UE is configured as a DRX cycle, the duration during which the terminal device is within active time includes the following:

[0057] The duration during which drx-onDurationTimer, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimerUL, drx-RetransmissionTimerDL, or the contention resolution timer ra-ContentionResolutionTimer is active, etc.;

[0058] The duration during which the terminal device transmitted the SR on the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) (the SR is currently in a pending state); and

[0059] A period during which the terminal device successfully receives a random access response (RAR) used to respond to a contention-based random access sequence (preamble) that was not selected by the terminal device, but does not receive a PDCCH indicating an initial transmission (by using a Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI)).

[0060] The technical solution in the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) systems, such as new radio access technology (NR) systems, networks integrating multiple systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Internet of Vehicles (IoT) systems, and future communication systems, such as 6G systems. Specifically, this application can be applied to D2D communication scenarios of these communication systems. In other words, devices can communicate directly with each other by establishing a side link.

[0061] Additionally, the term “e.g.” in the embodiments of this application is used to indicate an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design plan described as an “e.g.” in this application should not be described as having more desirable or greater advantages than other embodiments or design plans. Specifically, the term “e.g.” is used to present a concept in a specific manner.

[0062] In the embodiments of this application, “of,” “corresponding (relevant),” and “corresponding” may be used interchangeably from time to time. It should be noted that the meanings expressed by the terms are consistent unless differences are emphasized.

[0063] The network architectures and service scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are intended to further clarify the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. A person skilled in the art will understand that, with the evolution of network architectures and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0064] In the embodiments of this application, NR network scenarios in wireless communication networks are used as examples to describe some scenarios. It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments of this application may also be applied to other wireless communication networks, and corresponding names may also be replaced with the names of corresponding functions in those other wireless communication networks.

[0065] In the D2D communication scenario in the embodiment of this application, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the network framework in this application may include at least one network device and at least two communication devices.

[0066] The network device in the embodiment of this application may be a device having a wireless transceiver function or a chip that can be placed within the device, and may be placed within a wireless access network to provide wireless communication services for a terminal device. The device includes, but is not limited to: an evolved NodeB (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a NodeB (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., a home evolved NodeB or a home NodeB (HNB)), a baseband unit (BBU), an access point (AP) within a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (transmission and reception point (TRP) or a transmission point (TP)), and similar items. Alternatively, the network device may be a gNB or a transmission point (TRP or TP) within a 5G system, such as an NR system; It may be an antenna panel of a base station or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) within a 5G system; or a network node such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU) constituting a gNB or a transmission point.Alternatively, the network device is a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a network device within a future evolved PLMN network, or something similar.

[0067] The communication device in the embodiments of this application may be a terminal device or a communication chip. The terminal device may be User Equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile console, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user apparatus. The terminal devices in the embodiments of this application may be mobile phones, tablet computers (pads), computers with wireless transceiver functions, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, terminal devices in 5G networks, terminal devices in future advanced public land mobile networks (PLMNs), or similar devices. Application scenarios are not limited to the embodiments of this application.In this application, methods and steps implemented by a terminal device may also be implemented by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used in the terminal device. In this application, the aforementioned terminal device and components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be disposed within the aforementioned terminal device are collectively referred to as the terminal device.

[0068] It should be noted that the UE at the data transmitting end and the UE at the data receiving end may be within the coverage area of ​​the same base station or within the coverage area of ​​different base stations.

[0069] Regarding the application scenarios and network architectures of this application, for example, D2D can be applied to multiple local communication services, short-range communication, or communication within the same indoor space. For example, regarding video services for a touring concert, the audience can download materials provided by the concert from a terminal device (e.g., a mobile phone) by using wireless D2D. By requesting D2D resources from a system cell (e.g., a base station), the concert organizer can immediately transmit video information to multiple terminal devices. Compared to providing video services using a system cell base station, providing video services via the D2D method can reduce the load on the cell base station. The system can provide voice services and internet data services while performing D2D communication. Currently, terminal devices receiving video data continuously listen to the received video data over a sidelink. Consequently, the terminal device at the receiving end consumes excessive power.

[0070] As another example, the terminal device may be a mobile phone, a VR head-mounted display, or something similar. After a sidelink connection is established between the mobile phone and the VR head-mounted display, the mobile phone can act as a data transmitter, and the VR head-mounted display can act as a data receiver. The mobile phone can transmit video data to the VR head-mounted display via the sidelink, and the VR head-mounted display can continuously listen to the received video data over the sidelink. Consequently, the VR head-mounted display consumes excessive power.

[0071] In other words, after the transmitting and receiving ends of the devices establish a sidelink, the receiving end currently continuously listens for incoming data over the sidelink. Consequently, the receiving end consumes excessive power. Currently, the base station can configure DRX parameters used for the Uu interface for the UE. Specifically, the base station can send configuration information to the UE, and this configuration information includes DRX parameters used for transmitting Uu interface data between the base station and the UE. However, in a D2D scenario, the transmitting user (transmit UE (Tx UE)) and the receiving user (receive UE (Rx UE)) are directly connected for data transmission, and the Rx UE may not be within the coverage area of ​​the base station where the Tx UE is located. If the base station connected to the Rx UE and the base station connected to the Tx UE are not the same base station, the base station connected to the Tx UE does not know the DRX parameters of the Rx UE. In a D2D scenario, this can result in a situation where the Tx UE transmits data but the Rx UE is not within the active time, leading to a failure in data transmission. Therefore, this application describes how to configure DRX parameters when the Tx UE transmits data to the Rx UE. Regarding this issue, this application provides a method for configuring DRX parameters. The basic principle of the method may be as follows: the transmitter configures DRX parameters for the receiver so that when the transmitter transmits data, the receiver can determine the duration during which the receiver is within the active time based on the DRX parameters, and the receiver does not always need to be within the active time to listen to the data. This can reduce the power consumption of the receiver.

[0072] The following describes the technical solution in the embodiments of this application with reference to the attached drawings in the embodiments of this application. In the description of the embodiments of this application, " / " means "or" unless otherwise specified. For example, A / B may represent A or B. In this specification, "and / or" describes an association merely to describe an associated object 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. Additionally, in the description of the embodiments of this application, "plural" means two or more than two.

[0073] The following terms “first” and “second” are intended for illustrative purposes only and should not be understood as an indication or implication of relative importance or an implicit indication of the quantity of the indicated technical features. Accordingly, the feature defined by “first” or “second” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of the embodiments, unless otherwise specified, “plural” means two or more than two.

[0074] Based on the principles according to this application, an embodiment of this application provides a method for configuring DRX parameters. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the method comprises the following steps.

[0075] 301: The first communication device establishes a sidelink connection to the second communication device.

[0076] In this embodiment of the application, an explanation is provided by using an example in which a first communication device acting as a data transmitter is a first UE, a second communication device acting as a data receiver is a second UE, a first network device in a cell where the first UE is located is a first base station, and a second network device in a cell where the second UE is located is a second base station.

[0077] For example, when the first UE has a data communication requirement, the first UE sends a sidelink communication request to the first base station, and the first base station configures a resource allocation mode for the first UE based on the request. For example, if it is determined based on the capabilities of the first UE that the first UE does not support resource allocation, the first base station determines that the resource allocation mode is operating mode 1; or if it is determined based on the capabilities of the first UE that the first UE supports resource allocation, the first base station determines that the resource allocation mode is operating mode 2. The first base station allocates a sidelink resource to the first UE that is used to establish a connection to the second UE, and subsequently, the first UE sends a message to the second UE requesting it to establish a PC5-S connection by using the resource, thereby completing the sidelink connection between the first UE and the second UE.

[0078] For example, the fact that the first UE has a data communication requirement may mean that a mobile phone transmits video data to a VR head-mounted display; or the fact that the first UE has a data communication requirement may mean that, in the case where multiple users play a game on their respective mobile phones, one user's mobile phone transmits game data to multiple other users' mobile phones in order to maintain the same game progress.

[0079] The PC5-S connection is an interface for connecting UEs in a D2D scenario.

[0080] 302: The first communication device transmits auxiliary information and an identifier of the second communication device to the first network device. The auxiliary information is used by the first network device to determine the first DRX parameter by referring to the auxiliary information.

[0081] In some implementations, auxiliary information includes data transmission requirements of the first communication device on the side link.

[0082] Alternatively, auxiliary information includes a second DRX parameter determined by the first communication device based on the data transmission requirements of the first communication device on the side link.

[0083] Alternatively, auxiliary information includes data transmission requirements of the first communication device on the side link and second DRX parameters determined by the first communication device based on the data transmission requirements.

[0084] Data transmission requirements are conditions that need to be satisfied when the first communication device transmits data to the second communication device, and the conditions include delay time requirements, data transmission rate, packet loss rate and similar ones.

[0085] In some implementations, the data transmission requirement may be the quality of service (QoS) required by the service of the first communication device on the sidelink.

[0086] The second DRX parameter can be understood as being determined by the first communication device based on the QoS required by the first communication device on the side link.

[0087] For example, if the first UE knows that it needs to send data to the second UE, the second DRX parameter configured by the first UE for the second UE needs to satisfy the following: when the first UE needs to send data, the second UE is within the active time. Additionally, if the service that the first UE needs to communicate with the second UE over the sidelink has relatively high QoS requirements, the first UE may consider that the service has relatively high latency requirements and that low-latency data communication needs to be performed. Accordingly, the characteristics of the second DRX parameter that can be determined by the first UE based on these relatively high QoS requirements may be as follows: the duration of the sleep period may be relatively short, and the duration of the active time may be relatively long. In this way, when the first UE performs service communication with the second UE, the second UE can receive the data sent by the first UE in a timely manner.

[0088] For example, if a service that the first UE needs to communicate with the second UE over a sidelink has relatively high QoS requirements, for example, needs to reach a latency of 4ms or 5ms and needs to perform low-latency data transmission, the first UE can determine that in the DRX cycle corresponding to the second DRX parameter, the duration of the sleep period, i.e., the value of the DRX opportunity, is relatively small, and the duration of the active time, i.e., the value of drx-onDurationTimer, is relatively large. For example, the duration of one DRX cycle may be 10ms, the value of the DRX opportunity may be 4ms, and the value of drx-onDurationTimer may be 6ms. In this way, when the first UE needs to transmit data, the second UE can start up in time and receive the data transmitted by the first UE during the active time to satisfy the low-latency requirements.

[0089] Alternatively, if the service for which the first UE needs to communicate with the second UE over a sidelink has relatively high QoS requirements, for example, if the data packet loss rate needs to be less than 5%, the first UE can determine that, in the DRX cycle corresponding to the second DRX parameter, the duration of the sleep period, i.e., the value of the DRX chance, is relatively small, and the duration of the active time, i.e., the value of drx-onDurationTimer, is relatively large. Similarly, for example, the duration of one DRX cycle may be 10ms, the value of the DRX chance may be 4ms, and the value of drx-onDurationTimer may be 6ms. In one DRX cycle, if the duration during which the second UE is in the active time is longer than the duration during which the second UE is in the sleep period, and it is considered that there may be a delay when data is transmitted to the second UE, the probability of the second UE receiving data during the active time is increased, and the data packet loss rate may be reduced.

[0090] The DRX opportunity and drx-onDurationTimer are specifically described in step (303). In some implementations, the identifier of the second communication device may be a layer 2 ID, that is, the layer 2 ID is used as a unique identifier to identify the second communication device. Specifically, the layer 2 ID is the layer 2 ID of the second communication device within the network communication architecture, and layer 2 includes the media access control (MAC) layer, the radio link control (RLC) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer. Each terminal device has a unique layer 2 ID, that is, the first network device can identify the second communication device by using the layer 2 ID.

[0091] In some implementations, the identifier of the second communication device may alternatively be a Globally Unique Identifier (GUID).

[0092] In some implementations, the first communication device may send an RRC message to the first network device, and the RRC message includes auxiliary information and an identifier of the second communication device.

[0093] 303: The first network device determines the first DRX parameter by referring to auxiliary information.

[0094] After the first network device receives auxiliary information and an identifier of the second communication device (these are transmitted by the first communication device), the first network device can configure the first DRX parameters for the second communication device by referring to the auxiliary information.

[0095] In some implementations, if the second network device receives auxiliary information and the data transmission requirement included in the auxiliary information is QoS, the first network device may determine the first DRX parameter for the second communication device based on the QoS. For the determination method, refer to the implementation in which the first UE determines the second DRX parameter in step (302).

[0096] If the auxiliary information received by the first network device is a second DRX parameter determined by the first communication device, the first network device may determine whether to use the second DRX parameter as the first DRX parameter on the currently available resources. For example, if there is a relatively large amount of currently available resources, that is, if the load of the first network device is relatively small and a relatively large amount of resources can be allocated to the first communication device, the duration of the second communication device being active may be relatively short. If there is a relatively small amount of currently available resources, that is, if the load of the first network device is relatively large and a relatively small amount of resources can be allocated to the first communication device, the requirements for configuring the DRX parameter of the second communication device are higher for the second communication device, for example, the duration of the second communication device being active may be longer, and thus the probability of the second communication device receiving data may increase. Accordingly, if the second DRX parameter indicates that the duration within the active time of the second communication device corresponds to the currently available resources, the first network device may use the second DRX parameter as the first DRX parameter. Otherwise, if the second DRX parameter indicates that the duration within the active time of the second communication device does not correspond to the currently available resources, the first network device may adaptively modify the second DRX parameter so that the modified second DRX parameter corresponds to the current resource scheduling of the first network device.

[0097] For example, if the current load of the first base station is relatively small, that is, if there is a relatively large amount of available time-frequency resources for the first UE, and if the duration corresponding to the available time-frequency resources is greater than the duration of one DRX cycle (e.g., one DRX cycle is 10ms), when the first base station configures the first DRX parameters for the second UE, the duration during which the second UE is active may be relatively short (e.g., 4ms), and the duration during which the second UE is sleeping may be relatively long (e.g., 6ms). This is because, in this case, all resources of the first base station can be used in this DRX cycle, and during the duration during which the second UE is active, the first UE has resources that can be selected to transmit data, which does not cause the first UE to transmit data while the second UE is sleeping. However, if the duration of the second UE being in the active time is relatively long, it is highly likely that the first UE will not continuously transmit data to the second UE. Therefore, the second UE does not need to be in the active time for a relatively long period. Thus, if the first base station currently has a relatively large amount of resources that can be allocated to the first UE, the duration of the second UE being in the active time within the DRX cycle may be relatively short.

[0098] Accordingly, the second DRX parameter indicating that the duration within the active time of the second communication device corresponds to the currently available resources can be understood as the first base station having a relatively large amount of currently available resources, and in the second DRX parameter, the duration within the active time of the second UE is relatively short, and the duration within the sleep period of the second UE is relatively long (e.g., the duration within the active time is 4ms, and the duration within the sleep period is 6ms). The second DRX parameter indicating that the duration within the active time of the second communication device does not correspond to the currently available resources can be understood as the first base station having a relatively large amount of currently available resources, and in the second DRX parameter, the duration within the active time of the second UE is relatively long, and the duration within the sleep period of the second UE is relatively short (e.g., the duration within the active time is 6ms, and the duration within the sleep period is 4ms). In this case, the first base station can modify the duration of the active time and the duration of the sleep period in the second DRX parameter. For example, after modification, the duration of the active time is 4ms and the duration of the sleep period is 6ms.

[0099] When the current load of the first base station is relatively large, that is, when there is a relatively small amount of available time-frequency resources for the first UE, if the duration corresponding to the available time-frequency resources is shorter than the duration of one DRX cycle (e.g., one DRX cycle is 10ms), when the first base station configures the first DRX parameters for the second UE, the duration during which the second UE is active may be relatively long (e.g., 6ms), and the duration during which the second UE is in sleep may be relatively short (e.g., 4ms). This is because, when there is a relatively small amount of currently available resources, the duration that can be used by the second UE to receive data within one DRX cycle is relatively short. To prevent the case where the first UE transmits data but the second UE does not receive data, the duration during which the second UE is active needs to be longer so that the second UE can receive data on a relatively small amount of resources. Therefore, if the first base station currently has a relatively small amount of resources that can be allocated to the first UE, the duration of the second UE being active within the DRX cycle may be relatively long.

[0100] Accordingly, the second DRX parameter indicating that the duration within the active time of the second communication device corresponds to the currently available resources can be understood as the first base station having a relatively small amount of currently available resources, and in the second DRX parameter, the duration within the active time of the second UE is relatively long, and the duration within the sleep period of the second UE is relatively short (e.g., the duration within the active time is 6ms, and the duration within the sleep period is 4ms). The second DRX parameter indicating that the duration within the active time of the second communication device does not correspond to the currently available resources can be understood as the first base station having a relatively small amount of currently available resources, and in the second DRX parameter, the duration within the active time of the second UE is relatively short, and the duration within the sleep period of the second UE is relatively long (e.g., the duration within the active time is 4ms, and the duration within the sleep period is 6ms). In this case, the first base station can modify the duration of the active time and the duration of the sleep period in the second DRX parameter. For example, after modification, the duration of the active time is 6ms and the duration of the sleep period is 4ms.

[0101] If the auxiliary information received by the first network device includes QoS and a second DRX parameter, the first network device may modify the second DRX parameter based on QoS to obtain the first DRX parameter. Specifically, the characteristics of the first DRX parameter obtained by modifying the second DRX parameter based on QoS may be similar to the implementation in which the first UE determines the second DRX parameter in step (302).

[0102] For example, if a service that the first UE needs to communicate with the second UE over a sidelink has relatively high QoS requirements, the first base station may consider that the service has relatively high latency requirements and that low-latency data communication needs to be performed. Therefore, if the characteristics of the second DRX parameter are: the duration of the sleep period may be relatively long, and the duration of the active period may be relatively short. For example, the duration of one DRX cycle is 10ms, the value of the DRX opportunity is 6ms, and the value of drx-onDurationTimer is 4ms. Based on this, the first base station may modify the second DRX parameter to obtain the first DRX parameter. The characteristics of the obtained first DRX parameter may be as follows: the duration of the sleep period may be relatively short, and the duration of the active period may be relatively long. For example, in the first DRX parameter, the value of the DRX opportunity is 4ms, and the value of drx-onDurationTimer is 6ms. In this way, when the first UE performs service communication with the second UE, the second UE can receive data transmitted by the first UE in a timely manner. For specific reasons, refer to the explanation in step (302).

[0103] In some implementations, for example, the first communication device (first UE) is a Tx UE, and the second communication device (second UE) is an Rx UE. Specific parameters and functions included within the first DRX parameter may be as follows:

[0104] drx-onDurationTimer specifies the duration of the active time within a DRX cycle.

[0105] DRX Opportunity indicates the duration of the sleep period within the DRX cycle.

[0106] drx-SlotOffset specifies the delay time before drx-onDurationTimer starts.

[0107] drx-InactivityTimer indicates the duration for which the Rx UE remains continuously active within its active time after successfully decoding the PSCCH scheduling new data for the initial transmission; that is, this parameter is valid for the first transmitted data. If the UE receives PSCCH scheduling information during the on duration, the UE starts drx-InactivityTimer. If the UE receives other PSCCH scheduling information while drx-InactivityTimer is running, the UE continues to restart drx-InactivityTimer.

[0108] drx-RetransmissionTimerTtoR specifies the duration that the Rx UE must wait before receiving retransmitted data sent by the Tx UE. The trigger condition for this parameter is that drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerTtoR has expired and there is data that has not been successfully received.

[0109] drx-RetransmissionTimerRtoT specifies the duration that the Tx UE must wait before receiving feedback data for an Acknowledgment (ACK) message or a Negative-Acknowledgment (NACK) message sent by the Rx UE. The starting condition for this parameter is that drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerRtoT has expired and there is data that has not been successfully received. drx-LongCycleStartOffset specifies both Long DRX Cycle and drx-StartOffset; Long DRX Cycle specifies a long DRX cycle, and drx-StartOffset specifies the starting subframe of the long DRX cycle and the starting subframe of the short DRX cycle.

[0110] drx-ShortCycle indicates Short DRX Cycle.

[0111] drx-ShortCycleTimer specifies the duration of the Short DRX cycle followed by the Rx UE.

[0112] drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerTtoR indicates the duration before the Rx UE's MAC object expects to receive the sidelink resources allocated for HARQ retransmission from the Tx UE. Specifically, after the duration of the time window of this parameter from the previous transmission, the Rx UE begins listening for retransmission data (this corresponds to a restriction on retransmission data to prevent the Tx UE from sending retransmission data continuously and irregularly). After drx-HARQ-RTT-Timer expires, the Tx UE may begin retransmission. In this case, drx-RetransmissionTimerTtoR is started, and the Rx UE receives data during the operation of drx-RetransmissionTimerTtoR.

[0113] drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerRtoT specifies the duration before the MAC entity of the Tx UE expects to receive feedback data sent by the Rx UE. Specifically, after the duration of the time window of this parameter from the previous ACK / NACK feedback transmission, the Rx UE begins sending ACK / NACK feedback data (this corresponds to a restriction on ACK / NACK feedback to prevent the Rx UE from sending feedback data continuously). After drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerRtoT expires, the Rx UE may start feedback. In this case, drx-RetransmissionTimerRtoT is started, and the Rx UE sends feedback data during the operation of drx-RetransmissionTimerRtoT.

[0114] In the example of a parameter included in the first DRX parameter, the first DRX parameter that can be determined based on QoS may include at least one of the parameters included in the first DRX parameter.

[0115] 304: The first network device transmits the first DRX parameter and the identifier of the second communication device to the first communication device.

[0116] In some implementations, the first network device may send a first configuration message to the first communication device. The first configuration message includes first DRX parameters and an identifier of the second communication device.

[0117] In some implementations, the first configuration message may be an RRC message.

[0118] 305: The first communication device stores the first DRX parameter and establishes a correspondence between the first DRX parameter and the identifier of the second communication device.

[0119] For example, the first UE can communicate with multiple UEs that receive data. Accordingly, when receiving the first DRX parameter of the second UE, the first UE can establish a correspondence between the first DRZX parameter and the identifier of the second UE, so that when data communication is performed between the first UE and the second UE, the first DRX parameter of the second UE can be determined based on the correspondence.

[0120] 306: The first communication device transmits the first DRX parameter to the second communication device.

[0121] In some implementations, the first communication device may send a second configuration message to the second communication device, and the second configuration message may include a first DRX parameter.

[0122] In some implementations, the second configuration message may be an RRC message.

[0123] For example, the first UE can send an RRC message to the second UE over a sidelink established between the first UE and the second UE.

[0124] 307: The second communication device sends a first notification message to the first communication device. The first notification message indicates that the configuration of the first DRX parameter is complete.

[0125] In some implementations, the first notification message may be an RRC message.

[0126] 308: The first communication device sends a second notification message to the first network device. The second notification message indicates that the configuration of the first DRX parameter is complete.

[0127] In some implementations, the second notification message may be an RRC message.

[0128] 309: The first network device performs data scheduling based on the first DRX parameter.

[0129] For example, in operating mode 1, the first base station can perform data scheduling based on the first DRX parameter. Specifically, the first base station can store the first DRX parameter corresponding to a plurality of second UEs. When the first UE sends data to one of the second UEs, the first UE can send a scheduling request to the first base station, and the first base station can determine the second UE communicating with the first UE based on the scheduling request. Specifically, how the second UE is determined is described in a subsequent step (602). In this way, the first base station can configure resources for the first UE based on the first DRX parameter stored by the first base station and corresponding to the second UE, so that the first UE sends data to the second UE on the configured resources.

[0130] Alternatively, step (309) can be replaced with the following: the first communication device performs data scheduling based on the first DRX parameter.

[0131] That is, in operating mode 2, the first communication device performs data scheduling based on the first DRX parameter. In other words, the first communication device selects a resource from the resource pool and transmits control information and data information of the side link to the second communication device.

[0132] Accordingly, in this embodiment of the application, the first communication device may transmit auxiliary information to the first network device. The first network device determines a DRX parameter corresponding to the second communication device based on the auxiliary information and transmits the DRX parameter to the first communication device. The first communication device may store the DRX parameter and transmit the DRX parameter to the second communication device, and when it determines that there is data to be received, the second communication device may determine, based on the configured DRX parameter, the duration during which the second communication device is within the active time and the duration during which the second communication device is within the sleep period (inactive time). In this way, if the second communication device and the first communication device are not within the coverage area of ​​the same network device, in a D2D scenario, the DRX parameter configured by the first network device and the first communication device for the second communication device matches, and the first communication device may transmit data to the second communication device based on the DRX parameter. Additionally, the second communication device acting as a data receiver may not always need to be in a data listening state, so the power consumption of the second communication device can be reduced and the power of the second communication device is saved.

[0133] Embodiments of this application also provide a method for configuring DRX parameters. As illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the method comprises the following steps.

[0134] 401: The first communication device establishes a sidelink connection to the second communication device.

[0135] For the implementation of this step, refer to step (301).

[0136] 402: When the first network device determines that the first communication device establishes a side link to the second communication device, the first network device sends a request message to the second network device. The request message is used to request the acquisition of a third DRX parameter, the third DRX parameter being a DRX parameter configured by the second network device for the second communication device and belonging to the Uu interface.

[0137] The Uu interface is an interface for communication between network devices and communication devices in 5G.

[0138] In some implementations, the first communication device is within the coverage area of ​​the first network device, and the second communication device is within the coverage area of ​​the second network device. For example, the Uu interface can be understood as an interface for communication between a base station and a UE. When a UE establishes an RRC connection with a base station, the base station may configure the DRX parameters of the Uu interface for communication between the base station and the UE for different UEs. In this embodiment, the DRX parameters configured by the second base station for the second UE are denoted as the third DRX parameters.

[0139] 403: The second network device sends a response message to the first network device. The response message includes DRX parameters configured by the second network device for the second communication device and of the Uu interface.

[0140] If the second communication device is also within the coverage area of ​​the first network device, the first network device should be noted that the third DRX parameter of the Uu interface of the second communication device is known, and steps (402) and (403) are not performed. The first network device may determine the first DRX parameter by referring to the third DRX parameter of the Uu interface between the first network device and the second communication device. The specific implementation may be similar to the implementation of determining the first DRX parameter in step (404).

[0141] 404: The first network device determines the first DRX parameter by referring to the third DRX parameter. The first DRX parameter is used by the first communication device to transmit data to the second communication device over the sidelink based on the first DRX parameter.

[0142] In some implementations, it may be understood as follows that the first network device determines the first DRX parameter by referencing the third DRX parameter: when the first network device determines the first DRX parameter used for D2D communication between the first communication device and the second communication device (e.g., by using a PC5 interface), the first network device obtains the first DRX parameter by referencing the third DRX parameter. The third DRX parameter is the DRX parameter of the Uu interface between the second network device and the second communication device. It may also be understood that when the first network device configures the first DRX parameter, the first DRX parameter may be aligned with the third DRX parameter of the second communication device on the Uu interface.

[0143] In some implementations, parameter alignment may involve the first DRX parameter and the third parameter being aligned either entirely or partially.

[0144] In some implementations, parameter alignment can be understood as the first DRX parameter indicating that the second communication device is within active time being identical or partially identical to the third DRX parameter indicating that the second communication device is within active time being.

[0145] The active time parameter may include the following:

[0146] drx-onDurationTimer, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimerTtoR, drx-RetransmissionTimerRtoT, ra-ContentionResolutionTimer, or a similar running.

[0147] In some implementations, refer to FIG. 1. The DRX cycle includes an active time and a sleep period. When the first DRX parameter is configured by reference to the third DRX parameter, the duration during which the second communication device is in the active time on the PC5 interface may be the same or partially the same as the duration during which the second communication device is in the active time on the Uu interface, and the duration during which the second communication device is in the sleep period on the PC5 interface may be the same or partially the same as the duration during which the second communication device is in the sleep period on the Uu interface.

[0148] In some implementations, the state of the second communication device is also influenced by the duration of each parameter, and each parameter may be the aforementioned parameter of active time. Accordingly, parameter alignment may also include the fact that the duration of a plurality of parameters among the first DRX parameters of the second communication device on the PC5 interface matches the duration of a plurality of parameters among the third DRX parameters of the second communication device on the Uu interface.

[0149] 405: The first network device sends a first configuration message to the first communication device. The first configuration message includes the first DRX parameter and the identifier of the second communication device.

[0150] In some implementations, the first configuration message may be an RRC message.

[0151] 406: The first communication device stores the first DRX parameter and establishes a correspondence between the first DRX parameter and the identifier of the second communication device.

[0152] For the implementation of steps (406) through (410), refer to steps (305) through (309).

[0153] 407: The first communication device transmits the first DRX parameter to the second communication device.

[0154] 408: The second communication device sends a first notification message to the first communication device. The first notification message indicates that the configuration of the first DRX parameter is complete.

[0155] 409: The first communication device sends a second notification message to the first network device. The second notification message indicates that the configuration of the first DRX parameter is complete.

[0156] 410: The first network device performs data scheduling based on the first DRX parameter.

[0157] Accordingly, in this embodiment of the application, if the first communication device and the second communication device are not within the coverage area of ​​the same network device, that is, if the first communication device is within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and the second communication device is within the coverage area of ​​the second network device, the first network device may request the second network device to provide a third DRX parameter configured by the second network device for the second communication device and which is of the Uu interface, and the first network device configures the first DRX parameter of the PC5 interface for the second communication device by referring to the third DRX parameter. Alternatively, if the first communication device and the second communication device are within the coverage area of ​​the same network device, that is, if both the first communication device and the second communication device are within the coverage area of ​​the first network device, the first network device may configure the first DRX parameter of the PC5 interface for the second communication device by referring to the third DRX parameter configured by the first network device for the second communication device and which is of the Uu interface. In this way, the duration during which the second communication device is active on the two interfaces and the duration during which the second communication device is in sleep can be matched as much as possible. In this way, when there is data to be transmitted, the second communication device saves power based on the third DRX parameter. Additionally, because the third DRX parameter of the PC5 interface of the second communication device is aligned with the first DRX parameter of the Uu interface of the second communication device, the power of the second communication device can be further reduced.

[0158] An embodiment of this application also provides a method for configuring DRX parameters. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the method comprises the following steps.

[0159] 501: The first communication device establishes a sidelink connection to the second communication device.

[0160] 502: The first communication device determines the first DRX parameters to be configured for the second communication device based on the data transmission requirements of the first communication device on the D2D sidelink.

[0161] In some implementations, the data transmission requirement may be the QoS required by the service of the first communication device on the sidelink. In other words, the first DRX parameter may be understood as being determined by the first communication device based on the QoS required by the first communication device on the sidelink.

[0162] For a specific implementation of step (502), refer to the implementation of determining the second DRX parameter by the first UE in step (302).

[0163] 503: The first communication device transmits the first DRX parameter and the identifier of the second communication device to the first network device.

[0164] In some implementations, when the resource allocation mode of the sidelink is operation mode 1, the first network device can schedule resources for the first communication device based on the first DRX parameter, so that the first communication device communicates with the second communication device on the allocated resources.

[0165] 504: The first communication device transmits the first DRX parameter to the second communication device.

[0166] The first communication device can also establish a correspondence between the first DRX parameter and the identifier of the second communication device.

[0167] For the implementation of steps (504) through (507), refer to steps (306) through (309).

[0168] 505: The second communication device sends a first notification message to the first communication device. The first notification message indicates that the configuration of the first DRX parameter is complete.

[0169] 506: The first communication device sends a second notification message to the first network device. The second notification message indicates that the configuration of the first DRX parameter is complete.

[0170] 507: The first network device performs data scheduling based on the first DRX parameter.

[0171] Accordingly, in this embodiment of the application, the first communication device can determine a first DRX parameter to be configured for the second communication device based on the data transmission requirements of the service, so that the second communication device can save power based on the first DRX parameter.

[0172] It should be noted that the embodiments corresponding to FIGS. 3, FIGS. 4a, FIGS. 4b, and FIGS. 5 in this application are applicable to both operating mode 1 and operating mode 2, which are two resource allocation modes of sidelink communication.

[0173] After the first DRX parameter is configured for the second communication device, if the first communication device has data transmission requirements, how transmission resources are allocated for data transmission between the first communication device and the second communication device is described in the following example.

[0174] Refer to FIG. 6 for operating mode 1, i.e., when the transmission resource is allocated by a network device such as a base station. A specific implementation of step (309), step (410), or step (507) may include the following steps.

[0175] 601: When the first communication device determines that there is data to be transmitted over the sidelink, the first communication device transmits an SR to the first network device. The SR is used to indicate the communication requirements of the first communication device over the sidelink.

[0176] For example, the first UE can simultaneously perform D2D communication with multiple second UEs capable of receiving data. Accordingly, when the first UE needs to transmit data over a sidelink, the first UE transmits an SR to the first base station. The SR is used to instruct the first base station that the first UE needs to transmit data in this case, and to request resources from the first base station for performing D2D communication by the first UE over the sidelink. When the first UE establishes a sidelink to multiple second UEs, the first UE can transmit one SR to the first base station for each second UE, that is, the first UE can transmit multiple SRs to the first base station.

[0177] For example, the fact that the first UE needs to transmit data over the side link may mean that the mobile phone transmits video data to the VR head-mounted display, but the mobile phone does not acquire resources to transmit video data.

[0178] 602: The first network device transmits downlink control information (DCI) to the first communication device. The DCI includes an identifier determined by the first network device based on the SR and belonging to the third communication device, and information about a resource determined based on the first DRX parameter corresponding to the third communication device, assigned to the first communication device, and available on the side link.

[0179] In some implementations, since the first communication device can simultaneously establish sidelinks to a plurality of second communication devices, the first network device can determine a second communication device corresponding to each SR based on a plurality of SRs transmitted by the first communication device. In other words, the first network device can determine a third communication device among a plurality of second communication devices connected to the first communication device based on the received SRs, and determine information about resources allocated to the first communication device and the third communication device based on a first DRX parameter corresponding to the third communication device. In this way, when the third communication device is within the active time, the first communication device can transmit data on a time domain resource indicated by the information about the resource, and the third communication device receives data on the resource indicated by the information about the resource.

[0180] For example, the base station allocates resources that can be used to transmit an SR to each UE within the coverage area. Thus, when the first UE transmits an SR to the first base station, and when the first base station receives the SR on the current resources, the first base station can determine the first UE corresponding to the SR, and the SR reported by the first UE is bound to a logical channel on a sidelink. Thus, based on the received SR, the first base station can determine the sidelink corresponding to the SR among a plurality of sidelinks connected to the first UE, and the data receiving end of the determined sidelink is the third UE. In other words, based on the received SR, the first base station can determine that the SR corresponds to the third UE among a plurality of second UEs connected to the first UE. The SR may be 1-bit information.

[0181] The third communication device may be one of the second communication devices when the first DRX parameter is configured in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0182] When determining information about a resource allocated to the first communication device and available on a side link based on a first DRX parameter corresponding to the third communication device, the first network device may determine a time-frequency resource in the resource pool that is the same as the duration corresponding to the active time parameter based on the duration (including the duration and the start time of the duration) corresponding to the active time parameter among the first DRX parameters. The duration of the active time may be longer than the duration of the allocated time domain resource.

[0183] If the first network device configures resources for communication over a sidelink for the first communication device, and the first network device does not notify the first communication device of the second communication device for which resources are used for communication, the first communication device may select the second communication device having the highest data transmission priority, but the second communication device may be in a sleep period. In this case, data transmitted by the first communication device is not received by the selected second communication device.

[0184] In some implementations, the first network device can send DCI to the first communication device on the PDCCH.

[0185] In some implementations, information about the resource may include location information of the PSSCH available to the third communication device.

[0186] 603: The first communication device transmits sidelink control information (SCI) to the third communication device. The SCI includes information about a resource, and the information about the resource is used by the third communication device to receive data transmitted by the first communication device on the resource indicated by the information about the resource.

[0187] When a first communication device receives information about an identifier of a third communication device and an allocated resource from a first network device, the first communication device may transmit information about the resource to the third communication device based on the identifier of the third communication device, so that the third communication device may receive data transmitted by the first communication device based on the resource indicated by the information about the resource.

[0188] In some implementations, a first communication device may transmit an SCI on a PSCCH, and information about resources included in the SCI is the location of the PSSCH where a third communication device needs to receive data.

[0189] 604: The first communication device performs data communication with the third communication device on a resource indicated by information about the resource.

[0190] Specifically, the first communication device transmits data to the third communication device on a resource, and the third communication device receives the data transmitted by the first communication device on the resource.

[0191] In some implementations, the fact that PSCCH is received from a third communication device can also be understood as meaning that when scheduling information directing the initial transmission of new data is received from the third communication device, the third communication device can start drx-InactivityTimer based on the first DRX parameter corresponding to the third communication device.

[0192] In some implementations, the specific data scheduling process of the first communication device and the third communication device may also include the following cases. For example, the first communication device is a Tx UE, and the third communication device is an Rx UE.

[0193] When receiving a protocol data unit (MAC PDU) sent by the Tx UE, the Rx UE initiates drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerTtoR (data retransmission cannot be performed during this period) for the corresponding HARQ process, stops drx-RetransmissionTimerTtoR (the duration during which the Rx UE needs to wait to receive retransmitted data) for the corresponding HARQ process, and enters a sleep period.

[0194] When the Rx UE sends an ACK / NACK to the Tx UE (when the Rx UE receives data sent by the Tx UE, the Rx UE sends an ACK to the Tx UE; or when the Rx UE does not receive data sent by the Tx UE, the Rx UE sends a NACK to the Tx UE), drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerRtoT is started (ACK / NACK feedback cannot be performed during this period), drx-RetransmissionTimerRtoT (the duration during which the Rx UE needs to wait for ACK / NACK feedback) is stopped, and the Rx UE enters sleep time.

[0195] If drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerTtoR expires, and if data from the corresponding HARQ process is not successfully received, drx-RetransmissionTimerTtoR is started for the corresponding HARQ process, and the Rx UE enters active time.

[0196] When drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerRtoT expires, if an ACK / NACK sent by the Rx UE is not successfully received, drx-RetransmissionTimerRtoT is started, and the Rx UE enters active time.

[0197] When the Rx UE receives a DRX Command MAC CE (control element) or a Long DRX Command MAC CE, drx-onDurationTimer and drx-InactivityTimer are stopped.

[0198] When drx-InactivityTimer expires or Rx UE receives DRX Command MAC CE, if Short DRX Cycle is currently configured, drx-ShortCycleTimer is started or restarted and Short DRX Cycle is used; otherwise, Long DRX Cycle is used.

[0199] When drx-ShortCycleTimer expires, Long DRX Cycle is used.

[0200] When the Rx UE receives Long DRX Command MAC CE, drx-ShortCycleTimer is stopped and Long DRX Cycle is used.

[0201] When a Short DRX Cycle is used and [(SFN × 10) + subframe number] modulo (drx-ShortCycle) = (drx-StartOffset) modulo (drx-ShortCycle), or when a Long DRX Cycle is used and [(SFN × 10) + subframe number] modulo (drx-LongCycle) = drx-StartOffset (where SFN is the system frame number, indicating the system frame number), drx-onDurationTimer starts after drx-SlotOffset from the start of the subframe.

[0202] If the MAC object is active, the Rx UE needs to listen to PSCCH.

[0203] When the Rx UE receives a PSCCH instructing the transmission of new data, drx-InactivityTimer starts.

[0204] When the Rx UE receives a PSCCH instructing data retransmission, drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerTtoR is started and drx-RetransmissionTimerTtoR is stopped.

[0205] When the Rx UE receives a PSCCH instructing the transmission of ACK / NACK feedback, drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerRtoT is started and drx-RetransmissionTimerRtoT is stopped.

[0206] Accordingly, based on the description of the method step corresponding to FIG. 6, the third communication device is a data receiving unit that is determined by the first network device based on the first DRX parameter and is within the active time. Accordingly, when the first communication device transmits data on a resource allocated by the first network device, the third communication device is within the active time, and the third communication device can receive data on the resource allocated by the first network device. Accordingly, the third communication device does not need to always be in a state of monitoring whether there is data to be received, thereby saving power of the third communication device.

[0207] Refer to FIG. 7 for operating mode 1, i.e., when the transmission resource is allocated by a network device such as a base station. A specific implementation of step (309), step (410), or step (507) may include the following steps.

[0208] 701: When the first communication device determines that there is data to be transmitted over the sidelink, the first communication device transmits an SR to the first network device. The SR is used to indicate the communication requirements of the first communication device over the sidelink.

[0209] For the implementation of step (701), refer to step (601).

[0210] 702: The first network device transmits a DCI to the first communication device. The DCI includes information about resources assigned to the first communication device and available on the sidelink.

[0211] 703: The first communication device determines at least one communication device within an active time among the communication devices connected to the first communication device, based on information about resources and the first DRX parameter of a plurality of communication devices connected to the first communication device.

[0212] Since the first communication device stores first DRX parameters corresponding to a plurality of second communication devices and the first communication device also knows the PSSCH location within specific information about resources within the PDCCH, the first communication device can determine at least one communication device currently active based on information about resources allocated by the first communication device (location information of the PSSCH) and the first DRX parameters of a plurality of communication devices connected to the first communication device.

[0213] 704: The first communication device determines the third communication device having the highest logical channel priority from at least one communication device.

[0214] In some implementations, there may be multiple communication devices establishing a sidelink to a first communication device, and each sidelink may correspond to multiple logical channels. Service data transmitted over different logical channels may differ. A higher service priority indicates a higher priority of the corresponding logical channel. In this way, the logical channel with the highest priority may be determined based on the service priority to determine a third communication device communicating with the first communication device over the sidelink corresponding to the logical channel.

[0215] In some implementations, the first communication device may also determine, from at least one communication device, a communication device having a second or third logical channel priority as a third communication device.

[0216] 705: The first communication device transmits an SCI to the third communication device. The SCI contains information about a resource, and the information about the resource is used by the third communication device to receive data transmitted by the first communication device on the resource indicated by the information about the resource.

[0217] For the implementation of step (705), refer to step (603).

[0218] 706: The first communication device performs data communication with the third communication device on a resource indicated by information about the resource.

[0219] For the implementation of step (706), refer to step (604).

[0220] Accordingly, based on the description of the method step corresponding to FIG. 7, when the first communication device receives information about a resource allocated by the first network device, the first communication device can determine a third communication device that has the highest logical channel priority and is within the active time based on the first DRX parameter and the information about the resource, so that when the first communication device transmits data on the resource indicated by the information about the resource, the third communication device is within the active time and the third communication device can receive data on the resource. This can ensure that data on the logical channel with the highest priority is received in a timely manner, and the third communication device does not need to always be in a state of monitoring whether there is data to be received, thereby saving power of the third communication device.

[0221] Refer to FIG. 8 for operating mode 2, i.e., the case where a transmission resource is selected by a terminal device from a resource pool. A specific implementation of step (309), step (410), or step (507) may alternatively include the following steps.

[0222] 801: The first communication device determines the first sidelink having the highest logical channel priority among all sidelinks where a connection has been established, and determines the first DRX parameter of the third communication device connected to the first communication device on the first sidelink.

[0223] In some implementations, there may be multiple communication devices establishing a sidelink to a first communication device, and there may be multiple logical channels on each sidelink. Service data transmitted on different logical channels may differ. A higher service priority indicates a higher priority of the corresponding logical channel. In this way, the logical channel with the highest priority may be determined based on the service priority to determine the sidelink where the logical channel with the highest priority is located. The sidelink is the first sidelink, and the data receiving end corresponding to the first sidelink is the third communication device. Subsequently, the first communication device may determine the first DRX parameter of the third communication device based on the stored correspondence between the identifier of the communication device acting as the data receiving end and the first DRX parameter.

[0224] 802: The first communication device determines information about a resource from a resource pool that is active within the time of the third communication device based on the first DRX parameter of the third communication device.

[0225] For example, the first DRX parameter of the third UE includes an active time parameter and a sleep state parameter (including the duration and start time of the parameter). For example, the active time parameter includes drx-onDurationTimer, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimerTtoR, or drx-RetransmissionTimerRtoT. The first UE can determine a time-frequency resource corresponding to a time domain resource at the duration of the active time parameter from a resource pool and based on the duration corresponding to the active time parameter, and the time-frequency resource serves as information about the resource that the third UE is in active time.

[0226] 803: The first communication device transmits an SCI to the third communication device. The SCI contains information about a resource, and the information about the resource is used by the third communication device to receive data transmitted by the first communication device on the resource indicated by the information about the resource.

[0227] For the implementation of step (803), refer to step (603).

[0228] 804: The first communication device performs data communication with the third communication device on the resource indicated by the information about the resource.

[0229] For the implementation of step (804), refer to step (604).

[0230] Accordingly, based on the description of the method step corresponding to FIG. 8, when the first communication device determines a first sidelink corresponding to a logical channel having the highest priority, the first communication device can determine a resource from a resource pool that is active for the third communication device based on a first DRX corresponding to a third communication device acting as a data receiver on the first sidelink. That is, the first communication device can determine the active time and sleep period of the third communication device based on the first DRX parameter in order to transmit data to the third communication device on a resource that is active for the third communication device. The third communication device can receive data transmitted by the first communication device on the resource, and the third communication device does not need to always be in a state of monitoring whether there is data to be received, thereby saving power for the third communication device.

[0231] With reference to FIGS. 3, 4a, 4b, 5, 6, 7, and 8, a communication method according to an embodiment of this application is described in detail above. With reference to FIGS. 9 through 13, a communication device according to an embodiment of this application, e.g., a terminal device, a device used within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, a circuit, or a chip), a network device, or a device used within the network device (e.g., a processor, a circuit, or a chip) is described in detail below.

[0232] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application. The terminal device is applicable to the system illustrated in FIG. 2 and performs the functions of the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiment. For ease of description, FIG. 9 illustrates only the main components of the terminal device. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the terminal device (90) includes a processor (902), memory (903), (control circuit and antenna) (901), and an input / output device. The processor (902) is primarily configured to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process data of software programs, for example, to support the terminal device in performing actions described in the aforementioned method embodiment. The memory (903) is primarily configured to store software programs and data. The control circuit is primarily configured to perform conversion between a baseband signal and a radio frequency signal and to process radio frequency signals. The combination of control circuitry and antenna may also be referred to as a transceiver and may be configured to transmit / receive radio frequency signals, primarily in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, or keyboards, are primarily configured to receive data entered by a user and output data to the user.

[0233] After the terminal device is powered on, the processor (902) can read the software program in memory, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. If data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted, and then the processor outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. After performing radio frequency processing on the baseband signal, the radio frequency circuit transmits the radio frequency signal through the antenna in the form of electromagnetic waves. When data is transmitted to the terminal device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0234] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for ease of explanation, FIG. 9 illustrates only one memory and only one processor. An actual terminal device may include multiple processors and multiple memories. The memory may also be referred to as a storage medium, a storage device, or similar. The memory may be a storage element located on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or an independent storage element. This is not limited to this embodiment of the application.

[0235] In an optional implementation, the terminal device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit. The baseband processor is primarily configured to process communication protocols and communication data. The central processing unit is primarily configured to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. The processor in FIG. 9 may integrate the functions of the baseband processor and the central processing unit. Those skilled in the art may understand that, alternatively, the baseband processor and the central processing unit may be independent processors or may be interconnected using a technology such as a bus. Those skilled in the art may understand that the terminal device may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, may include multiple central processing units to enhance the processing capabilities of the terminal device, and that the components of the terminal device may be connected using various buses. The baseband processor may alternatively be represented as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The central processing unit may alternatively be represented as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The functions for processing communication protocols and communication data can be embedded in the processor or stored in memory in the form of a software program. The processor executes the software program to implement baseband processing functions.

[0236] In this embodiment of the application, an antenna and control circuit having receiving and transmitting functions may be considered as a transceiver unit (1001) of a terminal device (100), for example, configured to support the terminal device in performing receiving and transmitting functions. A processor (902) having processing functions is considered as a processing unit (1002) of the terminal device (100). A memory (903) is considered as a storage unit (1003). As illustrated in FIG. 10, the terminal device (100) includes a transceiver unit (1001) and a processing unit (1002). The transceiver unit may also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver machine, a transceiver device, or similar. Optionally, a device configured to implement a receiving function within the transceiver unit (1001) may be considered as a receiving unit. A device configured to implement a sending function within the transceiver unit (1001) may be considered as a sending unit. In other words, the transceiver unit (1001) includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The receiving unit may also be referred to as a receiving machine, an input port, a receiving circuit, or similar. The sending unit may be referred to as a transmitting machine, a transmitter, a transmitting circuit, or similar.

[0237] The processing unit (1002) executes instructions stored in memory to control the transceiver unit (1001) to receive a signal and / or transmit a signal, and implements the function of the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiment. The processing unit (1002) further includes an interface configured to implement signal input / output functions. In the implementation, the function of the transceiver unit (1001) may be considered to be implemented by using a transceiver circuit or a dedicated transceiver chip.

[0238] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of another structure of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the terminal device (110) includes a processor (1101) and a transceiver (1102). Optionally, the terminal device (110) further includes a memory (1103). The processor (1101), the transceiver (1102), and the memory (1103) may communicate with each other via an internal connection path to transmit control signals and / or data signals. The memory (1103) is configured to store a computer program. The processor (1101) is configured to call a computer program from the memory (1103) and run the computer program to control the transceiver (1102) to receive / send a signal. The terminal device (110) may further include an antenna (1104) configured to transmit uplink control signaling or uplink data output by the transceiver (1102) by using a wireless signal.

[0239] The processor (1101) and memory (1103) may be integrated into a single processing unit. The processor (1101) is configured to execute program code stored in memory (1103) to implement the aforementioned functions. In a specific implementation, memory (1103) may also be integrated within the processor (1101) or may be independent of the processor (1101).

[0240] Specifically, the terminal device (110) may correspond to an embodiment of the method according to an embodiment of this application. Additionally, a unit within the terminal device (110) and other operations and / or functions described above are used to implement a corresponding procedure in an embodiment of the method.

[0241] The processor (1101) may be configured to perform an action implemented by one or more of the first communication device and the second communication device described in the above-described method embodiment (in different communication, the terminal device may be the first communication device or the second communication device), and the transceiver (1102) may be configured to perform a sending or receiving action of one or more of the terminal device A, terminal device B, and terminal device C described in the above-described method embodiment. For details, refer to the description in the above-described method embodiment. Details are not described herein.

[0242] Optionally, the terminal device (110) may further include a power supply (1105) configured to supply power to various devices or circuits within the terminal device.

[0243] Additionally, to improve the functionality of the terminal device, the terminal device (110) may further include one or more of an input unit (1106), a display unit (1107), an audio circuit (1108), a camera (1109), a sensor (1110), and similar components, and the audio circuit may further include a speaker (1112), a microphone (1113), and similar components.

[0244] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of this application, which may be, for example, a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station. As shown in FIG. 12, the base station may be used in the system shown in FIG. 2 to perform the function of the network device in the aforementioned method embodiment. The base station (120) may include one or more distributed units (DU) (121) and one or more centralized units (CU) (122). The CU (122) may communicate with an NG core (next generation core, NC). The DU (121) may include at least one radio frequency unit (1212), at least one processor (1213), and at least one memory (1214). The DU (121) may further include at least one antenna (1211). The DU (121) is primarily configured to receive and transmit radio frequency signals, perform conversion between radio frequency signals and baseband signals, and perform partial baseband processing. The CU (122) may include at least a processor (1222) and at least one memory (1221). The CU (122) and the DU (121) may communicate with each other through an interface. The control plane interface may be Fs-C, e.g., F1-C, and the user plane interface may be Fs-U, e.g., F1-U.

[0245] The CU (122) is primarily configured to perform baseband processing, control the base station, and so on. The DU (121) and the CU (122) may be physically placed together or physically placed separately, specifically, the base station is a distributed base station. The CU (122) is the control center of the base station and may also be referred to as a processing unit, and is primarily configured to perform baseband processing functions. For example, the CU (122) may be configured to control the base station to perform operation procedures related to the network device in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0246] Specifically, baseband processing of the CU and DU can be divided based on the protocol layers of the wireless network. For example, the functions of the PDCP layer and the layers above the PDCP layer are configured on the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer, such as the RLC layer and the MAC layer, are configured on the DU. As another example, the CU implements the functions of the RRC layer and the PDCP layer, and the DU implements the functions of the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the physical (PHY) layer.

[0247] Additionally, optionally (not shown in the drawing), the base station (120) may include one or more antennas, one or more radio frequency units, one or more DUs, and one or more CUs. The DU may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one antenna and at least one radio frequency unit may be integrated within one antenna unit, and the CU may include at least one processor and at least one memory.

[0248] In the example, the CU (122) may include one or more boards, and multiple boards may jointly support a wireless access network of a single access standard (e.g., a 5G network) or separately support wireless access networks of different access standards (e.g., an LTE network, a 5G network, or another network). The memory (1221) and processor (1222) may serve one or more boards. That is, the memory and processor may be placed individually on each board. Alternatively, multiple boards may share the same memory and the same processor. Additionally, necessary circuits may also be placed on each board. The DU (121) may include one or more boards, and multiple boards may jointly support a wireless access network of a single access standard (e.g., a 5G network) or separately support wireless access networks of different access standards (e.g., an LTE network, a 5G network, or another network). The memory (1214) and processor (1213) may serve one or more boards. That is, the memory and processor may be placed individually on each board. Alternatively, multiple boards may share the same memory and the same processor. Additionally, the necessary circuitry may also be placed on each board.

[0249] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device (13). The communication device (13) may be configured to implement the method described in the aforementioned method embodiment. Refer to the description in the aforementioned method embodiment. The communication device (13) may be a chip, a network device (e.g., a base station), or a terminal device.

[0250] The communication device (13) includes one or more processors (1301). The processor (1301) may be a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, or similar. For example, the processor (1301) 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 control the device (e.g., base station, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. The device may include a transceiver unit configured to input (receive) and output (send) signals. For example, the device may be a chip, and the transceiver unit may be the input and / or output circuit of the chip or a communication interface. The chip may be used for a terminal device or a network device (e.g., a base station). As another example, the device may be a terminal device or a network device (e.g., a base station), and the transceiver unit may be a transceiver, a radio frequency chip, or something similar.

[0251] The communication device (13) includes one or more processors (1301), and one or more processors (1301) can implement a method performed by a network device or terminal device in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 8.

[0252] In a possible design, the communication device (13) includes means configured to receive scheduling information from a source network device and means configured to transmit sidelink data based on the scheduling information. For example, the scheduling information may be received or the sidelink data may be transmitted by using an interface of a transceiver, an input / output circuit, or a chip. For the scheduling information, refer to the relevant description in the above-described method embodiment.

[0253] In a possible design, the communication device (13) includes means configured to determine scheduling information of a terminal device and means configured to transmit scheduling information to the terminal device. For details, refer to the relevant description in the above-described method embodiment. For example, scheduling information may be transmitted by using an interface of a transceiver, an input / output circuit, or a chip, and scheduling information of the terminal device may be determined by using one or more processors.

[0254] In a possible design, the communication device (13) includes means configured to receive scheduling information from a first terminal device and means configured to receive sidelink data based on the scheduling information. For details, refer to the relevant description in the aforementioned method embodiment. For example, the scheduling information and sidelink data may be received by using an interface of a transceiver, an input / output circuit, or a chip.

[0255] Optionally, in addition to implementing the method in one or more of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 8, the processor (1301) may also implement other functions.

[0256] In an optional design, the processor (1301) may also include instructions (1303). The instructions may be executed on the processor so that the communication device (13) performs the method described in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0257] In another possible design, the communication device (13) may include a circuit, and the circuit may implement the function of a network device or terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0258] In another possible design, the communication device (13) may include one or more memories (1302) in which instructions (1304) are stored, and the instructions may be executed on a processor so that the communication device (13) performs the method described in the aforementioned method embodiment. Optionally, the memory may also store data. Optionally, the processor may also store instructions and / or data. For example, one or more memories (1302) may store the mobile valid area described in the aforementioned embodiment, or related parameters, tables, or similar items in the aforementioned embodiment. The processor and memory may be arranged separately or may be integrated together.

[0259] In another possible design, the communication device (13) may also include a transceiver unit (1305) and an antenna (1306), or include a communication interface. The transceiver unit (1305) may be referred to as a transceiver machine, a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, or similar, and is configured to implement the transceiver function of the device by using the antenna (1306). A communication interface (not shown in the drawing) may be used for communication between a core network device and a network device or for communication between network devices. Optionally, the communication interface may be a wired communication interface, for example, an optical fiber communication interface.

[0260] The processor (1301) may be referred to as a processing unit for controlling a device (e.g., a terminal or a base station).

[0261] Additionally, since the transmission or reception performed by the transceiver unit (1305) described in this embodiment of this application is under the control of the processing unit (processor (1301)), the transmission or reception action may also be described as being performed by the processing unit (processor (1301)) in this embodiment of this application. This does not affect the understanding of the solution by those skilled in the art.

[0262] The terminal device and network device in the aforementioned device embodiment may correspond exactly to the terminal device or network device in the method embodiment, and the corresponding module or unit performs the corresponding step. For example, if the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the receiving unit may be the interface circuit of the chip (and configured to receive a signal from another chip or device). The aforementioned unit configured for transmitting is the interface circuit of the device and is configured to transmit a signal to another device. For example, if the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the transmitting unit may be the interface circuit of the chip (and configured to transmit a signal to another chip or device).

[0263] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be a CPU, or may also be another general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or another programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, or something similar.

[0264] It is also understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application may be volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or may include both volatile memory and nonvolatile memory. Nonvolatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM) and is used as an external cache. Many types of RAM can be used, not limited to but as examples, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchlink dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus random access memory (DR RAM).

[0265] The terminal device and network device in the aforementioned device embodiment may correspond exactly to the terminal device or network device in the method embodiment, and the corresponding module or unit performs the corresponding step. For example, if the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the receiving unit may be the interface circuit of the chip (and configured to receive a signal from another chip or device). The aforementioned unit configured for transmitting is the interface circuit of the device and is configured to transmit a signal to another device. For example, if the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the transmitting unit may be the interface circuit of the chip (and configured to transmit a signal to another chip or device).

[0266] Embodiments of this application also provide a communication system. The communication system includes a network device, a first terminal device, and a second terminal device. The first terminal device corresponds to a first communication device, and the second terminal device corresponds to a second communication device.

[0267] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable medium configured to store computer program code. The computer program includes instructions used to perform a method performed by a network device, a first communication device, or a second communication device among the communication methods described above. The readable storage may be ROM or RAM. This is not limited to this embodiment of this application.

[0268] This application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes instructions. When the instructions are executed, terminal device A, terminal device B, and network device are each able to perform an operation corresponding to the first communication device, the second communication device, and the network device in the method described above.

[0269] Embodiments of this application also provide a system chip. The system chip includes a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit may be, for example, a processor, and the communication unit may be, for example, an input / output interface, a pin, a circuit, or something similar. The processing unit may execute computer instructions so that a communication device to which the chip is applied performs the operation of a first communication device, a second communication device, and a network device in the method described above according to an embodiment of this application.

[0270] Optionally, any communication device provided in the aforementioned embodiments of this application may include a system chip.

[0271] Optionally, computer instructions are stored in a storage unit.

[0272] Optionally, the storage unit is a storage unit within the chip, for example, a register or a cache. Alternatively, the storage unit may be a storage unit located outside the chip and within the communication device, for example, a ROM, or another type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, or a RAM. Any previously mentioned processor may be a CPU, a microprocessor, an ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits configured to control the execution of a program for the aforementioned feedback information transmission method. The processing unit and the storage unit may be decoupled, placed separately on different physical devices, and connected via wired or wireless means to implement the respective functions of the processing unit and the storage unit, thereby supporting the system chip to implement various functions in the aforementioned embodiments. Alternatively, the processing unit and the memory may be coupled to the same device. In this embodiment of this application, it should be understood that the processor may be a CPU, or another general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, or similar. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional processor or similar.

[0273] For the sake of convenience and brevity, it will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that regarding the detailed operation process of the aforementioned system, device, and unit, reference is made to the corresponding process in the aforementioned method embodiment. Details are not described again herein.

[0274] The foregoing description of the implementation is intended to allow those skilled in the art to understand that the classification of the aforementioned functional modules is taken as an example for the sake of convenience and concise explanation. In actual application, the aforementioned functions may be assigned to and implemented in different modules depending on the requirements; that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to implement all or part of the functions described above.

[0275] It should be understood that in some of the embodiments provided in this application, the disclosed devices and methods may be implemented in different ways. For example, the described device embodiments are merely examples. For example, the distinction between modules or units is merely a logical functional distinction and may be different during actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into different devices, or some features may be ignored or not performed. Additionally, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be implemented by using some interfaces. Indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be implemented electronically, mechanically, or in other forms.

[0276] Units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and components manifested as units may be one or more physical units, that is, located in one place or distributed in multiple different places. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the purpose of the solution of the embodiment.

[0277] Additionally, the functional units in the embodiments of this application may be integrated within a single processing unit, each unit may exist physically independently, or two or more units may be integrated within a single unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0278] Where the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and is sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit may be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solution in the embodiments of this application, or parts contributing to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution may be implemented in the form of a software product. The software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a device (which may be a single-chip microcomputer, a chip, or similar) or a processor to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, ROM, RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disc.

[0279] The foregoing description is merely a specific embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modification or substitution readily devised by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application will naturally fall within the scope of protection of this application. Accordingly, the scope of protection of this application will naturally be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for configuring sidelink discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters applicable to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario, comprising: a step of acquiring a first sidelink DRX parameter by a first communication device, wherein the first sidelink DRX parameter is used by the first communication device to transmit data to at least one second communication device connected to the first communication device on a sidelink based on the first sidelink DRX parameter; a step of transmitting the first sidelink DRX parameter to the at least one second communication device by the first communication device; a step of receiving sidelink resource information by the first communication device; a step of determining a third communication device within the active time of the sidelink by the first communication device based on the first sidelink DRX parameter, the sidelink resource information, and a logical channel priority, wherein the third communication device is one of the at least one second communication device; and, based on the sidelink resource information, the first communication device with A method comprising the step of performing communication. Claim 2 A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining the third communication device comprises, by the first communication device based on the first sidelink DRX parameter and the sidelink resource information, determining at least one communication device among the at least one second communication device that is within the active time of the sidelink within the time corresponding to the sidelink resource information - wherein the at least one communication device includes the third communication device. Claim 3 A method according to paragraph 2, wherein the third communication device has a logical channel having the highest priority among the at least one communication device within the active time of the side link within the time corresponding to the side link resource information. Claim 4 A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of obtaining the first sidelink DRX parameter comprises the step of receiving the first sidelink DRX parameter from a first network device by the first communication device - the first communication device is located within the coverage area of ​​the first network device. Claim 5 In claim 4, the step of acquiring the first sidelink DRX parameter before receiving the first sidelink DRX parameter further comprises the step of transmitting an identifier and auxiliary information of at least one second communication device to the first network device—the auxiliary information being used to determine the sidelink DRX parameter. Claim 6 In claim 4, the step of receiving the first sidelink DRX parameter from the first network device by the first communication device comprises the step of receiving a first configuration message from the first network device by the first communication device - the first configuration message comprises the first sidelink DRX parameter and an identifier of the at least one second communication device. Claim 7 A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting the first sidelink DRX parameter to the at least one second communication device by the first communication device comprises the step of transmitting a second configuration message to the at least one second communication device by the first communication device - the second configuration message includes the first sidelink DRX parameter. Claim 8 A method according to claim 1, wherein the first side link DRX parameter comprises at least one of side link DRX-onDurationTimer, side link DRX-SlotOffset, side link DRX-InactivityTimer, side link DRX-RetransmissionTimer, side link DRX-ShortCycle, side link DRX-ShortCycleTimer, and side link DRX-HARQ-RTT-Timer. Claim 9 A method according to claim 1, wherein the active time of the side link comprises the side link DRX-onDurationTimer or side link DRX-InactivityTimer included in the first side link DRX parameter being run, or the side link DRX-RetransmissionTimer included in the first side link DRX parameter being run, or the ra-ContentionResolutionTimer included in the first side link DRX parameter being run, or the at least one second communication device transmitting an SR that is currently in a pending state on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). Claim 10 A method according to claim 1, wherein the first communication device is a terminal device or a communication chip, and the at least one second communication device is a terminal device or a communication chip. Claim 11 A method for configuring sidelink discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters applicable to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario, comprising: a step of determining a first sidelink DRX parameter by a first network device, wherein the first sidelink DRX parameter is used by the first communication device to transmit data to at least one second communication device connected to the first communication device on a sidelink based on the first sidelink DRX parameter; a step of transmitting the first sidelink DRX parameter to the first communication device by the first network device; and a step of transmitting sidelink resource information by the first network device, wherein the sidelink resource information is used by the first communication device to determine a third communication device within the active time of the sidelink based on the first sidelink DRX parameter, the sidelink resource information, and a logical channel priority, wherein the third communication device is one of the at least one second communication device, and the first communication device performs communication with the third communication device based on the sidelink resource information. Claim 12 A method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of receiving an identifier and auxiliary information of at least one second communication device from the first communication device by the first network device before determining the first sidelink DRX parameter, wherein the auxiliary information is used to determine the first sidelink DRX parameter, wherein the first communication device is located within the coverage area of ​​the first network device. Claim 13 A method according to claim 11, wherein the step of transmitting the first sidelink DRX parameter to the first communication device by the first network device comprises the step of transmitting a first configuration message to the first communication device by the first network device - the first configuration message comprises the first sidelink DRX parameter and an identifier of the at least one second communication device. Claim 14 In paragraph 11, the method wherein the first communication device is a terminal device or a communication chip, and the second communication device is a terminal device or a communication chip. Claim 15 A communication device applicable to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario, comprising a processor coupled to memory and said memory configured to store a computer program or instruction, wherein the processor is configured to execute said computer program or said instruction stored in said memory so as to enable the device to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Claim 16 A communication device applicable to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario, comprising a processor coupled to memory and said memory configured to store a computer program or instruction, wherein the processor is configured to execute said computer program or said instruction stored in said memory so as to enable the device to perform a method according to any one of claims 11 to 14. Claim 17 A communication system including a communication device according to paragraph 15. Claim 18 A computer-readable storage medium comprising a program or instructions, wherein, when said program or instructions are executed on a processor, a method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is performed. Claim 19 A communication system including a communication device pursuant to Paragraph 16. Claim 20 delete Claim 21 delete Claim 22 delete Claim 23 delete Claim 24 delete Claim 25 delete Claim 26 delete Claim 27 delete Claim 28 delete Claim 29 delete Claim 30 delete Claim 31 delete Claim 32 delete Claim 33 delete Claim 34 delete Claim 35 delete Claim 36 delete

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